Key not detected error Stranded!

[AkMach]

Lately the MachE does not recognize the phone key. The confusing part is that it does unlock the car from the app and does allow you to press the start button on the app. Then it says to press the start button on the car. However when you press the start button, it says key not detected.

It's a recurring issue. Then the passcode option comes up and the last three or four times I have driven with the passcode.

However, yesterday the passcode option would not come up. So there was no way to start the car. I was stranded. I called the help number and the person on the other had no clue even after describing the issue. They wanted to send tow truck to do a jump start. I explained that this is an electric vehicle and needs a different kind of assistance. Then I started a chat and the person on the other hand said that they can only help me troubleshoot if the car starts. But the car wouldn't start because it wouldn't detect the phone key. So basically I was stuck. I waited a half hour and suddenly the passcode option came up again. Then I was able to drive to my garage. The chat agent said that an engineer would contact me in 3 to 5 days. That seems odd because it could be very dangerous if you were stranded in an unknown place. It seems that this would be an immediate attention. Anyway I'm now going to call my local dealer to see if they can fit me into resolve this issue.

Has anyone else had connection and starting problems with their phone? Ford only gives us one key. So if you're a family of two or more sharing the car then it's a disaster waiting to happen.

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[Carsinmyblood]

I do not use PaaK.

It never hooked up despite many attempts.

Now, I wouldn't depend on it even if it did work.

 

[generaltso]

Have you gotten the 21P22 updates done yet?

 

[Blue highway]

Lately the MachE does not recognize the phone key. The confusing part is that it does unlock the car from the app and does allow you to press the start button on the app. Then it says to press the start button on the car. However when you press the start button, it says key not detected.

It's a recurring issue. Then the passcode option comes up and the last three or four times I have driven with the passcode.

However, yesterday the passcode option would not come up. So there was no way to start the car. I was stranded. I called the help number and the person on the other had no clue even after describing the issue. They wanted to send tow truck to do a jump start. I explained that this is an electric vehicle and needs a different kind of assistance. Then I started a chat and the person on the other hand said that they can only help me troubleshoot if the car starts. But the car wouldn't start because it wouldn't detect the phone key. So basically I was stuck. I waited a half hour and suddenly the passcode option came up again. Then I was able to drive to my garage. The chat agent said that an engineer would contact me in 3 to 5 days. That seems odd because it could be very dangerous if you were stranded in an unknown place. It seems that this would be an immediate attention. Anyway I'm now going to call my local dealer to see if they can fit me into resolve this issue.

Has anyone else had connection and starting problems with their phone? Ford only gives us one key. So if you're a family of two or more sharing the car then it's a disaster waiting to happen.

My wife had the car and had the same thing in Feb... PAAK would let her in but not start the car 4 days in one week. Hasn't happened since. The "fix" was updating her iPhone and updating the Ford app. Coincidence? It has worked fine since. FWIW, I never use the Fob. The 21P22 updates were done a month earlier.

 

[AKgrampy]

Someone with experience will chime in hopefully. I read that sometimes it can take several “Start” attempts before the passcode prompt appears. This does not resolve the PAAK issue but maybe help with getting the passcode in if (when) it occurs in the future.

 

[hybrid2bev]

Lately the MachE does not recognize the phone key. The confusing part is that it does unlock the car from the app and does allow you to press the start button on the app. Then it says to press the start button on the car. However when you press the start button, it says key not detected.

It's a recurring issue. Then the passcode option comes up and the last three or four times I have driven with the passcode.

However, yesterday the passcode option would not come up. So there was no way to start the car. I was stranded. I called the help number and the person on the other had no clue even after describing the issue. They wanted to send tow truck to do a jump start. I explained that this is an electric vehicle and needs a different kind of assistance. Then I started a chat and the person on the other hand said that they can only help me troubleshoot if the car starts. But the car wouldn't start because it wouldn't detect the phone key. So basically I was stuck. I waited a half hour and suddenly the passcode option came up again. Then I was able to drive to my garage. The chat agent said that an engineer would contact me in 3 to 5 days. That seems odd because it could be very dangerous if you were stranded in an unknown place. It seems that this would be an immediate attention. Anyway I'm now going to call my local dealer to see if they can fit me into resolve this issue.

Has anyone else had connection and starting problems with their phone? Ford only gives us one key. So if you're a family of two or more sharing the car then it's a disaster waiting to happen.

When ever that happens it's because the Bluetooth did not connect the phone to the car. I force close FordPass wait 15 seconds or so then and re-open FordPass. That usually resolves it. Or you could turn off Bluetooth wait a few seconds and then turn it back on.

 

[WyldStallyn]

The start, lock/unlock, and horn buttons are there even if PAAK is not set up; all you need is to be logged in with an activated ford connect user. When you start it with the app it is just a remote start feature. You still need a fob, PAAK, or backup code to drive the car.

It appears that your PAAK is not working at all. I would do a phone as a key reset in the car, delete the XXXXX Mach E Bluetooth profile on your phone, and set up PAAK again. If you can’t set it up again then there are other things to try like reinstalling the app.

