Passive entry stopped working

[bendesu]

Hi folks --

First time posting, though the forum's already been super helpful in getting to know our new 2023 XLT. Much appreciated.

Overall I've been extremely happy with the truck. Had the dreaded dashboard creak (which turned out to the the door panel) but fixed it easily enough, and otherwise haven't had any major issues.

The problem that's just come up is the passive entry: unlocking the door by touching the door handle. It was working flawlessly, but after getting the truck back from the dealership for a recall (BMS) it's stopped functioning altogether. It locks when I walk away from the truck, no issues with the windows...just the unlock function doesn't work.

The dealership wants me to bring it back, but before I do I thought I'd ask here in case someone had a home remedy that would save me the trip. Any thoughts?

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[bmwhitetx]

To replace the BMS they disconnect the battery. So some settings get lost (e.g., radio stations). You have an XLT so that means you're referring to using the key fob and not PAAK.

Check your Keyless Setting in the menu, maybe it got turned off. From the Owners Manual:

Keyless Entry Settings
Switching Keyless Entry On and Off

1. Switch the ignition on using an original key that has not been created as a MyKey.
2. Press Settings on the touchscreen.
3. Press Vehicle Settings.
4. Press Locks.

Reprogramming the Unlocking Function
You can enable two-stage unlocking function allowing you to unlock only the driver door when you touch the unlock sensor.
Press and hold both the lock and unlock buttons on the remote control for four seconds to disable or enable two-stage unlocking.
If you program the unlocking function so that only the driver door unlocks, you can unlock all of the other doors from inside your vehicle using the power door lock control. You can unlock individual doors by pulling the interior door handles on those doors.

Keyless Entry Limitations
Make sure your remote control is within 3 ft (1 m) from the front door handles and the tailgate.
The system could not function if:

• The remote control remains stationary for about a minute.
• The vehicle battery has no charge.
• The remote control battery has no charge.
• There is interference causing issues with the remote control frequencies.
• The remote control is too close to metal objects or electronic devices, for example keys or a cell phone.

 

[bendesu]

To replace the BMS they disconnect the battery. So some settings get lost (e.g., radio stations). You have an XLT so that means you're referring to using the key fob and not PAAK.

Check your Keyless Setting in the menu, maybe it got turned off. From the Owners Manual:

Thanks! I checked the settings and everything seemed to be set up properly.

Then just now I tried it while holding the FOB right up against the door handle, and it worked! Not quite a fix, because it stops working as soon as the fob is 6" away, but it's a start.

I switched the FOB battery out but that didn't fix it, so it seems like the receiver isn't getting enough power or something. Maybe an issue with the 12v battery?

 

[FLSpartan04]

Is there any difference between fobs? Meaning did you try your backup fob? Once you’re in the vehicle will it start ok? Or do you have to use the fob spot in the cup holder? What about by the passenger door and tailgate?

 

[Danface]

I have a 23 XLT and touching the door handle hasn't ever unlocked the door, is it supposed to (I know, RTM ... )

 

[FLSpartan04]

You have to put your hand between the handle and door to unlock. Lock is using the “button” (it is capacitive, so just need to be touched, not pushed).

 

[salmotrutta]

Mine came back from the dealer after an update with the door unlock function disarmed as described and also the cruise control activating the lane keeping as well. Which I hate.

 

[ctuan13]

By chance do you have a metallic item or water bottle in the rear most cupholder in the center console right next to the shifter? The wireless keyless entry receiver is right below that area and a large metallic object or even a steel water bottle could as a shield or even Faraday cage, blocking the signal from your key fob from being properly received.

 

[bendesu]

Is there any difference between fobs? Meaning did you try your backup fob? Once you’re in the vehicle will it start ok? Or do you have to use the fob spot in the cup holder? What about by the passenger door and tailgate?

No difference between FOBs. Vehicle starts fine and welcome lighting works no problem from a greater distance. Same issue with passenger door. It’s something specific to the passive entry.

 

[bendesu]

By chance do you have a metallic item or water bottle in the rear most cupholder in the center console right next to the shifter? The wireless keyless entry receiver is right below that area and a large metallic object or even a steel water bottle could as a shield or even Faraday cage, blocking the signal from your key fob from being properly received.

I’ve got a little metal garbage can thing. I’ll remove it and see if that helps. Thanks for the suggestion! Crazy they’d make it that fickle though…

 

[bendesu]

You have to put your hand between the handle and door to unlock. Lock is using the “button” (it is capacitive, so just need to be touched, not pushed).

I know. It was working fine before. Now it doesn’t.

 

[bendesu]

I have a 23 XLT and touching the door handle hasn't ever unlocked the door, is it supposed to (I know, RTM ... )

Not sure if it’s a package option but mine shipped to me that way.

 

[FLSpartan04]

I’d take it to the dealer. Something is definitely wrong. May be hardware, but I’d use it as an excuse to get all the updates done as it could be a module that needs an update to fix a bug (especially since it works for lock, and just not unlock). Also, did you try a 12v reset on the battery?

 

[bendesu]

I’d take it to the dealer. Something is definitely wrong. May be hardware, but I’d use it as an excuse to get all the updates done as it could be a module that needs an update to fix a bug (especially since it works for lock, and just not unlock). Also, did you try a 12v reset on the battery?

Yeah I think you're right. I've tried everything I can at this point—time to let them sort it out.

Thanks everyone for your input all the same!

 

[FLSpartan04]

Happy to help. Hope they can work it out. I’d be frustrated. At least there are multiple backups to enter the vehicle. I know I just prefer passive entry rather than having to reach in my pocket, so I’d be at the dealer ASAP too!

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