hey guys. I picked up an 2017 f150 with the 5.0 this summer. It came with an aftermarket remote start. Its a compustar with the 2wg9r-sp remote. When i use it I can not power on my heater until I get in and put the key and turn it on. Any ideas how to get it so it can turn the heat on ? Unfortunately I dont have a manual and the company has not returned any emails yet.

Thanks for any help!

 

That is dependent on if the remote start was able to access the BCM (Body Control Module) and the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster), or if the installer made changes to these modules. To have climate control when remote starting, values must be changed to activate the option. Some aftermarket kits come with a separate module that does this for you; while those that hook into the ignition do not.
Here are the Values that must be changed to activate Climate Control.

 

So I would need to bring it into a Ford dealer to have them do that?

 

What do you see on the instrument cluster when you remote start? Does it look like normal, or does it look like a limited state where it tells you to put the key into drive?

 

It will say put key in and turn on.

 

I'm not sure if a dealer would do it. The values you're seeing are from Forscan which you could personally use to make the needed changes. You just need a computer (something like a laptop or a long enough cable to run from computer to vehicle) and the appropriate OBDII connection from truck to computer.

 

It's good that it says put key into turn on. That means the remote starter is controlling it over the can bus and the vehicle knows it's been remote started. You can use a tool like forscan to set the values mentioned by others here to reveal climate control options in instrument cluster for how the vehicle should act when remote started.

 

Well so far the ford dealers will not mess with anything aftermarket which i get. So i called some places that install and deal with remote starts and no one has a clue as to what would make that happen. They also said they dont have a forscan and shoulnt need it when installing a new remote start.
wondering if maybe I should just go for a new system or?

 

They are saying they don't need FORScan to install their remote start systems, which they don't. Not all shops know you can enable environmental controls when remote starting the vehicle.

Your options are to purchase an ELM connector for $50-80 and use a laptop with FORScan loaded to enable environmental controls, or purchase Ford remotes, the remote antenna/receiver module and whatever is required for that to get oem remote start functionality, or buy a different aftermarket remote start so you can get a plug-in module to add environmental control.

One of those options is dirt cheap by comparison.

 

The dealerships and certain independent shops can turn on the remote start functions, they must have Ford IDS or compatible software; they are more so accustomed to not doing that type of work because it can be a hassle and time consuming, as usually few technicians know how to properly run the software and change the values. Getting an ELM connector and a free FORScan subscription will be ultimately cheaper, and less hassle. Plus you will be able to modify other systems with FORScan to your liking.