Passive Entry: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2020 Ford F-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The passive entry feature unlocks or locks the doors or releases the tailgate latch without having to use a mechanical key blade or the RKE transmitter feature.

When the BCM detects a lock or unlock sensor is touched on an exterior door handle, or the tailgate release button is pressed, it activates the low frequency antenna in the corresponding exterior door handle or inside the tailgate. The low frequency antenna sends out a signal to activate the passive key. The passive key then responds by sending a high frequency signal back to the RTM. The RTM interprets the high frequency signal from the passive key and sends the information to the BCM. If the BCM detects a valid programmed passive key, the BCM either unlocks the driver door, unlocks or locks all doors, or releases the tailgate latch.