Do you find yourself constantly setting off your car alarm or popping the trunk unintentionally? If your key fob seems to have a mind of its own, reacting to the slightest touch while in your pocket, you’re not alone. Many car owners, especially those with Ford models using the FCC M3N5WY8609 remote, experience this frustrating key fob sensitivity issue. For years, I dealt with my own overly sensitive key fob, constantly worrying about accidental button presses. It reached a point where I had to handle it with extreme care and keep it out of my pocket altogether. Finally, I decided to take matters into my own hands and find a solution. This guide shares the simple fix I discovered, which will help you regain control of your key fob and eliminate those annoying accidental activations.
The problem lies within the key fob’s button design. To get started, you’ll need to open up your key fob. First, remove the valet key using the release switch. Once the valet key is out, you can use a small screwdriver or even the valet key itself to carefully pry open the two halves of the remote casing.
With the case open, you’ll see the internal components. Gently remove the circuit board and the rubber button pad. Pay attention to how the pieces fit together; it’s straightforward, but noting the orientation will make reassembly easier.
Now, focus on the rubber button section. As you examine it, you’ll notice small metal discs on the back of each button. These discs are designed to make contact with the circuit board underneath when you press a button. In my case, and likely in many others with sensitivity issues, some of these metal discs had become detached from their original positions. They were loose inside the remote, causing the unpredictable and overly sensitive behavior. Only two of my buttons still had their metal discs properly attached; the rest were floating freely.
To remedy this, we need to modify the buttons slightly. Carefully remove all the small metal discs from the rubber button pad. You’ll see a small nub in the center of each button where the discs were originally glued. Use nail clippers to carefully snip off these nubs from all the buttons. Clean off any old glue residue from both the buttons and the metal discs to ensure a clean surface for re-adhesion.
Next, using a repair adhesive like Loctite, carefully glue the small metal discs back onto the three middle buttons – lock, unlock, and trunk. I chose to intentionally disable the panic and remote start buttons by leaving the metal discs off of these two. This is a personal preference; if you use these buttons, you can re-attach the metal discs to them as well. Disabling these buttons can further reduce accidental presses.
While you have your key fob open, this is also an excellent opportunity to replace the battery, especially if you’re unsure of its age. This remote uses a common CR-2032 battery. Simply pop out the old battery and replace it with a new one.
Once the adhesive has dried and the metal discs are securely attached (or intentionally left off), carefully reassemble your key fob. Ensure all components are correctly aligned and snap the two halves of the casing back together until they are firmly closed.
Now, test your key fob. You should find that the buttons are no longer overly sensitive. They will only activate when you intentionally press them, eliminating accidental presses while the fob is in your pocket. If you chose to disable the panic and remote start buttons, as I did, those buttons will no longer function.
This simple fix is applicable to Ford Smart Keys with the part number FCC M3N5WY8609 (OE part number 164-R8091). This includes models such as Ford Escape, C-Max, Focus, Flex, Explorer, Expedition, and Taurus from the years 2011 to 2018. The circuit board in these remotes is often stamped with Continental 1408-2 and 94V-0, which can help you confirm compatibility.
By following these steps, you can effectively resolve the issue of an overly sensitive car key fob, making daily use much less frustrating and preventing those embarrassing accidental alarm triggers. Enjoy a key fob that works when you want it to, and not every time you move in your pocket!
