The 2018 Ford Explorer Interceptor comes with remote start built in, but you need to set it up first

The 2018 Ford Explorer Interceptor includes a remote start feature that lets you start the engine from outside the vehicle using your key fob. This feature is standard on the Interceptor trim, but the system requires set up through your vehicle's settings before you can use it. The process takes a few minutes and involves steps you perform from inside the car.

Remote start on this model works only when the doors are locked and the transmission is in Park. The engine will run for a set time (usually 10 to 15 minutes) before shutting off automatically if you don't get in and shift into Drive. This safety design prevents the vehicle from running unattended indefinitely.

Key Takeaways

  • Remote start on the 2018 Explorer Interceptor must be turned on in the vehicle settings before the key fob button will work.
  • You set up remote start by pressing and holding the lock button on your key fob, then pressing the remote start button (the circular arrow icon) within five seconds.
  • The engine will shut itself off after 10 to 15 minutes if you don't physically enter the vehicle and shift into Drive.
  • Remote start will not function if the doors are unlocked, the transmission is not in Park, or the fuel level is critically low.
  • If remote start does not respond, check that the battery in your key fob is fresh and that you are within range of the vehicle (typically 80 to 100 feet).

How to enable remote start in your vehicle settings

To turn on the remote start feature, sit in the driver's seat with the doors closed and the key fob in your hand. Press the brake pedal, then insert the key fob into the ignition slot and turn it to the On position (not Start). You should see the instrument cluster light up.

Once the vehicle is in the On position, look at your instrument cluster display. Use the steering wheel controls or the center console buttons to navigate to Settings, then Vehicle, then Remote Start. Select the option to turn Remote Start On. The exact menu path may vary slightly depending on your specific dashboard layout, but the feature is always under a Vehicle or Settings submenu. After you enable it, turn the key back to Off and remove the fob.

Some 2018 Explorer Interceptors may have this feature pre-enabled from the factory, so check your settings first before assuming you need to turn it on. If the remote start button on your key fob already works, the feature is already active.

Using the remote start button on your key fob

Your key fob has a circular arrow button, usually located on the back or side of the fob. This is the remote start button. To use it, first make sure all doors are locked and the transmission is in Park (you must be outside the vehicle for this to work).

Press and hold the lock button (the padlock icon) on your fob for about one second until you see the lights flash or hear the locks engage. Within five seconds of locking the doors, press and hold the remote start button. The engine should crank and start within a few seconds. You will see the parking lights come on and may hear the engine running.

If the engine does not start, release the button and wait a few seconds, then try again. If it still does not respond, check that you are within 80 to 100 feet of the vehicle and that the key fob battery is not dead. A weak battery is the most common reason remote start fails to respond.

Conditions that prevent remote start from working

Remote start has built-in safety limits that stop the system from starting the engine in certain situations. The doors must be locked, the transmission must be in Park, and the parking brake must be engaged. If any door is unlocked or ajar, remote start will not function.

The fuel tank must also have enough gas to start the engine. If the fuel level is critically low, the system may refuse to start. Additionally, if the engine is already running or still warm from a recent shutdown, remote start may not respond. The system also disables remote start if the hood is open or if there is a fault detected in the engine or transmission.

In cold weather, the engine may take longer to crank, and the system may time out if the engine does not turn over quickly enough. This is normal and not a malfunction. Try again after waiting a few seconds.

What happens after the engine starts remotely

Once the engine is running via remote start, the vehicle will idle at a normal RPM with the transmission still in Park. The climate control system will not automatically turn on; you will need to adjust the heat or air conditioning manually when you get inside. The parking lights will remain on while the engine runs.

The engine will continue running for approximately 10 to 15 minutes before shutting itself off automatically. If you want to drive the vehicle before that time expires, straightforward unlock the doors with your key fob, get in, press the brake pedal, and shift into Drive. The remote start timer will cancel, and you can drive normally.

If you do not enter the vehicle before the timer expires, the engine will shut off and the doors will lock again. This is a safety feature to prevent the vehicle from running unattended for extended periods.

Troubleshooting when remote start does not work

If you press the remote start button and nothing happens, start by checking the key fob battery. Open the fob by prying the two halves apart gently with a coin or flat tool. Look for a small coin-cell battery (usually a CR2032 or similar). If it looks corroded or discolored, replace it with a fresh battery from any pharmacy or grocery store. This solves the problem in most cases.

Next, verify that you are within range of the vehicle. Remote start typically works within 80 to 100 feet, but obstacles like buildings or metal structures can reduce that range. Move closer to the vehicle and try again.

If the battery is fresh and you are in range, check that all the conditions for remote start are met: doors locked, transmission in Park, parking brake engaged, fuel tank not empty, and no warning lights on the dashboard. If a warning light is illuminated, the vehicle may have disabled remote start as a safety measure. Have the vehicle scanned with a diagnostic tool to identify the fault.

If remote start still does not work after these checks, the issue may be with the remote start module itself or the key fob receiver. Contact a Ford dealership for diagnosis and repair.

Key fob battery replacement and maintenance

The key fob battery typically lasts two to three years depending on how often you use the remote start feature. When the battery is low, the fob may work only at very close range or intermittently. Replacing the battery is straightforward and costs just a few dollars.

To replace the battery, locate the small slot or seam on the edge of your key fob. Use a coin or a flat plastic tool to gently pry the two halves apart. Remove the old battery and note which side was facing up. Insert the new battery with the same orientation, then snap the fob back together. Test the remote start button to confirm it works.

Keep your key fob away from extreme heat, moisture, and physical damage. If the fob gets wet, allow it to dry completely before using it. If the buttons become unresponsive even after a battery replacement, the fob may need to be reprogrammed or replaced by a Ford dealership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use remote start if the car is parked in my garage?

Remote start will work in a garage as long as you are within range of the vehicle and the doors are locked. However, running the engine in an enclosed space like a garage produces carbon monoxide, which is dangerous. Never use remote start to warm up the car while it remains in a closed garage.

Does remote start work if the key fob is inside the car?

No. The key fob must be outside the vehicle for remote start to function. If the fob is inside the car, the system will not respond to the remote start button. This is a safety feature to prevent accidental engine starts.

Will remote start drain my battery if I use it frequently?

Frequent remote start use will draw power from the battery, but the 2018 Explorer Interceptor's battery is sized to handle normal remote start operation. If you use remote start multiple times per day in very cold weather, the battery may drain faster than usual, but this is not typical for most drivers.

What is the range of the remote start button?

The remote start button typically works within 80 to 100 feet of the vehicle, though this range can be reduced by obstacles like buildings, trees, or metal structures. If you are farther away or blocked by a large obstacle, move closer and try again.

Can I extend the remote start timer beyond 15 minutes?

No. The 2018 Explorer Interceptor's remote start timer is fixed at approximately 10 to 15 minutes and cannot be adjusted through the vehicle settings. If you need the engine to run longer, you must get in the vehicle and shift into Drive before the timer expires.