How to start Mach-e without FOB or PAAK?

[Ken Josing]

I assume it's possible. First I entered the 5 digit factory given number into the door. Once in I got the screen active, but I was unable to put the 8 digit password in. Tried and tried with no success. I read the help in the owner's manual nothing. It made some reference to a 10 digit code, no idea what that's about and again where to put it if I had it.

 

[generaltso]

Did you create a backup start code when you set up PaaK?

 

[Ken Josing]

Did you create a backup start code when you set up PaaK?

YES

 

[generaltso]

Then it should ask for the backup start code when you put your foot on the brake and press the start button.

 

[Murse-In-Airy]

Is the “8 digit password” the one that you created as a backup start code?
I ask because I don’t remember 8 digits being a requirement for the backup start code. I used a whole pass phrase for mine.

 

[Murse-In-Airy]

Or do you mean that you were never prompted to enter your backup start pass code?

 

[generaltso]

Is the “8 digit password” the one that you created as a backup start code?
I ask because I don’t remember 8 digits being a requirement for the backup start code. I used a whole pass phrase for mine.

The requirements are different depending on the complexity of the password. For example, if it's all numbers you're required to use 10 digits.

 

[Jimrpa]

Aren’t there two wires in the key lock cylinder on the steering column you can short together to get the engine to turn over?

Oh, wait… wrong type of Mustang, never mind ?

 

[Ken Josing]

I tried and got "No Key Detected" on the scene behind the steering wheel.

 

[Ken Josing]

My password has seven letters and one number.

 

[Ken Josing]

Or do you mean that you were never prompted to enter your backup start pass code?

Correct, never prompted. I just got the "No Key Detected" when I put foot on brake and pushed start.

 

[Murse-In-Airy]

Correct, never prompted. I just got the "No Key Detected" when I put foot on brake and pushed start.

Gotcha. This is the exact situation that caused me to give up entirely on PAAK. I was fine when I could use the door code to get in the car. Typing in my pass phrase to start the car was inconvenient but doable. When I had two separate instances of not being stuck for extended periods of time because I wasn’t prompted for the passcode…
That’s when I said “Nope. Never again.” So I now use a fob like a real car.

 

[RickMachE]

Gotcha. This is the exact situation that caused me to give up entirely on PAAK. I was fine when I could use the door code to get in the car. Typing in my pass phrase to start the car was inconvenient but doable. When I had two separate instances of not being stuck for extended periods of time because I wasn’t prompted for the passcode…
That’s when I said “Nope. Never again.” So I now use a fob like a real car.

This ^^^

I laughed at the responses in the PaaK thread the other day. I apparently have "severe FUD", because I won't rely on technology that is not reliable.

Hey @Murse-In-Airy, what would it be like after a long day / night working, getting to your car in the -10 degree cold and not being able to start it? Getting an Uber is pretty reasonable then, right?

 

[Murse-In-Airy]

Hey @Murse-In-Airy, what would it be like after a long day / night working, getting to your car in the -10 degree cold and not being able to start it? Getting an Uber is pretty reasonable then, right?

Let’s see. Long 24 hour shift that ends at 6AM. Maybe I’ve been up all night taking care of patients. So no sleep. -10°F sounds bout right. I remote start the car to warm it up before walking outside. Unplug. Car won’t open so remove my gloves to enter the door code. Pop the frunk to store my EVSE. When you pop the frunk, the car shuts off, no matter how long was left on your remote start.
Slide into the seat to see no key detected. Spend a couple minutes hoping the prompt shows up on the screen.
Give up and go back inside. Open Uber app. “No cars available.” I love rural. Ride share services and taxis are a hit and miss thing. Instead I have to call my wife. She’s getting kids ready for school. And if she’s not working that day, she can come deliver me a fob in about an hour. So I get to hang out at work for an extra unpaid hour. At least the coffee is hot and I have a warm building to hang out in while I wait. Over coffee I can tell my coworkers how awesome my new car is. Or will be when I can drive it.

 

[RickMachE]

Stop being so dramatic...