There’s nothing quite like starting your Ford from inside your warm house on a freezing morning, letting it heat up while you finish your coffee. That is, until the day your remote start decides to stop working. One moment you’re pressing that button, the next moment—nothing happens.
You might feel a mix of frustration and confusion. Is it the key fob? The battery? Something under the hood? Remote start issues can stem from several different sources, and figuring out which one is causing your problem isn’t always straightforward. This guide will walk you through what’s really happening when your remote start fails, why it happens, and most importantly, how you can fix it yourself without spending hours at the dealership.
What’s Really Going On With Your Remote Start
Your Ford’s remote start system is actually a pretty clever piece of technology. When you press that button on your key fob, it sends a signal to your vehicle’s computer system, which then checks a series of conditions before it allows the engine to fire up. Think of it like a security guard checking a list before letting someone into a building.
The system needs to verify things like whether your hood is closed, if the vehicle is in park, whether the doors are locked, and if there are any active warning lights on your dashboard. If even one of these checks fails, your remote start won’t work. It’s designed this way for safety reasons, but it can be annoying when something small prevents your entire system from functioning.
What happens if you ignore a non-working remote start? Beyond the obvious inconvenience of not being able to warm up or cool down your car before getting in, you might miss early warning signs of bigger problems. A failing hood latch sensor could mean your hood isn’t securing properly at highway speeds. A weak battery that prevents remote start today might leave you completely stranded tomorrow. Your remote start failing is often your vehicle’s way of telling you something needs attention.
Remote Start Ford Not Working: Common Causes
Remote start failures don’t happen randomly. There’s always a reason behind it, even if that reason isn’t immediately obvious. Let’s look at the most frequent culprits that prevent your Ford’s remote start from doing its job.
1. Dead or Weak Key Fob Battery
This is the simplest explanation and often the most overlooked. Your key fob needs power to send that signal to your vehicle. If the battery is getting weak, the signal might not reach your Ford, especially if you’re standing more than a few feet away. You might notice that you need to be closer to your vehicle for it to work, or that it only works sometimes.
Key fob batteries typically last two to three years, depending on how often you use your remote start. Cold weather can also drain them faster than usual. The battery inside is usually a small coin-cell type, similar to what you’d find in a watch.
2. Hood Pin Switch Issues
Your Ford has a small sensor near the hood latch that tells the computer whether your hood is open or closed. This is a critical safety feature because your vehicle won’t remote start with the hood up. Makes sense, right? You don’t want someone working under the hood when the engine suddenly fires up.
The problem is that this switch can fail, get dirty, or become misaligned over time. When it malfunctions, your vehicle thinks the hood is open even when it’s not. You might have slammed the hood a bit too hard last time, or road salt and grime might have gotten into the switch mechanism. Either way, your remote start system refuses to work.
Sometimes you’ll see a “Hood Ajar” message on your dashboard even though the hood is clearly closed. That’s your first clue that this switch might be the problem. Other times, there’s no warning message at all, which makes this issue trickier to diagnose.
3. Low Vehicle Battery Voltage
Remote starting puts extra demand on your vehicle’s battery. The system checks the battery voltage before allowing a remote start, and if it’s too low, it simply won’t work. Your battery might have enough juice to run your radio or lights, but starting the engine requires significantly more power.
Cold weather makes this worse because batteries naturally lose capacity when temperatures drop. A battery that works fine in summer might struggle in winter. Age matters too. If your battery is more than three or four years old, it might be on its way out. You might notice other signs like slow cranking when you start the car normally, or your headlights dimming when you turn on the heat.
4. Check Engine Light or Warning Lights
Here’s something many Ford owners don’t realize: if you have an active check engine light or certain other warning lights on your dashboard, your remote start won’t work. The system is programmed this way as a safety precaution. Your vehicle is basically saying, “Hey, something’s wrong with me, so I’m not going to start remotely until you figure out what it is.”
The warning light might be for something minor like a loose gas cap, or it could indicate a more serious issue. Either way, your remote start system doesn’t discriminate. Any active trouble code in the system can disable the remote start function.
5. Transmission Position Sensor Problems
Your Ford needs to know with absolute certainty that your transmission is in Park before it allows a remote start. There’s a sensor that monitors your gear position, and if it’s not reading Park correctly, the remote start won’t engage. Safety first, always.
This sensor can wear out over time or get gunked up with transmission fluid and debris. You might notice other symptoms too, like your vehicle not starting normally unless you jiggle the shifter, or your backup lights not working properly. Sometimes the sensor itself is fine, but the shifter linkage needs adjustment.
