Support>Keys and Locks>Key Fob and Remote Start>Remote start system

Remote start system

Your Ford may be equipped with a remote start system that allows you to turn on the ignition from up to 300 feet away. Whether it’s a cold winter morning or a hot summer day, just press a button, and the remote start feature can help adjust your vehicle’s interior to a comfortable temperature before you even get inside.

OVERVIEW

The remote start button is located on your key fob transmitter, which has an extended operating range. Remote start allows you to start your engine without ever entering the vehicle. You can disable or enable the remote start system through the information display.

If your vehicle has automatic climate control, you can configure it to begin operating when you remote start your vehicle. A manual climate control system will run at the setting it was set to when you switched the vehicle off.

Many states and provinces have restrictions on the use of remote start. Check your local and state or provincial laws for specific requirements regarding remote start systems.

Troubleshooting

The remote start system will not work if:

  • The ignition is on

  • The alarm system is triggered.

  • You disable the feature.

  • The hood is open.

  • The transmission is not in park (P).

  • The vehicle battery voltage is too low.

  • The service engine soon light is on.

WARNING: To avoid dangerous concentrations of exhaust fumes, do not use remote start if your vehicle is parked indoors or in an area that is not well ventilated.

Note: Do not use remote start if your vehicle is low on fuel.

Remote Control Feedback (If Equipped)

An LED on the remote control provides status feedback for remote start or stop commands.

LED

Status

Solid green.

Remote start or extension successful.

Solid red.

Remote stop successful; vehicle off.

Blinking red.

Remote start or stop failed.

Blinking green.

Waiting for status update.

Using Remote Start

Remote Starting the Vehicle

The label on your transmitter details the starting procedure. To remote start your vehicle, first press the lock button to lock all the doors. Then press the remote start button twice. The exterior lamps will flash twice.

The horn will sound if the system fails to start, unless quiet start is on. Quiet start will also run the blower fan at a slower speed to reduce noise. It can be switched on or off in the information display. See General Information.

The power windows will not work during the remote start and the radio will not turn on automatically. The parking lamps will remain on and the vehicle will run for 5, 10, or 15 minutes, depending on the setting.

Remote Starting with an Intelligent Access Transmitter

If the vehicle has been remote started with an integrated keyhead transmitter, you must switch the ignition on before driving your vehicle. With an intelligent access transmitter, you must press the Start/Stop button on the instrument panel once while applying the brake pedal before driving your vehicle.

Extending the Remote Start Run Time

To prevent the vehicle from turning off after a remote start, repeat steps 1 and 2 with the vehicle still running. This will extend the run time for another remote start duration. If you programmed the duration to last ten minutes, the second ten minutes will begin after what is left of the first activation time.

For example, if the vehicle had been running for five minutes from the first remote start, the second remote start will cause the vehicle to continue to run for a total of 15 minutes.

You can extend the remote start up to a maximum of 35 minutes. Wait at least five seconds before remote starting after a vehicle shutdown.

Turning the Vehicle Off After Remote Starting

Press the button once to turn the vehicle off after remote starting. The parking lamps will turn off. 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.

Memory Feature

You can use your intelligent access keyfob recall the memory seat position, mirror position, and steering column position (if equipped) upon remote start. The keyfob must first be linked to a pre-set position. See Memory Function.