 

[JellyBelly]

The start, lock/unlock, and horn buttons are there even if PAAK is not set up; all you need is to be logged in with an activated ford connect user. When you start it with the app it is just a remote start feature. You still need a fob, PAAK, or backup code to drive the car.

It appears that your PAAK is not working at all. I would do a phone as a key reset in the car, delete the XXXXX Mach E Bluetooth profile on your phone, and set up PAAK again. If you can’t set it up again then there are other things to try like reinstalling the app.

This is most likely the issue… PAAK got deactivated or not set up … I have PAAK but don’t leave the House without the fob.. as PAAK can be erratic

 

[Murse-In-Airy]

The events you describe are why I eventually completely gave up on PAAK. I didn’t mind using my passcode to start the car when PAAK was glitchy. But when the car wouldn’t even let me enter my passcode, it was the final straw.
That being said I did get to Pennsylvania yesterday before realizing I didn’t have a fob. And I got home. So I guess that’s something.

 

[SnBGC]

Lately the MachE does not recognize the phone key. The confusing part is that it does unlock the car from the app and does allow you to press the start button on the app. Then it says to press the start button on the car. However when you press the start button, it says key not detected.

It's a recurring issue. Then the passcode option comes up and the last three or four times I have driven with the passcode.

However, yesterday the passcode option would not come up. So there was no way to start the car. I was stranded. I called the help number and the person on the other had no clue even after describing the issue. They wanted to send tow truck to do a jump start. I explained that this is an electric vehicle and needs a different kind of assistance. Then I started a chat and the person on the other hand said that they can only help me troubleshoot if the car starts. But the car wouldn't start because it wouldn't detect the phone key. So basically I was stuck. I waited a half hour and suddenly the passcode option came up again. Then I was able to drive to my garage. The chat agent said that an engineer would contact me in 3 to 5 days. That seems odd because it could be very dangerous if you were stranded in an unknown place. It seems that this would be an immediate attention. Anyway I'm now going to call my local dealer to see if they can fit me into resolve this issue.

Has anyone else had connection and starting problems with their phone? Ford only gives us one key. So if you're a family of two or more sharing the car then it's a disaster waiting to happen.

Yes. Many have had issues like this at one time or another. If we choose to rely on an electronic key then we are also choosing to accept the possibility that software might not work as expected every single time. Its not really that different with the key fob because the battery can die and then the fob won't allow access either. In that case then the door pillar code or FordPass is your path to entry and then the dead fob can start the car with the console holster.

A real hard key is almost 100% foolproof (provided you don't lose it).
A key fob (without a hard key) is very reliable but even that can fail if the battery dies.
An electronic key is more likely to have inconsistencies with operation. Users just need to weigh the risk vs reward for whatever method they choose to use to access their vehicle.

The solution below sounds like a reasonable work around for the situation you describe. You might have to wait a while for your vehicle to reset and allow the backup start code but eventually that prompt does appear. Usually.

Yeah, phone support is worthless for something like this. I doubt they have much ability to help you in any useful way.

When ever that happens it's because the Bluetooth did not connect the phone to the car. I force close FordPass wait 15 seconds or so then and re-open FordPass. That usually resolves it. Or you could turn off Bluetooth wait a few seconds and then turn it back on.

 

[OON7]

If you haven't make sure your car is up to date with the updates. My experience changed dramatically after that. I am confident PaaK will work now and I have had no issues with the passcode the few times it didn't.

I am, however, paranoid and did hide a second key fob in a faraday bag in the car in case everything fails. I can't remember if I found that suggestion on this forum or another. I was lucky and mine came with a second key it seems before it was standard. If you want to PaaK it may be worth the pain of paying for the 2nd key fob to ensure you always have an option.

 

[Logal727]

Most of these issue are phone related, every issue I’ve done I’ve been able to resolve by doing something on the phone side.

 

[2FlyMache]

My PAAK works every time since mine was updated but I still bring the fob as a backup

 

[chrisGT]

I guess PaaK failing once in a while is expected. However the passcode not showing up is a real problem. The missing passcode issue has been reported several times, so there is certainly a bug somewhere in the system.

 

[dtbaker61]

Lately the MachE does not recognize the phone key. The confusing part is that it does unlock the car from the app and does allow you to press the start button on the app. Then it says to press the start button on the car. However when you press the start button, it says key not detected.

It's a recurring issue. Then the passcode option comes up and the last three or four times I have driven with the passcode.

However, yesterday the passcode option would not come up. So there was no way to start the car. I was stranded.

- find your (one) Fob
- wrap in several layers of tin foil
- hide it somewhere INSIDE the car.
- make sure you know your door pillar unlock code so you can get in without your phone


and I have found PAAK to be almost 100% if:
- 'force stop' FordPass after parking, or turn off Bluetooth if you are parking for a while
- re-start FordPass, or BT upon approach, allow 10-20 seconds for re-connect as you approach
- set your phone on the center tray, take your time buckling up, and THEN start the car.

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