TL;DR
- Ford's Remote Start allows starting your vehicle from afar using a key fob, FordPass app, or voice. It warms or cools the cabin to a comfortable temperature before you enter. This feature provides convenience and enhances security, as the vehicle remains locked while running.
- Activate via key fob by pressing lock, then the remote start button twice; exterior lights flash for confirmation. Through the FordPass app, simply tap the remote start icon. It works up to 325 feet away and runs for 5, 10, or 15 minutes, with duration extendable.
- Benefits include automatic climate control, adjusting temperature and activating heated/cooled seats. Warning: Do not use in enclosed spaces due to exhaust. It won't work if the hood is open, battery low, or "service engine" light on. Always check local laws.
Also Read: Analyzing the Ford Explorer Reliability by Year
What is Ford Auto Start?
Looking to enhance your daily Ford driving experience with awesome convenience? Ford's innovative Remote Start Technology is here for you! This feature is truly a game-changer for drivers, allowing you to effortlessly control your vehicle's climate and bolster its security from a distance. Imagine stepping into a car that's already perfectly warm on a frosty winter morning, or wonderfully cool after sitting in the scorching summer sun… that's the magic of Ford's Remote Start. It ensures your vehicle is comfortable and ready to drive even before you step inside.
In this article, we'll discuss how to use Ford auto start and unlock all the benefits of this remarkable system.
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Understanding Ford's Remote Start System
Ford's Remote Start Technology provides the ability to start your vehicle's engine remotely, ensuring the cabin is preconditioned to your desired temperature. This means you can activate your car's climate control, warming it up in winter or cooling it down in summer, all before you even open the door. Beyond comfort, it also offers enhanced security by keeping your car locked and preventing unauthorised driving. The remote start button is typically located on your key fob transmitter, which offers an extended operating range.
There are several convenient ways to activate your Ford's remote start system, catering to different preferences and situations. Let's explore each method in detail.
1. Using Your Key Fob
This is perhaps the most common and straightforward method for how to use remote start Ford. Your key fob transmitter is equipped with a dedicated remote start button, often identifiable by a "2x" icon. This function allows you to start your car from as far as 300 to 325 feet away. Here’s the simple procedure:
- Step 1: Lock the Doors. First, ensure your vehicle is secure by pressing the lock button on your key fob. This is a crucial initial step.
- Step 2: Activate Remote Start. Within three seconds of locking the doors, press the remote start button (the one with the "2x" icon) twice.
- Confirmation: Your vehicle's exterior lamps will flash twice to confirm that the remote start command has been received and the engine is starting. For some vehicles, a light on your remote control will also illuminate to provide feedback on the status of your car. An LED on the remote control provides status feedback: a solid green light indicates a successful remote start or extension, while a blinking red light signifies that the remote start or stop failed. If the system fails to start, the horn may sound, unless the "quiet start" feature is enabled.
Once activated via the key fob, your vehicle will typically run for a preset duration, which can be configured for 5, 10, or 15 minutes. During this time, the parking lamps will remain on, but the power windows and radio will not operate automatically.
2. Using the FordPass App
For even greater flexibility and control, the FordPass app seamlessly integrates with your vehicle's remote start system. This allows you to manage your car directly from your smartphone, no matter where you are, as long as you have an internet connection. To use the FordPass app:
- Step 1: Open the App. Launch the FordPass app on your smartphone.
- Step 2: Select Your Vehicle. From the app's dashboard, choose your specific vehicle.
- Step 3: Tap to Start. Simply tap the remote start icon to activate the engine. The FordPass app also enables you to lock or unlock doors and even check fuel levels, adding to your convenience.
3. Voice Activation
Ford's Remote Start Technology offers a suite of features designed to enhance your comfort and control:
- Climate Control Adjustment: One of the standout benefits is the automatic climate control. If your vehicle is equipped with this, the system will gauge the temperature inside and outside the car and automatically adjust the interior to a comfortable setting based on your preset preferences. On colder days, this means your heated seats, heated steering wheel, and defrost may activate. Conversely, when it's warm, your air conditioning and cooled seats can turn on, ensuring maximum comfort upon entry. If your vehicle has a manual climate control system, it will simply run at the last setting it was on when you switched the vehicle off.
- Scheduled Start Times: Planning ahead? You can schedule your vehicle to start at specific times, guaranteeing it’s always ready exactly when you need it, whether for your daily commute or a planned outing.
- Security Features: While your vehicle is running remotely, it remains locked, providing peace of mind. Should someone attempt to drive the vehicle without the key fob present, the engine will automatically shut off, preventing unauthorised use.
- Quiet Start: To reduce noise during remote start, especially useful in residential areas, you can enable "quiet start" through your vehicle's information display. This setting also runs the blower fan at a slower speed.
- Memory Feature: If your vehicle is equipped with an intelligent access key fob and memory functions, you can even recall your pre-set memory seat position, mirror position, and steering column position upon remote start, ensuring your driving preferences are automatically adjusted for you. This feature requires the key fob to be linked to a pre-set position.
How to Cancel Remote Start
If your plans change or you simply wish to turn off the vehicle after a remote start, you can easily do so. Just press the remote start button (the "2x" icon) on your key fob once. The parking lamps will turn off, indicating the vehicle has shut down. To turn the vehicle off, you may have to be closer to the vehicle than when starting due to ground reflection and added noise from the running vehicle.
Important Considerations
While the remote start system offers immense convenience, there are a few conditions under which it will not operate, and some important warnings to keep in mind. The remote start system will not work if:
- The ignition is already on.
- The alarm system has been triggered.
- The feature has been manually disabled.
- The hood is open.
- The transmission is not in park (P).
- The vehicle battery voltage is too low.
- The "service engine soon" light is illuminated.
- Your vehicle is low on fuel.
Which Ford Models Use the Remote Start Technology?
Ford's Remote Start Technology is widely available across many popular models, including the Ford Explorer, Escape, F-150, and Mustang. While availability may vary by specific trim level, it can often be added as an aftermarket feature if it isn't included from the factory.
Final Thoughts
Ford's Remote Start Technology truly brings unmatched convenience, comfort, and security to your driving experience. By understanding how to use Ford auto start effectively and leveraging its various features, you can ensure your Ford is always perfectly conditioned and ready to go, regardless of the weather outside. Embrace the comfort and peace of mind this innovative system offers for a truly elevated driving experience. Should you have any further questions, you can always refer to Ford's official support resources.
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