Remote Start Facts (2011 - 2015 only)

[jmr061]

Jason,

Just ordered the remote start key! I am super excited. I have been lurking and reading all the threads and decided to pull the trigger after a few 90+ degree days where I wish I could get the AC blasting from inside the house.

Hopefully your dealer enables it at a fair price for you so your wallet doesn't burn up.

 

[philgli]

Hopefully your dealer enables it at a fair price for you so your wallet doesn't burn up.

I got a service guy to agree to try it over the phone while I am in for a different paid service. If/when they inevitably struggle, I will try the "if it works its free, if it doesn't, I will pay for the time you wasted" approach.

My real fear is cutting my brand new key at Home Depot

 

[BoSox13]

My real fear is cutting my brand new key at Home Depot

They will not be able to cut it. You'll have to go to a Locksmith. I had mine cut for $7.00.

 

[jmr061]

Have the dealer do it

 

[philgli]

Have the dealer do it

I am sure that would be expensive. I asked the hardware guy at home depot and he showed me they have the equipment to do it. Should I be worried?

 

[philgli]

Just wanted to give an update for anyone who cares...

I brought the explorer in for an oil change and brought the remote start key with me that I purchased from Jason.

The master tech said he cannot do the programming because I need the full kit with 2 keys and the range extending antenna which they were happy to sell me. I asked them to humor me and go through the steps on their IDS shop software. He said he could but it would be a standard $107 programming charge.

As he was working on that, the parts department cut the key blank I purchased from Jason. Their key grinder botched it up bad so they got another one. They went on to ruin 2 more keys before they gave up and gave me a free blank and said try another dealership. They threw in the programming portion for free.

I took the blank to Home Depot. On a $2 key, I had the associate do a practice run. I went out to the car and I worked. Then, with apprehension, I let him cut the blank from the dealership. I walked out and it worked. I sat in the parking lot and did the programming on the 3rd key in about 5 minutes. got out and fired up my remote start for the first time. Love it!!

*end of long story*

 

[jmr061]

Just wanted to give an update for anyone who cares...

I brought the explorer in for an oil change and brought the remote start key with me that I purchased from Jason.

The master tech said he cannot do the programming because I need the full kit with 2 keys and the range extending antenna which they were happy to sell me. I asked them to humor me and go through the steps on their IDS shop software. He said he could but it would be a standard $107 programming charge.

As he was working on that, the parts department cut the key blank I purchased from Jason. Their key grinder botched it up bad so they got another one. They went on to ruin 2 more keys before they gave up and gave me a free blank and said try another dealership. They threw in the programming portion for free.

I took the blank to Home Depot. On a $2 key, I had the associate do a practice run. I went out to the car and I worked. Then, with apprehension, I let him cut the blank from the dealership. I walked out and it worked. I sat in the parking lot and did the programming on the 3rd key in about 5 minutes. got out and fired up my remote start for the first time. Love it!!

*end of long story*

The dealer couldn't even cut the key right....wow. No further comment.

 

[jmr061]

Just an update...the 2016 is not the same for remote start and this thread does NOT apply to it.

 

[SHANNdaMAN]

AhHaa ... Looks like Ford got Wise to too many people figuring out features that are just software disabled and then enabling them, depriving Ford of all those overpriced "after the sale Upgrades"

I just bought a 2013 Interceptor Utility today and was wondering if Keyless Entry/Remote Start can be added to them in the same way as civilian Explorers. I know they come with a non PATS Fleet key from the factory, If I buy the Hood Pin and IKT's will the Keyless Entry/Remote Start be able to be activated or are the Interceptor Utility wiring system/modules too different?

 

[jmr061]

AhHaa ... Looks like Ford got Wise to too many people figuring out features that are just software disabled and then enabling them, depriving Ford of all those overpriced "after the sale Upgrades"

I just bought a 2013 Interceptor Utility today and was wondering if Keyless Entry/Remote Start can be added to them in the same way as civilian Explorers. I know they come with a non PATS Fleet key from the factory, If I buy the Hood Pin and IKT's will the Keyless Entry/Remote Start be able to be activated or are the Interceptor Utility wiring system/modules too different?

Look at my website in my signature.

 

[Evans956]

Hi! I'm new to the Explorer family! Just traded in a 2014 fusion for 2013 base explorer and wanted to look into this remote start activation! However when I open the hood there is no wiring harness for the hood switch. Should I have one on the base model?

 

[jmr061]

Hi! I'm new to the Explorer family! Just traded in a 2014 fusion for 2013 base explorer and wanted to look into this remote start activation! However when I open the hood there is no wiring harness for the hood switch. Should I have one on the base model?

From the original post:

The vehicle must have a hood switch installed - from my understanding all XLT and above models have a hood switch installed from the factory. If not the part number is listed below. The base model Explorer does not have a hood switch and also does not have the required hood switch wiring so those must be installed and Ford does market a kit for this. See part number listed below.

Official Ford Part Numbers:

Hood Switch - BT4Z-19G366-A
Hood Switch Wiring Kit for Base Models - DG1Z-14B504-A

 

[crrobbins]

Ace Hardware cut my new key. Charged me $2.00. A local locksmith wanted $50.00 to cut and program key to XLT. I told him I could program it myself. That is only way he would cut key.

crrobbins

 

[salvara85]

So I read the thread fully and got plenty of good advice, I have 2103 base model,I purchased all the required parts: hood switch, hood switch wiring, 2 4 button keys, my only concern is that I have no clue how to install hood switch wiring harness, can someone give me advice. Thanks

 

[jmr061]

So I read the thread fully and got plenty of good advice, I have 2103 base model,I purchased all the required parts: hood switch, hood switch wiring, 2 4 button keys, my only concern is that I have no clue how to install hood switch wiring harness, can someone give me advice. Thanks

Did the seller not give you the instructions?

 

[salvara85]

Did the seller not give you the instructions?

No, I wasn't given any instructions.

 

[jmr061]

http://www.fordservicecontent.com/f...les/2014_Series_200_RMST_Truck_4-30-2013-.pdf

 

[Pilot04]

I have a base model 2012 4x4, at least I think I do. I went to check to see if I have the wiring installed and it is there. Just no hood pin. I guess I will be buying a hood pin and a key to see if it works. I followed the wiring down as far as I can see. And it looks factory install. Hopefully mine will work.

 

[Tommy.D]

Just received my new key fob and went to True Value Hardware and they wouldn't cut it. Any reason other than they don't know what they're doing?

 

[jmr061]

Just received my new key fob and went to True Value Hardware and they wouldn't cut it. Any reason other than they don't know what they're doing?

That about sums it up...they are afraid that if they screw up the cutting they will need to buy you a new key.

Go to a locksmith.