I've searched and read through many threads about adding keyless entry keypads but am stuck and have some questions.

I have a 2005 Screw XLT and I've already installed a new door handle with the keypad. Hoping it would be a plug and play but it wasn't. The keypad back lights don't come on and the code I found on the BSM / VSM doesn't work. Also, can't lock the doors by pressing the 7-8 and 9-0 keys.

I found TSB 05-5-5 where the dealer can activate the keypad function, so took the truck in. Dealer says they couldn't program it (not sure if they're telling the truth) and that the BSM needs to be replaced. They want to replace the BSM AND keypad for $550. Um, no thanks.

So I have three questions:
1) has anyone found that their BSM has to be replaced, or did the dealer not actually try to reprogram it?
2) I know the BSM controls the remote keyless entry, but what about the actual keys used to start the truck? Will I have to get those reprogrammed (another trip back to the dealer)?
3) any other options that won't cost me an arm and a leg?

Thanks for your help, this is a great site.

 

I have an 05 XLT and added the keypad. Mine would partially funtion and a friend at the dealer tried to get me my code as I did not have it. He was unable to do so. It would lock but not unlock. I let their electronics guy trace out the problem and was told he found a ground wire lose at the BCM. Charged me $100, and it works fine now.

 

Bluejay,
I read through your post several times, lots of good info!
My keypad does not work at all. Won't lock, illuminate, anything. The dealer is set on replacing the BSM and they claim they've tried performing the TSB but it didn't work.

I've inspected the BSM and nothing on the exterior seems out of place. There are two wire harnesses coming out of it (blue and green) but there looks like there was one unused slot where another wiring harness could fit. The keypad wouldn't use this third one, would it?

Any way I can check for bad grounds?

 

I have no idea on either of your questions. I never looked at the BSM, myself, left that to the tech. It's just hard for me to accept that you have a bad BSM. Do the doors lock and unlock with your hey fob?

 

If Sscully does not chime in, you might PM him. He is normally very helpful with the electrical questions.

 

That's what I was thinking. I mean, the BSM even has the code printed on it.

The key fob locks and unlocks the doors like it should.

 

My son inlaw had the same prob when he installed a key pad on his 04. The dealer told him it couldn't be added. We unhooked the battery for a while and re hooked it up and it works great. Might give that a try.

 

How long did you leave the battery unhooked? I tried it for about 10 minutes but it didn't work. Hopefully that just wasn't long enough.

 

I KNOW I should not ask this, but will anyways. You did plug the new handle bucket up to the socket in the door?

 

It would not be unheard of for me to miss something that simple, but this time I didn't screw up the easy step. Yes, I plugged the keypad into the harness (while replacing a window regulator )

I'm trying to find out if the BSM controls the PATS system or not. If I can just swap out the BSM, I can be done with this once and for all, and for under 50 additional dollars.

 

Here are some post I put in a prior thread some time ago. I have a 2005 XLT and added the Mark LT handles to it. As I recall after installing the keypad it was dead as a doornail like yours. I also recall some old threads that mentioned that the as built date had something to do with some people having it work and others not working at all. Hope this helps:

I have an XLT and added the LT handles. The harness (for the keypad) was in the door and was plugged into the LT driver door handle with the keypad when I installed them. Keypad did not work by simply plugging it into the harness (12/04 build date). Took the truck to a local Lincoln dealer and gave them all the information regarding VSM and "as built" data that I learned from searching this site. Fortunately the service department was willing to spend the time on the phone with Ford to figure out how to make the keypad work. Best mod I've done so far and the dealer only charged me $35. Let me know if you want the name of the dealer. I'm located in Orange County, California

sorry for the delayed response. The dealer is Heritage Lincoln Mercury Mazda in Huntington Beach, 16800 Beach Boulevard, (714) 848-7739. The service advisor is #197 Davis, JE (I believe his first name is Jim).

From Invoice:

Concern: Cust states after installing keyless entry the keypad is inop

Correction: Necessary to access as built data through WDS

Technician was #052 Riley-19, Wes

Don't expect the great price I received (as this dealer does all the maintenance work for a friends company and they bent over backwards to figure this out) however, you should benefit from their learning curve on my truck. Hope this helps.

 

busterbad,
Thanks for the information.
My truck's build date is late 2004, so I'm willing to bet it would need the same procedure.

However, it still may be cheaper to just replace the BSM with one from a similar truck that had the keypad installed from the factory. I've been communicating with someone who has one for sale, and he has claimed that you don't need to reprogram your keys but the module may need configured depending on what your truck is equipped with.
What kind of things does the BSM control that aren't standard equipment on an XLT?
My XLT is pretty basic and doesn't have any optional equipment that I am aware of (unless automatic headlights are optional on an XLT).

Any thoughts or advice? If someone can explain why swapping the BSM is a bad idea, I may have to try the WDS method (if I can get the dealer to try it).

 

Well, I picked up my truck from the dealership. After talking with them they claimed they tried the WDS procedure and it didn't work.

Maybe my BSM is a dud or maybe they misled me, either way, I'm going to try swapping in another BSM to see if that will work.
I'll report what happens when the time comes.

 

Following up here in the hopes of being able to help any one else who is or will be in my shoes.

I purchased a used BSM from another 2005 F150 that came with the keypad. The seller didn't know any other details of the truck it came from, but it only cost me $35 shipped to my door.

When first opening the package, I noticed it had the 3rd harness installed with a single black wire coming out of it. The BSM in my truck from the factory was missing that 3rd harness (it only had the blue and green harnesses).

Before installing the new BSM, I experimented by plugging the 3rd harness into my existing BSM and grounding that wire. I even unplugged the battery in hopes of resetting the BSM. No luck.

So I installed the new BSM and it worked! No need for that third grey harness (I'm not even sure what it is for).

I had to reprogram my remote keyless fobs but not my keys to start the engine. I was afraid my keys wouldn't work due to the PATS, but apparently the PATS is controlled by a different module.

Details:
the part # of the original BSM: 4L3T-15604-AE
part # of "new" BSM: 5L3T-15604-BA

I LOVE the keypad feature and am very glad I got it working! Wouldn't have been possible without all the help on this site. Thanks!

 

I have a 2010 XLT SCREW that did not come with the keyless entry keypad. Am I correct in understanding that your 2005 didn't come with the keypad either? I bought a brand new handle with the keypad and it plugged right in. The lights work and are pretty at night but thats it. I took my SCREW to the dealer where I bought it and they thought I was completely out of my mind. They didn't want to help me either but because I bought the truck new I waved the FORD Viewpoint survey in their face until they agreed to look at my problem. The Tech was cool and willing to try a few things to "FLASH" an update to the BSM module but he was unsuccessful.

I have done a little reading about the BSM and was thinking my keypad would work if I changed the BSM to one programmed for the keypad. The dealers say it won't work but your experience says it will. Although, I'm not sure if it's true for a 2010.

It's been several months since I have given much thought about doing this. I am bored at work on Christmas Day when I came across your post. Thanks, you have given me a new hope to get my keypad working. My old truck had the keypad and I really miss it on my new truck.