Possible to add remote start?

[Hexadecimal]

I just bought a MT 2018 Ecoboost Mustang Premium with a Performance Package. Is it possible to add remote start functionality to the car after the fact, especially since it's a MT? I only have a carport, so I'd like to be able to remote start it in the winter to warm it up before getting in.

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[Bob Lob Law]

Not legally. You'd have to bypass the clutch switch.

 

[ORRadtech]

It would make for a bad day if you forgot and left it in gear.

 

[Hexadecimal]

Hmm.. it looks like Compustar's requires it to be left in nuetral to avoid issues

https://www.compustar.com/blog/can-you-remote-start-a-manual-transmission-stick-shift-vehicle/

 

[falcongtho3]

Don't do it. Nearly lost my legs to someone who thought they were smarter than every one and did make it work. Hit my car, nearly crippled me.

 

[Vlad Soare]

Only with a third-party remote start system, like the one linked above.
Unfortunately, the native remote start feature of the Mustang cannot be activated on manuals, simply because the relevant piece of software is missing from the BCM. It's not just a matter of flipping a switch. The code isn't there at all.

 

[MathematicsDP]

Compustar is actually a very good option for adding a remote start on a manual transmission. I had this on my manual Camaro before I traded it in for my Mustang. The unit I had was not set up to bypass at all. There was a parking sequence that had to be done in order for remote start to be activated.

I believe it can be programmed but I'm not sure. My sequence to park was to brake with it held in, put the car in neutral, engage the emergency brake, and then release the brake pedal. If that specific order was not done, remote start would not be able to be activated.

Also, there is a safety feature that will recognize if the car is in gear that disables the remote start which is really good. This is helpful for if you actually do the sequence and then randomly go in your car later on to put it in gear. I've had these moments depending on where and how I parked.

Rather you go with a Compustar or any other brand, just be sure the unit you get is designed for remote start on manual transmissions vehicles. This will have the correct sensors and connections needed to ensure safety. If you get a unit not designed for remote start, the only option is a bypass which is an accident waiting to happen.

If you plan on installing it yourself, keep that in mind or if you're getting a shop to install it, make sure that's communicated with them so they know you're not trying to get it added for a fraction of the cost with them using a lower cost alarm system to fit your budget if you have one because it will more than likely be a bypass. They'll definitely do it depending on the shop.

 

[Samiamthemustangman]

Back in the day there was no way to have a safty feature on the remote start on a standard. One of the installers at empress ( a local stero shop) was showing a customer how the alarm works. Well the car took of into a very busy street and hit 2 cars. He had inshurence. I dont know if it had a no driver policy. I hung out with installers at another stero shop and that's all the details we got.

 

[jheissjr]

Where did you read the BCM is missing software for remote start? Is the BCM software a collection of multiple software components?

 

[Vlad Soare]

I found this out from a friend of mine who's very knowledgeable in Ford matters and has a lot of experience modifying everything possible in the hardware and software of various Ford models, including a bit of reverse engineering here and there.
Having read on this forum that the remote start activation is not possible with manuals, I said to myself, "yeah, right. Let me ask Cristi. I bet he'll find a way". But alas, he said no can do. He had already looked into it before my bringing it up, and he explained to me why it was simply impossible.
Not even transplanting a BCM from an automatic vehicle wouldn't work, because there would be hardware incompatibilities and lots of errors, and it wouldn't work correctly anyway.

The BCM controls electric and electronic functions pertaining to the vehicle body. That is, lights, security features (e.g. keyless entry), tire pressure sensors, mirrors, and lots and lots of others. It's a central module that a lot of critical stuff revolves around.

 

[jheissjr]

Your friend is extremely knowledgeable! Is your friend on mustang6g.com?

 

[Sycostang67]

I had a compustar system on my 2006 GT with a 5spd, worked the same way. If you didn’t follow the shut down sequence, the remote start wouldn’t work. I tried to trick it a couple times but it worked as it was supposed too.

Compustar is actually a very good option for adding a remote start on a manual transmission. I had this on my manual Camaro before I traded it in for my Mustang. The unit I had was not set up to bypass at all. There was a parking sequence that had to be done in order for remote start to be activated.

I believe it can be programmed but I'm not sure. My sequence to park was to brake with it held in, put the car in neutral, engage the emergency brake, and then release the brake pedal. If that specific order was not done, remote start would not be able to be activated.

Also, there is a safety feature that will recognize if the car is in gear that disables the remote start which is really good. This is helpful for if you actually do the sequence and then randomly go in your car later on to put it in gear. I've had these moments depending on where and how I parked.

Rather you go with a Compustar or any other brand, just be sure the unit you get is designed for remote start on manual transmissions vehicles. This will have the correct sensors and connections needed to ensure safety. If you get a unit not designed for remote start, the only option is a bypass which is an accident waiting to happen.

If you plan on installing it yourself, keep that in mind or if you're getting a shop to install it, make sure that's communicated with them so they know you're not trying to get it added for a fraction of the cost with them using a lower cost alarm system to fit your budget if you have one because it will more than likely be a bypass. They'll definitely do it depending on the shop.

 

[Vlad Soare]

Your friend is extremely knowledgeable! Is your friend on mustang6g.com?

Not that I know of, though I guess he may have visited occasionally, because among the many Fords that came into his posession over time there was also a Mustang. But no, he's not an active member here, or at least I'm not aware that he is.

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