I heard there is an app that allows starting of some newer vehicles by cellphone, and asked via the address published by Ford if it is compatible with my 2016 F150 and 2016 Explorer, but no one responds. Does anyone know the answer or is the Ford rep online ? P-poor customer service to just ignore a customer who asks the same question 3 times....

HellOoooooooooooo. Is anyone there???? Could I please have an answer to this question?

Sent from my BlackBerry — the most secure mobile device — via the Virgin Mobile Network
From: jeffw.peters@gmail.com
Sent: November 8, 2017 11:29 AM
To: fordpass@email-fordpass.com
Subject: Fw: compatibility question, 2016 F150 and 2016 Explorer

Could I please have the courtesy of a response to my inquiry of a week ago. Is anybody there???
Sent: November 1, 2017 1:49 PM
To: FordPass@ford.com
Subject: compatibility question, 2016 F150 and 2016 Explorer

Would you please advise me if the FordPass mobile app for remote starting is compatible with either of my two vehicles, and if it will run on a BLACKBERRY KEYONE Android smartphone.

Thank you.

 

I'll confirm that the Ford Pass software has no function for remote start, I've looked before. Now maybe there is a separate app for doing that, but I really don't know.

 

Fordpass on my 2017 can remote start. You can even set a time for it to remote start every day.

 

Your answer is correct for the 2016 the OP asked about.

That function (remote start) was rolled out in 2017 to a limited number of vehicles (which included the F150, but not the Explorer).

My FordPass app has the function to start, stop, lock, unlock, and locate my 2017 F150. My coworker has a 2017 Explorer, his FordPass does NOT start his vehicle. It is only for vehicles with the Sync3.


Here is what it does:
https://owner.ford.com/how-tos/sync-...150&sync=sync3

 

Fordpass works fine for remote start on my 2018 F-150.

 

Remote start via cell phone and using the Ford Pass App for 2016`s will be a possibility as soon as Ford Releases the Smart Link adaptor for the 2011-2016 vehicles and that adaptor will have to go into the OBDII port.

There will be a new App when the adaptor becomes available and it`s going to replace Ford Pass with a new name, and increased features such as the ones in the current Ford Connect App.

Smart Link was supposed to be released late Summer of this year but I had my dealer to check on it and they said it`ll now be early next year.

Yes, it`s going to require a data plan from a cell provider.

Hope this helps.

 

There may be updates for older models later.

 

Yes I know, but it wasn't there in 2016 per the OP's truck description.

 

So when you purchase a vehicle equipped with fordpass you get 5 years of free ability to start your truck with your phone. Once that 5 years is up what does it cost to keep this functionality? I can't seem to find this information anywhere.

 

FordPass is an app and it has nothing to do with your phone being able to start you vehicle.
However, SYNC Connect, which works in conjunction with FordPass does allow remote starting from your phone.

 

Newby here that would like to add, Ford Connect comes with the vehicle or does not. It will say so on window sticker. My 2018 F-150 does not have Ford Connect.
I do have FordPass app on my phone but without Ford Connect I have not found much use for it.

 

My question was what does it cost to keep the ability to start your truck with your phone after the 5 year "free" period is up. Does anyone know?

 

I was offered the Sync Connect option for my truck when I bought it (that's what you need in your truck in order to use remote start from the FordPass app) but I declined. I was hoping that with the app it would also alert me if my truck was started (without me starting it) or if it would use gps to tell me where my truck is at from the app on the phone. No to both, I was told. So I passed on sync connect. Theres no reason ford couldn't include these features if you have sync connect and navigation in your vehicle. It would give me the extra peace of mind that if my truck was started without me knowing, or was taken without my knowledge, I could use the ford pass app to alert me and locate it.

 

I have heard that the deal with sync connect is with ATT mobile. That's how it communicates with your phone. Don't know what the charge would be after the "Free" period, but I do know that with this feature you can turn your truck into a mobile hot spot. The fee for doing this would be $20 per month. I assume you will magically receive a monthly bill from ATT !

 

Ain't nothing magic about it. They get your name and address from Ford, just like Sirrius does. On Star with GM is the same way, I have a friend that has one, they don't mention on the commercials it is not free forever. The Idea is get you used to useing it so you will keep it and pay for it.