PAAK concerns

[Kamuelaflyer]

I use PAAK exclusively. Only once had an issue, and used the backup passcode successfully. With the current software it's pretty reliable. Most people griping about it haven't had their RFA module updated or have their phone settings wrong so it goes into a power save mode.

I’ve had almost non stop issues with PAAK since 3.5.3 was pushed to my car. Delays getting in the car: the push button ring lights up but pushing the button does nothing. Activating the door touch pad usually results in being able to push the button to unlock, but not always, occasionally I need to input the unlock code. Plus there’s the No key detected message. After 17 months of near flawless PAAK reliability with the same phone and car, I now have to carry and use the fob.

Sponsored

 

[AllenXS]

Totally opposite to @Kamuelaflyer on this one. I’ma fan bit of paak. Worked great all the way. Odd hiccup and resetting the phone usually resolved it. Used both android and iPhone. My fob is packed away and only comes out for worship visits.

Went to the workshop one day because the underbelly was smacking the ground so wanted it fixed asap. I told them to fix it in half an hour and I stayed. When they finished, they called me over and I threw the phone in the car for the last few minutes of finishing off.

Even long distance it is me and my phone. Sounds like a western song coming on!

 

[mkhuffman]

I have posted this before, but it is worth repeating. Here is how I resolve "no key detected". It works 100% and I have never needed to enter the code.

1. Turn off Bluetooth for a couple seconds, turn back on. Give the car 20-30 seconds to reconnect. This usually solves it. If not:
2. Open FordPass and remote start the car. Once the car is remote started, press the start button to go.

Easy peasy, lemon squeezey.

 

[Mach-Lee]

Yeah, I think that was the big issue for me. Apparently I needed to do something to my phone in order to deactivate the power save feature but when I did that then my battery would drain very quickly. My IT department at work said I couldn't use that setting since it was more important that my phone work as a phone vs working as a key. Since the phone belongs to them, I had to comply.

Shortly after I switched phones, Ford sent me this message with tips to using PaaK. Doesn't sound very convenient to me....

Yes, the app does need to stay open in the background for it to work 100%. The holding it in your hand thing may be necessary with some phones depending on their Bluetooth antenna characteristics. Signal strength reception is important for PAAK, it needs a strong enough signal so it's sure you're standing close to the door and not 10' away.

I have an iPhone, so the Bluetooth antenna is on the backside below the camera. I always put my phone in my left pants pocket with the screen in, camera/antenna side facing out. That works fine most of the time. I have noticed if I have a bag resting on my hip, it will block the signal so PAAK won't work as well. As soon as I move the bag aside so there's a clear shot to the Bluetooth antenna in the mirror, it works. If you put your phone in your pocket with the antenna touching your body (cameras touching you on an iPhone), that can also degrade the signal so it won't work as well.

But that is a good tip, if you are having trouble with PAAK take your phone out of your pocket and hold it in your hand so the antennas aren't getting blocked by anything. If you're still having trouble, open the app and make sure it says Bluetooth connected before trying again.

 

[reeflife]

I’ve had almost non stop issues with PAAK since 3.5.3 was pushed to my car. Delays getting in the car: the push button ring lights up but pushing the button does nothing. Activating the door touch pad usually results in being able to push the button to unlock, but not always, occasionally I need to input the unlock code. Plus there’s the No key detected message. After 17 months of near flawless PAAK reliability with the same phone and car, I now have to carry and use the fob.

Exactly! This started with that update! I saw Fords screen shot about Paak however we were not having these issues doing the same thing we were before the updates. Come on Ford explain how driving down the street with phone sitting in console and all of a sudden you get the (No Key) message. With over the air updates it’s better to tell the truth then hide. Always! We are being made to feel like we are doing something wrong and it’s frustrating. You have to fix your Bluetooth and Wi-Fi code that was tampered with when adding the two cell connections. By the way the two cell connections worked for half a day and then they went haywire.

 

[kdonnel]

I have used PAAK exclusively since getting the car.

I do take a fob with me when on road trips just in case something happens to the car and I have to leave it with a mechanic. I have no fear about PAAK failing.

In the beginning I had several problems with PAAK and at least once a week had to use the door code and backup start code to get moving. I would get a no key detected message almost daily. The car would let me in and then claim no key detected forcing me to use the backup start code. Twice it somehow let me in the car and then sounded the alarm.

