How to tell if a car has remote start on Ford?
Look for a dedicated remote-start button on the key fob, or use the FordPass app to start the car remotely; many Ford models include remote start either built in or available through the app.
To determine this for a specific Ford, inspect the key fob layout, check the owner's manual or window sticker, and verify whether FordPass Connect or dealer-installed options provide remote-start capability. This guide walks you through the most common signs and steps to confirm remote-start availability.
Check the key fob for a remote-start button
This section explains how the physical key fob can indicate remote-start capability and how to test it safely.
- Look for a dedicated remote-start button on the fob — typically a circular arrow icon. If present, the vehicle is equipped for remote start through the fob, though activation methods can vary by year and model.
- If there is no dedicated button, some Ford models use a specific sequence with the lock button (often pressing it three times quickly or pressing and holding the lock/remote-start area). Activation procedures differ by model and year, so consult your manual for the exact method.
- If your fob has no remote-start controls and you cannot find any instructions in the manual, your vehicle may not include remote-start hardware on the factory fob and might rely on other methods (app or aftermarket), or it may not have remote start at all.
In short, a fob with a dedicated remote-start button is the quickest indicator of built-in remote-start capability; absent that, you’ll need to check other verification routes.
Verify via FordPass app and in-vehicle settings
Many newer Ford vehicles offer remote start through FordPass Connect or through in-car settings. This section covers how to verify app-based remote start.
- Open the FordPass app and look for a Remote Start option. If you see it, your vehicle supports remote start through the app, assuming the feature is activated and the vehicle is connected.
- Ensure your vehicle is enrolled in FordPass Connect and that the data connection is active. Some markets or trims require a subscription or dealer-enabled setup to enable remote start in the app.
- If you don’t see a Remote Start option in FordPass or the in-vehicle settings, your model may not have FordPass Connect enabled, or remote start may be limited to a dealer-installed system or not available in your region.
App-based confirmation is a reliable sign of remote-start capability via FordPass Connect or similar integrated services; if the option isn’t visible, check your vehicle’s hardware or contact the dealer for clarification.
Factory vs aftermarket: How to tell apart
Understanding whether remote start is factory-installed or added after purchase affects warranty, support, and feature availability. Use these indicators to distinguish the source.
- Check the window sticker (Monroney label) or the vehicle’s build sheet. If remote start is listed as a factory option, it is likely installed at the factory or by the dealer as part of the original equipment.
- Consult the VIN with a dealer or Ford's official service resources. A factory-installed remote-start feature will typically be documented in the vehicle’s factory configuration, while aftermarket installs may not appear in the official build data.
- Inspect for aftermarket signs: an additional remote-start module under the dash, extra antennas, or a different, non-Ford-branded remote fob. These can indicate a dealer- or third-party installed system rather than factory equipment.
- Note the fob’s appearance and capabilities. If the fob lacks a Ford remote-start icon and you rely on a separate app or a third-party unit, it’s more likely aftermarket.
- Finally, if you’re unsure, ask the selling dealer or a Ford service advisor to verify whether the remote-start system is factory-installed or aftermarket, and whether it’s covered by the vehicle’s warranty.
In practice, a window sticker listing remote start and VIN-based confirmation from a dealer point to factory installation; lack of documentation plus aftermarket hardware points to a non-factory setup.
Summary
To determine if your Ford has remote start, start with the key fob: a dedicated remote-start button is the clearest signal. If the fob lacks such a button, check FordPass Connect in the FordPass app or in-vehicle settings for a Remote Start option. For definitive sourcing, review the window sticker/build sheet or consult the dealer to confirm whether the remote-start system is factory-installed or aftermarket. Across model years, Ford has varied how remote start is delivered—through the fob, the FordPass app, or dealer-installed solutions—so checking multiple signals will give you a precise answer.
