I was told the remote access won't work on the 2018's, and that there working on something new. Has anyone heard what its going to be and when it will be available?

 

Yes, Ford has a new feature called SmartLink coming first quarter 2018. ( hear they are a bit behind so not sure of this date) It is already in testing in Chicago or somewhere up North. Not a lot of details on price, but per the article should be backwards compatible to 2010 model.

https://media.ford.com/content/fordm...-features.html

 

SmartLink is already in a number of Ford vehicles (e.g, certain models of 2017 F150, Escape, and Fusion). It's the retrofit for older (modemless) vehicles that has yet to be released.

 

I just bought the Ford Pass modem and parts for my 2017. I have not even installed it yet, as it has been too cold.

I wonder if the SmartLink is actually a better product, or just a different flavor of the same thing.

Is it free?

 

The FordPass modem or the old security alarm components that would allow remote start?

I have been checking on the SmartLink about once a week since it was supposed to be released last summer. Only to be disappointed every time I check.

 

You didn't buy a "Ford Pass modem". If you already bought some hardware, you bought the VSS (vehicle security system) and the RMU (modem) that plugs into it. This has nothing to do with FordPass. That's used in conjunction with the Ford Remote Access App (a DIFFERENT app than FordPass). This requires a $49/year subscription.

The FordPass app is used (today) with select 2017 F150s, Escapes and Fusions, as these vehicles have the modems built in to the vehicles. Like OnStart, you get a short trial period after which you must subscribe (monthly subscription) for most of the services provided (e.g., in-vehicle WiFi hotspot for your passengers, remote connectivity for certain features, etc.). This solution is called Sync Connect.

Coming soon will be a dongle that plugs into your ODBII port that provides the same hardware as the modems built into the aformentioned F150s, Escapes and Fusions. It's called SmartLink. They say it will support 2010 and up FLM vehicles. This dongle will be the piece of hardware that works with the FordPass app instead of the Remote Access App. This, too, will require the same subscription as the one mentioned above for the F150s, Escapes and Fusions using the built-in modems with FordPass/Sync Connect.

 

Hmm, that may explain why I can't get it to work on my 2018 - 250... Working fine on the 2017 -150. Do they have to break everything.......

 

 

I'm interested, too. I've a 2017 F350 6.2. I don't have Ford Pass nor Remote whatever setup for it. Very interested in this SmartLink tech.

 

Anyone hear any updates on smartlink? 2018 f250 gasser. No factory remote start. Tried 12volt solutions and it sucked.....they sent me 3 total units. The second to see if the first one was defective and a third that was a trial unit for the problems they had been receiving with the one designed for truck. Sent back and full refund, free shipping every time, very nice people just product did not work. Factory 3 button remote sucks for range, and if tried starting at work while other remote starters were being used it would get confused every time. I need something now....sucks owning a brand new truck that I love but cannot remote start it.......wouldn't mind finding an aftermarket one but then u are carrying two remotes, cant find just a blank key to lose the flip key, and would like to have a two way remote to confirm start up while in buildings.

 

Check around through these threads, even though the search function leaves something to be desired. I seem to remember reading of guys here getting Remote Access to work on the '18's. Hopefully I don't have a faulty memory.

 

poncho450....ya but I also read people posting in may of random dealers having a few remote accesses here and there cause they were discontinued.....I chased a couple tails and all dealers I checked were out.

 

Yup, that's definitely a problem. It's a discontinued item and they've become scarce. I'm happy with it in my 2017.

 

Anybody know the part numbers needed?

 

I just looked through my truck folder and I apparently did not save any of that information. I'll see if I can't dig it up in an old thread. This topic was covered extensively a long time ago.