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Mk7 keyfob through wash :-(

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Mk7 keyfob through wash :-(

Postby MarkHoward » Thu Apr 23, 2026 1:05 am

I put my Mk7 key fob (blue sealed unit) through the wash.
It won't remotely lock/unlock the vehicle
It won't start the vehicle.

Most concerned about the latter.
I assume there is supposed to be some RF communication between the fob and the ignition switch?
Is it possible to resurrect this? or is the only fix, a new fob?
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Re: Mk7 keyfob through wash :-(

Postby knobby1 » Thu Apr 23, 2026 3:43 am

MarkHoward wrote:I put my Mk7 key fob (blue sealed unit) through the wash.
It won't remotely lock/unlock the vehicle
It won't start the vehicle.

Most concerned about the latter.
I assume there is supposed to be some RF communication between the fob and the ignition switch?
Is it possible to resurrect this? or is the only fix, a new fob?


The RCL (remote central locking) and the ignition chip are two different parts of the key...I suspect drowning them both doesn't help.

Have you tried sitting the key in a bowl of rice overnight..?? This often helps to draw out any residual moisture. The RCL part of the key uses the internal rechargeable battery, the ignition does not.

Lord Knobrot (Smithy)
2008 2.4L RWD 170+PS 6-speed 350 LWB High Roof..."Full Poverty Spec".

When I die, I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my Grandfather, not screaming like the passengers in his car..!
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Re: Mk7 keyfob through wash :-(

Postby MarkHoward » Fri Apr 24, 2026 5:39 am

Thanks, Smithy.
Yes, the key spent overnight in a container of long grain rice. To no noticeable effect. Maybe Basmati would have been more effective.
Give tat the fob part of the key appears to be sealed, I'm surprised that there is such a complete failure. (Not an excuse, of course)
Do you understand any more about the ignition part of the key? It seemed to try to turn the motor, for the first few milli-seconds: but then nothing.
I read somewhere that the fob battery will attempt to recharge while the engine is running - but can't do that if I can't start it with that key.
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Re: Mk7 keyfob through wash :-(

Postby Altransit » Fri Apr 24, 2026 11:30 am

MarkHoward wrote: Do you understand any more about the ignition part of the key? It seemed to try to turn the motor, for the first few milli-seconds: but then nothing.
I read somewhere that the fob battery will attempt to recharge while the engine is running - but can't do that if I can't start it with that key.

The fob can recharge when the key is in the ignition P2, or some people have successfully done it on a toothbrush charger.
If the battery has been water damaged then it may not take a charge. The fob isn't 'sealed' because it can be opened, with a bit of skill, to change the battery.
If the engine even tried to turn over, then the PATS chip is working, if the PATS LED is flashing fast, then you need to read, and tell us, the codes that it will eventually flash after the fast flashing stops.
1994 Mk4 SWB 115 Minibus 70ps Di (R.I.P.)
1997 Mk5 SWB 115 Minibus 70ps Di (Gone, but not forgotten!)
2004 Mk6 SWB T280 Medium Roof 85PS 2.0 TDDi - Vantunered (Also gone)
2008 Mk7 SWB T280 Medium Roof 85PS 2.2 TDCi - Also Vantunered
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Re: Mk7 keyfob through wash :-(

Postby MarkHoward » Sat Apr 25, 2026 5:09 am

You guys know your stuff!

After fast flashing for over a minute the flashing code then settles into this pattern:
1 pause 1 2 3, 1 pause 1 2 3, 1 pause 1 2 3
Any ideas about what this indicates?

The YouTube clip I saw of replacing a battery showed the case being cut open with a mini-circular disk saw. My one shows no sign of a crack along the joined edges ...?

Appreciate the help from you smart guys :-)
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Re: Mk7 keyfob through wash :-(

Postby knobby1 » Sat Apr 25, 2026 6:16 am

MarkHoward wrote:You guys know your stuff!

After fast flashing for over a minute the flashing code then settles into this pattern:
1 pause 1 2 3, 1 pause 1 2 3, 1 pause 1 2 3
Any ideas about what this indicates?

The YouTube clip I saw of replacing a battery showed the case being cut open with a mini-circular disk saw. My one shows no sign of a crack along the joined edges ...?

Appreciate the help from you smart guys :-)


Are you able to get the actual codes read..?? We predomanently use Forscan and a V-Linker cable.

It will give you the exact fault code and what may be causing it.

Lord Knobrot (Smithy)
2008 2.4L RWD 170+PS 6-speed 350 LWB High Roof..."Full Poverty Spec".

When I die, I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my Grandfather, not screaming like the passengers in his car..!
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Re: Mk7 keyfob through wash :-(

Postby Altransit » Sat Apr 25, 2026 10:03 am

PATS codes are 2 digit codes, so you may be misreading what you're seeing.

The list is on here somewhere, but I can't find it, this list is from Google:-
11: Transceiver internal antenna damaged or not connected.
12: Less than 3 keys programmed (for certain older models).
13: Key programming failure or error.
14: Partial key code detected (code not fully read).
15: Unprogrammed key/no key detected.
16: Non-PATS key or damaged key.
21: Key programming error (wrong number of keys).
22: PATS short to ground.
23: PCM not paired with IPC.
(PATS Diagnostic & Programming Tips
Rapid Flash: Indicates PATS is in active anti-scan mode.
Key Coding: Many Fords require at least two working keys to program new keys, often involving cycling them to "run" within 5-10 seconds).

As his lordship has said above, you may need to use Forscan to get a more accurate picture of what's going on.
1994 Mk4 SWB 115 Minibus 70ps Di (R.I.P.)
1997 Mk5 SWB 115 Minibus 70ps Di (Gone, but not forgotten!)
2004 Mk6 SWB T280 Medium Roof 85PS 2.0 TDDi - Vantunered (Also gone)
2008 Mk7 SWB T280 Medium Roof 85PS 2.2 TDCi - Also Vantunered
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Re: Mk7 keyfob through wash :-(

Postby MarkHoward » Sun Apr 26, 2026 11:09 pm

PATS Code : B10D7 - PATS Key

Additional Fault Symptom (:194):
- Unexpected Operation

Status (-0A):
- DTC Present at Time of Request
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp is Off for this DTC

Module: Body Control Module
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Re: Mk7 keyfob through wash :-(

Postby knobby1 » Mon Apr 27, 2026 12:40 am

MarkHoward wrote:PATS Code : B10D7 - PATS Key

Additional Fault Symptom (:194):
- Unexpected Operation

Status (-0A):
- DTC Present at Time of Request
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp is Off for this DTC

Module: Body Control Module


Ok..your PATS (Passive Anti Theft System) key chip is not working, or it's receiver is not working. There have been instances of the system losing sight the PATS key chip info requiring it to be "re-coded" or the receiver ring around the ignition barrell may be faulty or have a poor connection. The chip in the key is passive or "non-powered" so replacing or recharging the battery in the FOB will do nothing.

Lord Knobrot (Smithy)
2008 2.4L RWD 170+PS 6-speed 350 LWB High Roof..."Full Poverty Spec".

When I die, I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my Grandfather, not screaming like the passengers in his car..!
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Re: Mk7 keyfob through wash :-(

Postby MarkHoward » Mon Apr 27, 2026 2:06 am

Thanks Smithy.

So, it's the key, rather than the ring, because the back-up key works fine.
The battery, I think, is also dead because the fob will not operate the door locks.

Sounds like I'll have to either replace the key :shock:
or get by without a back-up key.

Probably the latter.

Thanks for your help.
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