I've had my FFE for a few years now and always keep the remote / key fob (keyless entry) in my pocket. It's always had sensitivity issues and locked / unlocked / popped the trunk while in my pocket. Quite a few times it set off the panic alarm. But lately it became ridiculously sensitive... I could barely touch it and it would pop the trunk or do something else unexpected. I handled it like nitro glycerin all the time and had to keep it out of my pocket.
Today I finally decided to do something about it. And wanted to share because I'm sure others will have this issue (or already do).
I popped my key open (remove the valet key with the switch and pry it open with a screwdriver or even the valet key).
Take the pieces out and just keep in mind how they go back together - it's simple and only goes back together one way.
The button section is a rubber piece that comes out easily. What I didn't notice right away is the small metal discs on the back of each button. Mine were only there for 2 of my buttons and the others had come loose over time so they were floating around in there, which explains the sensitivity and unpredictability of the thing.
I took all of the small metal discs off and then used finger nail clippers to clip the center nub off of each button - this is what the discs were adhered to. I cleaned off the old glue from all pieces.
I used some Loctite repair adhesive and glued the small metal discs back on to the 3 middle buttons. (I don't personally want the panic or remote start buttons, so I left the metal discs off of those buttons which essentially disables them.)
Good time to replace the battery if you have one handy or want to pick one up - it is a CR-2032 size.
Worked perfectly. All of the buttons work but only when I ask them to, and the buttons I disabled don't do anything.
Note that the part number for this type of remote is FCC M3N5WY8609 (Ford Smart Key) so this trick should work for those with Ford Escape, C-Max, Focus, Flex, Explorer, Expedition, Taurus 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018. The OE part number is 164-R8091. My circuit board is stamped with Continental 1408-2 and 94V-0.
Hope this helps others
Some images:
Today I finally decided to do something about it. And wanted to share because I'm sure others will have this issue (or already do).
I popped my key open (remove the valet key with the switch and pry it open with a screwdriver or even the valet key).
Take the pieces out and just keep in mind how they go back together - it's simple and only goes back together one way.
The button section is a rubber piece that comes out easily. What I didn't notice right away is the small metal discs on the back of each button. Mine were only there for 2 of my buttons and the others had come loose over time so they were floating around in there, which explains the sensitivity and unpredictability of the thing.
I took all of the small metal discs off and then used finger nail clippers to clip the center nub off of each button - this is what the discs were adhered to. I cleaned off the old glue from all pieces.
I used some Loctite repair adhesive and glued the small metal discs back on to the 3 middle buttons. (I don't personally want the panic or remote start buttons, so I left the metal discs off of those buttons which essentially disables them.)
Good time to replace the battery if you have one handy or want to pick one up - it is a CR-2032 size.
Worked perfectly. All of the buttons work but only when I ask them to, and the buttons I disabled don't do anything.
Note that the part number for this type of remote is FCC M3N5WY8609 (Ford Smart Key) so this trick should work for those with Ford Escape, C-Max, Focus, Flex, Explorer, Expedition, Taurus 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018. The OE part number is 164-R8091. My circuit board is stamped with Continental 1408-2 and 94V-0.
Hope this helps others
Some images:
