Remote start (AC) ends with Frunk Opening

[VTbuckeye]

Model S will let you start HVAC when the frunk is open, but not if the rear hatch or any doors are open.

The software *used* to shut the car off if you turned on cabin HVAC then opened and closed a door, but I do believe that has changed with some later releases.

(Note that Tesla doesn't use the concept of "started" - cabin stuff is available if someone is in the car, keys or not... the closest thing to "starting" is that to transition into a driving mode, you step on the brake pedal with the key in the car. And when you're done driving, you open the door and get out, and the car transitions back into its other mode, no need to push a button to turn it off. Once you get used to that, the whole "push-to-start" thing seems so outdated and unneeded.)

Same in our Volvo EV. Sit in the car with the key and radio starts, HVAC starts. It was a bit weird at first, but after a day or two we wonder why other cars are not like that. Weight sensor activated plus key = accessory power. Step on brake pedal and put it in gear and away you go.

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[PungoteagueDave]

The issue is probably safety. Ford requires you to lock the truck before initiating remote start - because no one is in the truck and it could be driven away. Same theory for access to frunk, interior, etc. Basic security seems to require that a running vehicle that is unattended be fully locked and secured.

 

[GDN]

Model S will let you start HVAC when the frunk is open, but not if the rear hatch or any doors are open.

The software *used* to shut the car off if you turned on cabin HVAC then opened and closed a door, but I do believe that has changed with some later releases.

(Note that Tesla doesn't use the concept of "started" - cabin stuff is available if someone is in the car, keys or not... the closest thing to "starting" is that to transition into a driving mode, you step on the brake pedal with the key in the car. And when you're done driving, you open the door and get out, and the car transitions back into its other mode, no need to push a button to turn it off. Once you get used to that, the whole "push-to-start" thing seems so outdated and unneeded.)

Coming from Tesla to the Lightning - the Start / Stop button is the most unneeded item there is to ME. It is annoying and wish it would go away. However, I'm going to say - my pickup is just a daily driver, when I open the door I plan on driving typically.

Talking through this I think I see the need for the button for folks that truly use their trucks for work on a job site or on the ranch/farm. They can be in and out of them for various reasons many many times a day and don't need or want the AC or accessories firing up - they may open that door 20 times a day and only drive 3 of them. The Start/Stop button allows them to control when they truly need or intend to get the accessory power or start to drive. So from that perspective it make much sense.

That is not to say however if I've remote started it and open the Frunk the AC should shut off.

 

[GDN]

The issue is probably safety. Ford requires you to lock the truck before initiating remote start - because no one is in the truck and it could be driven away. Same theory for access to frunk, interior, etc. Basic security seems to require that a running vehicle that is unattended be fully locked and secured.

This is true for traditional ICE, but you can't remote start from the remote on the Lightning, only the app. And while it may lock the doors as part of the routine, it no longer forces you to press the lock button before you press start. Just press the Start button for a few seconds and if it is in range you are good.

 

[PungoteagueDave]

This is true for traditional ICE, but you can't remote start from the remote on the Lightning, only the app. And while it may lock the doors as part of the routine, it no longer forces you to press the lock button before you press start. Just press the Start button for a few seconds and if it is in range you are good.

Same security issue applies - you don’t want an unattended vehicle running, so if you open a door or frunk, it assumes that you are onsite, so stops the vehicle. Seems logical and proper security to me.

 

[GDN]

Same security issue applies - you don’t want an unattended vehicle running, so if you open a door or frunk, it assumes that you are onsite, so stops the vehicle. Seems logical and proper security to me.

I don't follow that because I do open it - and you are correct it assumes I'm onsite, then it is secure - I am there, no need to shut anything down. I am in control and I had key with me or I wouldn't have been able to open the frunk or door.

