FORD KA fob missing/Spare not working
Discussion
Hi gents, and ladies. I am in serious trouble as I mislaid my original Ford Ka (07 reg) last night and the "working" spare only worked once. I am puzzled as to why I managed to drive the car once with the spare this morning and now I can't. Needless to say, I am daunted by the rip-off cost of a new key fob by Ford. Any ideas? Fondest regards in advance.
Have a look for an EKA code (is that right, pls correct me someone if wrong). Basically you should have a code you can enter to override the requirement for the fob. If a car requires the presence of the fob, this will only work once and you'll have to enter it every time you want to use the car. If the fob is separate to the key, my understanding is this will de-mobilise the car.
I'm only working from what I know, and my car will start without the fob present, but only if i've locked and unlocked the car using the key only.
I'm only working from what I know, and my car will start without the fob present, but only if i've locked and unlocked the car using the key only.
Taz1383 said:
Have a look for an EKA code (is that right, pls correct me someone if wrong). Basically you should have a code you can enter to override the requirement for the fob. If a car requires the presence of the fob, this will only work once and you'll have to enter it every time you want to use the car. If the fob is separate to the key, my understanding is this will de-mobilise the car.
I'm only working from what I know, and my car will start without the fob present, but only if i've locked and unlocked the car using the key only.
Hi, I appreciate your prompt reply. Where would I look for said code? The spare key I have has no remote on it, only a little red corner (botton?) wedged into the black flat grip. Thanks a lot!I'm only working from what I know, and my car will start without the fob present, but only if i've locked and unlocked the car using the key only.
rallycross said:
The old Ka' have a transponder in the key that should always function but you manually open the doors with the key obviously. If you have the original owners book pack it should have the key serial number to order a new base key.
Hello Rally, Hi, I appreciate your prompt reply. This is an 07 KA, you mean the tiny little key with a red corner might have a transponder In it? I can certainly open doors, and I did manage to drive the car, sadly only once. Ordering a new base key... I don't want to consider that option yet 
There should be a code to enter manually that should let you start the car. If you get in touch with a ford dealer or workshop they should be able to find it for you, for a fee. I know on my car (MG), the system I have should have come with a code you enter with the key. They can work this code out using my VIN number. I can only assume there might be something similar for you.
Taz1383 said:
There should be a code to enter manually that should let you start the car. If you get in touch with a ford dealer or workshop they should be able to find it for you, for a fee. I know on my car (MG), the system I have should have come with a code you enter with the key. They can work this code out using my VIN number. I can only assume there might be something similar for you.
Not even a vaguely similar system I'm afraid.The KA has a PATS (passive anti-theft system) that does indeed have a chip in the key. A fob that has a remote locking/unlocking function also has the chip. The remote locking/unlocking function has nothing whatsoever to do with the immobiliser.
Therefore the standard key that you have, will unlock the car (via the keyhole in the door) and then start the car when inserted in the ignition. If the car is not starting using this key, it is another fault and nothing to do with the key. (Unless a different chip has been fitted previously to the remote key, and the car is coded to this.)
Mopar440 said:
Not even a vaguely similar system I'm afraid.
The KA has a PATS (passive anti-theft system) that does indeed have a chip in the key. A fob that has a remote locking/unlocking function also has the chip. The remote locking/unlocking function has nothing whatsoever to do with the immobiliser.
Therefore the standard key that you have, will unlock the car (via the keyhole in the door) and then start the car when inserted in the ignition. If the car is not starting using this key, it is another fault and nothing to do with the key. (Unless a different chip has been fitted previously to the remote key, and the car is coded to this.)
Yeah. As I thought really, doesn't surprise me given MGR's final years. The KA has a PATS (passive anti-theft system) that does indeed have a chip in the key. A fob that has a remote locking/unlocking function also has the chip. The remote locking/unlocking function has nothing whatsoever to do with the immobiliser.
Therefore the standard key that you have, will unlock the car (via the keyhole in the door) and then start the car when inserted in the ignition. If the car is not starting using this key, it is another fault and nothing to do with the key. (Unless a different chip has been fitted previously to the remote key, and the car is coded to this.)
Mopar440 said:
Not even a vaguely similar system I'm afraid.
The KA has a PATS (passive anti-theft system) that does indeed have a chip in the key. A fob that has a remote locking/unlocking function also has the chip. The remote locking/unlocking function has nothing whatsoever to do with the immobiliser.
Therefore the standard key that you have, will unlock the car (via the keyhole in the door) and then start the car when inserted in the ignition. If the car is not starting using this key, it is another fault and nothing to do with the key. (Unless a different chip has been fitted previously to the remote key, and the car is coded to this.)
