My Ford says 'Key Not Detected' — is the key at fault?

Not always. On 2017-2023 Fiesta and 2015-2022 Focus the Remote Function Actuator (also called the Keyless Vehicle Module) is a documented failure point that produces a 'Key Not Detected' warning and stops the car starting even with a good key. We check the module and the key before assuming either.

Why does the RFA fail on the Fiesta in particular?

On the Fiesta the module sits under the passenger seat, which leaves it exposed to water and spills. Liquid damage there is a known cause of keyless faults, so it is the first thing we look at on that model.

My round Tibbe key no longer turns the ignition — can you help?

Yes. The older Tibbe round key used on the Connect, Transit and early Focus is known to wear down until it stops turning the barrel. We cut a fresh key to the correct depths and, where the barrel itself has jammed — commonly documented on the Transit Custom and Focus — we deal with that at the same visit.

Ford Key Replacement & Programming — Mobile Service Across Somerset & Wiltshire

Whichever key system your Ford uses — the old round Tibbe blade or the latest keyless module — we handle it at your vehicle.

Call 01373 481730

DBS Checked

Fully Insured

Local Mobile Unit

15 Min Call Response

On-Site Within the Hour

Ford has used several very different key and immobiliser systems over the years, and the right fix depends entirely on which one is fitted to your vehicle. A Transit on a worn Tibbe key and a 2021 Fiesta throwing a keyless warning are two completely separate jobs.

We carry equipment and key stock for both ends of that range, so there is no sorting into 'old' or 'new' — we work on whichever Ford is on your driveway, seven days a week.

Older Ford key systems we work on

The earlier Ford range uses the distinctive round Tibbe key, and the mechanical side of these vehicles is where most of the trouble shows up.

Tibbe round keys used on the Connect, Transit and early Focus are known to wear down over time until they no longer turn the ignition
Ignition barrel jamming is specifically documented as a common fault on the Transit Custom and the Focus
Fresh Tibbe keys cut to the correct depths and tested on every lock before we leave

Current Ford models we work on

Newer Fords move the key function into an electronic module, and that module is the usual culprit when a good key suddenly stops working.

The Remote Function Actuator (RFA), also called the Keyless Vehicle Module, fitted to the 2017-2023 Fiesta and 2015-2022 Focus is a documented failure point
When it fails the car shows a 'Key Not Detected' warning and will not start, even though the key itself is fine
On the Fiesta the module sits under the passenger seat and is specifically vulnerable to water and spill damage

What happens on the visit

We identify the exact vehicle and the key system fitted, diagnose whether the fault sits with the key, the barrel or the module, then cut and programme what is needed on-site. Every key is tested on lock, unlock and ignition before we leave, and you get a free quote before we arrive.

Common questions

My Ford says 'Key Not Detected' — is the key at fault?: Not always. On 2017-2023 Fiesta and 2015-2022 Focus the Remote Function Actuator (also called the Keyless Vehicle Module) is a documented failure point that produces a 'Key Not Detected' warning and stops the car starting even with a good key. We check the module and the key before assuming either.
Why does the RFA fail on the Fiesta in particular?: On the Fiesta the module sits under the passenger seat, which leaves it exposed to water and spills. Liquid damage there is a known cause of keyless faults, so it is the first thing we look at on that model.
My round Tibbe key no longer turns the ignition — can you help?: Yes. The older Tibbe round key used on the Connect, Transit and early Focus is known to wear down until it stops turning the barrel. We cut a fresh key to the correct depths and, where the barrel itself has jammed — commonly documented on the Transit Custom and Focus — we deal with that at the same visit.

Where we regularly carry this out

See every area we cover across Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset, or browse all our locksmith services.

Ford key or keyless fault today?

Free quote before we arrive — tell us the vehicle and we will confirm what is involved.

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All major cards and contactless accepted on-site via mobile card reader.