Ford back up entry and start update results in in three changes

Ford back up entry and start

A full review of 2024 and 2025 models finds several important changes to the Ford back up entry and start pages. Transit, Mustang and Explorer all now use new back up start options. And we added information on F-150 Lightning models we had neglected at its 2022 introduction. Entry processes saw no changes.

Back entry and start processes are made necessary by the batteries in key fobs dying.

When keyless start was first introduced to Transit models in 2019, a back up location was found in one of the cup holders. In 2024, the back up location is moved to the front of the center console. A fob-shaped depression will be seen once the mat is removed.

Mustang models first saw push button start in 2015 and also used a cup holder for its back up spot. Now, that spot has been moved to the bottom of the center console. Remove the mat covering the bottom — as well as anything stored there — and place the fob in the fob-shaped depression with the buttons facing up.

Depending on seating, Explorer models use two back up options beginning with the 2025 models. Those with bucket seats feature a back up slot in the rear cup holder beneath the mat at the bottom. Clearly Ford has not completely abandoned cup holder locations. In bench seat models, the back up slot is found inside the center console at the rear. Note that there are two console storage areas. The one needed and shown is beneath the center bench seat.

All Lightning models use the rear cup holder. Remove the mat at the bottom (see image) by pulling the tab and stand the key fob up in the slot, buttons forward.

In all cases, once the fobs are placed, press the Start/Stop button while stepping on the brake as normal.

Smart Keys or Intelligent Keys, or Access Keys — or whatever the manufacturer of your chooses to call them — that let you into your car and start it with just a touch use up their internal batteries at alarming rates, catching busy drivers unawares — even though the car had tried to warn you. These back up options are there to overcome a dead key fob battery.

Our goal is to help you feel safe — and keep you moving or get you moving if at all possible — rather than leave you fretting whenever your key fob stops working. The instructions for getting into and starting most keyless start cars can be found on our pages — without roadside assistance.

You can see the Ford back up entry page here and the back up start page here.

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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing could be more true.