I’ve had issues with this for a few months. It seems as though the battery is dead. The dash says no Ford FreeKey detected, altho it is in my hand. Nothing works, including door locks, so I used the little mini key inside the fob. In the past I’ve had it jump started, then things seemed okay until it did it again. Also, after restarting, I have to remove a fuse (#79 I think) to reset the audio and GPS.
once, after getting it started, I got an alert to see the dealer for transmission problems.

 

What happens when you put the key fob in the backup slot to start the vehicle?

 

I don’t have a key slot for the ignition. It’s a push button start. I went out and looked to make sure. Will read thru the owners manual and make sure I’m not missing something.

 

I believe the key fob back up slot is at the bottom of the center console. The point of it is if the keyfob battery is dead the key is placed directly next to the antenna to pickup the signal from the dead keyfob.

 

I did see that in the manual.tried putting both of my key fobs there, and trying ignition button, but neither would work. In the morning I’ll try a new battery in the key fob. I’ve had the car about 1.5 years and have already replaced the fob battery 2x (not sure if same or different fob each time, tho)

 

New fob batteries didn’t work. Placing key fob in the well at bottom of console also didn’t work. Now waiting for a tow truck. I bought an extended warranty from the Toyota dealer where I bought this. Of course, it’s Friday, and they can’t guarantee anything til Monday.
Hope they cover this annoying Ford issue!
will update when I know something…

 

Hi! Did you get this issue resolved? I’m having a similar problem. I took the vehicle to have the battery tested and it tested “good,” with them also charging it for about 20 minutes to 539 CCA (cold cranking amps). However, when I prepared to start it upon leaving, I again got the “Key fob not detected” error and no other electronic responses. It eventually starts after pressing buttons on the fob for a few minutes.

 

it’s been awhile, but as I recall I finally got a new battery (altho the old one tested “good”) and then the problem was resolved. Occasionally with my back-up key fob the car still reads Ford free key not detected. Maybe that key fob never got a new battery.