Ford Remote Start: The Full Rundown
Ford Equator by JustAnotherCarDesigner — CC BY-SA 4.0
If you’ve ever met anyone with a remote start on their vehicle, you probably remember them raving about it. It’s one of those things that, once you have it, you don’t quite remember how you ever got along without it. If you are or are in the process of becoming a Ford owner, you have options for Ford remote start.
Below, we’ll dive into the remote start from Ford, discussing which models come with it and which have options to add it. Plus, we’ll point out some pros and cons to help you decide if a remote start is right for you.
What is Remote Start?
Remote start is a technology that works with radio waves to start up or turn off your car from a distance. Though it’s been around for some time, there have been upgrades to the technology, with options to connect to your cell phone.
There are two kinds of remote starts, one that comes standard on Ford vehicles and others that must be added as an aftermarket product. While they both get the job done, one comes with more advanced features and options to help you create the in-car atmosphere you prefer.
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Ford Models with Remote Start
Many Ford models started with remote start as a standard in 2020 and 2021. A few of the top Ford models that come with remote start as a standard feature include:
- Ford EcoSport
- Ford Escape
- Ford Edge
- Ford F-150
- Ford Mustang
- Ford Super Duty
- Ford Explorer
Remote start is more than just a feature for newer model Ford vehicles. As long as the transmission is automatic and the car is from 2011 and up, owners can add remote start as an aftermarket product. While standard Ford remote start is guaranteed to work and be covered by your warranty, you must be careful with the aftermarket.
Aftermarket Ford Remote Start
When you add remote start as an aftermarket product to your Ford vehicle, you’ll have to choose the remote start you want. There are several options, and they vary by location. After that, you’ll have a remote start, but that’s about it. Unlike standard industry remote starts, aftermarket products come on a separate key fob and will only start up your car.
While there is nothing wrong with adding a remote start to your vehicle, you have to be cautious about the warranty on your car. Sometimes, aftermarket products void your warranty, so always be sure to find out. You also want to ensure it’s a product installed by an accredited technician so your car will keep its value.
FordPass Connect
FordPass Connect is an app that pairs with your vehicle and includes much more than a remote start. With this app, you can start up your car, change the interior temperature, and even check the status of your payment or warranty. While Ford remote start with FordPass Connect has some limitations on distance, you can always:
- Control the temperature of the interior
- Defrost windshield or start-up wipers
- Lock or unlock the doors
- Check the health of your car
- Control the music and volume
When starting your car, you will need to be relatively close to start it. From there, all you have to do is push a button, and your engine will roar. FordConnect is now a standard feature in all vehicles and something that, once you get the hang of it, you won’t want to stop using.
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Troubleshooting Remote Start
With most Bluetooth and remotely connected technologies, you’ll need to know how to troubleshoot if something isn’t working correctly. To get to the bottom of the issue, follow these few steps.
- Check the batteries: Your key fob is battery-operated, so open it up and check
- Reprogram the signal: You’ll hear four beeps when you do this correctly.
- Check antenna wiring: Sometimes, the wiring near the antenna comes out, something you can check for and plug back in.
The Pros and Cons of Ford Remote Start
While the idea of a Ford remote start for your vehicle might sound fantastic, there are a few drawbacks that you should know about. Before adding a remote start or making it a part of your daily driving habit, consider these pros and cons.
The Pros
- It’s convenient – Start up your car, change the temperature, and even turn on your favorite tunes, all before you step foot in your vehicle.
- It’s safe – You can keep your door locked and check your car’s health to ensure the oil and engine are good.
- It gets your car warm – It’s always recommended to start your car before taking off. With remote start, you can start it up and keep it locked to reduce the risk of theft.
The Cons
- It’s newer – Ford remote start is not included on all models and is becoming an industry standard with more recent vehicles.
- It could void the warranty – If you add remote start as an aftermarket product, you could void the warranty if you don’t read all the fine print first.
- It can cost you – Key fobs with remote start can be expensive to replace.
- You might forget – If you forget your car is running, you could waste gas and produce unnecessary emissions.
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Ford Remote Start: The Choice is Yours
While remote start sounds like a great option, it depends on the current model you have. If you have a newer model or are planning to purchase it soon, you’ll have the option built right in as a standard feature.
Once you start using remote start, you’ll see how much more convenient your commute will be and likely not change. Luckily, manufacturers are adding remote starts to their standard list of features, making it something you’ll probably see more of very soon.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How do I drive my Ford after activating Remote Start?
To drive your Ford after remote starting, it will depend on whether you’re using the Smart Key or Intelligent Access Key. When using the Smart Key to remote start, you need to insert the key into the ignition and turn to the Start position. On the other hand, if you use the Intelligent Access Key to start the vehicle, you’ll have to press the Start/Stop button while depressing the brake pedal to drive your Ford.
Q: Where can I use my Ford Remote Start?
You can use your Ford Remote Start pretty much anywhere – your home, office, and while running errands. However, there are some precautions to ensure the safe use of this particular feature. First, only use the remote start if your Ford is outside and in a well-ventilated area. Avoid using the remote start inside a closed garage. Open the garage door first to prevent concentrations of deadly fumes.
Q: How do I extend the Remote Start time?
In Ford’s case, the remote start system can be extended up to 35 minutes. To extend the Remote Start run time, press the Remote Start button quickly on your key fob twice (2X).
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