I bought new 2018 Transit 150 late last year. I wish it had a Smart Key... It would be nice to just keep the key fob in my pocket... I really don't like the key that came with it! Is there a way to convert it?
Thanks
There are aftermarket push button start options available. They are very difficult to install unless you are familiar with modern electronics in todays vehicles. The other issue is the availability of extra fobs in the future. This might also create issues with your warranty coverage on anything electrical while it is still covered.
In short, yes you can do it. It's not easy or inexpensive and might be costly in the future if you need replacement or repair parts.
Make sure you find a great installer. I had the Factory Remote Start option and the butcher job they did on the wiring is pitiful. Wires cut, twisted together loosely and a single wrap of not very sticky tape. It looks like it was done by a high school auto shop in the first week of school.
They also did a 'bait and switch' and advertised it as the "two way remote start with 1000' foot range and LED remote with feedback" but installed the much cheaper one way remote system.
OP isn't asking about remote start. They want a smart key for the Transit. That is just a FOB (no key) that you never have to take out of your pocket.
Walk up to the locked vehicle with a smart key and sensors on the door handle unlock the doors. Get in vehicle and use push button start to start engine. Once done driving get out and push a small button on driver door to lock all doors. FOB never comes out of pocket. Truly keyless.
That is what it looks like will happen with the 2020 Transit when it goes to the Start/Stop system. Most of the Ford vehicles with the Start/Stop system have the Smart Key.
I had a ford fusion key cut, one of the flip models. It will start the vehicle but I could never get the buttons to work. Maybe if I had forscan or something similar.
Most of the cargo models dont have the key chip sensor in the steering wheel so you can just have any key cut and it should work.
Different remote frequency between the 2. The remote will never work on a Transit. There is an aftermarket flip available that will I believe though. I think I have some but have never tried it.
I have the Smart Key on my motorcycle and really like it. Just get on and hit the starter. My Mazda has a FOB you keep in your pocket and push button start which is nice as well. I prefer both those systems to an actual key. I suspect the 2020 Transit will be more mainstream with its features but I'm not sure if they will have a full Smart Key system. Keep in mind something like 80% of Transits sold are basic white cargo vans for fleet use where the bottom dollar price is more important.
<!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: dbtech_usertag_mention --> ...While I would love a van with smart key and one button start, I would absolutely NOT buy one if the engine auto stop/start can't be disabled...
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