 

[PungoteagueDave]

It knows the door or frunk has been opened, but does not actually know that you are there, so for security reasons, shuts down the truck, I could have said that better. Further, if you are there, you would need to start the vehicle by pushing the start button whether it had been remote started or not, and if it assumes you are there, is getting ready for your input. The way I see it, any alteration to the vehicle’s status during a remote start event should terminate the remote start to put it back to a safe baseline status. Things like remote start and vehicle summon (which i have on my Teslas) are the edge security situations and legal liability takes strange twists. I think this is just Ford saying - “You just retook control, I’m out.”

 

[GDN]

It knows the door or frunk has been opened, but does not actually know that you are there, so for security reasons, shuts down the truck, I could have said that better. Further, if you are there, you would need to start the vehicle by pushing the start button whether it had been remote started or not, and if it assumes you are there, is getting ready for your input. The way I see it, any alteration to the vehicle’s status during a remote start event should terminate the remote start to put it back to a safe baseline status. Things like remote start and vehicle summon (which i have on my Teslas) are the edge security situations and legal liability takes strange twists. I think this is just Ford saying - “You just retook control, I’m out.”

Thanks and I get that some - it is true Ford is traditional and not going to push that edge that Tesla has.

I'm not here to argue but to see those other points, as it was just a few minutes ago that I realized truly that Start / Stop button may make much sense for someone using this as a work truck, vs my daily transportation that I rarely touch if I'm not going to drive somewhere.

 

[SteffanG]

There is still no need to shut it down for "security". Because it is an EV, it is pretty simple for them to just not allow the vehicle to move out of Park unless the start/stop is pressed with the key inside

 

[duncanmaio]

I think this is just Ford saying - “You just retook control, I’m out.”

That totally makes sense, and it's nice that the truck locks itself when remote starting - except that you can unlock and open the doors, and the remote start (and A/C) stays on. Opening the frunk shuts the truck off (I haven't tried opening the tailgate). EDIT: opening the tailgate does not shut the truck off - just the frunk.

Whatever the issue, this seems pretty minor, and if Ford was going to cut corners in adapting the ICE F-150 systems to the Lightning, changing this particular bit of software would be pretty low on my list. If I planned ahead, the cabin and battery are already preconditioned and ready to go. If it's really hot or cold, since I am at the truck I can start it manually to keep the hvac going while loading the frunk.

 

[GDN]

That totally makes sense - except that you can unlock and open the doors, and the remote start (and A/C) stays on. Opening the frunk shuts the truck off (I haven't tried opening the tailgate).

Whatever the issue, this seems pretty minor, and if Ford was going to cut corners in adapting the ICE F-150 systems to the Lightning, changing this particular bit of software would be pretty low on my list. If I planned ahead, the cabin and battery are already preconditioned and ready to go. If it's really hot or cold, since I am at the truck I can start it manually to keep the hvac going while loading the frunk.

You can start it again, but I think of the HVAC itself truly. Most mondern house thermostats won't let the compressor restart for 5 minutes once it shuts off due to high pressure and I'm told it is hard on the compressor.

I've got no idea, but I assume this to be true on the compressors in our truck too. I just don't see shutting it off just because the funk opened only to have to turn it right back on.

I'm sure they have their reasons, or maybe a simple oversight or bug. Either it will always remain this way because they intend for it, or they'll find the bug and some day it will be fixed and we won't even think about it again.

 

[SteffanG]

You can start it again, but I think of the HVAC itself truly. Most mondern house thermostats won't let the compressor restart for 5 minutes once it shuts off due to high pressure and I'm told it is hard on the compressor.

I've got no idea, but I assume this to be true on the compressors in our truck too. I just don't see shutting it off just because the funk opened only to have to turn it right back on.

I'm sure they have their reasons, or maybe a simple oversight or bug. Either it will always remain this way because they intend for it, or they'll find the bug and some day it will be fixed and we won't even think about it again.

Vehicles are different. The AC compressor on some vehicles (especially the older ones) will cycle on and off to keep the pressure within range. The only exception to this is if it has a Variable Scroll Compressor which can adjust itself to what is needed instead of full on or full off.
EV vehicles may also be able to adjust the speed that it runs at (haven't looked into it but don't see why it isn't possible).

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