Hi,

I am unable to start my Fiesta with the only message being "Key Not Found". This is not a keyless ignition, I have tried both keys (fitted with two new batteries), and the car had a new battery about 6 months ago.

When I put the key into the ignition and turn it there is a click and the dashboard comes alive, but after a few seconds the message "Key Not Found" appears on the display.  This had been happening intermittently over the past 6 weeks but would always come to life after a few attempts.  It has just had a full service at which I told them about the problem but they couldn't find an issue and confirmed that the battery was AOK.

Any thoughts or fixes greatly appreciated.

Richard

Very likely the PATS receiver aerial around the ignition barrel is faulty.

A simple scan using FORScan will tell you the reason that the key is not being detected.

Thanks for getting back.  I'll check it out. If it is that, is fixing the PATS receiver an expensive job, do you know?

If it is just the PATS aerial loop then about £20 on eBay 

Just to keep you up to date on this, I managed to get it started once, yesterday, although didnt take it for a run. This morning, however, I couldn't eve unlock the thing! No power at all, not even an ignition click!

3 hours ago, Rich Millett said:

I couldn't eve unlock the thing! No power at all

Then that is a simple case of your car battery is flat !!

Time to buy a new battery 😉

On 12/21/2025 at 3:36 PM, Rich Millett said:

the car had a new battery about 6 months ago.

Or try to get this one replaced under warranty.

Is the alternator charging the battery?

Was the correct reset procedure followed? What is the charging voltage?

It WILL be due to a flat battery.