Central Locking Keyfobs

Types

Due to the change from Smartlock to Smartshield midway through the AU Falcon S1 production, the key fobs for these cars are split in 2, described below.

S1 Smartlock

These remotes are actually inherited from the EL Falcon before it, and are a 304mHz sender with a Ford specific secure code built in to discern individual remotes. As a result of their age, finding good condition original ones are becoming harder, and even once found the rubber buttons are prone to wearing quicker than their S2-3 counterparts. They appear to use a fixed code sending mechanism, however the specifics of each fobs codes is yet to be decoded

As of time of writing in 2024, the only manufacturer of “off the shelf” aftermarket keyfobs for this model is KEYDIY, however their remotes have a high failure rate. Please refer to the list in the Aftermarket Replacement section for better remote clone options

Photos of an OEM Series 1 keyfob

The S1 Ute remotes are missing the boot button (right)

S2/S3 Smartshield

these remotes are far closer to what would become the standard for the BA/BF model Ford Falcons after them, however they still employ a 304mHz frequency. These remote have more aftermarket replacements available* an are easier to find replacements for due to their relatively higher commonness, and appear to employ a double-length security code with some form of “code-hopping” to discern specific remotes and prevent a common method for breaking in respectively, theoretically making them more secure. They are noticeably larger than their S1 counterparts, however they are also far more durable, reparable, and ultimately, replaceable*

^{* at the time of writing, 2024}

Photos of an OEM Series 2-3 keyfob

The S2/3 Ute remotes are missing the boot button (bottom right)

Programming Keyfobs

The following steps must be started within 10 seconds of closing the door

These steps will not work if you’re cars electronic locks are faulty i.e if the lock actuator requires rebuilding

1. Ensure all doors are closed and car is unlocked, then insert the key into the ignition and turn to the “ACC” position (1 click from off, not 2)
2. Press the rear demister switch 3 times. If successful, the door locks should cycle (unlocked-locked-unlocked)
3. Press any button on the remote. once registered, the car should cycle the locks again
4. Repeat previous steps for any other remote
5. Remove key
6. Done

Changing locking mode (Smartshield models only)

In the Smartshield models of AU Falcon (Series 1.5 - Series 3), a locking mode can be specified using a factory remote. To change the remote mode, simply hold down the lock and unlock buttons at the same time for approximately 3-5 seconds, the car will acknowledge with a flash of the indicators. The 2 modes available are:

• Single press (one press of the unlock button unlocks all doors)
• Double press (one press of the unlock button unlocks the drivers door only, another press unlocks the remaining doors)

No known aftermarket remote is able to change the locking mode of the AU Falcon at time of writing

Aftermarket replacements

Below is discovered information found while attempting to create a DIY aftermarket guide to creating Smartlock/Smartshield remotes using off the shelf solutions:

This list has a heavy bias towards Smartlock replications due to higher ROI if successful at the time of writing:

CodeEzy

• Confirmed available aftermarket remote as model CE1009 (Product name: Idol Duplicator)
• Can only be used to copy existing remote, therefore one OEM remote required.
• Instructions

KEYDIY

• Confirmed available aftermarket fob is off-the-shelf version of KEYDIY B09-3 universal fob, advertised through multiple sources as specific for EB-AU1 Ford Falcons
• Profiles available for both Smartlock and Smartshield, however unable to copy OEM remotes and uses the same code for every remote
• “off the shelf” replacements have very low success rate
• Instructions

Remocon

• Compatible aftermarket remote confirmed as model RMC-555 (requires RMC-888 programmer, first confirmed 18/12/24)
• Can only be used to copy existing remote, therefore one OEM remote required.
• Confirmed Smartlock systems only, incompatible with Smartshield code-hopping
• Instructions

RemoteKing

• Aftermarket remote confirmed as model RCR15 (untested)
• Can only be used to copy existing remote, therefore one OEM remote required.
• Difficult to acquire after 22/06/2022 due to changes in battery safety standards
• Not pursued due to difficulty acquiring

XHorse

• Aftermarket remote unavailable
• Android app doesn’t appear to have any profile matching the Ford Falcon

Other Remotes

• Various unbranded “copy any remote” remotes tested from AliExpress
• 4 remotes tested, 4 remotes failed
• Assumed that frequency/signal/baud rate not compatible with cloning sequence for “universal” remotes. This was also confirmed with known working brand Remocon using their universal offering, the RMC-600