Anyone know how to get remote start, lock/unlock functionality in fordpass with the 2017 Expedition?

[zablalbaz]

Hey All,

I just swapped my 2018 F150 XLT for a 2017 Expedition Ltd. I used to have a 2006 Expedition Ltd, but the engine died on me and I got the truck instead. Could not haul the family around in the truck, so I'm back in the expedition family again.

One of the features that I had with the 2018 truck though was the ability to remote start it and lock/unlock the doors with my phone and the fordpass application. Those options are missing from the fordpass app with my 2017 Expedition, and I would love to get them back if possible. I've updated the sync3 system from 2.0 to 3.4 and I was hoping (but not expecting) to get that functionality back. Alas, I can only locate my expedition in the app and review the service records. I can certainly live without the functionality. I have the remote keys and they an start the Expedition just fine. But I'm curious if anyone here has added that function to their Gen 3 Expedition and knows how to get it back in the fordpass app?

Thanks!

 

[LokiWolf]

Master reset Sync, delete vehicle from FordPass, then start the add process from Fordpass again, and it should run your through all the proper steps. If you never saw the remote access approval on the Sync screen you need to acknowledge, that is the hangup. You have to allow the location features on Sync for FordPass to work.

 

[zablalbaz]

Master reset Sync, delete vehicle from FordPass, then start the add process from Fordpass again, and it should run your through all the proper steps. If you never saw the remote access approval on the Sync screen you need to acknowledge, that is the hangup. You have to allow the location features on Sync for FordPass to work.

Okay... So, the upgrade to sync3.4 DOES add back the missing options I need? It definitely was not there with the old version of Sync (2.0). I don't need to do any hardware upgrades? It's all dependent on the Sync version? My truck had Sync 3.0 when I bought it and fordpass had the options for remote start and lock/unlock. And they were still there after the upgrade to 3.4. If I understand you correctly, I should get those back if I do the Master reset on the Expedition, then remove/readd it to the fordpass app? Sorry for saying it all back to you. I just want to make sure before I blow away all the settings and configs I have on the header right now.

 

[LokiWolf]

Okay... So, the upgrade to sync3.4 DOES add back the missing options I need? It definitely was not there with the old version of Sync (2.0). I don't need to do any hardware upgrades? It's all dependent on the Sync version? My truck had Sync 3.0 when I bought it and fordpass had the options for remote start and lock/unlock. And they were still there after the upgrade to 3.4. If I understand you correctly, I should get those back if I do the Master reset on the Expedition, then remove/readd it to the fordpass app? Sorry for saying it all back to you. I just want to make sure before I blow away all the settings and configs I have on the header right now.

If your settings were Forscan settings a reset of Sync will not wipe those. It wipes presets, previous associations, connected phones, and the such.

2.0 Should have Fordpass also. 1.0 in a 2017 will have Fordpass. Need above 2.3 to get CarPlay, and some other features.

The upgrade does not reset all settings that need to be reset. A master reset should clear previous associations.

If it does not work after this, it is a deeper problem. Try what I said first and we will go from there.

 

[zablalbaz]

TY! I'll try the master reset. Seems worth it for this.

 

[Trainmaster]

All this talk makes me think my next truck will be an F150 work truck with a black grille and crank down windows.

 

[zablalbaz]

Hey Folks. Just wanted to update for anyone who reads this later looking for the same thing. I tried the master reset suggested earlier (thank you) and it did not resolve my issue.

In case it was not clear in my OP, my problem is that I DO have Fordpass connectivity but it is missing some features that I was expecting. I can add my 2017 expedition to fordpass, and I can get it's GPS coordinates and see it on the map. Which is Useful in case it is stolen I suppose. But there is no button in the Fordpass app to remote start the vehicle. That home page in the app is blank for my expedition. My 2018 F150 has a button on the homepage to start/stop the vehicle and lock/unlock it. I was wondering if that could be fixed with just a software and/or firmware update so I tried updating the expedition's sync3 software from 2.0 to 3.4. That didn't fix the issue so I went over to the cyanlabs site where I got my update from and asked them there.

