Neutral Tow with an unauthorized key

[NewBluMav25]

I had a few spare keys cut for my 2024 Hybrid XL and wanted to test setting up Neutral Tow mode with an unauthorized key.

Everything seems to work correctly. I can go the through the settings and the dash says “Neutral Tow Enabled” but the key will not start the engine.
if you try to start the engine It says “No Key Detected”

I am not setup for towing yet so I haven’t tested it on the road.

Has anyone else tried this out?

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[Tiger Dude]

Did you get keys with the PATS chip? They have to be programmed. No Kias here.

 

[NewBluMav25]

I ordered “2x Remote Fob Transponder Chip Car Key 128 Bit for Ford Lincoln” https://a.co/d/dypwhn9 and had my locksmith cut them. I still have the original 2 key fobs so it was easy to authorize one of the new keys for full function and I did not progam the 2nd key.

 

[Steve Wolf]

THE AUTHOR IS NOT asking about needing a programmed key.

He is asking that:

1. If you tow your Maverick four down behind a motorhome (first requirement, if you don't tow four down with another vehicle, a motorhome, you can't answer the question).

2. Can you impose neutral tow and tow the vehicle using a non-programmable key? (the question)

I have been towing mine with the spare programmed key without an issue. I also have a non-programmed key. I wonder if anyone [who owns a motorhome and tows their Mav four down behind that motorhome] uses a non-programmable key.

 

[Whlsdn]

We had a 2024 Maverick XLT Hybrid that we "Neutral Towed" behind a Ford Transit-based Thor Gemini 23TE. In fact we bought it for that specific capability, and it worked well until I gave into temptation and traded the 2024 FWD Mav for a 2025 XLT Hybrid AWD. Had a scare when I went to test the Neutral Tow set-up and my dashboard users manual told me NOT to do it, but then my dealer's sales manager cleared that up. Weird that my computer is loaded with an old manual though!

Anyway, the towing worked fine for maybe 8K miles of towing before we did the trade. However, I never tried a key other than one of the two originals. I don't see why that would not work, though, as long as you left one of the "switchblade key fobs" somewhere within the Maverick while towing it that way.

 

[Steve Wolf]

THE AUTHOR IS NOT asking about needing a programmed key.

He is asking that:

1. If you tow your Maverick four down behind a motorhome (first requirement, if you don't tow four down with another vehicle, a motorhome, you can't answer the question).

2. Can you impose neutral tow and tow the vehicle using a non-programmable key? (the question)

I have been towing mine with the spare programmed key without an issue. I also have a non-programmed key. I wonder if anyone [who owns a motorhome and tows their Mav four down behind that motorhome] uses a non-programmable key.

To update this matter, YES, you can tow with a non-chipped key. I've been doing it for some time now without an issue. There is no need to put a regular key in the Maverick.

I offer a hearty pat on the back to whoever designed this ability. I really appreciate having a key in the ignition that cannot start the vehicle.

Steve

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