Ford Explorer Quiz
Keys and Remote Controls

Remote Start (If Equipped)

In this manual: Keys and Remote Controls
Introduction — 10At a Glance — 3Child Safety — 11Seat Belts — 10Personal Safety System™ — 1Supplemental Restraint System — 10Pedestrian Protection — 1911 Assist — 3Keys and Remote Controls — 10MyKey™ — 8Doors & Locks — 9Liftgate — 7Safety — 3Steering Wheel — 11Wipers and Washers — 5Lighting — 13Automatic High Beam Control — 3Windows and Mirrors — 6Instrument Cluster — 4Information Displays — 4Climate Control — 6Cabin Air Quality — 2Seats — 9Garage Door Opener — 2Auxiliary Power Points — 3Storage Compartments — 2Starting and Stopping the Engine — 5Unique Driving Characteristics — 4Fuel and Refueling — 8Engine Emission Control — 3High-Voltage Battery — 1Infection Transmission — 8All-Wheel Drive Vehicle — 1Brakes — 5Reverse Brake Assist — 4Traction Control — 1Stability Control — 3Hill Descent Control — 3Park Aid — 8Cruise Control — 4Adaptive Cruise Control — 19Driver Assistance — 12Drive Mode Control — 4Loading — 6Tow/Haul — 6Driving Tips — 5Roadside Emergencies — 8Customer Assistance — 9Fuses — 3Maintenance — 21Vehicle Care — 12Wheels and Tires — 8Capacities and Specifications — 16Connectivity — 3Wi-Fi Hotspot — 3Audio System — 6SYNC™ 3 — 14Accessories — 1Ford Protect — 1Scheduled Maintenance — 5Appendices — 4
2steps
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The remote start button is located on the remote control.

This feature allows you to start the vehicle from outside. Your remote control has an extended operating range.

If your vehicle has automatic climate control, you can set it to operate when you remote start your vehicle. See Climate Control. The manual climate control system operates with the settings that were in effect when the vehicle was turned off.

Many states and provinces have restrictions on the use of remote start.

Check local, state or provincial laws for specific requirements regarding remote start systems.

The system does not operate if:

  • The ignition is on.
  • The anti-theft alarm is triggered.
  • You turn off the feature.
  • The hood is open.
  • The transmission is not in Park (P).
  • The battery voltage is below the minimum operating voltage.
  • The Service Engine Soon light will illuminate shortly.

Remote Control Feedback (If Equipped)

The LED on the remote control provides feedback on the status of the remote start or stop command.

Remote Starting Your Vehicle

To remote start your vehicle:

  1. Press the lock button to lock all doors.
  2. Press the remote start button twice. The exterior lamps flash twice.

The horn sounds if the system does not start, unless quiet start is enabled. Quiet start runs the fan at a lower speed to reduce noise. You can turn it on or off in the information display.

Power windows do not operate during remote start, and the radio does not turn on automatically.

The parking lamps remain on and your vehicle runs for 5, 10 or 15 minutes, depending on the setting.

Extending Engine Run Time

Repeat steps 1 and 2 while the vehicle is running to extend the run time for another remote start period. If the duration is set to 15 minutes, the duration is extended by another 15 minutes. For example, if the vehicle was started with the first remote start for five minutes, the vehicle continues to run for a total of 30 minutes. You can extend the remote start to a maximum of 35 minutes.

Wait at least five seconds before remote starting after the engine has stopped.

Turning Off the Vehicle After Remote Start

Press the button once. Your vehicle and parking lamps turn off.

You may need to be closer to your vehicle than when starting it, due to ground reflection and the added noise of your running vehicle.

You can turn this feature on or off in the information display.

Lost Key or Remote Control Replacement

Spare keys or remote controls can be purchased from an authorized dealer. Authorized dealers can program remote controls for your vehicle. See Passive Anti-Theft System.

Test yourself

A quick Ford Explorer quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.