If you drive a Ford in the UK—whether it’s the workhorse Transit Custom, the best-selling Fiesta, or a Focus—you are driving one of the most popular vehicles on the road. Unfortunately, that popularity also makes them a target.
From the legendary “Tibbe” key to modern keyless entry systems, here is everything you need to know to keep your Ford secure and your wallet safe.
1. The Transit Van Myth: “Does My Key Charge in the Ignition?”
We get asked this question constantly by Transit and Custom owners. Your remote central locking stops working, and you assume the battery is dead. You Google it, and someone says: “Just drive it for a bit, it charges in the ignition.”
The Truth: It depends on your key type.
- The Blue/Black Sealed Fob: If you have the older style rounded blue or black fob (common on Transit Mk7), yes, these contain a rechargeable capacitor that charges via a copper coil in the ignition barrel. If these die, they usually need a full replacement because the unit is sealed shut.
- The Modern “Flip” Key: If you have the newer flip-out blade (Transit Custom, Fiesta Mk8), these use a standard CR2032 coin battery. They do not recharge. If your buttons stop working, don’t drive around hoping for a miracle—you just need a battery change.
Warning: If a new battery doesn’t fix it, the circuit board may be damaged. We stock these replacements and can program them in minutes.
2. Transit Security: The “Tibbe” vs. Laser Key
If you own an older Ford, you likely have a “Tibbe” key (the one that looks like a metal cylinder with cuts on the end). These are notoriously easy for thieves to pick using cheap tools bought online.
The Upgrade: Newer Fords use “Laser” (High Security) flat keys. However, the weak point on modern Transits is often the driver’s door lock itself. Thieves can use a “force tool” to twist the barrel and unlock the doors.
- Our Advice: If you own a Transit Custom, consider asking us about upgrading your driver’s door lock to a high-security Hykee Replock. It replaces the standard manufacturer barrel with a high-security anti-pick cylinder that stops force attacks dead.
3. Ford Keyless Entry: How to Stop the Signal
Just like Range Rovers, the modern Focus ST, Fiesta ST, and Mustang are targets for “Relay Theft.” Thieves scan your key’s signal from outside your house and trick the car into opening.
The “Sleep Mode” Solution Did you know newer Ford key fobs (2019 onwards) often come with motion sensors? If the key sits still for 40 seconds, it goes to “sleep” and stops broadcasting a signal.
- Check Yours: Put your key down on a table for a minute. Pick it up and immediately try to unlock the car. If it works instantly, it might not have sleep mode.
- The Fix: If your key doesn’t sleep, you absolutely need a Faraday Pouch. It is a £5 accessory that blocks the signal completely and could save your £20,000 car.
4. Lost Your Locking Wheel Nut Key?
This isn’t strictly a “key” issue, but it happens to Ford owners all the time during tyre changes. Ford locking wheel nuts are famous for the “flower” pattern rounding off, making them impossible to remove.
Don’t let a tyre shop weld a bolt to your wheel (which damages the alloy). We have specialist extraction tools to remove damaged Ford locking nuts safely, usually in under 20 minutes.
Need a spare for your Transit or a replacement for your Fiesta? GDM Auto Keys carries full Ford stock and can come to you—whether you’re at home or on the job site.
