It's pretty obvious whoever spec'd the factory remote start doesn't live where they get real winters...

For one, max range of 33'? Seriously? That barely reaches to the truck sitting in my driveway let alone from the office.

Secondly, the longest run setting is 15 min....which isn't enough time to get the heated seats warm let alone actually warm the interior of the truck when it's below 30*

Is there a way to reflash the ECU to allow for longer run times? Our last Expy (06 EB) we had an aftermarket unit installed that had a 1500' range and allowed run times up to 45 min...It also had a 2 way remote so you knew the truck actually started.

Seems like Ford skimped big time here, for a truck that was $58k a year ago it should have better than the equivalent of a $100 basic after market remote start unit...

 

33' is a bit short, unless you're going through walls or something then that sounds about right.

It's like that on purpose. Ford doesn't want you to be too far out of sight for things like lock/unlock, etc. A separate FOB is required to get more range out of the remote start. There's no way to extend it with the key.

Ford is also not the only auto maker to have a short range on the key. I've found that most GM, Chrysler, Toyotas, etc have similar ranges with their keys.

Unfortunately no. It's mandated at 15 minutes max per remote start event, and there's no way to change the programming.

Ford also offers extended range kits that work with the existing factory remote start. It's a plug-in security module, long range antenna, and long range FOBs. You can also choose to do the 2 way remote just like aftermarket ones.

15+ Expy's and Navi's can use the Ford Remote Access kits as well. This is remote start from your cell phone. A trick to this kit is when you remote start and the vehicle is running, hit the remote start button a second time on your phone and you can extend to a 30 minute run time.

on edit: Or your other option is to go with an aftermarket remote start system. There's plenty to choose from with many different options, ranges, etc.

 

33' was something I found in the brochure, the dealer told me usually as long as you can see the truck it will work, which is not always the case.

Is there a 'best' place to get this:
That right there would solve all my issues with this system. Indefinite range and 3o min run time would be perfect. I googled it and per the Ford website the local dealer would install it for around $370...ouch. Plus it says "Requires Vehicle Security Kit 19A361 at an additional cost.", which is doesn't specify. Kinda pricey for functionality I think should be standard...

not finding any info on this, which could be an option if it doesn't void the warranty:

 

Here's the two part numbers you need for Remote Access:

DL3Z19A361A
DL3Z19A390B

Dealers carry these, or you can shop online.

The security kit is required because that's the only place the remote access kit can plug into and function. You'll end up with an upgraded alarm system that will include shock sensor. You'll also have the ability to set up the app to alert you when your alarm is triggered. Mine is set to send me a text, usually I get it within about 5 seconds of the alarm going off.

The subscription is $49 a year, and that's for unlimited use.


As for the long range FOBs, the same 19A361 security module also has the antenna plug. The antenna part number is DL3Z15603C, and the 2-way FOB is DL3Z15K601A.

You can run just remote access, or you can run it with the long range antenna/FOBs. The entire thing is designed so that all components can work together or independently. The common piece is that security module, that's where they all tie in.

 

yeah, searching those part numbers I'm still looking at ~$300 without install, and I assume it needs to be installed by the dealer to be covered under the factory warranty...The annual fee isn't bad for the smartphone functionality, just need to convince the wife it's worth the initial investment.

 

Yeah, according to the dealer locator, the closest dealer would charge $433 instead of:
Remote Start - Remote Access System
SRP:$584.28
Installed:$648.96
Add to Wishlist Add to Compare View Details
Each to his or her own but for me personally, I kind of think that if you bought a 40-50-60K truck, then charging you an additional annual fee is BS. The software works through your own ECM/wireless and doesn't require anything from Ford once it's installed.....I'll live with the stock system rather then let them nickle & dime me yearly.

jeff

 

The remote access communicates through 3G/4G network towers, same as any cell phone. That's why there's an annual subscription. And the subscription charges aren't through Ford, it's through the 3rd party carrier that Ford uses for cell network access.

 

The subscription doesn't bother me, its the fact that a 60k truck has the equivalent to the cheapest aftermarket remote start on the market. This truck should have come with a 2 way remote and at least 1000' range as the standard remote start option. Not to mention, these add-on systems like remote access don't show up on the options list, and the dealer didn't say anything. If it wasn't for FTE I wouldn't even know there was a factory upgrade to make the system what it should have been to begin with.

 

Not sure which model and year you have, but if you have access to the Ford Mobile App, you can start your car from anywhere in the world. Also, you can extend the run time of the remote start two ways: with the key fob if you repeat the auto-start sequence it will add the default number of minutes to the run time; and with the mobile app you can do something similar, but I'm not sure of the details.

I believe there is still a limit of 35 minutes total.

Good luck.
Jeff

 

Congratulations; you have the exact vehicle features you are asking for. You just don't know it.

First, you read the manual wrong.

"The typical operating range for your transmitter is approximately 33 feet (10 meters). Vehicles with the remote start feature will have a greater range."

Second, check out this section in your manual where it tells you how to run remote start up to 35 minutes.

Extending the Engine Running Time
"To extend the engine running time duration of your vehicle during remote start, repeat steps 1 and 2 while the engine is running. If the duration is set to 10 minutes, the duration extends by another 10 minutes. You can extend the remote start up to a maximum of 35 minutes."

 

I'll have to give this a shot, thanks!