Does This Ford Patent Spell the End of the Door Keypad?

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

Ford’s electronic keypad is a delightful throwback to the days when drivers would proudly unlock their new Town Car by punching in a code on the window sill, or just below the door handle.

However, a Ford patent published by Autoblog raises the possibility that the automaker might do away with the time-honored feature.

The patent details a new electronic locking method that places the keypad on the key fob, rather than the door. It seems the aim is provide the user with more available codes, instead of just a range of numbers.

The fob would feature a multi-touch screen, not unlike a your average smartphone. This way, Ford could offer a more complex security system, utilizing keystrokes and swipes in a variety of combinations. It’s possible that other vehicle systems could be unlocked by the fob, not just the doors.

It’s also possible that Ford will continue to offer door-mounted keypads alongside whatever new feature comes of this patent, or independent of it. Ford keeps the keypad around because buyers claim they like it. Still, technology marches on, and the keypad already seems anachronistic in the age of keyless entry.

Maybe the keypad fob will be offered on cars targeting Millenials, while Lincoln buyers get the real deal. Time will tell.

[Image: © 2016 Murilee Martin/The Truth About Cars]

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • Spartan Spartan on Sep 10, 2016

    As an owner of a 2002 and 2008 Ford Explorer, 2010 Taurus SHO (still have) and a 2012 Ford Focus Ti Hatch (sold), I love the keypad. I work out and usually my workouts are outside, running trails, hiking, etc. So instead of taking keys and my phone with me, I leave them in the car because I can use the keypad to access the car. Also, on the newer touch versions of the keypad, if you have your keys with you, you can just touch the keypad and unlock the doors. I love progress, but I'd hate to see this feature go. I want to see it evolve. A fingerprint reader, perhaps?

  • BunkerMan BunkerMan on Sep 12, 2016

    Both my 2011 F-150 and 2011 Taurus have the keypads. I use them all the time. It's handy not having to take both sets of keys when I head out into the driveway and realize my sunglasses are in the vehicle I am not about to drive. I type in the code, get the glasses and re-lock the vehicle using the pad. It's really convenient.

  • Robert Gateriewictz Robert Gateriewictz on Jul 31, 2022

    Hey, the stickers u guys mentioned about the keyless entry code, r they in the same place on a 2006 Mercury Mountaineer?

  • Robert Robert on Apr 15, 2023

    Hi my name is Robert C. Martinez III so my suv my years 2010 ford explorer key inside lock door but I has code number please help me what password code number is thank

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