Easily Update SYNC 3 using our Automated Method - CyanLabs

A guide on updating your Ford Sync 3 based car to the latest Sync 3.4 version using Syn3 Updater making it as simple as possible for you!

cyanlabs.net

They explained that my expedition does need a hardware upgrade for the missing functionality. Here is their explanation:

"The 17 Expedition was a CGEA 1.2 vehicle that had Sync 3. Because it has CGEA 1.2 the Ford Pass features will not work with it. You lack a TCU and the correct network for this it to work.

You can install a TCU but it will not give you these features because of the network. All you will get with a TCU is location tracking. Nothing else will work."

Since I can already track my vehicle's location, I'll assume I have a TCU per this explanation. But I'm not sure what is meant by the "correct network" or if it is installable or diy upgradeable. I will dig around some more, and see if I can find out if there is a module that can be replaced.

 

[LokiWolf]

I could swear I used FordPass on the 2017? Anybody else with a 17 using FordPass?

Did you try the master reset and adding back to FordPass to start the registration?

 

[LokiWolf]

I could swear I used FordPass on the 2017? Anybody else with a 17 using FordPass?

Did you try the master reset and adding back to FordPass to start the registration?

Looks like I was mistaken!

Here is the website that lists what year it was added to each vehicle:

https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos/fordpass/fordpass-connect/is-my-vehicle-equipped-with-fordpass-connect/

Man, it has been a while. I know we used the old Ford Cell Based add on module in the 2015. Worked great. Been a while, guess we moved that to the 2017, cause I know the wife used her phone to remote start the Expedition.

 

[zablalbaz]

Looks like I was mistaken!

Here is the website that lists what year it was added to each vehicle:

https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos/fordpass/fordpass-connect/is-my-vehicle-equipped-with-fordpass-connect/

Man, it has been a while. I know we used the old Ford Cell Based add on module in the 2015. Worked great. Been a while, guess we moved that to the 2017, cause I know the wife used her phone to remote start the Expedition.

Ah... but this sounds to me like all hope is not lost. You imply there is a hardware update that I can do here? Do you have links for hardware and instructions that I can use? I'm a computer hardware guy and muck around in laptop and desktop parts all the time. A little modem add-on doesn't scare me. I suspect this is more of a board replacement situation though?

 

[zablalbaz]

So I found a bunch of information when I googled "fordpass connect modem" and it looks like it is a plug in module and not a board swap.

Looks like this may be what I need:
DG9T-14F642-BB

https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos/fordpass/fordpass-connect/is-my-vehicle-equipped-with-fordpass-connect/

Ford Plug-In Modem: Installation Overview | Ford Commercial Solutions | Ford

This video will show you how to install the Ford Plug-In Modem Kit,* using the 2016 Ford Transit as an example. Refer to the Ford Plug-In Modem Kit instructi...

youtu.be

Modem.ford.com

I'll keep digging.

 

[JasonH]

I have two 2017 Fords. My Focus Electric has the TCU unit, my Expedition does not. There's a lengthy thread on adding a TCU to some Ford models that did not have it. Not sure what functionality is added, as I had so many issues with my 4G update I didn't attempt this on the Expedition. I think you get tpms, miles, remote start and a few other things. Ford fixed my issues with a software update on the backend, so they could likely disable FordPass access for modded vehicles the same way.

Sync Connect Retrofit (in any Ford). - Ford F150 Forum - Community of Ford Truck Fans

2015 - 2020 Ford F150 - Sync Connect Retrofit (in any Ford). - Preface Notes: Thread is over 6 years old, some information has been modified. Ford changed the name of their products but I can't change the name of this thread. Sync Connect / Ford Pass / Lincoln Way / Lincoln Connect are the same...

www.f150forum.com

 

[LokiWolf]

So I found a bunch of information when I googled "fordpass connect modem" and it looks like it is a plug in module and not a board swap.

Looks like this may be what I need:
DG9T-14F642-BB

https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos/fordpass/fordpass-connect/is-my-vehicle-equipped-with-fordpass-connect/

Ford Plug-In Modem: Installation Overview | Ford Commercial Solutions | Ford

This video will show you how to install the Ford Plug-In Modem Kit,* using the 2016 Ford Transit as an example. Refer to the Ford Plug-In Modem Kit instructi...

youtu.be

Modem.ford.com

I'll keep digging.

YES! Looks correct. I can do some digging myself this weekend.

