Ford Motor Company is one of the oldest automobile manufacturing companies globally. Ford has made significant advancements concerning vehicle security, including the Ford MyKey technology. Newer Ford models typically come with a Ford MyKey feature and settings that allow Ford owners to program certain vehicle limitations using the car’s software and an Admin key.
MyKey technology allows parents to set limitations to the specific key fobs they use to help teach their kids safe driving habits. Additionally, MyKey can also assist businesses in ensuring their fleet drivers are driving responsibly. You will need to know how to turn off MyKey when you’re about to sell your Ford, or it starts malfunctioning due to signal loss. Usually, you need both the Admin key and MyKey in the car to deactivate it successfully. However, this article will teach you how to turn off MyKey without the Admin key on hand.
How do I reset MyKey without the master key?
Without an admin key, you can not disable or reprogram the Ford MyKey unless you have a third-party software system like FORScan with the detailed guide below.
Things you’ll need
- FORScan
- Programmed MyKey
Instructions
- Turn the car on.
- Connect the car to the FORScan.
- Initiate the PCM KOER program and wait.
- Remove the programmed MyKey from the car if it uses a keyless system. If you have a standard car key, block the transponder by wrapping the key fob with a foil.
- Turn off the engine.
- Turn the ignition on but do not run the engine.
- Press the left arrow button on the steering wheel-mounted controls to open the main menu.
- Scroll to “Settings and then press the OK button.
- Scroll to MyKey and press the OK button.
- Scroll to ‘Clear MyKey,’ press and hold the OK button until the ‘All MyKeys Cleared’ message appears.
What is Ford MyKey?
The MyKey feature on your Ford is a feature that allows you to program keys with restricted driving mode settings to encourage responsible driving habits for teen drivers and inexperienced ones. This technology can limit your access to top speed, max audio volume, seat belt usage, and other settings. For instance, when a driver starts the car with their programmed MyKey, they can not adjust or deactivate the settings.
What is the Admin key?
The Admin key is any Ford key with zero driving restrictions. You can only program one of your keys in a restricted mode, and the admin key is not programmable. The other unprogrammed keys become the admin keys. The admin keys do the following:
- Create a new MyKey account.
- Program MyKey settings.
- Disable MyKey.
How to reset MyKey with only one key
Find out how to clear MyKey with the Admin key below.
- Turn on your Ford using an Admin key.
- Insert the admin key into the MyKey backup slot at the bottom of the center console.
- Scroll through the message center using the OK or the > button on the steering wheel:
- Open Settings.
- Select MyKey.
- Click on Clear MyKey.
- Hold the OK button until the message “All MyKeys cleared” appears on the screen.
How to reset MyKey using the remote start
Here’s how you can clear MyKey using a remote start:
- Press the Open button on the remote start, enter the car and start the engine.
- Give the keys to someone and allow them to walk away from the car.
- Open the door and close it again while you’re inside.
- When you hear the horn honk, shut your vehicle off.
- Connect an OBD2 device to your Ford’s computer and clear all the codes.
- Hold the brake, press the Start button, and the menu will appear on the screen.
- Press on Settings.
- Press on MyKey.
- Select Clear MyKey.
- Press and hold the OK button until you see a message indicating “All MyKeys cleared.”
- Shut the car off, and you can turn the car on to confirm there is no MyKey connection.
Will disconnecting the battery reset MyKey?
Detaching your fob’s battery and waiting a few minutes will reset the MyKey system. This explains why the MyKey may stop working after replacing the battery and will need reprogramming to start working again.
How do I get my Ford Admin key?
After setting up MyKey, you need to label the Admin be to be able to distinguish it from the other MyKey. When you connect the Admin key to your Ford, you will not have any driving restrictions, and you will also be able to access the MyKey menu settings. If you have the Admin key, you will always get the option to “Clear MyKey” because one MyKey cannot disable another MyKey.
If this option is not there, then it means the key you have is not an admin key, and you will need to have one programmed by a Ford service center. Buying a new key will not work since Admin keys require special programming only available at certified Ford service centers. Once you get a new Admin key, it’s essential to clear all other MyKeys to ensure your vehicle’s safety. Then you can reprogram the MyKeys you require.
Check this too: Ford F250 Power Window Troubleshooting
Conclusion
The Ford MyKey technology is probably one of the best safety technology innovations. Parents can now be more at ease when their teenagers access their cars. In addition, this technology allows the owner to configure driving modes and promotes responsible driving among inexperienced car users.