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Special hybrid remote start?


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I want to get a remote start system for the winters. Does anyone know if I need a special remote start from for because it is a hybrid or can i buy any one from best buy? I have 2010 by the way.

 

You need the series 100 from FoMoCo. There are two versions - one has feedback or is two way. The programming is the most important part of installation and the installation directions have detailed info....

 

http://www.lombardfordaccessories.com/productDetail.cfm?productID=12951&categoryID=51&productTypeID=5

 

BClem

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I had dealer install the 100 in my FFH this week...cost $510.00 installed with two small fobs.

Works well, totally compatible with Hybrid. Interfaces with the SJB (Smart Junction Box) with factory connectors.

If warranty is in effect I would only consider the factory unit even though an aftermarket unit might be OK.

:happy feet:

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I want to get a remote start system for the winters. Does anyone know if I need a special remote start from for because it is a hybrid or can i buy any one from best buy? I have 2010 by the way.

 

If you get it, let us know how it works out for you, regarding any impact of fuel economy, and how quickly you get heat.

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The RMST works just like any other vehicle. I've had one on every vehicle I've owned, including my 2011 FFH. The car starts up and runs the same as if you had the key in, and the warming process kicks in same as well. You can have your dealer set it for different run times, I think it's either 10, 15 or 20 minutes but not positive. I recommend the longer the better, since it'll run 5-7 minutes before the heat actually kicks in like usual anyways (can always RMST again if it shuts off before you're happy with interior temp or clearing of windshield). Your MPG will definately take a hit, since in the winter the ICE will be running on those cold mornings to warm up the vehicle while it's going nowhere (unless you have turned off your EATC for some reason then the ICE will only run for the engine/battery warm-up, not for interior comfort).

 

The hit in MPG is well worth it if, like me, you like to get into a warm vehicle with the windows defrosted.

 

Keep in mind you should get in the habit of turning on your defrost before shutting off your vehicle each night. Otherwise, when the heat comes on with the RMST, it will only come out of the normal vents, not the defrost vents. And no, turning on the rear defrost as well before shutting off your car for the night will not work for some reason when you RMST the next morning. But hit that defrost button so it gets your windshield clear when you RMST. No, the heated seats will not work that way either so don't waste the time turning them on either, just your standard defrost button.

 

Don't worry about the hit to MPG, the comfort is well worth it. Besides, once the weather turns nice again you'll have fun inching it back up to summer norms. :)

 

I get 44.4 MPG most of the year, but it's dropped already as the colder weather has moved in and I've started using RMST, as well as the ICE just running more overall to keep the vehicle warm inside. 42.6 or something right now; I'm guessing she'll probably stabilize somewhere in the 30's during the northeast winter insanity. Then I'll enjoy getting her back to all 4's when spring hits. :)

 

FWIW, Ford was supposed to do a lot of work to their RMST systems for their newer vehicles, making them more integrated at the factory and allowing them to do more functions such as heated seats/steering wheel, defrosting, etc. perhaps they'll be available on the all-new '13 Fusion. Not that that helps us now, I certainly won't be rushing out to buy one seeing as the whole reason I bought this one outright was to save money on fuel. But it's always fun to see the newest & latest gadgets.

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Thanks for all the replies and help. I still have a question for those of you with a stock remote start system from ford. Is there any benefit to that system over a normal DEI remote start system. Specifically, is the ford system designed to run the ICE the whole time under remote start to warm the car more? Or does it just start the car normal and the ICE will run until warm, then shut off and get cold again?

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Basically like your 2nd sentence.

 

The OEM RMST and an aftermarket RMST will work exactly the same as far as running the car goes. The car will start, run until engine warm, then go to EV until it needs to run engine again, same as it does all the time. Only diff is that in winter the ICE will run a lot more to keep things warm. The higher you have your EATC temp set at, the more the ICE will need to run to get it to, and keep it at, said temp.

 

Personally, I keep my EATC set for 70 all the time, even in the winter. That way when I RMST my car, it'll get the interior up to 70, then click into EV mode until it starts to get cool again, then the ICE kicks back in to warm her up again. And if you push your DEFROST button every night before shutting off your car, when you RMST your car in the morning it will already be in DEFROST mode to work on your windshield once the heat kicks on.

 

OEM or aftermarket, just a personal choice, they'll both do the same basic thing. I've done both and have no preference either way myself. Sometimes the aftermarket ones have some additonal features (different run times, different light options, etc), although the OEM ones are finally starting to catch up in that regard.

