Ford Transit Connect supports remote start feature that allows you to remotely start the engine of your vehicle for the purpose of cooling or preheating the interior before the passengers gets to it.
The remote start feature on Ford Transit Connect has many benefits. You can start your vehicle in advance when the weather is too hot or cold outside. The system turns on the air conditioning or heating, making inside cabin temperature more tolerable when you get to your vehicle.
Before you start your Transit Connect remotely, ensure that the vehicle is parked in a well ventilated area. Starting your vehicle in an enclosed space, like a garage, introduces risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Enabling Remote Start in Transit Connect
Remote start feature must be enabled in the instrument cluster settings of your Ford Transit Connect before you can use it.
- Using the information display controls on the steering wheel, select Settings.
- Select Vehicle Settings.
- Select Remote Start.
- Switch System on.
Remote start procedure for Transit Connect
You can remotely start your Ford Transit Connect by following these simple steps:
- Download FordPass app from Google Play or App Store on your mobile device.
- Open the app and accept any terms and conditions that may appear.
- Login to your Ford Owner account or create one by pressing the Create Account button.
- Add and activate your Ford Transit Connect in the FordPass app.
- Start your vehicle and confirm the prompt to complete the pairing process.
- Now press and hold the Start Engine button on the home screen of FordPass app.
- The turn signal lights flash twice and the engine starts.
- Once started remotely, the engine will run for up to 15 minutes, depending on setting, and then shut off.
The parking lamps turn on when the engine is running. The horn sounds if the system fails to start. You must switch on the ignition before driving your vehicle.
Can you use key fob to remote start Ford Transit Connect?
No, the factory fitted remote start system on Transit Connect does not allow you to start your vehicle with key fob. The only way to remotely start the vehicle is with FordPass app.
Remotely stop Transit Connect’s engine
You can remotely stop the engine of your Transit Connect by pressing the Stop Engine button on the home screen of FordPass app. This only works if the engine is running after a remote start.
Extend engine running time
To extend the engine running time duration of your Transit Connect during remote start, repeat the activation using FordPass app while the engine is running. If you programmed the duration to last 10 minutes, the second 10 minutes will begin after what is left of the first activation time. For example, if your vehicle had been running from the first remote start for 5 minutes, your vehicle continues to run now for a total of 20 minutes. You can extend the remote start up to a maximum of 30 minutes.
Remote start system not working on Ford Transit Connect
If the engine on your Transit Connect does not start when you perform the remote starting procedure, it can be due to a number of reasons:
- Your vehicle is low on fuel.
- The hood on your Transit Connect is not fully closed.
- One or more of the vehicle doors are open, make sure they are securely closed.
- The transmission is not in park mode (P).
- The 12v battery voltage has gone too low.
- The service engine light is turned on in the instrument cluster.
- Your Ford Transit Connect may not have the remote start feature. Get your vehicle checked by an authorized dealer to confirm if it is equipped with a remote start system.
Remote start settings
Switching Climate Control Auto Mode On and Off
- Using the information display controls on the steering wheel, select Settings.
- Select Vehicle Settings.
- Select Remote Start.
- Select Climate Control.
- Switch Auto on or off.
If you switch the auto mode on, the system attempts to heat or cool the interior of Transit Connect to 72°F (22°C). When you switch the ignition on, the climate control system returns to the last used settings.
Switching Climate Control Last Settings On and Off
- Using the information display controls on the steering wheel, select Settings.
- Select Vehicle Settings.
- Select Remote Start.
- Select Climate Control.
- Switch Last settings on or off.
If you switch the last settings on, the system remembers the last used settings.
Switching the Heated Seats Settings On and Off
- Using the information display controls on the steering wheel, select Settings.
- Select Vehicle Settings.
- Select Remote Start.
- Select Seats.
- Switch Auto on or off.
If you switch the heated seats and the heated steering wheel settings on, the heated seats and heated steering wheel turn on during cold weather.
Setting the Remote Start Duration
- Using the information display controls on the steering wheel, select Settings.
- Select Vehicle Settings.
- Select Remote Start.
- Select Duration.
- Choose 5 Minutes, 10 Minutes or 15 Minutes.
Note: Wait a few seconds before remotely starting the vehicle after the vehicle stops running.
Engine idling law
There are laws against car idling with no passenger or driver inside in many states to protect the environment. It does not mean its completely illegal to use remote start, some states have time limit on how long you can keep the engine running. So check with your local state laws before using the remote start feature on your Ford Transit Connect.