Since I updated the RFA module at the end of July, PAAK has been extremely reliable.

95% of the time the welcome lights come on and the door opens on the first push of the button. The other times I can hear the car waking up with the first push and then it opens with a second push.

Once in the past three months I got the no key detected message backing out of my garage.

I have never needed to use the door code or backup start code since the update of the RFA module.

I have never needed to fiddle with my phone (iPhone 12 pro) in any way. No need to restart Ford Pass or bring it to the foreground or turn bluetooth off and on, nothing.

I think I have seem posts indicating that Ford is pushing out the RFA update as a powerup. People using PAAK will be pleasantly surprised. People who abandoned PAAK should give it a try again once they receive the powerup.

 

[Murse-In-Airy]

asking a group of enthusiasts about a feature is dicey as some will claim those with problems don’t know what they’re doing. And those who have problems will claim the other camp is living on borrowed time.

IMO:

There’s always a chance of getting stranded. For everyone who says they’ve never had a problem, there’s someone who has had a problem. For me it was no key detected=> door pillar code to get in => prompt for backup start code never appearing. Lost a couple hours of my valuable time trying to get it to work then having to go get my fob.
I still rely on PAAK for around town where an UBER home to get my fob won’t leave me destitute. But outside my home area, I always grab a fob on the way out the door. Even if I don’t use it… what was the downside to having it with me? It doesn’t take up that much room. It’s not that heavy. It doesn’t affect my range. I’m not less of a human because I have a fob in my pack. Hot girls at the bar will never know that I was packing a fob.

 

[Ghost Ryder]

best solution is to get a third FOB on ebay for $30. you can program it yourself as long as you have the 2 original FOB. Then just hide it in the car. You don't even need to have a battery it for the FOB to start your car.

 

[phil]

I have posted this before, but it is worth repeating. Here is how I resolve "no key detected". It works 100% and I have never needed to enter the code.

1. Turn off Bluetooth for a couple seconds, turn back on. Give the car 20-30 seconds to reconnect. This usually solves it. If not:
2. Open FordPass and remote start the car. Once the car is remote started, press the start button to go.

Easy peasy, lemon squeezey.

It would be easier and faster to enter the code, would it not?

 

[agoldman]

Paak is unreliable period. It may work for some, but don't go too far off without your fob!

 

[Kmp14]

I have had my car for almost a year now. 18k miles My Paak has never stranded me, and I have only used the passcode to start the car one time. And that was last winter.

However, I almost agree with Rick on this. I never take my fob with me if I am driving around town near my house. But my fob is wrapped in foil and hidden in my laptop backpack, which I always take with me when going out of town.

Why? Not because of a potential Paak failure, but in case I need a tow and need to give my key to a tow truck driver. Or drop my car off for an oil change and leave the key with Jiffy Lube. Or give it to the car wash kids. In none of those cases do I want to give out the emergency start code or my phone. Right?

Always be prepared. Hide a tin foil wrapped fob somewhere convenient and use PaaK without any worries. Like Mike does. Be like Mike. Not Rick. Rick and I never agree.

Just curious, why wrap the fob in foil? I get that the foil stops it from being sensed by the car, but why do you need to do that. What is wrong with the car just using the fob when you have it with you? Why block the signal with foil? (Honestly trying to understand, not trolling )

 

[4sallypat]

Newbie question:
Which trim levels come with PAAK ?

 

[MacherAWD]

Newbie question:
Which trim levels come with PAAK ?

All do

 

[dmastro]

You may get stranded. Several have posted that they did.



Not correct. While the doorcode will get you in, the pass code prompt may not come up, or it may have been deleted. Several people have experienced this.

While the likelihood of being stranded is small, it exists. A very knowledgeable forum member had to take an Uber to his home, get a fob, and take an Uber back.

I never travel without a fob.

There is a small likelihood that your fob fails, or the battery is drained, or falls out of your pocket into a storm drain. Better double check the PAAK and doorcode!

 

[LNFitz]

Android user here. Had a devil of time initially setting up PAAK but once done, it was 95%+ reliable and I was able to use backup codes when it wasn't.

Unfortunately, one of the recent updates has knocked it out and reinstalling is back to nearly impossible. I want it back.

Sponsored