How to Remote Start Your Ford F-150

If you're wondering how to remote start a Ford F-150, you're in the right place. The process takes just a few seconds.
Written by Brenna Swanston
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
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You can remote start your Ford F-150 by pressing the lock button and then double-clicking the remote start button on your truck's key fob. The FordPass mobile app also allows you to remote start your F-150 using your smartphone.
If your F-150 has automatic climate control, you can also start up this system by remotely starting the truck. You know how freezing cold your car gets on those early winter mornings? Consider those icy commutes a thing of the past.
Whether you're learning to navigate your Ford F-150 or on the prowl for
cheap car insurance
(or both), we've got you covered.

How to remote start your Ford F-150

If your truck has a button on the key fob showing "X2" inside a circle with an arrow, the vehicle has remote start capability. Stand within 300 feet of your F-150 to get in range to remote start the truck. Here's how to do it.

Starting the truck

  • Press the lock button on your key fob to lock all the doors.
  • Press the remote start button twice.
  • Look for the exterior lamps to flash twice. When they do, you're ready to rock.
If you follow the above steps and your truck's horn sounds, the remote start system did not work. Keep in mind that the radio will not automatically start when you use remote start.
You can configure your F-150 to run for 5, 10, or 15 minutes after remote starting the vehicle. If you do not start driving the vehicle within the time frame you choose, the truck will turn off automatically.

Turning off the engine

After remote starting your F-150, you can turn off the vehicle by pressing the remote start button one more time. You may have to get closer to the truck to turn it off than you did to remote start it.
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Ford F-150 remote start tips and tricks

But wait—there's more! Note the following tips and tricks for using your F-150's remote start feature.
  • To extend the remote start run time, simply press the lock button and double-click the remote start button while the truck is still running after the initial remote start.
  • You can extend the remote start run time for up to 35 minutes.
  • With an intelligent access key fob, you can program the memory feature to return your truck's seat, mirror, and steering column positions to a pre-set configuration with remote start.
  • Do not use the remote start feature if your truck is low on gas.
On top of that, your
F-150
will not remote start if:
  • The ignition is on.
  • The alarm system has been triggered.
  • The remote start feature is disabled.
  • The hood is popped.
  • The vehicle is not in park.
  • The truck's battery is low.
  • The check engine light is on.
Remote start comes standard on the Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited trims of the Ford F-150. This feature is optional on the XLT trim and not available on the XL.
Key Takeaway Your F-150 must be locked and in park for the remote start feature to work. Likewise, your truck should be good on fuel, and its check engine light should not be on.

Which Ford models come with remote start?

Remote start is a common feature among modern Ford models. Remote start is available on the following models:

How to save money on Ford F-150 insurance

A Ford F-150 with modern features like remote start deserves strong protection by a good insurance policy.
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FAQs

If your F-150 comes with the remote start feature, here's how to use it: Press the lock button on your key fob to lock the truck's doors. Then, double-click the remote start button to start the vehicle.
The remote start feature comes standard on the Ford F-150's Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited trims. This feature is optional on the XLT trim. If you have the XL, remote start is not available.
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