MyExplorer03v8Lim
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- June 20, 2016
- Messages
- 261
- Reaction score
- 14
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2003 Explorer 4.6L
OK, Update. I have received the fusion key. My initial experience was last night after dark, almost immediately before bed. So, not much testing has happened.
I've found write-ups for various ways to program remotes for 3rd gen explrs, though I was only able to get results by turning the key from off to start (just before cranking) 8 times within 8 seconds. Some sources said to press unlock first, others didn't mention it. Some said to keep the door open, others didn't mention this either. For me the vehicle cycled locks after 8 turns, regardless of any interaction with the door.
All sources indicated that the new remote should be able to make the vehicle respond if a button is pressed within 10-20 seconds. Nothing happened when I pressed any of the 4 buttons on the new fusion flip remote.
I can already tell that I am going to have to do some customization (dremel) on the plastic housing. It appears that there's enough material there to widen it just enough to accommodate the ford truck key width.
Indeed they are. The key attached to my fob is narrow but thick. There is a pin to pop out the blade and swap it, but I haven't looked into it yet.
Further research indicates that ford stopped using PATS several years before 2015, which is the fusion generation that this key is made for. I haven't come to understand PATS yet, or how to overcome it. Maybe there's physical hardware embedded in my key that I can excavate.
At this juncture I see three paths forward.
1. Modify this unit heavily. Wireless doesn't work so I'll have to figure that out, maybe swap the guts or flash new firmware. The key is the wrong shape, so I'll have to file out and polish, possibly fill the housing to allow for a wider blade. Furthermore, there may not be any readily available replacement blades in the form factor I seek, so I might need to befriend a blacksmith to help me make something that will fit.
2. Overcome electronic hurdles including PATS and door locks/ panic etc. Swap in a fusion ignition lock cylinder. This hardware solution may be easier than trying to screw with modifying tiny parts of they new key. I lean toward this solution because if I ever lose my key, it'll be trivial to replace it. I can just keep a set of laser cut inserts in a drawer.
3. Settle for the ford truck key with built in buttons, return the fusion key. Enjoy free time, at the cost of pocket space.
I've found write-ups for various ways to program remotes for 3rd gen explrs, though I was only able to get results by turning the key from off to start (just before cranking) 8 times within 8 seconds. Some sources said to press unlock first, others didn't mention it. Some said to keep the door open, others didn't mention this either. For me the vehicle cycled locks after 8 turns, regardless of any interaction with the door.
All sources indicated that the new remote should be able to make the vehicle respond if a button is pressed within 10-20 seconds. Nothing happened when I pressed any of the 4 buttons on the new fusion flip remote.
I can already tell that I am going to have to do some customization (dremel) on the plastic housing. It appears that there's enough material there to widen it just enough to accommodate the ford truck key width.
Aren't flip keys laser cut in the sides? May be the wrong key.
Indeed they are. The key attached to my fob is narrow but thick. There is a pin to pop out the blade and swap it, but I haven't looked into it yet.
What about PATS? Do these have the PATS transponder in them too?
Further research indicates that ford stopped using PATS several years before 2015, which is the fusion generation that this key is made for. I haven't come to understand PATS yet, or how to overcome it. Maybe there's physical hardware embedded in my key that I can excavate.
At this juncture I see three paths forward.
1. Modify this unit heavily. Wireless doesn't work so I'll have to figure that out, maybe swap the guts or flash new firmware. The key is the wrong shape, so I'll have to file out and polish, possibly fill the housing to allow for a wider blade. Furthermore, there may not be any readily available replacement blades in the form factor I seek, so I might need to befriend a blacksmith to help me make something that will fit.
2. Overcome electronic hurdles including PATS and door locks/ panic etc. Swap in a fusion ignition lock cylinder. This hardware solution may be easier than trying to screw with modifying tiny parts of they new key. I lean toward this solution because if I ever lose my key, it'll be trivial to replace it. I can just keep a set of laser cut inserts in a drawer.
3. Settle for the ford truck key with built in buttons, return the fusion key. Enjoy free time, at the cost of pocket space.