Remote start

[Andrew C]

Hey folks, has anyone installed an aftermarket remote starter ? My car is a 2015 and I find the remote starter pretty unreliable. I'd like to have better range and 2 way capability, and I wonder if there's any way to get a better fob paired with my car or would I have to install a whole new system? Or am I just stuck with what I got?

 

[luigisho]

I see a Ford remote antenna extender available for 18-19 model vehicles. Not sure if that can be made to work with earlier models.

https://accessories.ford.com/aerial-asy-11900.html

 

[Johnbigdog]

I see a Ford remote antenna extender available for 18-19 model vehicles. Not sure if that can be made to work with earlier models.

https://accessories.ford.com/aerial-asy-11900.html

You have to purchase the scalable vehicle secufity/remose start system. It will include a box, key fob and maybe some other stuff.

That antenna by itself, or adding an external antenna to the T.P.M. will not chang the distance the fob can transmit.

I have Been down this rabbit hole before.

 

[Totaled TL]

That antenna by itself, or adding an external antenna to the T.P.M. will not chang the distance the fob can transmit.

True, but wouldn't a better antenna facilitate better reception FROM the fob as well as farther transmission FROM the car?

 

[Jeff2017]

Put the fob under your chin when pressing the buttons. You will be amazed.

 

[Johnbigdog]

True, but wouldn't a better antenna facilitate better reception FROM the fob as well as farther transmission FROM the car?

No. The factory system is just one way. Fob to car for remote start. Passive functions are 2 way, but this is intentionally a lesser distance.

I already added the external antenna to my 2016 and range was not affected.

What does help is holding the fob to your cheekbone to extend range. It works, I dont know why.

 

[luigisho]

I think I read somewhere it uses your head as an antenna. Might be BS but I recall seeing it somewhere

 

[Jeff2017]

And also open your mouth. You will look strange but your range will be much better.

For even better results, hold it under your chin and open your mouth. According to radio engineer Tim Pozar, you're essentially turning your skull into an antenna. The fluids in your head make it a good enough conductor to actually increase the range of your key fob.

 

[Majestic]

And also open your mouth. You will look strange but your range will be much better.

For even better results, hold it under your chin and open your mouth. According to radio engineer Tim Pozar, you're essentially turning your skull into an antenna. The fluids in your head make it a good enough conductor to actually increase the range of your key fob.

I'll just walk outside, thanks. LOL.

The two way system is nice. A friend of mine has a 2019 King Ranch F-150. The range is amazing. He can park at the bottom of my driveway and get a green light on his fob that his truck has started. I just try to listen

 

[Airborne]

You can install the bi directional.

https://accessories.ford.com/catalog/product/view/id/10674/s/aerial-asy/category/2945/

https://accessories.ford.com/catalog/product/view/id/10735/s/remote-control-system/category/2945/

 

[Totaled TL]

No. The factory system is just one way. Fob to car for remote start. Passive functions are 2 way, but this is intentionally a lesser distance.

I already added the external antenna to my 2016 and range was not affected.

What does help is holding the fob to your cheekbone to extend range. It works, I dont know why.

I get that it's a one way setup. A better antenna should still increase its range. If the ext. ant. did not do that then it sounds as if it's just either inferior or there is a problem with it, the cable, or connections. The placement of the antenna is also a factor.