The warmer summer months are approaching, and as the temperatures rise, so does the level of discomfort that you often feel while in your vehicle. If you must head to work or run an errand, you may dread walking to your hot car. It doesn't help if you have to park your automobile out in the driveway where the sun heats it up or on the top of a parking ramp while you work for many hours. If your vehicle has a remote start, you may wonder, "Does a remote start turn on the AC?" The short answer is, yes, you can use this to cool down your vehicle before getting inside it. During winter, you may ask, "Does the remote start turn on the heat?" Luckily, the opposite also happens; you can use this to heat your car when it is cold outside.
Is remote start bad for your car? This is a common concern for some drivers, but Ford's remote start system is designed to work with your vehicle's engine and systems without causing harm. It is engineered to be convenient and safe for regular use.
What Is The Ford Remote Start?
A remote starter on a vehicle is a unit controlled by a remote. Usually, this is part of the Ford remote start key fob you get when purchasing your car. This starter is electronically tied into your vehicle's security system. If your automobile didn't come with a starter when you bought it, you could have this added after the fact. When a button is pressed on your remote start control unit, your vehicle will start up. Whatever the temperature setting was within your vehicle when you left it that morning, that is what will start running. If you want to cool down your vehicle later in the day, leave your car with the air conditioning on and running.
Features Of The Ford Remote Start
Many vehicles that come with a remote start already installed will have some other features included. Since the starter is wired into the security system, different areas of the vehicle can be controlled remotely, such as locking and unlocking doors, remote trunk release, lighting up your dome light remotely, starter disables, window movement, and so on. The better the quality of your vehicle and remote start for the Ford F-150, the farther away you can control these things from somewhere else.
How Should You Use Your Ford Remote Starter?
Since you can start your vehicle without being inside, you have a few options for heating or cooling your car before driving. If you are at work and your vehicle is nearby, you can use your remote to start your vehicle up about fifteen minutes before heading out for the day. If your automobile is a little ways away, you may be able to walk to an outside area and start it from there, head back in, and pack up your things before leaving. From home, the process is pretty simple. Press your remote start button from a front window, have your vehicle start, and leave when ready. Ensure you never start your vehicle while parked inside your garage with the garage door closed. The emissions and carbon monoxide need to be able to escape.
How To Tell If Your Ford Has a Remote Start
Looking for a remote start on your F-150, F-250, Transit, Edge, Explorer, or Fusion? Here's how to check:
- Look for a button with an arrow circling around it on your key fob
- Check your owner's manual under "Remote Start" or "Remote Features"
- On many Ford models (including the 2018 F-150 and 2019 Ford F-150), the remote start button is the one with a circular arrow that you'll need to press twice within three seconds
If you're unsure whether your vehicle came equipped with a remote start, our service team at Frontier Ford would be happy to help you identify your vehicle's features.
Common Remote Start Issues and Solutions
If your Ford F-150 remote start is not working or you're experiencing issues with any Ford vehicle's remote start system, here are some quick troubleshooting tips:
- Check your key fob battery and replace if necessary
- Ensure you're within range (typically 300 feet for most Ford models)
- Make sure your vehicle's hood is completely closed
- Reset your system by disconnecting your vehicle's battery for 10 minutes (consult your owner's manual first)
- For best remote start performance, ensure regular maintenance of your vehicle's electrical system
For persistent remote start issues, our factory-trained technicians at Frontier Ford can diagnose and resolve problems quickly, getting you back to the convenience you expect from your Ford vehicle.
Of course, be careful with your remote starter. You want to make sure you know when your vehicle is running, and if you throw your keys around and don't know where they are, there is always the chance you have started your car and don't even know that it is running. If you want a new vehicle with a remote starter or want to upgrade your current car, stop by our dealership today. We can help you find the perfect vehicle for your lifestyle and budget.
