Ford accessories remote start to replace FordPass?

[JExpedition07]

Has anyone bought the old fashioned remote start system? The Ford Pass app is complete hot garbage and only starts/works half the time. Need something more reliable. I see Ford sells a real remote start on the accessories site for roughly $200.

Sponsored

 

[Je1279]

I did not realize that remote start was not an option on the key fob.

 

[JEB]

Has anyone bought the old fashioned remote start system? The Ford Pass app is complete hot garbage and only starts/works half the time. Need something more reliable. I see Ford sells a real remote start on the accessories site for roughly $200.

If you think FordPass is bad now, just wait. It’s about to get worse. . . .

​

SSM 51379 2021-2023 F-150/Transit, 2022-2023 F-150 Lightning - Discontinued Features In FordPass

Some 2021-2023 F-150/Transit, 2022-2023 F-150 Lightning vehicles may experience issues utilizing the Smart Hitch, ProPower Onboard or Onboard Scales features (if equipped) in the FordPass app. Symptoms may include inability to connect, incorrect data displayed in the app, no weight displayed, unable to power on/off the feature, unable to turn on generator mode (gas vehicles only). The connection for these features has been removed from the Android version of the FordPass app, and will soon be removed from the iOS version. The Smart Hitch and Onboard Scales will also be removed in a future FordPass release expected no later than March 1st, 2023. Full functionality of these features will remain in vehicle, but will not be controllable from FordPass. Advise the customer of the FordPass changes and do not perform any repairs for this concern.

 

[JExpedition07]

I did not realize that remote start was not an option on the key fob.

Unfortunately not for XL and lower XLT, the remote start resides in Ford pass. My vehicle constantly disconnects from the app and cannot make contact. They sell a single button remote start fob and I was wondering if I can override/ get rid of the Ford Pass and wire an old fashioned one into the truck.

I don’t trust FordPass, as soon as the software hits a few years old you know Ford will just stop supporting it. With a wired in remote start once installed you are good to go forever lol.

 

[skiteton]

If you think FordPass is bad now, just wait. It’s about to get worse. . . .

​

SSM 51379 2021-2023 F-150/Transit, 2022-2023 F-150 Lightning - Discontinued Features In FordPass

Some 2021-2023 F-150/Transit, 2022-2023 F-150 Lightning vehicles may experience issues utilizing the Smart Hitch, ProPower Onboard or Onboard Scales features (if equipped) in the FordPass app. Symptoms may include inability to connect, incorrect data displayed in the app, no weight displayed, unable to power on/off the feature, unable to turn on generator mode (gas vehicles only). The connection for these features has been removed from the Android version of the FordPass app, and will soon be removed from the iOS version. The Smart Hitch and Onboard Scales will also be removed in a future FordPass release expected no later than March 1st, 2023. Full functionality of these features will remain in vehicle, but will not be controllable from FordPass. Advise the customer of the FordPass changes and do not perform any repairs for this concern.

Oh, that really sucks! I've already had mine in to troubleshoot the Onboard Scales and Smart Hitch. Neither option has worked (on-screen or in iOS app) since I took delivery, and they still don't.

 

[JExpedition07]

Reading up it looks like the sync modem has went bad in my truck, hopefully this isn’t a part that takes too long for dealers to get. I’ll call up my dealer today and get it in for diagnosis

 

[JEB]

Oh, that really sucks! I've already had mine in to troubleshoot the Onboard Scales and Smart Hitch. Neither option has worked (on-screen or in iOS app) since I took delivery, and they still don't.

Look on the bright side—one less thing for your dealer not to fix. Now you can spend your time more productively, having your dealer not fix other things.

 

[{tpc}]

I don’t trust FordPass, as soon as the software hits a few years old you know Ford will just stop supporting it.

I doubt this. I have had Fordpass in all my XLT's (currently the 3rd one) since 2018. I could see them charging money for the feature but I don't think it will just go away or become unsupported.

 

[Aron]

If you think FordPass is bad now, just wait. It’s about to get worse. . . .

​

SSM 51379 2021-2023 F-150/Transit, 2022-2023 F-150 Lightning - Discontinued Features In FordPass

Some 2021-2023 F-150/Transit, 2022-2023 F-150 Lightning vehicles may experience issues utilizing the Smart Hitch, ProPower Onboard or Onboard Scales features (if equipped) in the FordPass app. Symptoms may include inability to connect, incorrect data displayed in the app, no weight displayed, unable to power on/off the feature, unable to turn on generator mode (gas vehicles only). The connection for these features has been removed from the Android version of the FordPass app, and will soon be removed from the iOS version. The Smart Hitch and Onboard Scales will also be removed in a future FordPass release expected no later than March 1st, 2023. Full functionality of these features will remain in vehicle, but will not be controllable from FordPass. Advise the customer of the FordPass changes and do not perform any repairs for this concern.

It's been difficult for me to get connection to some of those features via FordPass. They usually don't work, but sometimes they do. It's too bad that they're saying that they're just giving up and removing it, rather than fixing it.

