Contaminants make key fob Dysfunctional
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After brainstorming the problem to no avail I went to the local Ford dealership on a mission of discovery. I had a brand new factory key made for the truck. I ended up spending $500 on something I could have done myself for about 20% of the dealership cost to me.
Be all of this as it may — I have finally discovered the answer to the key malfunction in the fob.
I utilize a high grade aerosol electronic contact cleaner in copious amounts while opening and closing the key inside the fob mechanism. Then I apply compressed air in a similar fashion while working the key mechanism again.
After this regimen voila the keys all work as designed. There has to be some adhesion going on from the contamination secondary to dipping the keys in various liquids. Even water causes the problem as evidenced by the accidental bird bath dipping one of them received. The keys don't really care if I didn't mean to contaminate them. My intent was totally irrelevant. Only the solution mattered.
So now, I have 3 fully operational factory keys at my beck and call. The attached lanyards were highly contributory in this mess scenario as well.
I have enjoyed the overkill of all this troubleshooting but I tell you "getting here" was a bit of a vexation beyond my personal ability to cope. Whine ! I was quite the unhappy camper for a few days. However, my antics did stimulate that subsequent overpowering resolve to bring the matter to a satisfactory close once and for all.