How to Unlock the Ford MyKey Without the Admin Key?

Ford MyKey system is a cool way to set up different car settings for each driver. It’s mostly used to limit the top speed, turn on speed warnings, and lower the volume of the music so that drivers can focus better on their chores. It permanently activates all of the car’s electronic safety features and can be set to disable others, like letting you enter destinations manually while driving, turn on “Do Not Disturb” mode on a connected phone while the car is moving, and even silence the sound system until everyone has buckled up.

What Does the Ford MyKey System’s Admin Key Mean?

In today’s fast-paced world, technology continues to advance, and with it, the automotive industry. Ford, a renowned automobile manufacturer, has introduced the MyKey system to enhance safety and control in their vehicles. This article will delve into the Ford MyKey system, specifically focusing on the Admin Key, its functions, and how to use it effectively.

Understanding the Ford MyKey System

Before we dive into the details of the Admin Key, let’s first grasp the basics of the Ford MyKey system. Ford designed this feature to give parents and guardians more control over their young drivers. It allows you to set certain restrictions and limitations on the vehicle when someone else is behind the wheel. This is particularly helpful when you lend your car to your teenage child or someone else you want to monitor.

What Is the Admin Key?

The Admin Key is a crucial component of the Ford Key system. It’s like the master key that grants you full access and control over the vehicle, even if other Keys are in use. When you possess the Admin Key, you have the power to configure or modify the settings programmed by other Keys, including:

1. Setting Maximum Speed Limits

With the Admin Key, you can determine the maximum speed at which the vehicle can be driven. This feature is extremely useful for ensuring that young and inexperienced drivers stay within safe speed limits.

2. Setting Audio Volume Limits

As a responsible car owner, you can restrict the audio volume when someone else is driving your vehicle. This helps maintain focus on the road and reduce distractions.

3. Enabling Belt-Minder

The Admin Key allows you to activate the Belt-Minder feature, which encourages seatbelt usage by emitting a reminder chime until the driver and passengers fasten their seatbelts.

4. Configuring Early Low Fuel Warnings

With the Admin Key, you can ensure that the low fuel warning comes on earlier than usual, prompting the driver to refuel the vehicle in a timely manner.

Now that we understand what the Admin Key does, let’s explore how to use it effectively.

How to Use the Admin Key to Turn Off Ford MyKey

If you want to deactivate the MyKey settings and return the vehicle to its default settings using the Admin Key, follow these simple steps:

1. Insert the Admin Key into the ignition.
2. Putting the key in “On” mode is not going to start the engine.
3. Press and hold the “Reset” button on the dashboard for a few seconds until you see the “Reset for MyKey Setup” message on the display.
4. Release the “Reset” button.
5. Turn off the ignition.
6. Start the vehicle again, and the MyKey restrictions will be disabled.

Using the SYNC screen

In addition to using the Admin Key, you can also clear Ford MyKey settings using the SYNC display screen:

1. Start the vehicle and ensure the SYNC system is powered on.
2. From the menu displayed on the screen, choose “Settings”.
3. Scroll down to “MyKey.”
4. Select “Clear MyKey.”
5. Confirm your choice, and the MyKey settings will be reset.

Using the Driver’s Information Display

Another method to clear MyKey settings is through the driver’s information display:

1. Start the vehicle.
2. To get to the “Settings” screen, use the arrow buttons on the steering wheel.
3. Scroll down to “MyKey.”
4. Select “Clear MyKey.”
5. Confirm the action, and the MyKey restrictions will be removed.

How Can I Turn Off Ford MyKey Ford Without Using the Admin Key?

If you find yourself without the Admin Key and need to turn off MyKey, there’s still a way to do it:

1. Start the vehicle with the restricted MyKey.
2. Wait until the MyKey activation message appears on the dashboard.
3. On the wheel, press and hold the “OK” button.
4. Keep holding the button until you see the “MyKey Successfully Cleared” message.

Using Remote Start

For vehicles equipped with remote start functionality, you can clear Ford MyKey settings using the remote:

1. To start the car, use the remote start option.
2. While the engine is running, press and hold the “Remote Start” button on the remote for at least four seconds.
3. The MyKey restrictions will be cleared, and you can drive without limitations.

Hiding the RFID Code

If you’re tech-savvy and comfortable with vehicle programming, you can clear MyKey by hiding the MyKey RFID code.

“Hiding” the restricted key’s identification signal from the car is the last way to get around the MyKey restrictions:

1. Close the doors, get in the car, and start it up like you normally would with the MyKey.
2. Take note of the messages about MyKey restrictions on the driver information screen.
3. Put tin foil around the MyKey or have someone else take it and walk away from the car for 20 feet.
4. This should “hide” the MyKey’s radio signal.
5. Following the opening and closing of one of the doors, the car will tell you that it has not found a key inside.
6. The assistant should bring the limited MyKey back to you or you should take it out of its tin foil wrapping. After that, keep the MyKey in close proximity to the steering column’s transponder reader.
7. While holding the key in place, turn the car off and then back on.
8. Even though the instrument panel still says there is no key in the car, the driver interface will start up as if the Admin Key were there.
9. To turn off the Key again, follow the steps above from either the SYNC screen or the driver information screen.
10. The key has been changed to an Admin Key, and all limits on it have been lifted.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Ford MyKey system, with its Admin Key, provides an excellent way to monitor and control the usage of your vehicle, especially when lending it to others. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily manage settings and enjoy a safer and more controlled driving experience.

FAQs

Can I have multiple Admin Keys for my Ford MyKey system?

No, each Ford vehicle can have only one Admin Key.

Can I customize different settings for each Ford MyKey?

Yes, you can set different restrictions for each Key using the Admin Key.

What happens if I lose the Admin Key?

If you lose the Admin Key, you can contact your local Ford dealership for assistance in reprogramming a new one.

Can I use the Admin Key to track the vehicle’s location?

No, the Admin Key does not have GPS tracking capabilities.

Are there any age restrictions for using the Ford MyKey system?

This system can be used for drivers of all ages, but it is particularly useful for supervising younger, less experienced drivers.