Hello all. In preparation for installing a remote start for my 2014 XLT 5.0 4x4, I obtained two new four button keys and programmed them via Forscan. No problems. However, before I purchase the hardware, I want to chase down and perhaps slay, an internet demon.

Scattered about in various Ford forums are people claiming that certain F150 years and models have the remote start hardware already installed, just deactivated in the PCM. There is never enough information provided to discern whether this is true or false. I would really like a definitive answer. At least a couple posters came to realize they bought a used F150 with an aftermarket unit installed, but they only got a three button key.

The claim is that you just go into Forscan, enable remote start, and viola! I tried this and no joy.

Can anyone shed some light on this? Fact or urban myth?

Thanks
Mike

 

My 2023 Expedition had this. I only had to acquire and program the remote. I know this was not possible with many "earlier" models.

Search the forum for more information. There are several threads dealing with this for the F-150s. .

 

My 2017 f150 has remote start and a 3 button remote. I activate it by pushing lock 3x consecutively. You might give that a try. Also, I'm not sure what hardware would actually be required. I expect you have everything you technically need to do a remote start.

 

This is what I found in my 2013 manual, maybe it will help.
Notice the line for remote start saying if equipped.
Also be sure that you have no DTCs of any type pending.
If and when it is activated, you would than see the set-up information on the instrument panel as you scroll through settings.

 

Mike, according to the information graciously provided by Newbie, it sounds like you have a chance of this working. Is there an entry on your screen to turn remote start on or off? On my 23, there is and I didn't have to do anything with Forscan for it to work.

Different trucks are built with different components, though. You never really know if your components support higher-trim level options. Even when some aren't supposed to, higher level components may have been substituted due to availability when being built.

I also have a 2020 XL that has no wiring in the doors at all. The windows have cranks and there are no door solenoids. The keys provided have no buttons. No Ford App either thought the truck has telematics. I wonder if that supports auto start.

All you can do is try. Buy a remote, cut the key and program it to your truck. Let us know.

 

@mikeweston
I noticed you used Forscan to turn on the remote start in the BCM or PCM, I forgot.
Did you also go into the IPC (instrument panel cluster) and do the same?
I see in livinitup's spred sheet you activate r s in two modules.
Good luck.

 

You mention aftermarket remote starts and that’s a whole different ball of wax altogether. As far as the factory shebang for your ‘14, get the kit with the antenna, deal with the key cutting and fob programming and activate. That’s how I dealt with it for my amigo’s ‘14 STX SCrew. I don’t have FORSCAN, so he got all that mess done at the dealer.

I wouldn’t bet the house on a 100A XL supporting that. I’ve been led to believe that remote start comes with the power package. Heck, I actually added remote start to my ‘03 XL and it came with a power lock kit the shop installed. Take that for what it is worth. I was fine with only a remote start. Evidently, it don’t work that way.

 

Is this an OEM remote start setup being added?

 

10 years I have owned this truck (original owner), some of those years in very cold places, and unbeknownst to me, I had remote start the whole time. It just took a couple weeks research, programming two new keys, and the Forscan hack to the BCM and IPC modules.

My original post indicated a fail, but this was clumsy user error. One of my new keys did not accept the eight key turns off/on, and thus has non functional buttons. I set that key aside to deal with later, but inadvertently used it to test the RS. Today, I used the functional key and voila! Two clicks of the button and she starts. I wonder how many people have purchased a RS module, when Ford had already factory installed (and then hid) it.

That does bring me to my bum key. I purchased two new keys, claiming to be OEM, but I rather doubt that. Not from Ebay nor Amazon, rather an outfit called Keyless Remotes. $40 for two.

Both keys made it thru PATS programming, both start the car, and both are recognized as Admin keys. After PATS programming, I put both through the eight off/on key cycle. The first key took, and does everything. The 2nd key starts the truck, but no buttons work. I have attempted the key cycling multiple times. At eight, the door locks/unlocks a few times, but no buttons work. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

All in all, a good result. I finally have a couple spare keys and one key that will perform remote start. Range is not ideal, so I will be looking at antennae options.

 

Have you tried changing the battery in the remote fob that has no working buttons? The battery in the key fob on this application operates the button functions and will not prevent the key from starting the vehicle (manually using the key in ignition) as the security part doesn't require the battery.