PAAK vs just using the fob

[jefftuck]

So it looks like the 2025 fob includes a frunk button, which is nice. That is one less reason to have to use PAAK.

So as someone who's used another electric car's PAAK, which is pretty much a requirement as its "key" is just a card, I'm wondering if Ford's PAAK is even worth it for using as a key. With my existing car, there's been a bunch of times where PAAK didn't work and I had to fish out the card from my wallet (which is something they tell you to do anyway, just in case your phone's battery dies). Plus if I wanted to use it to open the frunk or something, I'd need to unlock my phone, go into the app, etc.

I'm assuming the Mach E fob has the same sort of proximity sensing as just about every other car I've driven with a similar fob, and that has always been much more reliable than my current PAAK.

Now, Ford's app will still be very useful to me for things like remote starting the climate control, setting departure times, etc. It's just its car key functionality I'm skeptical about given my own experiences.

The fob will always be better than PAAK. Except that you have to carry the fob. If that doesn’t matter, just carry the fob.

If, like many others, you’d prefer to leave the fob behind, PAAK works fine. Not perfectly. Sometimes you’ll push the button several times and the door doesn’t open. Sometimes you’ll even have to dig the phone out of your pocket and wake it up. And, very occasionally, you’ll end up at a restaurant and realize you have to fiddle with valet mode because you don’t have your fob.

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[DonM]

I have two 2024 MMEs and the PAAK only works about 50% of the time. The rest of the time it says Key Not Found. Just awful. I have to carry the fat fob and then about half the time it thinks it’s my wife and not me, even when she’s miles away. Really just a mess.

 

[johnnycombo]

My concern with the key fob is what is called ”relay theft”.
https://www.locksmiths.co.uk/faq/keyless-car-theft/

 

[Herbknowsit]

As I've ranted before, some small number of us are trying to lay off the constant intrusion of our cell phones. I find carrying around and finding safe haven for my iPhone a drag and often, if making short excursions locally away from home leave it behind. (I can hear the crowd gasping in disbelief right now!) So yeah, I'm a key fob guy but do wish it were sleeker. As I haven't gone to electronic locks for the house (yet) I still carry a house key with the fob which again....could easily be slimmer yes? I can see the value of PAAK when traveling, especially when flying as losing your car keys is a story told everyday at TSA.

 

[islandboystan]

4 years with PAAK and no troubles with it at all in a very long time. YMMV.

islandboystan here. I’m old school and only use the key fob. Don’t even know how to use my PAAK.??

 

[Mosworthy]

PAAK since Nov '21
Yes, it's had issues, but nothing I haven't been able to overcome. The two fobs have been in a drawer unless I'm dropping the car off.
Even if the fob had a funk opening button, after the frunk headache I just went through, I'm only ever opening it manually forever.

 

[spgordon57]

So it looks like the 2025 fob includes a frunk button, which is nice. That is one less reason to have to use PAAK.

So as someone who's used another electric car's PAAK, which is pretty much a requirement as its "key" is just a card, I'm wondering if Ford's PAAK is even worth it for using as a key. With my existing car, there's been a bunch of times where PAAK didn't work and I had to fish out the card from my wallet (which is something they tell you to do anyway, just in case your phone's battery dies). Plus if I wanted to use it to open the frunk or something, I'd need to unlock my phone, go into the app, etc.

I'm assuming the Mach E fob has the same sort of proximity sensing as just about every other car I've driven with a similar fob, and that has always been much more reliable than my current PAAK.

Now, Ford's app will still be very useful to me for things like remote starting the climate control, setting departure times, etc. It's just its car key functionality I'm skeptical about given my own experiences.

I use PAAK most of the time so I don’t have to carry the fob. But PAAK performance is very inconsistent and downright sketchy in cold weather. Sometimes you don’t even have to open the open but often you must. I just get used to it so I can leave the fob home.

 

[bbulkow]

So it looks like the 2025 fob includes a frunk button, which is nice. That is one less reason to have to use PAAK.

So as someone who's used another electric car's PAAK, which is pretty much a requirement as its "key" is just a card, I'm wondering if Ford's PAAK is even worth it for using as a key. With my existing car, there's been a bunch of times where PAAK didn't work and I had to fish out the card from my wallet (which is something they tell you to do anyway, just in case your phone's battery dies). Plus if I wanted to use it to open the frunk or something, I'd need to unlock my phone, go into the app, etc.

I'm assuming the Mach E fob has the same sort of proximity sensing as just about every other car I've driven with a similar fob, and that has always been much more reliable than my current PAAK.

Now, Ford's app will still be very useful to me for things like remote starting the climate control, setting departure times, etc. It's just its car key functionality I'm skeptical about given my own experiences.

Full-time PAAK user.

I don't bring "keys" when I leave the house. The house has digital entry now.

What differentiates the MachE from cars with a "card key" is the backup mechanism of a door code.

I keep a fob in a faraday pouch secreted within the vehicle. I use it from time to time - although more as "valet" or car wash. I don't remember needing it in the last 6 months. I would need it if my phone was broken or stolen. Or, I remember a case where i was taking a trip with a friend and they needed access without me.

Very happy with the solution. Car usually is unlocked by the time I walk up to it. Sometimes I have to wait a moment. Feels like the future.

 

[Marcelus_Mach_E]

I really like PAAK. Sometimes the car doesn't sense my phone and I have to go into the app. And sometimes it won't start because it doesn't sense the phone. It's inconvenient to enter the code, but the key fob is so bulky I like not having to carry it.
If you do use it, make sure to set your backup start code!
I have a Google pixel phone, which was having issues connecting with the car until some updates on both sides. I didn't realize that when you re-pair your phone as a key that you have to set a backup start code every time. I didn't do that once and got stranded. Had to take an Uber to my house to get a key fob. That's not going to happen again, live and learn I guess

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