New owner, 2016 F150 Lariat with electronic key. I got a plastic and metal key along with the truck. I have almost read the entire owner's manual, and end up with one question...

Should I keep this key on my ring, or in the truck? It seems as if it is used to unlock the bed tie-downs, and maybe some other stuff, but as far as I can tell, it cannot start the truck. Should I just leave this in the center console to keep it handy when needed? I really don't want to carry it every day if it is not going to be used.

 

that key will unlock the center console and glove box. The cleats are a different key

 

Unlocks the cover on the spare tire lifter as well.

 

The key also unlocks the plug to lower the spare tire.

 

I just bought a '19, and it came with a metal key, no markings whatsoever, and not even a hole punched in it. I couldn't even put it on a key ring without drilling, so if it's for the glove box and console, what does Ford expect us to do?

 

that is the emergency key that stays in the fob in case the truck battery dies

 

Uh oh... I did not get another key. I hope I can get a cleat key from the dealer. It was a used truck.

 

you can, they will have to order them in but you can get them

 

OK, so if the extra key I have is for the spare tire, it should be with the truck, always. But if I want to lock the console... Or the glove box... It would not do well to leave it in the truck, and should be on the ring with the fob.

What good does a fob do if you have to still carry a key? And what does my wife carry when she uses her Fob? And I have a missing mystery key for the cleats?

Yeah, me thinks this was not the best plan. Good job Ford!

 

How do you suggest to lock the glove box or console? Add electric motors to it like the rest of the doors?

I should add that key to my truck (didn't even consider using it for the rear as the one IN the FOB works for that).
Why do you need to carry box link keys? Lock the link in place, toss the key in the truck and carry on. Is somebody going to break into your truck just to see if the box link keys are in there to steal the box link bits?

So far you've described what is an issue to you and have blamed Ford but have not offered what you think is a fix?

Easy solution for YOU is to remove the plug from the spare tire holder so you don't need a key to access the port then you can leave the key at home.
Is your wife capable of changing a tire? Not implying she isn't capable, but am asking since you brought it up.

You could leave the metal key in the truck and lock the console (on rare/random occasions) and lock it with the key inside your FOB. If you lock the console often, then yes, that would be inconvenient to open the FOB all the time.