Got FordPass SmartLink Installed Today

[Matt M PA]

As many of you know, I do some work with a Ford dealer and the parts department ordered the SmartLink kit back in August. Ford wasn't supporting this in 2018 models until October. (I never could get the older version of remote access to work on my 2018)

Well, it took a bit of time on the technician's end to get it installed correctly. The unit itself just plugs into the OBD port...but then there needs to be some work with the car for it to function. The kit I got also comes with an extension cord so that the unit can be mounted behind the dash out of sight.

So far...it's cool! The locator shows exactly where the car is with a Google Map...even with satellite view. It shows the car right where it is...in the rear yard garage.

It also keeps track of trips, can give alerts for speed, geo-fencing, etc. The display shows full level, oil life %, voltage, if the engine is running, odometer reading. You can lock, unlock, start/stop the engine, blow the horn.

It also comes with a month trial for a hotspot.

It comes with a 2 year subscription for the service....I have no idea what it will cost to renew.

 

[Kyle]

Neat. For the hotspot can you use a separate sim card or is it locked to a specific provider? I assumed this was more or less plug and play, curious to know what the technician had to do to get it integrated.

 

[Matt M PA]

As I understand, the hot spot is a separate subscription, I think through Verizon. No SIM, etc is needed.

I can look in the manual next time I'm in the garage. My phone can make a personal hot spot, so I wasn't planning on using that feature.

I got the installation instructions and actually did a bit of the work myself. The dealership had yet to install one of these, so we were working together to sort it out. First, there has to be an account set-up for you. Then, the device is plugged in and allowed to communicate with the service. Next, the dealership needs to plug into the car to set the car up to work with the system. If I understand correctly, they needed to download and install something (perhaps a SYNC update?) that took some time. I know they need to select the type of intelligent key the car uses.

When all this started, I was working with an accessories guy that is no longer at the dealership and I worked with the service manager to get this done. A technician wound up finishing the install so I wasn't as involved as I might have been. In the end, you do need a dealership and their service computers to do the install. It may also be necessary to buy the kit at the dealership that performs the install. I think they are tied to the selling dealer. Finally, the dealership may be able to order the parts....but has to be signed up for the program in order to install.

 

[Matt M PA]

Update. I installed the "remote installation" kit yesterday. It's basically an extension cable that allows you to take the SmartLink piece out of the OBD port and put it under the dash out of the way.

I mounted mine to a piece of metal behind the dash. It's behind the removable panel visible with the door open on the side of the dash

 

[Kyle]

Neat. Well, maybe let us all know how it performs after a month or two (or i'll pm you for an update). I have seen the kit available for direct purchase on eBay but this sounds like a dealer install item due to the configuration requirements.

Definitely makes my list of wants.

 

[Matt M PA]

Yes...needs dealer install to set up the account and plug into the computer to program the car to work with the SmartLink.

 

[Christian]

I'm going to look into this, depending on the cost. Can you tell us the price on this setup?

 

[Tru-Blu]

Others have indicated that the module/kit is $345, and you have to pay dealer labor for installation - and the dealer HAS to be the one to install it because it requires programming between the module and the vehicle.

 

[Matt M PA]

Yes, if I understand correctly...it does have to be installed by the selling dealer. Not all dealers have signed up for the program and that could hold you back. Ford will allow them to order the parts...even if they aren't yet in the program to actually do the install. My dealer had to sign up first.

Ford dealers also have options as to how they charge. Without the info in front of me...you can pay a monthly charge for the service and much less for the unit....or pay it upfront which includes 2 years of service. (That's what I did, which makes it the $350 or so....)

I am enjoying it thus far. Today, when I parked the car in a place/town it's never been before...as I walked from the car my iPhone gave me a message about placing a mark in the app "Maps" where I parked the car. I don't know that it had anything to do with the Ford app...but I'd never seen that before. I locked the car with the Ford app.

 

[jmr061]

Just a heads up, Ford has halted the sale of SmartLink. Don't know why but NLA.

 

[Matt M PA]

Yes...I just looked on FMC Dealer, and it is indeed suspended "until further notice". I can only wonder why....as of now...mine is still working.