Remote Start Ford Not Working: DIY Fixes
Now that you know what causes remote start failures, let’s talk about fixing them. Most of these solutions are straightforward enough that you can handle them in your driveway with basic tools.
1. Replace Your Key Fob Battery
Start with the easiest fix first. Pop open your key fob (there’s usually a small slot where you can insert a flathead screwdriver or coin) and check the battery. Most Ford key fobs use a CR2032 or CR2025 battery, which you can buy at any drugstore or supermarket for a few dollars.
When you replace it, pay attention to which side faces up. There’s a plus and minus sign on the battery for a reason. After replacing the battery, try your remote start again. If this was your issue, you’ll know immediately. Keep a spare battery in your glove box for next time.
If replacing the battery doesn’t help, try standing closer to your vehicle when you press the button. If it works when you’re right next to the car but not from further away, you might have a different issue with the fob itself or the vehicle’s receiver.
2. Clean and Check the Hood Pin Switch
Locate the hood pin switch near your hood latch. It looks like a small button or plunger that gets pressed when you close the hood. Open your hood and look for it on the driver’s side near where the hood latches.
Press it with your finger a few times. It should click and move freely. If it feels sticky or doesn’t move smoothly, spray some electrical contact cleaner on it and work it back and forth several times. Let it dry completely before closing your hood. Sometimes just cleaning off the built-up grime is enough to fix the problem.
Check the rubber bumper on your hood that presses against this switch. If it’s worn down or missing, the switch might not be getting pressed far enough when you close the hood. You can adjust the bumper or replace it if needed. Close your hood firmly and try your remote start again.
3. Test and Charge Your Vehicle Battery
Use a multimeter to check your battery voltage. With the engine off, it should read between 12.4 and 12.7 volts. Anything below 12.4 volts means your battery needs charging. Below 12 volts, and you’re getting into trouble territory.
Charge your battery with a battery charger overnight if it’s low. Most auto parts stores will also test your battery for free if you drive there. They can tell you if the battery is still good or if it needs replacing.
4. Address Dashboard Warning Lights
If you have a check engine light or other warning lights, you need to address those first. Get your vehicle scanned for trouble codes. Many auto parts stores do this for free, or you can buy an inexpensive code reader that plugs into your OBD2 port (usually located under the dashboard on the driver’s side).
Fix whatever issue is causing the warning light. Sometimes it’s as simple as tightening your gas cap and driving for a few days until the light resets. Other times you might need to replace a sensor or component. Once the light goes off and stays off, your remote start should work again.
If the light is on for something you’ve already fixed, you might need to clear the code manually using a code reader or by disconnecting your battery for a few minutes. Just know that disconnecting the battery will reset your radio presets and clock.
5. Inspect Your Shifter and Transmission Sensor
Make sure your shifter is moving fully into Park. Sometimes the linkage gets loose and the shifter feels like it’s in Park but isn’t quite there mechanically. With your foot on the brake, move the shifter through all the gears and back to Park firmly.
Look under your vehicle near the transmission for the position sensor. It’s usually attached to the side of the transmission with a wiring harness connected to it. Check that the connector is clean and tight. Dirt and corrosion can interfere with the signal. If you’re comfortable working under your vehicle, you can clean the connector with electrical contact cleaner.
6. Reprogram Your Key Fob
Sometimes your key fob loses its programming sync with your vehicle. This is rare but it happens, especially after replacing the fob battery. Each Ford model has a specific procedure for reprogramming, but many involve a sequence of turning the ignition on and off while pressing buttons on the fob.
Look up your specific year and model’s reprogramming procedure online. You’ll find step-by-step instructions. It usually takes less than five minutes and doesn’t cost anything. If this doesn’t work or you can’t find the procedure, your dealer can reprogram it, though they might charge a small fee.
7. Contact a Ford Technician
If you’ve tried everything above and your remote start still won’t work, it’s time to bring in a professional. There might be a deeper issue with your remote start module, wiring, or vehicle computer that needs professional diagnostic equipment to identify. A certified Ford technician has access to factory scan tools and technical service bulletins that can pinpoint problems you can’t see from your driveway. Sometimes the issue requires software updates or component replacements that are best left to the pros.
Wrapping Up
Remote start failures can be frustrating, but they’re usually fixable without a major repair bill. Start with the simple stuff like key fob batteries and hood switches before assuming the worst. Your Ford is trying to tell you something when the remote start stops working, so pay attention to those clues.
Most of these fixes take just a few minutes and basic tools. Keep your vehicle maintained, address warning lights promptly, and your remote start should serve you well for years. And on those cold mornings when you can successfully start your Ford from inside? That’s when you’ll appreciate having taken the time to fix it properly.