I wonder if I just don't update my iOS version, if those features will stick around a while longer? I think that I'd rather have them work occasionally than just remove that option altogether.

 

[JEB]

It's been difficult for me to get connection to some of those features via FordPass. They usually don't work, but sometimes they do. It's too bad that they're saying that they're just giving up and removing it, rather than fixing it.

I wonder if I just don't update my iOS version, if those features will stick around a while longer? I think that I'd rather have them work occasionally than just remove that option altogether.

You can try that, but I’m not optimistic that you won’t lose these functions eventually. Last year, Ford activated some of the higher ProPower functions (remote start, real-time monitoring) via an APIM update. If they deactivate ProPower, and other AppLink functions, the same way you will lose them whether you update your phone’s app or not.

 

[dolsen]

I don’t trust FordPass, as soon as the software hits a few years old you know Ford will just stop supporting it. With a wired in remote start once installed you are good to go forever lol.

I recently bought a 2017 MKZ hybrid that has a 3G TCU modem. It will not connect to Lincoln way app because ATT stopped supporting 3G mid last year. Ford knew that since about 2014 ATT was gonna stop supporting it, and they still built some vehicles with 3G modems until I believe 2020. Lots of people can no longer connect to ford pas at all. There’s a class action lawsuit right now for it.

No one in a 21+ F150 has to worry about it, but my point is you’re correct to not trust the app

 

[Tim]

I had Ford’s “Perimeter Plus Security System” (ML3Z19A361A) installed on my truck by the dealer just last week so that I would have remote start from the key fob.

I had used the Ford Pass app to start the truck with no issues but I don’t usually carry my cell phone. I have an Apple watch that is connected to cellular networks. I can make and receive phone calls on the watch. I’m retired so I don’t get a lot of phone calls.

Ford Pass has a watch app that provides remote start but it doesn’t work unless I have the cell phone with me even though the watch is connected to the cellular network.

I bought the Perimeter Security Plus accessory from Waldorf Ford in Maryland. Waldorf had the lowest price. Total cost with shipping was $192.

I was going to install it myself but after viewing the installation procedure on YouTube () for a 2021 F150 I decided that dealer installation was a better option.

The installation procedure for 2021 trucks is different from previous models in that the module does not install at the ODBC port but on the APIM which is located behind the climate controls. This requires dismantling the dash in order to gain access the the installation location as the video shows.

The technician and service writer did not know that the installation had changed and told me that my dash camera, which is daisy chained to the ODBC, port had to be disconnected and that I would need to find other options for the camera.

I told the dealer reps that the installation location had changed. They told me that according to my VIN the module attached to the OBDC port. They would not even look at the YouTube video that was produced by a Ford Dealer showing the correct installation.

After three hours they came back and told me that the module was installed and the camera was working and maybe I was right about the installation.

I have no issues with the dealership. They have always made whatever I had problems with right and satisfactory.

While I was there, they did the wiper recall and found that the part number for my wiper motor was not one of the motors that needed replaced.

Total cost for the installation was $64.

Starting the truck with the key fob required a “lock” “unlock” “lock” key press on the fob. The truck starts immediately. Use the same key sequence to stop the engine.

I tested the system from in my house about 70 feet from the truck in the garage. The truck started. The Ford Pass app showed it as running with 10 minutes until shutoff.

 

[Bryan Simon]

Unfortunately not for XL and lower XLT, the remote start resides in Ford pass.

on my 21 XLT mid, I ordered the optional remote start.
not sure if it was available on the XLT 300a, but I would imagine it was.
XL & XLT 300, 301 are still keyed ignition switches—keyless started with 302a.

I use the key fob to start on cold mornings at home.
FordPass is used to start at work where I am way out of key fob range and I want the truck at least blowing warm before I get to it.

I’ve used the remote start about 5 times so far this winter. Does not get a lot of use, but still worth the extra cost.

 

[JExpedition07]

Also see I fall under the nice transmission recall, woohoo. Sorry folks, it’s a glass half empty kind of day.

 

[dmac]

Fords in the US utilize an at&t modem inside the vehicle to talk to the ford pass servers. Unfortunately no at&t service means no ford pass service.

Id recommend trying to connect Sync4 in the truck to your home WiFi if cell service is spotty at the house.

My sister team at work manages alot of the command delivery. Believe me, not a low stress team to be on...

 

[JExpedition07]

Mine doesn’t connect anywhere. Even the navigation has the no cloud icon and tells me it has no connection to the internet. Has not connected to the FordPass app in 2 days. This makes me believe the modem has went belly up based on my reading. I’ve tried resetting sync, logging out, restarting phone. Nothing makes it connect.

I was just mad because the day of a huge ice storm remote start wouldn’t work. Also really don’t want to leave the truck at the dealer for a week to get this sorted out while I have to pay for a rental car lol. I’m wondering if I should just give it a week and see if it sorts itself out.

Sponsored