Remote Start and MyKey

[Mustang46]

I recently took delivery of a 2010 Escape Limited 4X4 with the factory installed remote start accessory. The Remote Start system is factory programmed to stop the engine when a door is opened during the start cycle. It states in the manual that if you want to disable this feature, to consult with your dealer. I've tried two dealers, so far and no one has a clue. They suggest to disable MyKey and make all the keys Admin Keys. This didn't make a difference. Is this just the way it is or is there a 'procedure' to disable the 'Open Door Engine turn-off' feature.

 

Anyone have any ideas?

 

Thanks,

 

Paul

[Ted_@_Landau_Ford_Lincoln]

There is a way to change this... however, you will loose the MyKey functionality. A trip to you dealer's service department will be required as far as I know.

If I find a way to do it yourself, I'll post it here.

[YT90SC]

There is a way to change this... however, you will loose the MyKey functionality. A trip to you dealer's service department will be required as far as I know.

If I find a way to do it yourself, I'll post it here.

unhook the door ajar wire and remove the key in ignition jumper in the module. This renders MyKey useless when using the remote start though.

[Mustang46]

unhook the door ajar wire and remove the key in ignition jumper in the module. This renders MyKey useless when using the remote start though.

 

 

Is this the same procedure that the service dept would use?

[YT90SC]

Is this the same procedure that the service dept would use?

most likely.

[fordtech1]

most likely.

 

The RMST module can be programmed not to shut down the engine when the door is opened. The only issue is that MY key will be overridden anytime the RMST Is used.

 

I recommed visiting the dealer. Unless you are versed in changing porgramming options in the RMST. It requires a listening to a series of horn honks and different inputs to change option banks and options.

 

But heres the info.

BANK 2, OPTION 7-LED OFF ALLOWS VEHICLE TO STAY RUNNING---BUT IT ALSO CIRCUMVENTS mykey OPERATION.

 

Also, I forgot to mention, you might be able to call 1800 ford key and see if they can walk you thru it. Its really not hard after you have done it.

Edited December 8, 2009 by fordtech1

[answersplease]

Just purchased a 2010 Escape with dealer installed remote start. I realize that MyKey is new and there is a learning curve for all involved, I am hoping to get factual info. here. I've already spent 20 minutes on hold at 800FordKey only to be dumped into an anonymous VM.

 

While the remote start will start the engine - the engine does NOT turn off when a door is opened as posted by someone else but my issue is the minute the key is inserted into the ignition the engine immediately shuts off and I have to restart.

 

The first time I called dealer service department, I was told that was normal and I would just have to live with starting the car twice due to MyKey features.

 

Not acceptable, so I took the car into the service department. This time they told me that they needed to reset both sets of keys to administrator as the remote start would not operate correctly if it is programmed as a restricted MyKey. Not a problem, no teens driving the car. The result was one set of keys worked the remote start properly for about 2 hours and the other set never worked. Again told "that's just the way it is", nothing can be done about it. I was actually willing to live with the fact that only one set of keys would work properly...until that set stopped working too.

 

I am now being told that I need to bring the car back in, sign some kind of liability waiver so they can disable MyKey totally. My problem with this is I think the service dept. does not yet know what they are doing with the whole MyKey technology. Edited: I appreciate the fact that MyKey is new. I simply would like the facts and hopefully a way to operate all parts of my vehicle as I thought it would when I purchased it.

Edited December 18, 2009 by answersplease

[YT90SC]

Just purchased a 2010 Escape with dealer installed remote start. I realize that MyKey is new and there is a learning curve for all involved, I am hoping to get factual info. here. I've already spent 20 minutes on hold at 800FordKey only to be dumped into an anonymous VM.

 

While the remote start will start the engine - the engine does NOT turn off when a door is opened as posted by someone else but my issue is the minute the key is inserted into the ignition the engine immediately shuts off and I have to restart.

 

The first time I called dealer service department, I was told that was normal and I would just have to live with starting the car twice due to MyKey features.

 

Not acceptable, so I took the car into the service department. This time they told me that they needed to reset both sets of keys to administrator as the remote start would not operate correctly if it is programmed as a restricted MyKey. Not a problem, no teens driving the car. The result was one set of keys worked the remote start properly for about 2 hours and the other set never worked. Again told "that's just the way it is", nothing can be done about it. I was actually willing to live with the fact that only one set of keys would work properly...until that set stopped working too.

