Key Not Found

[Rich Tea]

Ford Fiesta 1.0 2013
Hi,
I had an error "No Key Found" when I went to start my Fiesta today. The ignition powered up the dash but the car wouldn't turn over. I tried the spare key with no joy. I fitted two new batteries to the key fobs, and still no joy.

Thinking it was a dead battery I turned off the demisting fan, and low and behold, the car started. After I had driven off and stopped at the traffic lights, the start/stop kicked in as it should, so I dont think it could be a low battery. In the past this has stopped the start/stop from working.

I took the car out for a 15 mile run and experienced no problems. However, after a cup of coffee I tried to start and again, the car wouldn't start. Once again, I turned off the demister and the car started.

Does anone have any thoughts on what the problem might be?

Thanks
Rich

 

[Handy Andy]

No sure of the year of your Fiesta (2013) so were not sure of the options it has - we're living and reading this in the USA. So; please understand we're trying to help but we don't know much about the UK versions of the Fiesta. Take this as advisement and not cast in stone.

OK, this may be a wiring or poor ground issue - in any case, it's electrical in nature.

The "demister" you're referring to I would presume as what USA calls AC unit.

The AC unit uses the dashboard wiring to power it, so if you needed to turn it off, there may be issues with the wiring in and around the drivers seat - including the main console and steering wheel.

Was there any changes or work done around the passenger compartment? Maintenance, washing - or you had to reach into the Glove-box to get something and had to rummage around and slam it shut to keep going?

Thinking being that you may have bumped or pushed something into an area and it is affecting operation - like a grounding bond point that the wiring harness routes return back to the frame of the car, then itself goes back to the battery.

Since you own a titanium - this may not be an issue with the keys, but of the Battery Minder (Monitor) circuit and it senses that the power level has dropped while it sits, so it disables the relay - the one on the battery cable ground.

​

So the issue with that - you may have two lights on your Dashboard, one that looks like a Battery - and another that looks like a Voltage pile (a schematic version of a battery symbol) that may also indicate a secondary battery that needs service or replacement - this may cause the issue of the starter disable - not enough power to reset the battery monitor so you'll need to inspect the engine's main battery and also the fuse-boxes - both; one outside in the engine bay, the other inside behind the glove-box - the Owners manual would show "Battery Monitor and Backup Sounder". That fuse may need to be checked and if this still happens - you can try replacing the main battery - but check with your dealer and see if there is a backup sounder unit (a separate alarm) that contains this extra battery as a backup to re-set the system so you can start the car.

If it has one, that battery in it may need to be replaced.