How do I add remote start?

I just purchased a used 2013 Expedition EL Limited. It has every possible feature you could imagine except remote start, which surprises me. I suspect MAYBE it is already capable but I just need a different remote key with the start button on it.

Does anyone know what I need to add this feature? Is this something my dealer can add or is it aftermarket? Anyone actually done it and can tell me what it cost?

Thanks.

Welcome to the Forum

You need to get hold of the original or copy of the window sticker. It will list the remote start if it has it. You can't just get a keyfob with the remote start button on it and expect it to work. I bought a 12 King Ranch new with everything on it including the bath tub but no remote start. I added the remote feature a couple of years after purchase.

Thanks for reply. When you added remote start, was it a dealer add or aftermarket? How much did it cost (including new keys?)?

Best Buy had the Drone Mobile on sale including installation last year. BB installed it in one day. I got one remote fob with the unit, but it also offers internet remote. An app on my phone lets me remote start it, lock unlock the doors and lets me see what the inside temperature is. I use that pretty much exclusively

Steve Sawyer said:

I suspect MAYBE it is already capable but I just need a different remote key with the start button on it.

Click to expand...

That's easy enough to check. Look under the dash on the driver side - behind the panel where the adjustable pedal switch is located or a little bit to the right of it. If you see a box similar to the one below then factory remote start was installed. Otherwise, it wasn't.


Alternately, look for a hood switch under the hood. These are part of Ford's remote start package and intended to prevent the vehicle from being remotely started while the hood is open. It will be located along the edge of the engine compartment (should be on the driver side).

Try hitting your lock button 3 times and see if it starts.

I have the switch under the hood but no remote start so it's also used for something else.

The switch is always there. The anti-theft treats the hood as a door, so if it opens unexpectedly, the alarm goes off. If you hit the lock button on the remote twice with the hood unlatched, the horn will chirp twice because not all the doors are closed. Some Ford vehicles don't have it but I believe all the trucks do.

The Ford-installed remote start is manufactured by Code Systems, and it's an add-on. The Expedition doesn't support the one with the start button built into the key, unfortunately. Since you have a Limited, you have MYKEY so you'll want this one. If you're reasonably handy and comfortable splicing wires, it's a simple install. I would recommend NOT setting it up with the MYKEY option enabled, that will make it turn the engine off when a door opens, and that's super annoying. It will also make MYKEY pretty much useless, but I don't use it so it doesn't bug me.

I just purchased a 2013 Exp Limited XL that has the Ford Remote FOB. I could swear that when I was at the dealer looking at this, when remote start was used to start it, it did not immediately shut off as soon as I opened up a door. Is there some setting I can change so it stays on when I open a door? I didn't find much on that in the manual.

Thanks!

Heather

Most vehicles have a takeover process that would keep it running until you press the brake and attempt to put it in gear, at that point it should shut off without the key in the cylinder.

Some push to start vehicles don't have this and will shut off upon opening the door. I don't believe the 2013 was ever offered that way though.

In the post above yours there is mention of the MyKey being enabled that would disable the remote start on door open. I would start there and clear out any MyKey's in the system.