Hello. I have a 2012 F-150 Lariat (Remote Start, Auto-4WD, Heated/Cooled Seats, etc.) I'm gonna drive this truck--it only has 65K miles on it--because I refuse to purchase a new truck with their computers and beeping and braking and reporting to the Mothership and horrible, low quality these days. I do need maps, however, and according to Michigan law, I cannot hold or touch my cellphone. So I want maps, volume on the steering wheel, microphone on the SW ("navigate to 1234 Main Street", "Text Stephanie"), etc. I purchased the Autotec unit---the 14" Tesla-like console replacement. <Skip all the good bits about this unit>. The problem is that Automatic Climate Control is broken, the fan runs only at one speed (no control over the low/mid/hi relays), the radio app is broken, BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY: Remote Start is bungled. RS should start the truck w/climate control and bring it to 72F, whether it requires heating, HI-fan, A/C, defrost, etc. THIS IS BROKEN.

The POS Autotec unit only works when the key is in 'run'. It doesn't recognize the CANBUS command to remote start and has removed that stock functionality. And since it's taken over the entire center console, the truck will not heat or defrost or turn on the heated seats(s)--which is important now that MI is down to 25F or so, and it won't turn on the A/C and max fan and cooled seats during a 90F summer day. I've been back-and-forth with Autotec. They don't give a damm. The unit is always powered--and presumably always listening to CANBUS--but they won't fix the bug (what? a couple hours and a few lines of code?) to make the unit to wake up on remote start. I'm not even asking that the truck automatically go to 72F, only that the unit wakes up. I can always leave the CC on HI heat, floor + defrost, and #2 heated seats before I exit the vehicle. For anyone still with me: watch out about Autotec: it's run by some money-grubbing, one-man-shop asshore from China named "Sunny."

Here's the challenge and the payoff. I want to lock-start-start my remote and get the Autotec unit to wake up. Any solution is okay. Here are some ideas I've thought of: solder accessory to run so that RS goes all the way to key-in-igniton-in-run mode. Somehow ferret out the RS CANBUS command with a little Arduino board and then send the wake-up signal to the AT unit. Use a Viper or Kleinn RS that might send the appropriate commands. Hot-wire 12v wires to the fan and HI-fan relay and heater and etc and FORCE 12v into the motors and relays, going around the little computers. Etc. I want to lock-start-start and have my truck back closer to the way it was, with climate control running. Right now I'm RS-ing (to warm the engine), running out to broom off some snow, inserting the key, running back in, waiting another 20 minutes (no high fan). Did I pony up the extra money for a Lariat for this sh!te? No. Go ahead and dump on me--it's all my fault, sure. But Autotec didn't say that RS would be broken, and they refuse to fix the issue.

Here's your impossible mission, should you choose to accept it:

$500.00 (sent in check or cash): figure out a quick fix with some wiring or fuse work. I doubt it's possible.
$500.00: verify that a Viper or Kleinn will give me back climate control WITH the Autosh!te unit installed.
$1000:00: Come to the suburbs of Detroit, work with me, and fix it. Airfare included. No workie == no payment.
$2500.00: Design a computer that talks CANBUS and will turn on the Autosh!te unit when remote started. Proper harnesses, etc.--no half-arsed cutting and soldering and etc.
$2500.00: I'll have my truck transported to your garage. No workie == no payment, plus lawfare to get my truck back.
$5000.00: If nothing above fits, but you have an expensive but guaranteed solution, have at it. Must include travel to my house and installation and guaranteed functionality. For that kind of money, I'd also like auto-72F functionality, just like stock.

Anyone want to be a hero AND win the lotto at the same time? Let me know. Mike

https://autotecpro.com/product/ford-...carplay-4g-lte

 

Have you read through the Autotec threads here? There is a lengthy one. I suggest you review that. I believe everyone has problems. Just my take.

 

Send the Chinesium unit back and get something different.

 

What was wrong with the OEM display. That is what most have.

 

I don't get the economics here. You paid $1,000 for a head unit and want to spend up to $5,000 to have it working?

 

Buys a giant touchscreen computer....