Remote Access replacement
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,026
Likes: 21
From: MA
I haven't heard of this, but I'd be pretty upset about it considering I just re-upped my annual subscription. I'd like to know of a good replacement for this too - I've gotten so used to the ability to start from my phone I wouldn't definitely miss it.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 810
Likes: 34
From: Sarasota, FL
I got the same email yesterday and was due for my renewal on 7/1/2020 which they prorated. Only cost me $20.00 for the rest of the year.
Site says people who paid for subscription past December 2020 will get refund.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,026
Likes: 21
From: MA
So I guess the big question now - what do the rest of us do? For me, I had installed the FT4Z/RMU unit as many did, but after my low quality 12volt.solutions unit failed, I did not have key-fob based remote start, only phone based. Since the FT4Z is just a VSS module, it won't start the truck. So I've ordered the JS7Z/KN1Z VSS+ remote start module that a ton of guys on here use and when we get closer to the end of the year, I'll pull the old VSS/RMU out of the truck and replace it with the new VSS so at least I can start my truck with my key fob. Damn, am I ever cursing myself for buying a truck without factory remote start. What was I thinking!! Real question is, instead of the new VSS, should I just buy a new truck instead? 
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 5,650
Likes: 243
From: GA
So I guess the big question now - what do the rest of us do? For me, I had installed the FT4Z/RMU unit as many did, but after my low quality 12volt.solutions unit failed, I did not have key-fob based remote start, only phone based. Since the FT4Z is just a VSS module, it won't start the truck. So I've ordered the JS7Z/KN1Z VSS+ remote start module that a ton of guys on here use and when we get closer to the end of the year, I'll pull the old VSS/RMU out of the truck and replace it with the new VSS so at least I can start my truck with my key fob. Damn, am I ever cursing myself for buying a truck without factory remote start. What was I thinking!! Real question is, instead of the new VSS, should I just buy a new truck instead?
A new truck is always nice but a much cheaper solution would be to rake a look at the aftermarket.
I think Viper might have something that’ll help you out.
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 872
Likes: 4
From: Greene, NY
The email showed up in my spam yesterday. Here it is for those of you that either didn't get it, or missed it.
Dear Valued Customer,We are writing to inform you that due to the upcoming discontinuation of the AT&T 3G network, all Ford and Lincoln Remote Access subscriptions will conclude on December 31, 2020.
You may or may not be aware, cellular network connectivity is required to operate your Ford or Lincoln Remote Access system, and unfortunately, AT&T is in the process of decommissioning the 3G network upon which the system relies.
If your current annual subscription period would have extended into 2021, please be aware it will cease to function on December 31, 2020. For customers who previously renewed on or after January 1, 2020, you will be able to request a prorated refund for the unused balance of your subscription cost. If you are currently enrolled in an automatic renewal program, or actively choose to renew during the balance of this year, we have discounted the renewal rate for the remaining calendar year.
We appreciate and value you as a customer. While we regret any inconvenience this announcement may cause, we suggest you please contact your Ford or Lincoln Dealer for possible alternatives.
For more information regarding the subscription fee, please contact 1-800-FORDKEY.
You may or may not be aware, cellular network connectivity is required to operate your Ford or Lincoln Remote Access system, and unfortunately, AT&T is in the process of decommissioning the 3G network upon which the system relies.
If your current annual subscription period would have extended into 2021, please be aware it will cease to function on December 31, 2020. For customers who previously renewed on or after January 1, 2020, you will be able to request a prorated refund for the unused balance of your subscription cost. If you are currently enrolled in an automatic renewal program, or actively choose to renew during the balance of this year, we have discounted the renewal rate for the remaining calendar year.
We appreciate and value you as a customer. While we regret any inconvenience this announcement may cause, we suggest you please contact your Ford or Lincoln Dealer for possible alternatives.
For more information regarding the subscription fee, please contact 1-800-FORDKEY.
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 872
Likes: 4
From: Greene, NY
So I guess the big question now - what do the rest of us do? For me, I had installed the FT4Z/RMU unit as many did, but after my low quality 12volt.solutions unit failed, I did not have key-fob based remote start, only phone based. Since the FT4Z is just a VSS module, it won't start the truck. So I've ordered the JS7Z/KN1Z VSS+ remote start module that a ton of guys on here use and when we get closer to the end of the year, I'll pull the old VSS/RMU out of the truck and replace it with the new VSS so at least I can start my truck with my key fob. Damn, am I ever cursing myself for buying a truck without factory remote start. What was I thinking!! Real question is, instead of the new VSS, should I just buy a new truck instead?
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 872
Likes: 4
From: Greene, NY
I'm definitely going to be looking for a solution. I use the cell start all the time in the winter so I can start it from my office at the end of the day.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,026
Likes: 21
From: MA
Originally Posted by GABAR
Interesting problem you have.
A new truck is always nice but a much cheaper solution would be to rake a look at the aftermarket.
I think Viper might have something that’ll help you out.
A new truck is always nice but a much cheaper solution would be to rake a look at the aftermarket.
I think Viper might have something that’ll help you out.
Originally Posted by Xwild
I'm definitely going to be looking for a solution. I use the cell start all the time in the winter so I can start it from my office at the end of the day.
XWild - I do the same, though I can use the fob from the window easily, which is clearly what will ultimately happen as I transition to a fob-based start versus smartphone. If you find anything truly comparable post it up!!
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 872
Likes: 4
From: Greene, NY
Any that the owner had the Remote Access installed on. A bunch of us with the 2017s did so, as it gave us Cell Phone based Lock/Unlock/Remote Start. Nowadays FordPass has that built in I think.
And the Smartlink module offered it I believe, but I believe that has already been discontinued?
And the Smartlink module offered it I believe, but I believe that has already been discontinued?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
I have the viper system. 2018 F-250 limited. Works with original fob. App is solid. Lock unlock start stop gps and security alerts. Can ping for truck status: fuel battery voltage hood/doors open/closed/locked etc. Also real-time alerts for truck start stop movement etc. Is faster and more responsive than my old Ford SmartLink
GABAR - I'm hesitant on the VIPER product because it appears to include a new fob in addition to the smartphone app, I really do not want to stray from the OEM flip keyfob. It's likely I have not researched enough but that was my preliminary findings. I really like the plug and play aspect of the Ford VSS versus aftermarket/splicing wires.
XWild - I do the same, though I can use the fob from the window easily, which is clearly what will ultimately happen as I transition to a fob-based start versus smartphone. If you find anything truly comparable post it up!!
XWild - I do the same, though I can use the fob from the window easily, which is clearly what will ultimately happen as I transition to a fob-based start versus smartphone. If you find anything truly comparable post it up!!
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 175
Likes: 6
From: Chicago Suburbs
My 2017 remote access was due for renewal in November 19 and they wouldn't let me renew because of this. Stopped working on the day after expiration. Chicago winters are cold and I really wanted the long distance remote start. Ended up buying a Fortin evo-fort3 and Audiovox ASCL6. Plug and play T adapter behind the OBD port besides needing 12V power. Easy install, but not the cheapest.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,026
Likes: 21
From: MA
Originally Posted by adamsfbay
I have the viper system. 2018 F-250 limited. Works with original fob. App is solid. Lock unlock start stop gps and security alerts. Can ping for truck status: fuel battery voltage hood/doors open/closed/locked etc. Also real-time alerts for truck start stop movement etc. Is faster and more responsive than my old Ford SmartLink