Top 4 Reasons Your FordPass Remote Start May Fail (And How to Fix Them)

Written by: Mr. XeroDrive

Published on: 18/05/2025

Having issues with your FordPass remote start can be annoying. To fix it, make sure all doors, the trunk, and the hood are shut, and your car is in Park. If it’s still not working, don’t worry—more helpful tips are just below. Keep reading to learn how to solve these problems and start your car remotely with ease.

What Is FordPass Remote Start?

FordPass Remote Start is a cool tool that lets you turn on your car using the FordPass app on your phone. It helps you heat or cool your car before you even get in. This part will explain the main features and what you need to use this feature properly.

Main Features of FordPass

The FordPass app lets you start your car from a distance, making your life easier and your drive more comfortable. You can also unlock your doors, find your car in a parking lot, and check things like your oil level or tire pressure. These tools help you stay updated about your car’s health.

The app works using FordPass Connect, a special system in your car that needs to be turned on. This system talks to your car, so you can use remote features and get handy updates about how your car is doing.

What You Need for Remote Start to Work

For remote start to work smoothly, a few things need to be in place. First, double-check that all doors, the trunk, hood, and tailgate are closed properly. Also, make sure your car is in Park and the engine is off before you try to use remote start.

Always keep your FordPass app updated so it doesn’t run into problems. Updates fix small issues and keep the app running well. If something’s not working, check if the remote start option is turned on in the app. If it’s still not working, try restarting your car or resetting the app to fix the issue.

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Common Problems with FordPass Remote Start

If your FordPass remote start isn’t working, you’re not the only one facing this. Many people deal with things like bad connections, app issues, wrong settings, or the car going into a power-saving mode called deep sleep. Let’s break down these problems so you can get your remote start working again.

Issues with Connection

A lot of times, FordPass remote start fails because of connection issues. It might work at home but not in other places. This usually happens because of a weak Wi-Fi or phone signal. Try checking your internet in different spots to see if that’s the problem.

If the app isn’t working well, try using a different network. Also, make sure your phone has a good signal. If it’s still not working, look online to see if Ford’s system is having problems on their end.

App or Car Software Problems

Sometimes, the FordPass app or your car’s software can have small bugs that stop it from working right. Always make sure your phone and the app are updated. Updates often fix these bugs, so it’s important to stay on the latest version.

You might also need to update your car’s software to keep everything working together. If updates don’t fix the problem, try removing the app from your phone and installing it again.

Wrong Settings in Your Account

Making sure your FordPass account is set up correctly is super important. Check if your account is properly connected to your car. If it’s not set up right, the app won’t work, and remote start will fail.

Also, make sure your car’s details, like the vehicle identification number (VIN), are correct in the app. Taking a quick look at your account settings can help fix any mistakes and make the app work better.

Deep Sleep Mode Issue

Ford cars can go into a deep sleep mode to save battery if they haven’t been used for a long time. When this happens, remote start won’t work.

To solve this, start your car the old-fashioned way with your key until deep sleep mode turns off. After that, the app should connect again, and everything should work normally. To avoid this in the future, try driving your car more often.

How to Fix FordPass Remote Start: Step-by-Step

If your FordPass remote start isn’t working, you can follow a few simple steps to fix it. Check your internet, reset the app, make sure your car is ready, and keep your software updated. Let’s go through these steps to get your remote start working again.

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Check Your Internet and FordPass Connection

First, make sure your phone is connected to the internet. If your Wi-Fi or phone signal is weak, remote start might not work. Check your connection and restart your phone if needed.

Next, check if FordPass Connect is turned on. If you keep having connection problems, you might need to talk to your phone’s network provider for help. A good connection makes sure your car gets the remote start command without any delay.

Reset the FordPass App

If your internet is fine, try resetting the app. Close the FordPass app completely by swiping it away or using your phone’s app manager.

After closing it, open the app again. If it’s still not working, delete the app and install it again. Make sure to log back in and check that all your settings are correct. This can often fix problems with the app.

Make Sure Your Car Is Ready

Check if your car is set up for remote start. Make sure all doors, the hood, and the trunk are closed. Your car should also be in Park, with the gear in the right spot.

Use the buttons on your steering wheel to check your car’s settings and make sure remote start is turned on. Your car needs to meet all these conditions for remote start to work properly.

Update Your Software

Sometimes, small software issues can stop remote start from working. Check for updates for the FordPass app and your car’s system. Follow the steps in your phone and car settings to make sure you have the latest versions.

Updates often fix problems and make things work better. After updating, restart your car and phone to make sure the changes work. Keeping everything updated helps remote start work smoothly.

How Remote Start Works in Ford Cars

Ford’s remote start lets you turn on your car’s engine from a distance, which is great for warming up your car in winter or cooling it in summer. You can use either your key fob or the FordPass app to do this.

Using Your Key Fob for Remote Start

To start your Ford car with the key fob, press the lock button once to make sure the doors are locked. Then, press the remote start button twice quickly. You’ll see a sign, like the parking lights turning on, to show the engine has started. This only works if you’re within about 300 feet of your car.

If you need the engine to run longer, repeat the remote start steps within three seconds after it starts. This lets your car stay warm or cool for longer, making it a simple way to get your car ready without going outside.

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Using the FordPass App to Start Your Car

The FordPass app lets you start your car from your phone. It works with most new Ford cars and is easy to use. Open the app and find the remote start option.

Slide the start button to turn on the engine. The best part is you can do this from anywhere with a phone signal. After the engine starts, you can check things like how long it’s been running. You can also make the engine run longer or turn it off from the app, giving you more control over your car.

Getting Your Car Ready for Remote Start

Making sure your car is ready is key to using FordPass remote start without problems. Check that your doors, hood, and tailgate are closed, and set up your alarm system correctly. This part will guide you through the steps to follow.

Check Doors and Hood Before Starting

Before you use remote start, make sure all doors, the hood, and the tailgate are fully closed. If something is open, the system might not work. This is a safety feature to avoid accidents or damage.

Newer cars have sensors that notice if something isn’t closed, which can stop remote start. Double-check everything before you try to start the car. Listen for a beep or check for warning lights on your dashboard to make sure everything is good.

Turn Off Alarms for Remote Start

For remote start to work, your alarm system needs to be set up to allow it. You might need to turn off the alarm for a bit or switch it to a remote start mode.

In some cars, if the alarm horn goes off during or after a remote start, it might mean something isn’t set up right. Check your car’s settings to adjust the alarm for remote start. Fixing this can stop failed starts and annoying alerts.

Following these steps will help you use FordPass to start your car without any trouble.

Extra Tips for FordPass Remote Start

If your FordPass remote start isn’t working right, here are some extra tips to help you use its features better and understand the signs on your car’s dashboard.

Getting the Most Out of FordPass

To make the FordPass app work its best, keep both the app and your car’s system updated. App updates fix issues and make the app better, so always check for new versions. Also, make sure your car has a good phone signal since the app needs it to work.

Another trick is to close and reopen the FordPass app to refresh it. This can fix small problems. If it’s still not working, try deleting and reinstalling the app. These steps can help fix remote start issues and make the app work better overall.

Understanding Your Car’s Dashboard Signs

Your car’s dashboard gives you important info about the remote start system. Learn how your Ford’s dashboard works. You can use the steering wheel buttons to check if remote start is on—a checkmark means it’s ready to go.

If you see strange alerts or warnings, it might mean there’s a problem with remote start. Look at your car’s manual or visit a Ford dealer if you need help. Understanding what each sign means can save you time and make sure remote start works smoothly.

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