 

I am now being told that I need to bring the car back in, sign some kind of liability waiver so they can disable MyKey totally. My problem with this is I think the service dept. does not really know what they are doing. They have stated untruths as facts and their work around was only temporary and still included untruths. Before letting them play around again with this, I would like the facts about Ford authorized, dealer installed remote starts and MyKey.

 

They are not lying. Your service writer does not fully understand how it works and is relaying information as best he/she can. Service writers are the go-between between you and the technician. They do not know all there is to know about new technology. And as MyKey is new, they don't fully understand it. There is a certain amount of liability that does need to be waived, when disabling a safty feature. Now, that being said....

 

MyKey cannot be totally disabled. That is a function of the vehicle, not the remote start. TO not interfere with MyKey operation, the remote start kills the ignition when the door is opened or the key is inserted in the ignition. This is why: The remote start does not act as a restricted key it acts as an admin key. Therefore, NOT turning the ignition off renders whatever key a full admin as long as the ignition is not turned off because the key is identified just once, at startup. The vehicle has no idea that you are now operatingn with a physical key, not the code generated by the remote start. Thus, killing when opening the door and when the key is put in the ignition. The key in ignition feature is two fold. The remote start cannot be triggered with an actual key in the ignition, as the PATS system recieves two codes for the two keys it sees.. the physical one and the remote start's 'key' code. This confuses the PATS system leading to a theft detection and loss of ability to start the car untill its timer resets.

 

I am assuming that when you say a key doesn't work, you are meaning the fob for the remote start. They must have either accidentally erased the fob, or the fob is bad or the module is improperly installed. The remote start doesn't care which fob you use to start the vehicle, it still outputs the same code to the vehicle for PATS, no matter what.

 

Wanna fix the key in ignition feature? Take the cover off of the module, remove the key in ignition jumper and put the cover back on. Or follow the instructions you already got earlier in the thread.

 

Finally a question for you: what is wrong with leaving it as the factory designed it and allowing the door open shutdown and key in ignition shutdown? You still have to put the key in and turn it. Remote start is ONLY for passenger comfort and I am sure that the vehicle will not cool down or heat up significantly in the 10 seconds that it takes to restart.

Edited December 18, 2009 by YT90SC

[answersplease]

I appreciate the answer. I understand that MyKey is new technology for all involved therefore a learner curve, steeper for some than others is involved. I wonder why for some the car shuts off when a door is opened yet others do not shut off until a key is inserted in the ignition.

 

The first problem occurred when as a consumer, I was told something as fact which turns out to not be true. Since I am not a technician, I have to trust these people to give me the correct information and if they don't know to say so. Or when they have new information, to call and let me know they gave me the wrong information....again, didn't happen.

 

When I said a set of keys didn't work, I meant that the technician was able to successfully reprogram one set of keys so that the engine did not shut off as soon as the key was put in the ignition. The fix or reprogramming only lasted a couple of hours. The fobs correctly start the car everytime.

 

Is there anything else disabled if I ask the dealership to disable the key in ignition shut-down?

 

Yes, remote start is for my comfort. I expected the remote start to behave the same way as it has in every other vehicle I have owned (different manufacturers). MyKey was not a selling feature to me, no teenagers in this house, but is on every vehicle so if I wanted this vehicle, I had to have MyKey. Remote start was a selling feature. Since the dealer did not have one on the lot, he said they would add it. There was discussion that the remote start was a separate fob not built into the key itself. No discussion on the fact that remote start doesn't play nice with MyKey, causing an additional start - I think that is a poor factory design. Since I am not a technician I have to trust when I am told that when I use my remote start 3-4 times a day during the freezing winter months but am actually starting the car 6 to 8 times a day that I am not causing any additonal wear and tear on my vehicle.

