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Home >> Ford >> 2023 >> Escape ST-Line Select >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1444 (Handles, Locks, Latches And Entry Systems) >> Description And Operation >> Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems - System Operation and Component Description >> System Operation >> RKE (if equipped)
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RKE (if equipped)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

RKE (if equipped) 

The RKE feature is controlled by the BCM. When a button is pressed, the TIC and RKE command is received by the RTM (remote start vehicles) or the BCM (non-remote start vehicles). The RTM (remote start vehicles) interprets the information and sends a message to the BCM over a LIN circuit and, when the network is awake, over the CAN. If the BCM detects a programmed key, it carries out the command by controlling the door locks, releasing the liftgate latch or activating the horn or turn signals as required. The BCM (non-remote start vehicles) interprets the ultra-high frequency signal from the passive key via its internal receiver. It then processes that information internally and carries out the command by controlling the door locks, releasing the liftgate latch or activating the horn or turn signals as required

The RKE system can be used to:

The RKE transmitters have a normal operating range of 30 m (98 ft) in an open air, no obstruction environment.

The RKE transmitters and the BCM also utilize a rolling code to prevent the code from being captured by a code grabber. The system advances the counter in the RKE transmitter and the BCM every time a RKE transmitter button is pressed.

The message center displays Key Battery Low Replace Soon when the battery in the passive key (if equipped) needs to be replaced.

RKE Transmitter Unlock (if equipped) 

The RKE provides a staged process for unlocking the doors. Upon receipt of the first request for unlocking the doors, the RKE feature unlocks only the driver door. If another unlock request is received within 3 seconds of the first, all the doors are unlocked. This feature can be disabled so that all the doors unlock on the first press of the unlock button (global unlock) through the message center.

Vehicles come from the factory set with the 2-stage unlock feature disabled (single press unlocks all doors).

RKE Transmitter Lock (if equipped) 

The RKE requests all of the doors lock when the lock button is pressed.

RKE Transmitter Liftgate Latch Unlock 

The RKE transmitter provides a liftgate latch unlock function. To release the liftgate latch, press the liftgate button twice within 3 seconds and the liftgate release switch in the liftgate within 45 seconds.

Panic Alarm (if equipped) 

The panic alarm feature provides audible and visual alarms which are evident from the exterior of the vehicle. When the panic alarm button is initially pressed, the panic alarm feature requests the turn signals flash and the horn sounds for up to 3 minutes or until deactivation. The flashing of the outputs occurs simultaneously.

The panic alarm can only be activated when the ignition is off. This feature is disabled at all other times. Deactivation of an active panic alarm is accomplished when:

Remote Start (if equipped) 

NOTE: To perform an accurate diagnosis of a concern, make sure the vehicle has a fully charged 12V battery and is in good condition when performing any electrical pinpoint tests. When the vehicle's 12-volt battery is below a set threshold, certain features can be limited or become inoperative and lead to misdiagnosis.

The factory-installed remote start allows the vehicle to be remotely started from outside the vehicle. There is a 2- way communication between the passive key and the vehicle to provide the remote start status of the vehicle. The passive key contains a green and a red LED to indicate the remote start status.

LED Status
Blinking green Waiting for status update from vehicle
Blinking red Remote start/stop failed
Solid green Remote start or extension successful
Solid red Remote stop successful (engine off)

To remotely start the vehicle, press the lock button once and the remote start button twice within 3 seconds of each other. The vehicle should remotely start and the LED on the passive key should be lit solid green.

The vehicle does not remote start if any of the following conditions are present:

For additional information regarding the remote start system, refer to the Owner's Literature.