Hidden Remote Start?

Hey all,

I'm a newbie and I look forward to posting with you guys in the future. I've had my 03 Explorer XLT for about 4 months now, and I really love it!

I was at a wedding over the weekend and everyone wanted to make noise outside the church as the couple got into the limo. So, I hit the Panic button on my keyfob in order to cause a rucus. I wasn't sure how to shut it off, so I just hit all four buttons on the keyfob at random to try to shut the alarm off. The alarm finally shut off...but I noticed my taillights remained on. So, I was confused and decided to investigate. It turns out, the truck was running. I apparently have a remote start and didn't even know it! It wasn't even in the spec sheet or contract when I bought the car...and there is no manual for it. I tapped the brake and the engine stopped.

Now the question I have and that I can't find anywhere is...how on earth did I do that? I've read here that you are supposed to press Unlock three times in order to start, but nothing happens. I also looked at certain CodeAlarm manuals, and came up empty-handed. In fact, my keyfob is the standard Ford keyfob...it didn't look like the CodeAlarm keyfob in the manuals.

Is there a step I'm missing in starting the truck from the remote...or could I have been possibly given different remotes with no remote start capabilities? I would think that could be a possibility, and maybe the remote start I had over the weekend was just a technical fluke. It's a nice feature to have...I just don't know how to use it.

I'm staying tuned for this one... sorry I can be of no assistance though, lol.

Devine intervention


Welcome

find your remote start unit and get the make and model. Should have a transponder bypass too.

My 2 pennies ...not an alarm or remote start guy......

Good Luck

trucku said:

find your remote start unit and get the make and model. Should have a transponder bypass too.

My 2 pennies ...not an alarm or remote start guy......

Good Luck

Click to expand...

Thanks, I'll take a look when I get a chance.

It is really strange...and I've been trying every combination on my keyfob to do it again, but nothing has happened. I'll take a closer look.

Im watching this.

Ok, a little update. I'm going to check for the remote start unit location shortly.

I decided to see if I could trigger the remote start again. And sure enough...I did it on my first try. I pressed Panic to set off the alarm. I then pressed (and I think I got this right), Lock...Unlock...Lock and Unlock at the same time...then pressed Panic again. The headlamps turned on and the truck started. I then tried it on Mrs. OpAckTool's keyfob, and it also worked. I tried other combinations...unlock three times or lock/unlock together three times...and nothing else works. It's a loud way to start it...but at least now I know how to activate it.

I'll get the Make and Model of the unit shortly.

Another update:

I found the remote start unit in the far lower corner (driver's side) in my dash. It's probably within kicking distance of my left foot. The model number is AS9075...and looking that up tells me that it's an Audiovox...which I understand CodeAlarm is part of the family, and is a Ford partner. There is also an On/Off toggle switch just in front of the unit.

Do any of you have this remote start unit installed? I don't think my keyfobs are compatible with the remote start...they're standard Ford keyfobs (four buttons...Lock, Unlock, Panic, and Open Rear Hatch). Unless the remote start is integrated into the standard keyfobs, I can't imagine how I'm able to start it with the keyfobs.

It's nice to know I have a remote start though! That's a pleasant surprise.

Tried it on mine. Didnt work. I have an 05 though. Ill look for the box you described when its light out.

Thanks

I have a remote start and I have a different set of keyfob that comes with it.
Four buttons..lock, unlock, panic/alarm, start (key image).
The way to activate is to press lock, then press and hold the start button (until you hear a confirmation beep or two quick flash of your turn signal lights). Once your engine is running, press unlock to go into the vehicle. BEFORE stepping on the brakes, you must insert your key and turn it to the ON position- two clicks, not START). Stepping on the brakes without the key inserted will turn off the engine, like you mentioned.
The unit might have been programmed using your standard keyfob. Try pressing lock, release, then press and hold lock once again.
Or visit your friendly dealership and purchase the remote start keyfob and have them reprogam..it's a two minute job.

KRAM1 said:

I have a remote start and I have a different set of keyfob that comes with it.
Four buttons..lock, unlock, panic/alarm, start (key image).
The way to activate is to press lock, then press and hold the start button (until you hear a confirmation beep or two quick flash of your turn signal lights). Once your engine is running, press unlock to go into the vehicle. BEFORE stepping on the brakes, you must insert your key and turn it to the ON position- two clicks, not START). Stepping on the brakes without the key inserted will turn off the engine, like you mentioned.
The unit might have been programmed using your standard keyfob. Try pressing lock, release, then press and hold lock once again.
Or visit your friendly dealership and purchase the remote start keyfob and have them reprogam..it's a two minute job.

Click to expand...

Thanks, I appreciate your help! I'll try that as well. Yeah, I may just go get the keyfob at the stealership if I can't find an easier way. It would be kind of a hassle to have to set the Panic off at 7 am each morning just so I can remote start my truck. Everywhere I've read gives me the hint that I'm supposed to have a certain Ford remote start keyfob, and you just confirmed that. It is interesting nonetheless. It makes me wonder what else my Explorer does that I don't know about...maybe it'll start talking to me or something . I'll put a call into Ford and see what they can do for me.

ntrpriz said:

Tried it on mine. Didnt work. I have an 05 though. Ill look for the box you described when its light out.

Thanks

Click to expand...

Yeah...you should be able to find it pretty easily if you have it. You just need to take off the lower dash cover under the steering wheel. I found the box while kneeling with the door open, so you really don't have to get up in there too uncomfortably. It's sort of a square shaped black box that has the model number on a white sticker and it's on the far left side. There's also a red toggle switch that is supposed to be easily accessible...but it would be kind of a hassle to get to.

Happy hunting...if the standard keyfob can be programmed to use a remote start...then I wouldn't be surprised if there are more trucks out there getting sold with undisclosed remote start units.

does anyone have a picture of this box? i also have a little black box in that position but it has a different set of numbers on it. i would try to start it but its 10:30 and the neighbors might get upset.

robbie51981 said:

does anyone have a picture of this box? i also have a little black box in that position but it has a different set of numbers on it. i would try to start it but its 10:30 and the neighbors might get upset.

Click to expand...

I can't get a pic right now...but I went to eBay and got some pics of the units that closely resemble mine.

http://motors.search.ebay.com/audiovox-prestige_W0QQfromZR8QQsamcmZ6000QQsaspiZ2

The AS9055T seems to be the closest to mine. Mine also has a red toggle on/off switch in front of the unit...that may be the case with most models.

OpAckTool said:

Thanks, I'll take a look when I get a chance.

It is really strange...and I've been trying every combination on my keyfob to do it again, but nothing has happened. I'll take a closer look.

Click to expand...

i have a 2005 explorer. push lock button on fob key 2 times to start. you can also push the lock button on the door 2 times. the truck will turn off automaticly after 20 mins