[ponyhp]

I had heard about the shut down of the remote start when the door is opened. I took delivery of a 2010 Escape Limited yesterday. When going through the different people to finish the deal, one was the accessory guy. I mentioned about this problem and he said it is not true. I got ready to leave with my new car and tried the remote start. Started fine. Opened the door and off goes the engine. Called the accessory guy out and he tried it. He left scratching his head. Got home and read the manual for the Powercode Remote Start and saw it does this if equipped with MyKey. Nobody and nowhere in the ordering info does it state this. I paid for a factory remote start that I expected to work just like the other remote starts I've had on other vehicles. I'm sure there is a programming fix. I hope they figure it out or I need a refund for an option that doesn't work as advertised. I know it's been said what is the big deal, you have to put the key in and turn it on anyway. Well, it doubles the times I have to engage the starter and it uses more gas to start the car a second time. Also, one feature I liked was when you stop somewhere and let's say someone is asleep in the car, you can push the remote start, the horn will honk, you remove the key, car will continue to run, you get out of the car and the doors lock. That way the air or heat can continue running without disturbing the resting person. Well, no can do with MyKey. As soon as you open the door, car shuts off. Not satisfied at this point. We'll see what happens.

[YT90SC]

I had heard about the shut down of the remote start when the door is opened. I took delivery of a 2010 Escape Limited yesterday. When going through the different people to finish the deal, one was the accessory guy. I mentioned about this problem and he said it is not true. I got ready to leave with my new car and tried the remote start. Started fine. Opened the door and off goes the engine. Called the accessory guy out and he tried it. He left scratching his head. Got home and read the manual for the Powercode Remote Start and saw it does this if equipped with MyKey. Nobody and nowhere in the ordering info does it state this. I paid for a factory remote start that I expected to work just like the other remote starts I've had on other vehicles. I'm sure there is a programming fix. I hope they figure it out or I need a refund for an option that doesn't work as advertised. I know it's been said what is the big deal, you have to put the key in and turn it on anyway. Well, it doubles the times I have to engage the starter and it uses more gas to start the car a second time. Also, one feature I liked was when you stop somewhere and let's say someone is asleep in the car, you can push the remote start, the horn will honk, you remove the key, car will continue to run, you get out of the car and the doors lock. That way the air or heat can continue running without disturbing the resting person. Well, no can do with MyKey. As soon as you open the door, car shuts off. Not satisfied at this point. We'll see what happens.

 

Use one of the two ways that we gave you to disable the door open shutdown. Go through the program method, or follow the hardwire removal as I gave you. Easy as 3.14.... Two starts is easier on the vehicle than leaving it idle in the cold to warm up in the first place. MyKey is a safty feature. IF you start it with the remote start, you have effectively disabled MyKey, as the remote start acts as another key. When the real physical key is then used, it is not re-read, and the PCM has NO idea if the key you have is a Admin or not. It just sees the remote start's information as the key. This is why it must shut down.

[ponyhp]

Use one of the two ways that we gave you to disable the door open shutdown. Go through the program method, or follow the hardwire removal as I gave you. Easy as 3.14.... Two starts is easier on the vehicle than leaving it idle in the cold to warm up in the first place. MyKey is a safty feature. IF you start it with the remote start, you have effectively disabled MyKey, as the remote start acts as another key. When the real physical key is then used, it is not re-read, and the PCM has NO idea if the key you have is a Admin or not. It just sees the remote start's information as the key. This is why it must shut down.

 

Thanks for the response. I didn't understand the programming method that was given. Bank 2? Can you explain that again?

[2003f350]

I appreciate the answer. I understand that MyKey is new technology for all involved therefore a learner curve, steeper for some than others is involved. I wonder why for some the car shuts off when a door is opened yet others do not shut off until a key is inserted in the ignition.

 

The first problem occurred when as a consumer, I was told something as fact which turns out to not be true. Since I am not a technician, I have to trust these people to give me the correct information and if they don't know to say so. Or when they have new information, to call and let me know they gave me the wrong information....again, didn't happen.

 

When I said a set of keys didn't work, I meant that the technician was able to successfully reprogram one set of keys so that the engine did not shut off as soon as the key was put in the ignition. The fix or reprogramming only lasted a couple of hours. The fobs correctly start the car everytime.

 

Is there anything else disabled if I ask the dealership to disable the key in ignition shut-down?

 

Yes, remote start is for my comfort. I expected the remote start to behave the same way as it has in every other vehicle I have owned (different manufacturers). MyKey was not a selling feature to me, no teenagers in this house, but is on every vehicle so if I wanted this vehicle, I had to have MyKey. Remote start was a selling feature. Since the dealer did not have one on the lot, he said they would add it. There was discussion that the remote start was a separate fob not built into the key itself. No discussion on the fact that remote start doesn't play nice with MyKey, causing an additional start - I think that is a poor factory design. Since I am not a technician I have to trust when I am told that when I use my remote start 3-4 times a day during the freezing winter months but am actually starting the car 6 to 8 times a day that I am not causing any additonal wear and tear on my vehicle.

