2017 Ford Escape Remote Start Not Working: What to Check
If the lock and unlock buttons still work but your 2017 Ford Escape refuses to remote start, the key fob itself may be fine. Ford lists several vehicle conditions that deliberately prevent remote start, so I would check those before assuming the transmitter or starter has failed.
Start with what still works
| What you notice | What it suggests | Useful next guide |
|---|---|---|
| Lock/unlock works but remote start does not | The remote is communicating, so check Ford's remote-start conditions first | This page |
| Remote range is weak or buttons are intermittent | The CR2032 battery becomes more relevant | Key fob battery |
| No Key Detected appears | This is a key-detection problem, not simply a remote-start condition | Key fob troubleshooting |
| Vehicle cranks slowly or several electronics act strangely | Low 12V battery condition becomes more important | Battery & charging |
| Check-engine light was on | Ford specifically lists this as a remote-start blocker | Engine codes |
1. Make sure the hood is fully closed
Ford specifically says remote start will not work when the hood is open. If the hood is physically closed but the vehicle still behaves as if it is open, that is useful diagnostic information because remote start relies on the vehicle knowing the hood status correctly.
I would not bypass or defeat a hood-latch safety input. The purpose of the interlock is to prevent an unexpected remote engine start while someone could be working around the engine compartment.
2. Confirm the Escape is in Park
The 2017 Escape must be in Park (P) for remote start. This is one of Ford's listed operating conditions. If the vehicle has any unusual gear-position message or a history related to the shift-cable recall, treat that as a separate issue rather than trying repeated remote-start attempts.
3. A low vehicle battery can disable remote start
Ford says remote start is disabled when vehicle battery voltage is below the minimum operating voltage. That makes the 12V vehicle battery especially relevant when remote start suddenly stops working during cold weather, after the Escape has been parked for a long time, or when you have also noticed slow cranking or other low-voltage symptoms.
This is different from the small CR2032 inside the key fob. The coin cell powers the transmitter; the vehicle's 12V battery powers the Escape itself. If the door buttons respond normally but the Escape has weak-battery symptoms, see the 2017 Ford Escape battery guide.
4. Check whether the Service Engine Soon light was on
This is easy to overlook. Ford lists the Service Engine Soon indicator being on during the previous drive as a condition that can stop remote start.
If the check-engine light is on, I would read and save the diagnostic code rather than clearing it just to see whether remote start comes back. The code may contain useful information about the problem that triggered the light. Start with the 2017 Escape engine-code guide.
5. Check whether remote start has been switched off
Ford allows the remote-start feature and its climate settings to be configured through the vehicle's information display. If the system worked previously and stopped after settings were changed, confirm the feature has not simply been disabled.
6. Anti-theft alarm activity can prevent a start
Ford also lists an anti-theft alarm trigger as a reason remote start will not operate. If the alarm has been going off unexpectedly, I would treat that as its own clue rather than focusing only on the remote-start button.
What about the key-fob battery?
A weak remote battery can reduce transmitter range or make button response intermittent. Ford specifies a CR2032 three-volt battery for the 2017 Escape remote and says replacing it does not erase the programmed key. If lock/unlock is unreliable too, start with the CR2032 key-fob battery guide.
If a fresh remote battery does not solve broader keyless-entry problems, use the key fob and keyless-entry troubleshooting guide.
Remote start works, but the cabin is not the temperature you expected
That is a different problem from a failed remote-start request. Ford says the 2017 Escape can adjust interior temperature during remote start according to the settings selected in the information display. Ford also notes that you cannot change the climate-control setting during remote-start operation; once the ignition is switched on, the climate system returns to its previous settings.
If the engine starts remotely but the cabin never produces useful heat during normal driving either, see the heater not working / blowing cold air guide.
Factory system versus aftermarket remote start
This page is about the Ford factory system. An aftermarket remote-start system can add its own control module, wiring, programming and safety conditions. Ford also notes that MyKey is not compatible with non-Ford-approved aftermarket remote-start systems. If your Escape has an aftermarket system, use the documentation for that exact system rather than assuming Ford's factory troubleshooting applies to every part of it.
What I would check in order
- Confirm the hood is fully closed and the Escape is in Park.
- Look for a check-engine light or other warning message.
- Notice whether lock/unlock works normally from the same remote.
- Consider vehicle-battery symptoms if the Escape cranks slowly or several electronics are acting oddly.
- Confirm remote start is enabled in the vehicle settings.
- If one programmed remote works and another does not, compare the remotes before blaming the vehicle.