No prompt to enter backup start passcode - Update: FIXED

[RSH]

Let us know when that happens....

I did get a call from Ford after the recent FordPass update. They wanted to know if the update allowed me to now access the backup code. It did not, and I still get an error message saying I don't have the necessary devices when I try to set a new backup code. It's been like this for over a month now.

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[phil]

Bonus Feature:

When I repeatedly follow Ford's directions to get the passcode entry screen to appear (brake + start button), I am treated as an intruder! Horn and lights start flashing, and FordPass sends a message that the "security system has detected vehicle intrusion and triggered the alarm" This has happened to me several times now.

Lovely.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

Bonus Feature:

When I repeatedly follow Ford's directions to get the passcode entry screen to appear (brake + start button), I am treated as an intruder! Horn and lights start flashing, and FordPass sends a message that the "security system has detected vehicle intrusion and triggered the alarm" This has happened to me several times now.

Lovely.

Hi there! Can you send us a PM with your VIN and Ford dealership information? I’d be happy to look into this Mach-E concern on my end.

 

[phil]

I think that pressing the Start button without the brake pedal reliably opens the Enter the start password when the fob and PaaK are not present.

I can also get the passcode prompt by pressing the brake alone, without pressing the start button.

Strange, but true! Sadly, not reliable either.

 

[alexgorod]

I can also get the passcode prompt by pressing the brake alone, without pressing the start button.

Interesting! I'll try it too.

It probably works every time when you don't really need it and doesn't when you do

 

[phil]

It probably works every time when you don't really need it and doesn't when you do

Yes, I believe that is Murphy's 79th law.

 

[phil]

Hi there! Can you send us a PM with your VIN and Ford dealership information? I’d be happy to look into this Mach-E concern on my end.

Ford and my dealer are looking into this for me now - thank you, Ford!

So far, they have confirmed that the passcode prompt does indeed fail intermittently. Dealer service technician also triggered the intruder alarm while testing it today.

No solution yet, but I will update the thread if they are able to fix it. Or if they aren't able to fix it.

 

[ctenidae]

The two main reasons for PaaK failure or poor performance, in my testing, are throttling and location access.

On Pixel devices we have something called adaptive battery. It's a form of throttling to maintain battery health. Other phones and OS' have their own versions. Basically anything that restricts Bluetooth power or connectivity to save battery should be turned off and location access should always be granted to FP.

I have a Samsung Flip, and went to check the permissions for FP. For Location, the only option I have is to allow only while using the app (or ask every time/ don't allow, neither of which are really relevant options). IT doesn't even give me the option to allow all the time, which seems odd.

Seems you may be on to something with Paak failures, there.

Yesterday it took so long for the backup passcode prompt to appear the car actually set off its alarm. Really don't want to go back to carrying a key fob, so hope they sort it out.

 

[phil]

UPDATE 10/22/22:
I recently got several software updates, including the 21P22 Field Service Action software calibration. One of these updates fixed the problem with the backup start passcode prompt failing to appear. The passcode now works for me every time.

I understand 21P22 is available for eligible vehicles only through next month. For me, it has been very helpful.

 

[Wolverine]

I've gotten all the software updates but as of February 2023 still having the problem of the backup passcode prompt not appearing -- sometimes. PAAK works and the backup passcode works at times. But of course the one time my wife needed it in a crisis, the prompt didn't show up.

In this thread, I've seen several solutions proposed: depress brake+start button; only brake; only start button. Is there a consensus solution? Ford please help. This is an embarrassment.

 

[phil]

In this thread, I've seen several solutions proposed: depress brake+start button; only brake; only start button. Is there a consensus solution? Ford please help. This is an embarrassment.

Brake vs. start button vs. both - none of that matters. All three work (or not) equally.

The only solution I know of is the software update. Continues to work for me every time. Sorry it did not work for you. Perhaps your software updates are incomplete? Or perhaps they omitted the 21P22 Field Service Action - that may have been the one that fixed it for me.

 

[MachEnation]

This happened to me this morning. First time i ever needed the passcode—no luck! Did everything described in this thread and the prompt never came.

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