 

 

 

I just took delivery of a 2010 Escape XLT, that did not come with a factory remote start. I had the dealer install one as part of the deal, it is a one button fob and it works exactly like every other remote start that I've had before. No issues whatsoever and the engine does not stop when the door is opened. I find it hard to believe that you have to live with this issue. I also have the MYKey feature but it is not activated at this time. and according to my owners manual on page 95, it is stated that MyKey is not compatible with non Ford approved aftermarket remote start systems. If your dealer installed your remote starter, they should be held accountable for installing a Ford approved remote start system, My dealer installed aftermarket unit is an Audiovox system Code Alarm # CA 4050. I would expect your dealer to see that this is corrected and have someone who understands the problem correct it.

 

Good Luck, I know that I would be as upset as you are

[magoo1]

The RMST module can be programmed not to shut down the engine when the door is opened. The only issue is that MY key will be overridden anytime the RMST Is used.

 

I recommed visiting the dealer. Unless you are versed in changing porgramming options in the RMST. It requires a listening to a series of horn honks and different inputs to change option banks and options.

 

But heres the info.

BANK 2, OPTION 7-LED OFF ALLOWS VEHICLE TO STAY RUNNING---BUT IT ALSO CIRCUMVENTS mykey OPERATION.

 

Also, I forgot to mention, you might be able to call 1800 ford key and see if they can walk you thru it. Its really not hard after you have done it.

 

 

Where is the RMST module found or where do they hid it?

[fordtech1]

Where is the RMST module found or where do they hid it?

 

It is most of the time installed under the steering column. It is a black box and is labeled Remote start. The program button is a black button attached to the main harness and the LED is also attached to the harness.

 

Have the program button and LED where you can reach and see it.

Turn key to run position. Press brake pedal and hold.

Push and hold the program button untill it honks. Count the honks. I think it will be four.

press the program button again and you should hear 5 honks.

Next press and release the brake pedal. It should honk 2 times. press brake again and you should hear 3 honks etc..... keep pressing and releasing brake until 7 honks.

The look at the LED. Press the RMST key fob button to switch from on to off.

 

Good luck

[magoo1]

It is most of the time installed under the steering column. It is a black box and is labeled Remote start. The program button is a black button attached to the main harness and the LED is also attached to the harness.

 

Have the program button and LED where you can reach and see it.

Turn key to run position. Press brake pedal and hold.

Push and hold the program button untill it honks. Count the honks. I think it will be four.

press the program button again and you should hear 5 honks.

Next press and release the brake pedal. It should honk 2 times. press brake again and you should hear 3 honks etc..... keep pressing and releasing brake until 7 honks.

The look at the LED. Press the RMST key fob button to switch from on to off.

 

Good luck

 

Thanks it works. There was a little trouble at first, the programing you gave me was a little off. I found it on the net here is the web site( http://www.fordaccessoriesstore.com/GfaWeb/techSpecs.do ) there is also a phone number if you need it. Thanks again for your help

[fordtech1]

Thanks it works. There was a little trouble at first, the programing you gave me was a little off. I found it on the net here is the web site( http://www.fordaccessoriesstore.com/GfaWeb/techSpecs.do ) there is also a phone number if you need it. Thanks again for your help

 

I apologize if I was a bit off on the sequence. I was going from memory. Doing something youself is easier than telling someone how to do it. Glad it worked for you. Ford and Code alarm is now refusing to release the programing information for the mykey shut down.

[magoo1]

Use one of the two ways that we gave you to disable the door open shutdown. Go through the program method, or follow the hardwire removal as I gave you. Easy as 3.14.... Two starts is easier on the vehicle than leaving it idle in the cold to warm up in the first place. MyKey is a safty feature. IF you start it with the remote start, you have effectively disabled MyKey, as the remote start acts as another key. When the real physical key is then used, it is not re-read, and the PCM has NO idea if the key you have is a Admin or not. It just sees the remote start's information as the key. This is why it must shut down.

