[vanshopper]

I ordered my van with the bidirectional remote start. Now that it's cold I've been using it. It works fine but I can't figure out why it's considered 'bidirectional'. It's just a little square fob with a single rectangular button. When I google 'ford bidirectional remote start' it comes up with a very different looking remote from that I have and states it works 1000' away. I have to very close to even get it to work. Did I receive the correct thing?

 

[vanshopper]

One other question.

When the van is running and I go to get in it the engine shuts off when I open the driver door. Is there a way to get it to keep running so I can load the car without the heat shutting off?

 

[joefromga]

Bi directional is supposed to mean you have two way communication so the fob let's you know the engine status or at least beeps or flashes.

 

[vanshopper]

Wanted to add that there is a big antennae attached to the inside of the windshield. Did the dealer install this? Shouldn't a factory system have hidden wiring?

 

[tthrsn]

One other question.

When the van is running and I go to get in it the engine shuts off when I open the driver door. Is there a way to get it to keep running so I can load the car without the heat shutting off?

Here's the post that you want: Reprogramming the remote start.

Happy New Year.

 

[TransitManDan]

on ours if you hold down the remote start button for 3 seconds while its running it will honk and you can remove the key it will stay running. The bidirectional has a led in it that blinks green when the remote start is active letting you know it's running. The antenna they installed was not big at all maybe 4''

 

[TransitManDan]

here is a picture of the bidirectional antenna they installed

 

[vanshopper]

The remote I have is a small square with one single button. There is no green light, just a red one. It doesn't beep or make any noise at all there's no way to know if the engine started without listening for the van to honk.

 

[USMC Vet]

Mine fell down from behind the rear view mirror on recent trip. Startled us a bit. Found although it is a factory option, it is installed at the dealership. They forgot to remove the plastic from the 2 sided sticky tape and attached it with another piece of tape. Simple fix and back where it is supposed to be.

Semper Fi