Another case of the dealer providing incorrect information.

You can find the kit online from a number of sites. I got mine second hand (new in box off of ebay) for significantly less than the typical ebay discounted price of $410.

I installed the kit myself in less than an hour and have been using it for about three weeks now. The "find" and "remote start" features have been working flawlessly and as advertised. I'm loving the extended range.

I have been having an issue with the "lock" and "unlock" features. I've been getting a pop up message that states "The vehicle did not respond to your command. Please try again later. (00010030)". Given that I only use the app for remote starting I haven't taken the time to call remote access and troubleshoot the issue.

 

Apparently it is not supported for Android phones nor Windows phones. I don't have and won't have an iPhone.

 

I wonder how much it is for the optional security stuff where it can text you if something happens or show you where it's located (wait--can it do that?). My '11 6.7L has remote start already, and the key fob has great range compared to some (I keep telling a friend with a similar truck he needs to replace his key fob battery because you have to be nearly on top of the truck for it to start working). However, it really would be nice to start it when I'm leaving the airport or find it in a parking lot, and be notified if someone breaks in or hits it in a parking lot. I have and love an iPhone.

 

I would like that myself. However, it is too pricey for me.

 

*Update*

Douh! I realized my issue shortly after posting yesterday.

The remote access module has to be initialized just like it were an additional key FOB. After I installed my remote access a few weeks ago, I realized my third key FOB stopped working. With out thinking anything of it, I reprogrammed it. Since the truck can only have 3 FOBs programmed at any given time, it must have booted the remote access out.

Last night I re-initialized the remote access module and now all of the features are working as designed! So now I have the the two original key FOBs and the remote access programmed. The third key fob will just have to be used strictly for the key.

 

My truck did not require a reflash to install the kit.

Mine has worked very reliably so far, although being locating in the Baltimore / DC metro area we don't have any issues with cell coverage.

As far as the pricing is concerned, I agree that it is a little "salty," but it is on par with the competition (droneMobile, Viper Smartstart). I believe the yearly subscription is also $50/year for those others. Personally, the factory integration, lack of splicing/wire cutting and very quick self install made the decision a no-brainer for me (on top of finding a cheap, second hand unit on ebay)

Incorrect, Android is supported.


The range on my factory FOBs is also pitiful, and I have changed the batteries and it did not show an improvement. I read somewhere that certain types of window tint can hinder the range on the factory key fob signal, but I don't know if there is any truth to this. I didn't have my truck for long before I tinted so I can't comment on a degradation.

The optional security features are no additional cost, you just have to choose to enable them. Two steps are required to enable them:
1. Removal of a jumper wire from the remote access module during install
2. Select the appropriate features during the remote access account set-up

Since the remote access kit adds a two stage shock sensor the app will alert you if the shock sensor is triggered or if a door is opened without disarming the system. You may also opt to have a text and/or email alert sent out.

The app does not support locating the vehicle directly (that I know of) but given that the remote access module has a cellular signal, I would imagine that Ford / Remote access may be able to locate the vehicle internally.

 

You lost me at the $50/year.

 

Why? You pay more than that each month for your cell phone, and it requires cell networks to operate. $50/yr is only a little more than $4/mo, which you can probably find in your couch cushions. How much less do you want? You want them to offer you services for free for the life of the vehicle? Or would you prefer them increase the price to a $1,000 so they can say you get 10 years free?

This way you only pay a tiny amount for the service as long as you actually want/need it, rather than paying up front for years of service on a vehicle you may not keep forever (sold, stolen, wrecked, etc) or may at some point decide the service just isn't worth continuing.

 

I want this.
I'm much less concerned with 50$ a year than the original purchase price. 50$ a year is an additional...half tank of gas?
Would be cool if they could add windows up and down too. I'm sure it could be done. Its probably all integrated into the computer anyway.

 

because factory remote start is less than worthless. I live in a cold winter climate and I often have the need to start my truck without standing right next to it. This app actually makes the factory remote start useful. Im torn on whether to try this out or remove or bypass my factory starter and put on a good aftermarket one. Ive always had good aftermarket ones with two way page back feature that lets you know if it worked or not and about a mile range. They work awesome and this factory starter i have on my new truck is a joke. If I gotta be standing next to it in order for it to work i may as well get in and turn the key. Its about time they did something to address this problem, but I cant believe they cant just easily add more range and pageback to the existing fob. aftermarket ones with these features are around the same price as factory, and it adds so much more functionality i wouldnt have any problem paying another 100 or 200 for it to be useful.

 

it works out to 13 cents a day, i lose more change than that every time I sit down!

 

That has nothing to do with the factory remote start system itself. You realize that the truck delivered from the factory did not require you to stand next to it to start the truck. Right? That's purely an issue with the transmitter range from the key. That is most often affected by three things: 1) line of sight, 2) battery strength, and 3) certain window tints that tend to reflect or absorb the light (that's what a radio signal is) from your transmitter. If for some reason you need to start your truck in the parking garage from the plane after it touches down at your home airport, well then some sort of wireless/cellular system is your only bet. Otherwise, fix whatever it is that's keeping signal from reaching your truck's receiver, and you'll be golden.

 

I may have exaggerated a bit, but it works from 100ft Max but this is unacceptable to me, and you have to see the truck or it won't work at all. My previous aftermarket system worked from a good 3/4 mile away and while range was diminished obviously it worked from inside buildings and told me it actually worked. It cost about the same as factory is what I'm saying, so why does factory have to suck so much? Its worthless. I've had remote starts for over 13 years and my first aftermarket one had way better range than my current factory one. I will be checking this app out and if it looks good I'm getting it and if it doesn't I'll be removing or disabling the factory one and getting a good aftermarket one. Also another thing I hate about factory is that you cannot engage it while the engine is running to keep the engine running and pull the key, this is a very handy feature that I used frequently with my aftermarket one for quick trip into the store or whatever. I guess I'm spoiled but if you have ever experienced aftermarket starters then you will know factory starters are a joke. I hope this app fixes that and makes it usable. I often Park far away from buildings and with my aftermarket I could start it from inside and let it warm up 15 minutes in the winter. With this factory system that is impossible without this app.

 

I have had this system installed since mid-August. I bought it from Banner Automotive on eBay. I did not need a re-flash. Any truck that already has the factory remote start will not need a flash. Once I got it installed, I called Banner and they activated and tested the unit for free. Was kind of cool sitting in my truck and having it started from a guy in LA. As someone pointed out earlier, it's very nice to be able to lock the doors as a double check. Also, the factory remote start won't work from the far side of my house or when I'm at work, unless I get within eye sight of the truck. The phone start works. Finally, the security features are included if you wish to turn them on.

 

Ford's remote start is available with bi-directional - i.e. telling you whether the truck has started (depending on what model you ordered)

It also should work a lot further than what you are quoting (Ford says up to 1000 ft, clear line of site), I am guessing your batteries are running out or there is a problem.