How to Remote Start Your Ford Bronco

One of the luxuries of your Bronco is the remote-start feature.

If you’ve ever lived through a summer in Las Vegas or a winter in Anchorage, you understand the importance of getting the interior of your vehicle to a pleasant temperature before you get in. With the Bronco, remote start is easy to do, and once you’ve tried it, you’ll use it all the time.

Is Remote Start Available for all Ford Bronco Models?

Remote start is available for all automatic Ford Bronco models.

You can access this feature through the FordPass app, which can be installed via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

However, some trims also provide remote start access through the key fob, allowing you to start your Ford Bronco directly from your key.

How to Enable Remote Start on a Bronco

To begin, make sure the Remote Start system is enabled. On the Bronco’s center touchscreen, tap, Settings, then Vehicle, and finally Remote Start Setup. This is where you can toggle the system on or off.

Once Remote Start is enabled, you can use the feature in two ways: either through the key fob or the FordPass app.

The Key Fob

Once the system has been turned on, follow these instructions:

• Press the lock button on the key fob
• Within three seconds, press the button on the key fob that shows 2X inside a circle with an arrow two times.
• Wait for the turn-signal lamps to flash twice.

The parking lamps will turn on when the vehicle is running. If the system fails to start, the horn will honk. To remotely stop the vehicle, press the button two times again.

FordPass App

If you prefer to use remote start through FordPass app, make sure your vehicle’s modem is enabled, and the app is properly connected and authorized to the vehicle.

To remote start your Ford Bronco from the FordPass app, follow these steps:

• Go to the home screen of your app.
• Swipe the power button icon to the right until the circle starts spinning.
• Look for the message showing you how long your vehicle will remain on.

To remotely turn off the engine:

•  Swipe the power icon to the left until the circle spins.
• After a few seconds, the vehicle will shut down.

Note, the vehicle sends a signal to the cloud, which then sends a signal to communicate to the vehicle’s modem, which is why it doesn’t start or stop immediately.

Benefits of Using Remote Start on a Ford Bronco

There are many benefits to remote starting your Ford Bronco.

One of the most appreciated features is the ability to pre-condition the cabin before you enter. You can choose between two settings: Automatic or Last setting.

To choose, go to Settings again from the center screen, then tap Vehicle, then Remote Start Setup.

If you select ‘Last’ setting, the interior will heat or cool to your last used climate control system selection as far as fan speed and cabin temperature.

If you select automatic mode, the system will attempt to heat or cool the interior to 72°F (22°C). When you get in and turn on the vehicle, the climate control system returns to the last used settings. 

In this setup you also can choose the duration you prefer the remote start to remain active: 5, 10, or 15 minutes. In addition, if the vehicle times out, you can remote start it two more times before you must go to the vehicle and physically start it from inside.

Why Won’t my Ford Bronco Remote Start?

When using the remote start feature on your Ford Bronco, it's important to be aware of remote start limitations.

Your Ford Bronco will not start remotely if:

• The alarm is sounding
• The hood is open
• The transmission is not in Park
• The ignition is already on
• The battery voltage is below minimum operating voltage
• Remote start is not enabled

Once you enter the vehicle with the key and the vehicle is running, you need to step on the brake, hit the start/stop button and put the vehicle in gear to drive away.

How Far Can You Be From a Ford Bronco to Use the Remote Start?

When remote starting your Ford Bronco from your key fob, you can start your vehicle from up to 300 feet away.

With the FordPass app, however, you can start your Ford Bronco from virtually anywhere if you have a good internet connection.

Does Remote Start Affect the Battery Life of a Ford Bronco?

The remote start feature does affect the battery life of your Ford Bronco. Minimal energy is drawn by the remote start feature to maintain standby mode when you're ready to use it.

The more frequently you use remote start, the faster your vehicle's battery life will be consumed. However, for most drivers with healthy batteries who use this feature moderately, the convenience of remote start far outweighs its minimal impact on battery performance. How often do you use remote start, and have you noticed any impact on your battery life?