Ford Pass errors and common problems

Remote start not working: Door open, setting off or Deep Sleep mode

Means

Remote start fails when something about the car blocks it, such as an open door or the engine already running. Ford also lists Remote Start being switched off in the instrument cluster and the car being in Deep Sleep mode.

First step

Close all doors, the boot, the bonnet and the tailgate, and make sure the engine is off and the car is in Park. All steps

Activation pending: Prompt on the car screen missed or connectivity off

Means

The Ford app needs you to accept a prompt on the car's screen before remote commands work. Ford says a missed prompt or connectivity settings switched off in the car leave the status on pending.

First step

Sit in the car with it switched on, parked in an open, well-ventilated place. All steps

App not responding: Old app version or weak phone connection

Means

The Ford app (formerly FordPass) can stop responding when it is out of date or the phone's connection is poor. Ford suggests updating, switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data, and restarting the app and phone.

First step

Update the Ford app from your app store if an update is offered. All steps

Car in Deep Sleep mode: Car saving battery after standing or low voltage

Means

Deep Sleep mode shuts off the app connection to save the battery. Ford says it starts after 14 days without use, when battery voltage drops below 9.5 volts, or in very hot or cold weather.

First step

Start the car yourself with the push button or the key. All steps

Remote lock not working: Door open, Deep Sleep or fault with the car

Means

Remote locking fails when a door, the boot or the bonnet is open, or when the car is in Deep Sleep mode. Ford suggests testing the key fob to see whether the fault is in the car or the app.

First step

Make sure the car is not in Deep Sleep mode. All steps

Can't log in: Typo, old password or old app version

Means

Ford says login problems usually come from a typing error, an out of date password or an old app version.

First step

Check your email address and password for typing errors, using the eye symbol to show the password. All steps

Location not updating: Refresh needed or modem not talking to the app

Means

The app shows the last known location and does not update while the car is moving. Ford says repeated refresh failures can point to a modem that is not communicating.

First step

Open the Vehicle screen in the Ford app and tap the Refresh button at the top right. All steps

Activation in Progress: Modem activation not finished

Means

This pop-up shows when the car's modem activation is not complete. Ford names a missed prompt on the car screen, an access request not yet approved, or a delay on Ford's side.

First step

Tap OK and accept the activation message on the car's screen if you have not done so. All steps

Refresh failed: Location refresh could not reach the car

Means

Shown as "Refresh failed. May be due to poor vehicle connectivity." when the car's location cannot be updated. Ford says it may point to a modem that is not communicating.

First step

Check whether other remote commands such as lock and unlock still work. All steps