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I purchased the OEM remote start for my 2011 FFH, and the one thing I don't like about it is that as soon as I open the door the vehicle is turned off. I have the Viper remote start for my van, and it doesn't kill the engine unless I attempt to drive without the key in the ignition, and in the on position. I'd like for my FFH to do the same.

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I purchased the OEM remote start for my 2011 FFH, and the one thing I don't like about it is that as soon as I open the door the vehicle is turned off. I have the Viper remote start for my van, and it doesn't kill the engine unless I attempt to drive without the key in the ignition, and in the on position. I'd like for my FFH to do the same.

 

You can program that off - it's an option. The system that I installed (100) in this '11 FFH 502A had that feature and I researched and found that the second programming phase had an additional step that was not mentioned in the programming instructions that allowed the engine to continue to run when a door is opened.

 

BClem

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You can program that off - it's an option. The system that I installed (100) in this '11 FFH 502A had that feature and I researched and found that the second programming phase had an additional step that was not mentioned in the programming instructions that allowed the engine to continue to run when a door is opened.

 

BClem

 

Awesome! I'll research how to change that.

 

Thanks for the information.

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Yes, definately look into that. Mine doesn't shut off when I open my door, and it's the OEM RMST as well.

 

PS You aren't alone, I heard that issue pop up a few times on the F-150 message boards as well. Some people believed it had something to do with that Ford thing (MyKey?) where you can set certain parameters for children who may drive your vehicle. I heard if you disabled MyKey you could get around that issue where it shuts off when opening the door. Can't recall if my '11 FFH 502a has that feature or not, as it's something I'd never use.

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Awesome! I'll research how to change that.

 

Thanks for the information.

 

I just checked the glove compartment - the programming data that I used was there!

 

The second programming bank of the 'Option Programming Chart' has two 'not used' steps (7 and 8) of which seven is the 'door ajar shut down' function. That needs to be 'off' because the default is 'on' in the factory program entered into the remote system. Programming the system is not tough to do but working accurately and quickly is a must because the system will 'time out' back to default options and your programming must be totally repeated. The procedures are easily understood and only two pages of steps are required plus the option chart of course. You can also get assistance from Ford - call 1-800-FORD KEY (you will need the model number of your remote system).

 

BClem

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  • 3 weeks later...

I made a very bold decision to add an aftermarket remote start/alarm system to my brand new 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid. I have used many in the past, but not on a hybrid. I had researched as much as possible and just could not find much info about doing remote starts specifically on FFH cars. I had wrecked my brain if I was going to mess up my car and have major regret about my decision. I had decided on a Vipor 5904 brand of remote start made by Directed Electronics that makes several lines of remote staters and alarm systems. I just could not allow my reason of judgement to be swayed by Ford to go with their remote starter that isn't even made by them. So, in a real sense it is an outside company or aftermarket (audiovox) supplier that makes it for them or just rebadges it or makes slight modifications for ford. Regardless of the outcome, I had problems with the remote starter not being an alarm all in one system and at an reasonable price. Playing the void the warranty card is one that has been used by manufactures for years and on all new cars of every brand. There is always risk that unqualified installers could mess up a vehicle if you are not wise to a proper authorized alarm/remote start installer dealer that backs their installations and insures against vehicle damage themselves. Car dealers (Ford) have to prove that the installation affected problems you have with the car in order to void the warranty. It's on you to ask the right questions and validate.

 

Moving forward, the remote start works great! It was a little worrysome but my installer told me he had done several hybrids of various makes and if done properly it would work without dissruption to the mechanics of the car. If it's cold keep the temp on full warm or hot which maxes out at 90 degress. The car will start in EV mode, but seconds later the motor starts until the car engine is warmed up to normal operating temperatures and EV mode takes over again. The same for Cold. My remote has an OLED display that shows the inside temperature of the car and shows the count down timer which I have set at 20 min to allow for times I might be delayed.

 

So, there are alternatives to dealer options folks. Do your homework. I called the manufacture of the remote start and although they do suggest finding the right kind of installer that their remote start/alarm systems will integrate with hybrids if done properly as in any vehicle. If a dealer has hesitations about it than move on.

 

I'm loving my remote starter/alarm all installed for 599.00 out the door and I got the best one on the market...

 

I hope this helps

 

Make your own decision and understand there is always risk, but it has worked out well for me and understand these systems are complicated and many installs can have tweeks or minor adjustments made even after the job is done. Many reputable installers don't charge for these adjustments...

 

Good luck

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