How do I tell if my Ford Transit has remote start?

If you own a Ford Transit, you may be wondering whether your vehicle is equipped with remote start functionality. Remote start allows you to start your vehicle's engine from a distance, providing convenience and comfort, especially in cold or hot weather. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to determine if your Ford Transit has remote start capabilities.

Identifying Remote Start Features

To check if your Ford Transit has remote start, you can follow these steps:

• Locate the key fob or remote control that came with your vehicle. Look for a button that has a circular arrow or the words "Remote Start" printed on it.


• If you see a remote start button, try pressing it while standing near your Ford Transit. If the engine starts, then your vehicle is equipped with remote start functionality.


• Alternatively, you can consult your Ford Transit's owner's manual or contact your local Ford dealership to confirm whether your specific model and trim level include remote start as a standard or optional feature.

It's important to note that the availability of remote start may vary depending on the year, model, and trim level of your Ford Transit. Some older or base model Transits may not have this feature, while more recent or higher-end versions are more likely to include it.

Using Remote Start

Once you've confirmed that your Ford Transit has remote start, you can use it to start your vehicle's engine from a distance. Simply press the remote start button on your key fob, and the engine should start. This can be particularly useful in cold or hot weather, allowing you to warm up or cool down the cabin before you even get in the vehicle.

Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines when using the remote start feature. Ensure that your Ford Transit is in a well-ventilated area and that the parking brake is engaged before activating the remote start.

Can you remote start a Ford Transit?

Whether your Ford Transit has remote start depends on the model year, trim level, and optional equipment. You can check your key fob for a "circular arrow" button, use the FordPass app, or consult your owner's manual or your local Ford dealer. If you don't have it, you can sometimes add an aftermarket kit. 
How to check for remote start

• Check your key fob: Look for a button with a circular arrow icon. Some models also use a sequence, like pressing the lock button three times, or pressing lock, unlock, then lock again. 
• Use the FordPass app: If you have a modem-equipped vehicle, you can check and control remote start through the app. 
• Consult your owner's manual: The manual will have detailed information about your specific vehicle's features. 
• Ask your Ford dealer: A dealer can confirm if your vehicle has the feature by using the VIN. 

How to use remote start (if equipped)

• Key Fob: Press the lock button on your key fob, then press and hold the remote start button (the circular arrow) for a few seconds. Some models may use a different sequence like pressing lock, then unlock, then lock again.
• FordPass App: Open the app and start the engine from the home screen by sliding the start toggle.
• Important safety note: Always use remote start when your vehicle is parked outside in a well-ventilated area. 

How do I know if my transit has remote start?

If you're unsure if your Ford has remote start capability, look for a circular arrow button on your key fob or check your manual or the FordPass app for remote start options.

How do you check if you have remote start?

You can tell if your car has remote start by checking the key fob for a circular arrow button, looking for a sticker under the hood, or consulting the owner's manual. If your fob has the button, press the lock button first, then press and hold the remote start button. Some manufacturers, like Toyota, may require pressing the lock button three times and holding on the third press to activate the feature, even without a dedicated button on the fob. 
Check your key fob

• Look for a specific button: Most key fobs with remote start have a button with a circular arrow symbol (⟳). 
• Test the button: If you find the button, try pressing the car's lock button once, then immediately press and hold the remote start button for a few seconds. 
• Note: If your fob doesn't have this button, your car likely doesn't have factory remote start, though it could have an aftermarket system with a separate key fob. 

This video shows how to check for a remote start button on a key fob: 55sSteven WelchYouTube · Jun 19, 2021
Use other methods to check

• Consult the owner's manual: This is the most definitive way to confirm if your car is equipped with remote start and to learn how to use it. A PDF version of the manual is often available online if you don't have the physical copy. 
• Check the vehicle's dashboard: Some cars show a message or indicator on the dashboard when the remote start is successful. 
• Look for a sticker: Check under the hood, often on the radiator core support, for a label indicating the vehicle has auto-start. 
• Check the driver information menu: Navigate through your car's infotainment or driver information display for an option to enable or disable "auto-start" or "remote start". 

This video shows how to check if your car has remote start by looking at the dashboard and other parts: 1mBabbling BooleanYouTube · Sep 7, 2021
If you still can't tell

• Ask the dealership: They can look up your vehicle's VIN to confirm if remote start was an original factory option. 
• Contact the manufacturer: Check the manufacturer's website or support pages for information on your model's features. Some brands may have a vehicle-specific app that confirms remote start capabilities. 

Does my Ford have remote start?

To check if your Ford has remote start, look for a button with a curved or circular arrow symbol on your key fob; if it's not there, your vehicle may have it through the FordPass app (if equipped with a modem and a connected service like SYNC Connect), or you may be able to have it added as an aftermarket feature. To use the key fob, press the lock button, then press the remote start button twice within three seconds. 
Check your key fob

• Look for a button with a curved or circular arrow symbol on your key fob.
• If your key fob has this button, your Ford has remote start capabilities via the fob. 

Check your smartphone and app

• If your Ford is a 2018 model or newer (with some exceptions), you may be able to use the FordPass app. 
• You will need to have the app installed and your vehicle's modem activated. 
• You can then use the app to start, stop, lock, and unlock your vehicle remotely. 

If you don't have remote start

• It may be possible to have remote start added to your vehicle through the Ford Technology Package, FordPass Connect, or as an aftermarket feature. 
• Contact a Ford dealer to confirm your options.