I’m considering trading in my Model X and trying out the Ford Pass app with my wife’s daily driver, a 2023 Escape. I’ve noticed the app can take over 30 seconds to lock and unlock, and the remote start feature doesn’t work consistently. Is the experience better with the Lightning? I’m surprised at the slow response times.
In my experience, the app is quite responsive. It takes a couple of seconds to load initially, but once it does, locking/unlocking and starting the vehicle is usually quick, often under a second for those actions.
@Jael
I have to disagree. The app loads quickly, but remote start can take 30 seconds or more.
Indy said:
@Jael
I have to disagree. The app loads quickly, but remote start can take 30 seconds or more.
I usually use the app when I’m at home with both my phone and truck on the same network. I just tried and it took 4 seconds for the unlock command—subsequent commands were nearly instantaneous.
@Jael
Unlocking/locking might be faster, but remote start is still an issue.
Indy said:
@Jael
Unlocking/locking might be faster, but remote start is still an issue.
It took 7 seconds for my remote start today, which I find reasonable.
Indy said:
@Jael
Unlocking/locking might be faster, but remote start is still an issue.
It took 7 seconds for my remote start today, which I find reasonable.
I had to wait 28 seconds for mine this morning, so it’s definitely inconsistent.
@Indy
Are you on a cellular connection? That might make a difference since I only start remotely when I’m home. I’ll try it away from home next time.
Jael said:
@Indy
Are you on a cellular connection? That might make a difference since I only start remotely when I’m home. I’ll try it away from home next time.
No, but I wonder if the truck uses its WiFi connection for these actions. Sometimes I think it still relies on cellular, especially with my poor home signal.
@Jael
I agree. While my experience with my Tesla app shows more features, both apps are similarly reliable but still have issues.
Compared to Tesla, the Ford Pass app is noticeably inferior. Generally, commands take around 10 seconds, but can extend to 30 seconds if the vehicle is in deep sleep.
Ari said:
Compared to Tesla, the Ford Pass app is noticeably inferior. Generally, commands take around 10 seconds, but can extend to 30 seconds if the vehicle is in deep sleep.
I’ve had situations where commands didn’t go through at all. Sometimes I have to wake the vehicle with the remote for the app to function.
If you’re coming from a Tesla, the tech in the Lightning might disappoint you. I like my truck, but I miss my Tesla’s tech capabilities.
It’s a common sentiment: previous Tesla owners find the Ford app lacking, while newcomers think it’s great.
Overall, I find it pretty poor. While I don’t lose connection, the inputs lag significantly. Walking to the truck often turns out to be faster than waiting for the app to respond. The app seems to rely too much on satellite communications, regardless of proximity to the vehicle, though I’ve heard PAAK is an improvement.
@Frost
PAAK doesn’t really enhance performance; it’s limited to opening the frunk and tailgate if you’re within Bluetooth range. Everything else remains slow.
When it functions, it’s reliable. However, Ford isn’t a tech company, and the app clearly reflects this. Sometimes it feels like it’s just loading a webpage in-app, which is not ideal. Setting up the Power Station Pro was frustrating and took multiple attempts.
@Vail
I can relate! Getting it set up was a real struggle, but now that it works, it’s very useful.
Delaney said:
@Vail
I can relate! Getting it set up was a real struggle, but now that it works, it’s very useful.
I agree; it took countless tries to connect to the charger. Once connected, the app’s integration is disappointing.
@Vail
Yes, I had similar issues setting up my Ford Charger Pro. It was overly complicated, and I had to turn it on and off multiple times to get it to work.