 

[LokiWolf]

Ah... but this sounds to me like all hope is not lost. You imply there is a hardware update that I can do here? Do you have links for hardware and instructions that I can use? I'm a computer hardware guy and muck around in laptop and desktop parts all the time. A little modem add-on doesn't scare me. I suspect this is more of a board replacement situation though?

I am a Chemist by education, Techie by actual profession. Systems admin to be specific, so right there with you. No fear here either. I showed my local dealer how to use CyanLabs to update Sync 3 from the Sales side, so they are up to date for people purchasing.

The old system I mentioned above, Ford no longer supports, It actually used an old 3G Modem system, that the Cell providers have turned off. So even if Ford was supporting, it would not work. It was a great solution before FordPass.

Sounds like according to your other posts you are on the right path. Keep us in the loop and reach out if I can help.

 

[zablalbaz]

I have two 2017 Fords. My Focus Electric has the TCU unit, my Expedition does not. There's a lengthy thread on adding a TCU to some Ford models that did not have it. Not sure what functionality is added, as I had so many issues with my 4G update I didn't attempt this on the Expedition. I think you get tpms, miles, remote start and a few other things. Ford fixed my issues with a software update on the backend, so they could likely disable FordPass access for modded vehicles the same way.

Sync Connect Retrofit (in any Ford). - Ford F150 Forum - Community of Ford Truck Fans

2015 - 2020 Ford F150 - Sync Connect Retrofit (in any Ford). - Preface Notes: Thread is over 6 years old, some information has been modified. Ford changed the name of their products but I can't change the name of this thread. Sync Connect / Ford Pass / Lincoln Way / Lincoln Connect are the same...

www.f150forum.com

Thanks for this link. Exactly what I needed! So it looks like folks have had varying levels of success. I'll read through the 400+ comments and start putting together my notes. First thing I need to do is figure out how the hell my Expedition is trackable in the fordpass application. According to everything that I am reading, you need the TCU for that to work. My current theory is that I am not actually tracking my Expedition, but it is my phone that is being tracked. I am in the car driving when I am looking at the fordpass app on my phone. I think if I leave the Expedition at home and get in my wife's car and look at the app, I'll see that my location is changing with the phone.

 

[LokiWolf]

Thanks for this link. Exactly what I needed! So it looks like folks have had varying levels of success. I'll read through the 400+ comments and start putting together my notes. First thing I need to do is figure out how the hell my Expedition is trackable in the fordpass application. According to everything that I am reading, you need the TCU for that to work. My current theory is that I am not actually tracking my Expedition, but it is my phone that is being tracked. I am in the car driving when I am looking at the fordpass app on my phone. I think if I leave the Expedition at home and get in my wife's car and look at the app, I'll see that my location is changing with the phone.

You will see the last location that was recorded while you were connected to the car.

 

[zablalbaz]

You will see the last location that was recorded while you were connected to the car.

Thanks! That's what I thought.

 

[zablalbaz]

So I just found this link while doing a google search "retrofit a non ford vehicle with ford telematics"

https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2018/03/21/upgrade-connected-features-on-your-older-model-ford-with-new-for.html

I wonder if this is a possibility for me? It sure looks like it would be easier. But it uses a device that plugs into the OBDII port, so if I ever want to add a tune, that may be a problem. I'll have to look and see if the OBDII port can have some kind of splitter installed.

Also, it costs $17/month for 24 months to purchase. I'm guessing after that it is "free" like it was with my 2018 truck when I bought it used? I could care less about the wireless hotspot. That'll never get used so Verizon isn't getting any of my money there.

Quote from the link above:
"Using a simple device that plugs into the OBD II port below the steering wheel, the new FordPass SmartLink experience gives owners of 2010-17 model year Ford vehicles those connectivity features normally available only on newer vehicles equipped with modems."

 

[zablalbaz]

Ooops... NM... they discontinued the program due to lack of interest.

https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos/fordpass/fordpass-supported-features/why-was-smartlink-discontinued-for-fordpass/

 

[LokiWolf]

Ooops... NM... they discontinued the program due to lack of interest.

https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos/fordpass/fordpass-supported-features/why-was-smartlink-discontinued-for-fordpass/

Smartlink was failed from the start. There was PLENTY of interest. The hardware was flawed. I was in the Beta group. I had the hardware, and they never activated it. It was half baked from the beginning. They had reception issues with it, and it was buggy.