The proximity sensors for the keyless system can tell if the fob is within 1" of the drivers seat to start the truck. If they have a system that precise you don't think they can tell where a tire sensor is with a 13' front to back spread and a 5' left to right spread. These systems are way more precise that you think and no you don't need an antenna at each wheel to accomplish it.

 

 

 

 

No extra charge to program them. My dealership only charges me the $20 cost to rotate tires when they swap out my summer and winter wheels.

 

 

It is really strange that it works for some of you. The following is a direct quote out of the 2017 Ford F150 Workshop Manual -
"It is necessary to train (calibrate) the TPMS sensors after a tire rotation on vehicles with different front and rear tire
pressures. The BCM does not automatically recognize the sensor identifiers have been moved to different positions and
retains the original position information for each sensor."

 

You absolutely are giving it to much credit. It cannot determine if it is within 1" of the drivers seat, nor does it care. Per the 2018 owners manual, it must be within the passenger compartment. There is no mention of within any distance from the seat. I can hold the key out the window as far as I can reach on both of my 17 Ford vehicles and start them. I believe that the proximity sensor is actually not even staged and uses the same range for the keyless entry(3ft from the door) My key is almost never within 1" of the drivers seat on either of those vehicles. This is all consistent with the many other proximity key vehicles that we service every day. There is a sensor in the center console and the system has a limited range. There is no more to it than that. If yours requires the key to be within 1" of the drivers seat, you should have them take a look to find out what is wrong. Maybe your batteries are getting low.

 

That also says different front and rear tire pressures. I'd imagine if he was truck for tires that have all the same pressure, it would also mention it. I see what you are getting at but the truck it self auto learns and locates the TPMS sensors. Also you can enable/disable this feature in ForScan.

 

There is nothing wrong with mine, its worked this way since new and I wouldn't want it to work like you describe. If you are able to start the truck with the fob outside the cab then something is wrong with yours or you have another key in the cab that you don't know about. Think about what an enormous liability that would be on Ford if anyone could jump in and start your truck while you were outside or you were doing something in the back seat like vacuuming or cleaning and your kid got up front and started it. The system has four proximity sensors according to the factory service manual, not just the console. I don't want to derail this thread anymore so this will be my last comment on this issue. While its true the manual does not specify a specific distance your own manual quote contradicts yourself as you said you can start it holding the fob outside. From the manual:

Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) - Overview

2015 F-150

The PATS deters the vehicle from theft by preventing the vehicle from starting unless a valid programmed key is detected inside the vehicle when the START/STOP button is pressed.

If you truly can start your truck with the fob outside I would suggest you make an appointment to get it fixed.