FordPass only works when the truck is running?

For the past few days, I can’t do a remote start through the app, and the battery status won’t update unless the truck is on. If the truck is off, nothing seems to work on the app, but as soon as the truck is running, it updates in real time.

Has anyone else had this happen? Any ideas on how to fix it? I already tried disconnecting the 12V battery, but no luck.

Are you using a VPN on your phone? I had issues with my FordPass app until I turned off the Google Fi VPN. You might also try restarting your phone or checking for app updates.

Shan said:
Are you using a VPN on your phone? I had issues with my FordPass app until I turned off the Google Fi VPN. You might also try restarting your phone or checking for app updates.

I do use a VPN, but turning it off didn’t help. This issue just started a few days ago, and I’ve been using a VPN for years without problems. Also, it wouldn’t explain why it works when the truck is on. I think the problem might be with the truck itself, like the connection only works when the engine is running.

@Zen
Try restarting your phone after turning off the VPN. You might also check the connectivity settings in your truck to make sure nothing’s off there.

The truck’s cell modem might be going into a deep sleep mode to save the 12V battery.

What works for me is unlocking and locking the truck. That wakes up the electronics, and after about 15 seconds, the modem connects to Ford servers. You should be able to use FordPass after that.

If you’ve ever stayed inside the truck after turning it off, you might notice the relays clicking. That’s the system shutting down to save power.

@Penn
That’s interesting, but I’ve had this truck for years and never had to do that. Even after leaving it parked for a week at the airport, I could still do a remote start.

I tried your suggestion just now, but it didn’t work for me.

@Zen
If that didn’t work, it might be that the modem in your truck needs to be replaced.

Penn said:
@Zen
If that didn’t work, it might be that the modem in your truck needs to be replaced.

Yeah, that’s what I was thinking too. It’s just strange that it works fine when the truck is running.

@Zen
I’ve noticed something similar, but for me, it only happens when the truck is connected to my home WiFi.

When I’m away from home, remote start works fine. Unfortunately, I don’t get cell service at my house, so I can’t disconnect it from WiFi completely.

@Sky
That’s a really good thought, and I was hopeful this might be the issue. I turned off WiFi in the truck, but it’s still not updating, and remote start isn’t working.

I’ll leave WiFi off and drive it around a bit to see if that changes anything. Thanks for the suggestion—it’s worth exploring more!