I recently bought a 2014 Ford Focus SE and there’s this MyKey feature that I don’t understand. I’m totally new to cars and all I can see is a black screen with the time and date.
MyKey isn’t that weird. It lets you set limits like max volume or max speed, usually for safety. People use it for teens or others driving their car. Can’t help with the black screen though.
Yeah, I only have one key and they said it’s going to cost me $400 to get an admin key. It’s crazy expensive.
Wait, so your key has restrictions? Did you buy this car from a private seller?
No, I got it from a small dealership, but they only gave me the MyKey, not the admin key.
Was it a legit dealership?
It was a small one. Nothing big.
I found a trick online where you can try using tinfoil to reset the MyKey. Here’s how: wrap the key in foil, move away from the car, get back in, start it, and follow the reset steps from the menu. I can’t guarantee it works but worth a shot.
Thanks, I’ll try that and see what happens!
Did you try asking the dealer to remove the MyKey? Sometimes they use it as a limiter for test drives. You should call and see if they can fix it for you.
I did. They said they could remove it for $400. I got them to knock down the car price instead, and I’ll just deal with the key issue myself.
You might want to try using a code reader for a cheaper fix. It could save you money compared to the dealership.
A code reader costs about €30. It’s a handy tool to have. You can use it to reset codes or diagnose issues before paying a mechanic.
If you can get a second key made and programmed, you can remove the restrictions. My dealership covered the cost when I complained, but they used a mobile key service to save money.
Call a locksmith. They’re usually cheaper than a dealer. Expect around $150-$200.
MyKey is mostly for setting limits on stuff like speed or volume, especially if you have a teen driving. If you have another key, try using that to see if the restrictions go away.
So if I get an admin key, will the radio start working again?
Admin key is just Ford’s way of saying ‘the unrestricted key’. You can get replacement keys online and get them programmed at a locksmith for around $160. Once you have two working keys, you can program more yourself.
The radio issue might be a different problem, like a bad module. I’ve got a spare if you want it, just cover the shipping.
Wow, thanks so much! I’ll think about that and definitely keep it in mind.