Remote Start vs. Preconditioning

[ram]

For what it is worth, I have requested a "precondition now" button on the app via DM to Ford so we don't have to go through scheduling screen. They did come back to gather some additional information. So may be in the future...

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[DR.J56]

For what it is worth, I have requested a "precondition now" button on the app via DM to Ford so we don't have to go through scheduling screen. They did come back to gather some additional information. So may be in the future...

This is something I would actually use since my schedule changes all the time.

 

[camdenlake]

For what it is worth, I have requested a "precondition now" button on the app via DM to Ford so we don't have to go through scheduling screen. They did come back to gather some additional information. So may be in the future...

Excellent. I work in service and have to randomly head out. Would love a precondition now button. @Ford Motor Company

 

[RickMachE]

One of the challenges with using Departure Times on an irregular schedule is remembering to Delete the time after using it. I used it last week, and this Tuesday my car started preparing for departure and I then deleted it. Would be great if there was a box to check called "One Time".

#PreConditionNow

 

[OH2AZ2OH]

Slightly off topic...

Has anyone else noticed the car charging outside of the scheduled charging time if you have departures scheduled mid-day? Example:

My car is scheduled to charge between 11pm and 7am (weekdays) and anytime on weekends.
I added departure timers for some afternoon trips I do and noticed the car charging during the day.
When I removed the afternoon departures, the day charging stopped.

This is what I would expect to happen. Setting a departure time basically is requesting that the car be completely warmed up (battery and cabin) at that time so that you can get the most range possible. Using battery power to do that defeats the purpose.

 

[MachTri]

Here is a suggestions. It might not work for everyone but could be super useful...

1. Link the App with my calendar (many apps do this, users need to understand the privacy issues)
2. When I have an appointment with a location away from my current location...
3. If the vehicle is plugged in and the ambient temperature is outside of ideal battery temp
4. Calculate the time I should depart to get to the appointment on time
5. Prompt me if I'd like to schedule a 1-time preconditioning on the car ahead of my departure time.

 

[Kevin P]

I tested this today with my Mach E GT. I started the car with Fordpass, without it plugged in. After about 10 minutes when I got in the car, the power meter showed that I had access to the full power (no gray bars.) Previous experience tells me that when I do a cold start without it being plugged in and charging, it most certainly has restricted power while the battery warms up. In fact this can last at least 5 minutes or several miles. So it seems to me that starting the car DOES in fact warm the battery, at least in a GT. The car is always in a garage, for what its worth.

 

[2021-MMEx-RT1]

The auto you’re looking for is on the settings in the car. Not on FordPass. Auto work very well the defrost and warm the cabin when you remote start. Almost too well if you also have heated seats. My Ham’s are cooked almost as soon as I sit down.

That was the trick. Last night after getting home I setup eVee with AUTO and everything was off when parked, but this AM I hit remote start (It was charging this time) and when I got in, there wasn't any condensation on the windows and my driving glasses didn't fog up!)

but the light of the sun was shining on the fence...

Tonight I'll turn them Off from Auto and see if that keeps them off.


OH, when I got out there I saw/heard the SiriusXM playing away at highway volume! (like 6). Didn't expect to see that on either. AND, when I got out there, the car didn't 'light up' and no puddle ponys greeted me.

 

[sockmeister]

For what it is worth, I have requested a "precondition now" button on the app via DM to Ford so we don't have to go through scheduling screen. They did come back to gather some additional information. So may be in the future...

I've requested the same thing earlier this week when I corresponded with engineering at Ford over a different issue. Let's get more voices on this!

 

[SnBGC]

According to Ford, using remote start only preconditions the cabin. Setting departure times preconditions both the cabin and battery. It was in a letter they sent to dealers a while back about achieving the most accurate range estimates.

Interesting strategy on Ford's part and appears to differ from hot weather battery cooling. Remote start in the summer here appears to also cool the battery. For sure the compressor goes into over drive....

I suppose one way to test is to turn off HVAC and then remote start and see if the compressor turns on. Will have to wait for summer to give that a try....

 

[sockmeister]

The real way to test this is going to be through the new PIDs in the Torque app -- Remote start the car, and watch the battery temperature. See if it warms or cools.

 

[prdude]

The HVB and Cabin use the same coolant/heating loop. When you remote start your car via the FordPass application it will do both simultaneously. If your plugged in, it will pull its power from the shore line, if you are not, it will pull its power from the HVB thus reducing your range.

Point of clarification: the HVB and cabin (PTC heater) CAN be in a common loop, but they are not necessarily ALWAYS in a common loop. There are separate coolant pumps for the HVB loop and the PTC heater loop, and there's a multiposition valve that can link the two loops together ..... I don't know what the valve software calls for during cabin preconditioning

 

[HowdyDoody]

If departure times don’t work for your schedule, then don’t worry about it. The car will still work fine.

What is the rule of thumb if only driving short distances, like one mile to the grocery store in 20 degree weather? Remote start to heat the battery, or don't bother. Specifically wondering about what's best for battery health, not interior comfort inn this case.

 

[generaltso]

What is the rule of thumb if only driving short distances, like one mile to the grocery store in 20 degree weather? Remote start to heat the battery, or don't bother. Specifically wondering about what's best for battery health, not interior comfort inn this case.

I'm sure there are a lot of different opinions, but I wouldn't bother to do anything. If it's a short trip like that, I'd use the heated seat and steering wheel and not precondition or use the cabin heat while driving at all.

 

[MachTri]

When I was a pre-teen my parents would send me out in the cold to start up their cars to warm them up. My kids grown and out of the house now so that's not an option for me. But it might be the best way to precondition for some of you.

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