At Mike White Ford, we love automotive technology. When you look back on the last few decades, it is hard to believe that many of the features now considered standard on new cars, such as power windows, rear-view cameras, and even air conditioning, were once ground-breaking innovations. Today, even the key fob is a marvel of engineering.
With key fobs, most drivers focus on the essential functions that keys have always served: locking and unlocking doors and getting the car started. However, all automobile companies have been adding more and more features to key fobs in recent years, making it possible to do all sorts of things with them. While the basic functions of a key are the most critical, the other uses are not just novelties – they can provide convenience and enhance safety.
Key-Fob Tips and Tricks
Most late-model Ford key fobs have several buttons besides lock and unlock. Most have an alarm button, and many Ford key fobs have an additional “2x” button for additional utilities. Not every Ford vehicle key fob has every utility, but here are some of the most common:
Remote Start: Many Ford key fobs can remotely start your vehicle. For most models, the remote start is activated by pressing the Lock button followed by the “2x” remote start button twice. You should be able to remote start your vehicle from up to about 400 feet away. (Tip: if you are too far away, try holding the fob up to your chin to increase range – try it! It works to increase the locking and unlocking range, as well.) When your car starts, your exterior lights will flash.
But why would you want to start your car remotely? On cold days, this is handy if you want to warm up your engine before getting in and driving off. Giving your vehicle a little idling time enables oil to circulate through the engine. Remote start is also handy when you can’t remember where you parked the car at a large mall or big box store! Those flashing lights and the sound of the engine starting up can help you quickly locate your car.
Remotely Lower and Raise Your Windows: It is unpleasant to get into your car at the end of a work day or after a few hours of shopping if it has been sitting out in the sun; the air inside is hot and stale. To lower your windows and open your sunroof before you reach the car so all that hot air can escape, hit the unlock button twice and then hold it down again for about three seconds, and your windows and sunroof will open.
Conversely, if you want to roll all the windows up, hit the lock button twice and then hold it down again for three seconds. This function is handy if you leave the car and realize that you or one of the passengers has left a window open. Rather than get back in your car and turn the key just to raise the windows, just use the fob to raise all the windows. You can walk away knowing that your vehicle is locked and secure.
Automatic Liftgate: Opening the cargo space remotely is a breeze for those with Ford SUVs or trucks equipped with a power liftgate. A simple double-click of the dedicated trunk button on the key fob will pop it open so you can quickly load groceries or other items. (On some Ford models with a hands-free liftgate, the liftgate will respond to a wave of your foot under the bumper – a handy utility when your hands are full!).
Fold in Your Mirrors: If you’ve ever struggled to squeeze into a tight parking spot or banged your shoulder on a mirror when trying to walk between parked cars, you know that the ability to fold in your mirrors is a helpful convenience function. More than that, for SUVs and trucks with large side mirrors, the ability to fold your mirrors in can help you avoid getting them dinged or broken. Some Ford models will fold mirrors automatically when the vehicle is put in park. Otherwise, this function can be done manually or with the key fob. On the key fob, this function is activated by holding down the Lock button for a few seconds.
Emergency Alarm: The alarm feature on your key fob can sometimes be an annoyance because, at some point, you are sure to hit it by mistake and set off an embarrassing car alarm. But despite those occasions, most people are probably pleased to have this feature in the palm of their hand in case someone tries to accost them in a parking lot.
But your car alarm and the panic button can be used to protect your home, as well. Rather than leave your key fob in the entry hall or kitchen, why not keep it by your bed? In a home emergency, that car alarm button on your key fob is a quick way to get attention in the case of a home break-in or any other emergency. That car alarm button can be a lifeline for people living alone, letting neighbors know something is wrong.
Ford vehicles have long been celebrated for their innovative features, and you can be sure Ford engineers have not overlooked the key fob as an avenue for enhancing the comfort, convenience, and safety of owning a Ford. Familiarize yourself with the functions you can access with your key fob, and you are sure to find an added utility that you love.
To find out what functions you can access with your Ford’s key fob, consult your vehicle’s manual or talk to one of our technicians at Mike White Ford in Coeur d’Alene or Sandpoint. While you’re at our dealership, take a look at some of our latest models to learn about all the cutting-edge technology Ford is building into its cars.