Hi Mopar, I can see you have a wider understanding of key thingies. I am reassured by what you tell me about the spare having to do its job as intended but also puzzled by the fact that it no longer works after a one-off use. The dashboard lights do lit, the main lights go on, the immobilizer red pilot blinks, the horn beeps, the radio works... all electrics except ignition does not give a single noise. Sigh, day three on public transport, not too bad having the extra exercise. The KA has a PATS (passive anti-theft system) that does indeed have a chip in the key. A fob that has a remote locking/unlocking function also has the chip. The remote locking/unlocking function has nothing whatsoever to do with the immobiliser.
Therefore the standard key that you have, will unlock the car (via the keyhole in the door) and then start the car when inserted in the ignition. If the car is not starting using this key, it is another fault and nothing to do with the key. (Unless a different chip has been fitted previously to the remote key, and the car is coded to this.)
lightheadedlady said:
Mopar440 said:
Not even a vaguely similar system I'm afraid.
The KA has a PATS (passive anti-theft system) that does indeed have a chip in the key. A fob that has a remote locking/unlocking function also has the chip. The remote locking/unlocking function has nothing whatsoever to do with the immobiliser.
Therefore the standard key that you have, will unlock the car (via the keyhole in the door) and then start the car when inserted in the ignition. If the car is not starting using this key, it is another fault and nothing to do with the key. (Unless a different chip has been fitted previously to the remote key, and the car is coded to this.)
Hi Mopar, I can see you have a wider understanding of key thingies. I am reassured by what you tell me about the spare having to do its job as intended but also puzzled by the fact that it no longer works after a one-off use. The dashboard lights do lit, the main lights go on, the immobilizer red pilot blinks, the horn beeps, the radio works... all electrics except ignition does not give a single noise. Sigh, day three on public transport, not too bad having the extra exercise. The KA has a PATS (passive anti-theft system) that does indeed have a chip in the key. A fob that has a remote locking/unlocking function also has the chip. The remote locking/unlocking function has nothing whatsoever to do with the immobiliser.
Therefore the standard key that you have, will unlock the car (via the keyhole in the door) and then start the car when inserted in the ignition. If the car is not starting using this key, it is another fault and nothing to do with the key. (Unless a different chip has been fitted previously to the remote key, and the car is coded to this.)
Edited by Mopar440 on Thursday 12th March 13:28
Hi guys, it's me again and guess what... what? This morning I found my key fob a the bottom of my newborn's car seat! Great but Now you'll be guessing wrong if thinking i'm therefore done with this matter: the problem is now that neither the original key fob not the spare seem to disarm the immobilizer. The little pilot on the clock does go off after switching the key to II but nothing occurs although I have two [previously] working keys. Any ideas? Thanks a lot if you can enlighten me again.
I've had loads of Ka's and from memory if the key is not giving its signal too the immobiliser the engine will still turn over iwhen you turn the key - it just won't start.
If your car is not turning over at all it's more likely to be a stuck starter motor or possibly a lose connection either on the battery or on the starter.
If your car is not turning over at all it's more likely to be a stuck starter motor or possibly a lose connection either on the battery or on the starter.
lightheadedlady said:
Hi guys, it's me again and guess what... what? This morning I found my key fob a the bottom of my newborn's car seat! Great but Now you'll be guessing wrong if thinking i'm therefore done with this matter: the problem is now that neither the original key fob not the spare seem to disarm the immobilizer. The little pilot on the clock does go off after switching the key to II but nothing occurs although I have two [previously] working keys. Any ideas? Thanks a lot if you can enlighten me again.
That's why I think it's a different fault now. You will have to get (or borrow) a code reader and pull some fault codes. But if you're not really mechanically minded, it's time to take it to a garage.Thanks to all and everyone. This is people power and I am indeed thankful. You were all spot on. The spare didn't work because, what are the odds?, alternator failed somehow during the same "planet misalignment" and that explains why the recovered key fob didn't work either. Mechanic ordered a new one and my little bug should be fine next week. Btw, he did check for immobilizer issues and thinks keys are arming and disarming the thingy properly. (btw, I can't help any of you on mechanics but just in case you'd allow me to return the favour, my continental Ex trained me on parking fines and insurance claims (he had this continental itch against both) That's a wrap!
and that explains why the recovered key fob didn't work either. Mechanic ordered a new one and my little bug should be fine next week. Btw, he did check for immobilizer issues and thinks keys are arming and disarming the thingy properly. (btw, I can't help any of you on mechanics but just in case you'd allow me to return the favour, my continental Ex trained me on parking fines and insurance claims (he had this continental itch against both) That's a wrap! Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff