For Those With Ford Remote Access

[Matt M PA]

Well, as many of you know, I installed the Ford Remote Access. It worked fine for a week or so.

The last two times I've driven the car, it doesn't work. On Thursday, it wouldn't work at a location and I assumed it was the location. At my next stop, it still didn't work. When I got home...it still wouldn't work. I pulled the lower dash panel and made sure it was all still connected, etc. The antenna is mounted to the left, on a vertical metal panel. (Kind of under the far left AC vent..)

I went in the house and called the 800#. While on hold, it started working.

Tonight...it's not working again in a few different locations. According to the coverage map, I should have coverage...and it worked in these locations before.

When I use the app, it tried for about 30 seconds...then puts up one of two error codes, saying I should try again later. This is unacceptable. And yes, I bought a subscription.

Since I can't make a call until Monday...does anyone have a suggestion? Since it worked before, I assume it's a network-service issue, but maybe I need to relocate the antenna?

Finally, I should add that when I checked the errors on-line, they suggest a connection issue...

 

[jmr061]

Doesn't the receiver have a status light on it?

 

[xFallenxCripplex]

This is where my brain for the sim is located

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[Matt M PA]

jmr061....good question. Something tells me it does....I'll have to pull that lower panel or look up from the footwell in the AM. Should it be lit at all times?

Looking at xFallen's pics....the bottom pic....mine is taped to the flat metal panel, around where the three welds are visible.

Thanks for posting the pics....I didn't realize that side panel popped off....I worked from below.

 

[xFallenxCripplex]

It does have a status light mine blinks Amber normally

jmr061....good question. Something tells me it does....I'll have to pull that lower panel or look up from the footwell in the AM. Should it be lit at all times?

Looking at your pics....the bottom pic....mine is taped to the flat metal panel, around where the three welds are visible.

Thanks for posting the pics....I didn't realize that side panel popped off....I worked from below.

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[Matt M PA]

Thanks all...going to check it out in the AM. I'm wondering if there's something wacky with my subscription...I'll post my findings tomorrow...

 

[jmr061]

I can see from your pic that the LED is orange which is a good thing. My bad on the pic, thought that was yours. Still need to check the LED. If it is off, that would mean either it is asleep or not working. You mentioned its mounted on metal? If so, not really an ideal spot.




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[jmr061]

Also watch the led and send some commands. I believe the LED will flash if its communicating with the cell network. It’s been a while since I played with Remote Access.


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[jmr061]

http://www.fordremoteaccess.com/en/pdf/Remote-Access-Error-Code-Table.pdf

 

[Matt M PA]

Thanks for the link....the codes I get are 200002 & 11000.

I will also move to a different location (like shown in the pic) as opposed to on the metal...

 

[tech10002]

I’ve only had a few failures on the wife’s Flex in a year but it usually works in a few minutes when I try again. In the SHO, it’s velcroed as high as I could get it on a dash support by the A pillar and seems to work fine, but I haven’t used it more than a couple dozen times since Ive only had the car for 6 weeks and drive my truck mostly during the week. Wonder if I need to relocate mine.

 

[Matt M PA]

An update. I'm moving the SIM/Antenna thing to where FallenX suggests, but cannot find any sort of a status LED on this unit. I only see a small hole near where the wire harness goes into the box. I've attached a couple pics.

Today, I am getting the 20002 error, (or 11000) about not being able to connect to the server...still wondering if it has anything to do with my subscription having some sort of issue...

 

[xFallenxCripplex]

An update. I'm moving the SIM/Antenna thing to where FallenX suggests, but cannot find any sort of a status LED on this unit. I only see a small hole near where the wire harness goes into the box. View attachment 6964 View attachment 6965 I've attached a couple pics.

Today, I am getting the 20002 error, (or 11000) about not being able to connect to the server...still wondering if it has anything to do with my subscription having some sort of issue...

That bottom hole is where the light should be

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[Matt M PA]

Thanks....I don't see it lighting at all. Looks like everything is still plugged in...very strange

 

[Matt M PA]

Is there any end to Matt's updates? I unplugged and re-plugged the OBD T cable.....all is working now!!

 

[jmr061]

I was going to say no light is a problem. Double check and reconnect everything. Glad to hear it’s working now. If it happens again I would suspect a pin mating issue at the DLC/OBD connector.


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[Matt M PA]

Very good point, jmr. I remember when I plugged the "T" cable in the first time that it didn't look like it was very well secured, despite a small metal clip. Perhaps, I should zip tie this connection...

 

[jmr061]

BTW for those that may be reading this, Ford doesn't officially sell the Remote Access system and hasn't since last year. Any that are for sale are left over stock.

Smartlink is the new system and only dealers that chose to sign up and get trained on it can sell/install it. It is pricey but has a lot more functionality than Remote Access.

 

[Matt M PA]

A good point, jmr. When I opted for the Remote Access, it was for the longer range. Forgetting the cost of the equipment, the subscription is only $49 a year/. I understand the newer version is something like (ifmemory serves) $249 a year.

 

[jmr061]

Getting a bit off topic but it still relates to remote access/smartlink. I'll delete it if you feel it shouldn't be placed here.

Remote Access works off of 2G/3G. When 3G goes by the wayside Remote Access will be obsolete. It's unfortunate that they sell devices for vehicles which will become obsolete but I guess that is the price we pay for technology advancements. Even MFT is starting to suffer from lack of support. MFT is a whole other discussion though.

Ford even had to replace some TCU (modems) in Hybrid vehicles/etc because of cell service advancements and older services going defunct.

Smartlink will be go by the wayside eventually too I would imagine, but it operates on 4G for now. The one I picked up is selling for $325 which includes 2 years of service. Hopefully they won't bend the users over after the 2 year period.

I also have remote access in my vehicle but I no longer pay for service. While I can't do the fob controls anymore it still does alert me if the alarm goes off which is nice.