 

I also went to the dealer and they said it could not be done But with help from fordtech1 and the internet I came up with this and it worked for me..

I can open the door with out the engine shutting down and but the key in turn it to run and away I go.

So Here it is for anyone that wants it.

 

Programming the Module

 

1: NOTE: If the remote start options (Key-in sense polarity, door ajar polarity, or tach mode) are not programmed correctly, vehicle will not remote start or operate properly.

NOTE: Make sure that the hood and doors are closed before proceeding.

NOTE: The LED on the remote start harness must be visible to complete module programming.

NOTE: The remote start override button must be accessible.

 

2: See chart below for programming information.

 

Program Bank 2 Chart (5 Honks)

BANK - OPTIONS - DESCR - LED

2 - 7 - My Key - Off

 

3: Press and hold the brake pedal.

 

4: Turn the ignition key to the RUN position.

The dome light will turn off.

 

5: Press and hold the remote start system override button for at least 10 seconds.

After 10 seconds the horn will honk 3 times, indicating the system is now in the learn mode. Release the brake pedal and the RMST override button.

 

6: Press and release the override button. The horn will honk 4 times indicating the system has entered the first program bank.

 

7: Press and release the override button again. The horn will honk 5 times indicating the system has entered the second program bank.

 

8: Press and release the brake pedal.

The horn will honk 1 time indicating the system has entered the option 1 of the second program bank. Press and release the brake pedal until you get 7 honks this is option 7 of the second bank.

 

NOTICE: When turning LED on or off using remote start fob button quickly press and immediately release the remote start button.

 

Failure to quickly release the remote start fob button will result in system defaulting to the factory options.

 

9: The LED must be off for option 7. Allows vehicle to stay running---But it also circumvents MYKEY operation.

Edited April 8, 2010 by magoo1

[ponyhp]

magoo1,

 

Thanks for the help in getting this done. I did it today and it took all of 5 minutes. And I still have control over the MyKey functions. Car remote starts and stays running when I open the door! Ford dealer's service claimed there was no way to fix the problem. Normal "no problem found" response from Service.

[pinheadsaz]

Hi,

 

I am having the same issue with my 2010 Supercrew?? Will the above fix work and where do I find the LED??

[NavigatorOne]

Hello,

 

I just recently took delivery of a 2010 Lincoln Navigator with Remote Start and, like what has been described above, have had issues with the MyKey feature.

 

I am going to try magoo1's trick tonight, but would like to know exactly at what step I need to make sure that the LED is off. Is it supposed to be off the whole time or is it supposed to be on up until selecting "option 7?"

 

Thanks for your help!

[ponyhp]

Hello,

 

I just recently took delivery of a 2010 Lincoln Navigator with Remote Start and, like what has been described above, have had issues with the MyKey feature.

 

I am going to try magoo1's trick tonight, but would like to know exactly at what step I need to make sure that the LED is off. Is it supposed to be off the whole time or is it supposed to be on up until selecting "option 7?"

 

Thanks for your help!

 

Once you get to option 7 you will want to click the remote start button and it will turn off the LED. You want the LED off when you are finished with option 7.

[NavigatorOne]

Once you get to option 7 you will want to click the remote start button and it will turn off the LED. You want the LED off when you are finished with option 7.

 

Thank you! Now it works just as I expected it to!

[mbyers]

This is great information.

I ordered a 2011 Mustang and have read about this issue and wasn't happy. Now that I know I can fix it myself, that is great news.

This is the first mod I'm going to do when I get the car.

 

Does anyone have more details on each wire that comes out of the module? My crazy plan is to figure out how to get it to turn on my heated seats and rear defroster in the winter. There must be a line that gets pulled high or low when the car is started that I can tap off from.

[Mustang46]

I found this on another forum.

 

http://techservices.codesystems.com/TechnicalIndex.aspx

 

This apparently is the supplier of the Ford remote start systems. Just create a Login and then click Ford at the top of the page. The PDF that you are looking for is titled

'PROGRAMMING - GEN2 BRONZE WITH OR WITHOUT "MYKEY"'. It details the programming process.

 

Interestingly, there is also a document titled 'NEW 2010 MODEL YEAR SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS FOR MYKE', which is a memo to dealers stating not to reprogram this for customers even if they complain about the issue in this thread...