2023 Ford Explorer Owners Manual - Keys and Remote Controls

Keys and Remote Controls

General Information on Radio Frequencies

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

WARNING:  Changes or modifications not expressively approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. The term "IC:" before the radio certification number only signifies that Industry Canada technical specifications were met.

The typical operating range for your transmitter is approximately 33 ft (10 m). Vehicles with the remote start feature will have a greater range.

One of the following could cause a decrease in operating range:

• Weather conditions.
• Nearby radio towers.
• Structures around the vehicle.
• Other vehicles parked next to your vehicle.

The radio frequency used by your remote control can also be used by other radio transmitters, for example amateur radios, medical equipment, wireless headphones, wireless remote controls, cell phones, battery chargers and alarm systems. If the frequencies are jammed, you will not be able to use your remote control. You can lock and unlock the doors with the key.

Note:   Make sure to lock your vehicle before leaving it unattended.

Note:   If you are in range, the remote control will operate if you press any button unintentionally.

Note:   The remote control contains sensitive electrical components. Exposure to moisture or impact may cause permanent damage.

Intelligent Access (If Equipped)

The system uses a radio frequency signal to communicate with your vehicle and authorize your vehicle to unlock when one of the following conditions are met:

• You activate the front exterior door handle switch.
• You press the luggage compartment button.
• You press a button on the transmitter.

If excessive radio frequency interference is present in the area or if the transmitter battery is low, you may need to mechanically unlock your door. You can use the mechanical key blade in your intelligent access key to open the driver door in this situation.  

Remote Control

Integrated Keyhead Transmitter

 Use the key blade to start your vehicle and unlock or lock the driver door from outside your vehicle. The integrated keyhead transmitter functions as a programmed ignition key that operates all the locks and starts your vehicle, as well as a remote control.

 Press the button to release the key blade. Press and hold the button to fold the key blade back in when not in use.

Note:   Your vehicle keys came with a security label that provides important key cut information.Keep the label in a safe place for future reference.

Intelligent Access Key (If Equipped)

 Your remote control operates the power locks and the remote start system. The key must be in your vehicle to use the push button start.

Note:   You may not be able to shift out of park (P) unless the intelligent access key is inside your vehicle.

Removable Key Blade

Your remote control also contains a removable key blade that you can use to unlock your vehicle.

Press the release button and pull the key blade out.

Note:   Your vehicle keys came with a security label that provides important key cut information.Keep the label in a safe place for future reference.

Replacing the Battery

WARNING:  Keep batteries away from children to prevent ingestion. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury or death. If ingested, immediately seek medical attention.    WARNING:  If the battery compartment does not securely close, stop using the remote control and replace it as soon as possible. In the meantime, keep the remote control away from children. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury or death.

A message appears in the information display when the remote control battery is low.  See   Information Messages. 

Note:   Refer to local regulations when disposing of transmitter batteries.

Note:   Do not wipe off any grease on the battery terminals or on the back surface of the circuit board.

Note:   Replacing the battery does not erase the programmed key from your vehicle.Your remote control should operate normally.

Integrated Keyhead Transmitter

The remote control uses one coin-type three-volt lithium battery.

Press the button to release the key blade before beginning the procedure.

1. Insert a suitable tool, for example a screwdriver, in the position shown and gently push the clip.

1. Press the clip down to release the battery cover.

1. Carefully remove the cover.

Note:   Do not touch the battery contacts or the printed circuit board with the screwdriver.

1. Insert the screwdriver as shown to release the battery.

1. Remove the battery.

1. Install a new battery with the + facing upward.

1. Reinstall the battery cover.

Intelligent Access Key

The remote control uses one coin-type three-volt lithium battery.

1. Push the release button and pull the key blade out.

1. Twist a thin coin under the tab hidden behind the key blade head to remove the battery cover.

1. Insert a suitable tool, for example a screwdriver, in the position shown and carefully remove the battery.

1. Install a new battery with the + facing upward.

1. Reinstall the battery housing cover onto the transmitter and install the key blade.

Memory Feature (If Equipped)

You can use the remote control to recall memory positions.

 If programmed to a pre-set position, the remote control recalls memory positions when you unlock your vehicle.  If you have the easy entry and exit feature enabled and the ignition is off, the seat moves to the easy entry position. The seat moves to the driver memory position when you switch the ignition on.

Linking a Preset Position to Your Remote Control or Intelligent Access Key

See   Memory Function. 

Car Finder

Press the button twice within three seconds. The horn sounds and the direction indicators flash. We recommend you use this method to locate your vehicle, rather than using the panic alarm.

Sounding the Panic Alarm

   Press the button to sound the panic alarm. Press the button again or switch the ignition on to turn it off.

Note:   The panic alarm only operates when the ignition is off.

Remote Start (If Equipped)

WARNING:  Do not start the engine in a closed garage or in other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes are toxic. Always open the garage door before you start the engine. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury or death.

  The remote start button is on the remote control.

 This feature allows you to start your vehicle from the outside.Your remote control has an extended operating range.

If your vehicle has automatic climate control, you can configure it to operate when you remote start your vehicle.  See   Climate Control.  A manual climate control system runs at the setting it was set to when you switched your vehicle off.

Many states and provinces have restrictions for the use of remote start.

Check your local and state or provincial laws for specific requirements regarding remote start systems.

The system does not work if:

• The ignition is on.
• The anti-theft alarm triggers.
• You disable the feature.
• The hood is open.
• The transmission is not in park (P).
• The battery voltage is below the minimum operating voltage.
• The service engine soon light is on.

Note:   Do not use remote start if your fuel level is low.

Remote Control Feedback (If Equipped)

An LED on the remote control provides status feedback of remote start or stop commands.

Remote Starting Your Vehicle

Note:   You must press each button within three seconds of each other.If you do not follow this sequence, your vehicle does not start remotely, the direction indicators do not flash twice and the horn does not sound.

To remote start your vehicle:

1. Press the lock button to lock all the doors.

1. Press the remote start button twice.The exterior lamps flash twice.

 The horn sounds if the system fails to start, unless quiet start is on.Quiet start runs the blower fan at a slower speed to reduce noise. You can switch it on or off in the information display.

Note:   If you have remote started your vehicle with an integrated keyhead transmitter, you must switch on the ignition before driving your vehicle. With an intelligent access transmitter, you must press the brake pedal before driving your vehicle.

The power windows do not work during remote start and the radio does not turn on automatically.

The parking lamps remain on and your vehicle runs for 5, 10 or 15 minutes, depending on the setting.

Extending the Engine Running Time

Repeat Steps 1 and 2 with the vehicle still running to extend the run time for another remote start period.If you have the duration set to 15 minutes, the duration extends by another 15 minutes.For example, if the vehicle has run from the first remote start for five minutes, the vehicle continues to run now for a total of 30 minutes. You can extend the remote start up to a maximum of 35 minutes.

Wait at least five seconds before remote starting after the engine stops running.

Turning Your Vehicle Off After Remote Starting

Press the button once.Your vehicle and the parking lamps turn off. You may have to be closer to your vehicle than when starting due to ground reflection and the added noise of your running vehicle. You can switch this feature on or off in the information display.

 Replacing a Lost Key or Remote Control

Replacement keys or remote controls can be purchased from an authorized dealer. Authorized dealers can program remote controls for your vehicle.