Keyless Entry Keypad

[madlock]

Having become VERY accustomed to the Keyless Entry Keypad feature included with my other 2 Ford vehicles (albeit far more elegantly integrated into the vehicles' trim panels), I was both pleased to know and eager to add the OEM Accessory Keyless Entry Pad to my Transit Connect. So, I headed-down to a nearby dealer parts desk where I was pleased to discover they had two on-hand.

I was particularly pleased to discover that each includes two trim plates; one is a textured black similar to the TC's door handle, and the other is a smooth dark gray similar in color to the fender wheel fairings or rear bumper cover. I've chosen the black, but I could just-as-easily appreciate why others might prefer the dark gray. Programming the keypads to the vehicle was a snap, as was programming each keypad with a personal access code common to both. Unlike the integrated versions, these only support a single code in addition to each keypad's unique "master" code. Given that the TC has no driver-specific memory settings like seat, wheel, and mirror positions, there's no need for two programmable codes, but I suspect it may be possible to order the replacement part keypad (a different part number with a different style) and similarly configure it to the Transit Connect (but don't necessarily quote me before dropping your "hard earned" on a non-refundable order).

I'll be affixing both to the vehicle. One will be located near the driver's door handle (as is commonly seen on most FLM vehicles that feature a keyless entry keypad). The other will be affixed to the rear cargo door. And while the catalog photo shows where Ford's photographers have decided to place it on the driver's door, it just doesn't look "right" when placed in the same location in 3D. (The keypad measures 4" x 1 3/8").

I've tried fiddling around, temporarily affixing it to various locations, but I haven't been able to come-up with a placement that looks as good as it should. (And in some of the positions, it's either awkward to access or obstructs easy access to the door handles.

Before I give-in and decide to just affix the driver's door keypad in the same placement as the catalog photo, I'm wondering if anyone has traveled down the same path and discovered a better, more convenient, and more aesthetically pleasing, placement. I have to say, I'm very much looking forward to being able to use them both. Given the rather clumsy implementation of the lock/unlock on the key fob, especially given the additional consideration of the rear cargo doors and how the fob lock/unlock works a bit differently in combination with the factory-installed remote start, having the additional convenience of the Ford keypads' 3/4 "all unlock" and 7/8+9/0 "all lock", these are going to get a good bit of use compared to the fob.

Many thanks.

Edited November 23, 2009 by madlock

[PetrosA]

... OEM Accessory Keyless Entry Pad to my Transit Connect. So, I headed-down to a nearby dealer parts desk where I was pleased to discover they had two on-hand.

So do these require any kind of hard wiring, or are they just glued into place?

[madlock]

So do these require any kind of hard wiring, or are they just glued into place?

Self-stick adhesive.

[cnagorka]

Self-stick adhesive.

I stuck on the keyless entry pad and I've been happy as a clam with it. It's so handy to be able to hit the two buttons and have everything lock, that's worth the price itself!

The only thing I don't like that ostensibly, the battery isn't replaceable, so when the unit goes dead eventually you'll have to go to the dealer and shell out another $100 or whatever for another one. You better believe I'll try taking it apart to change the battery before I do that.

CN

Edited October 27, 2010 by cnagorka