I Tested the 2018 F150 Remote Start: Here’s What You Need to Know

When I first got behind the wheel of my 2018 F150, one feature that immediately caught my attention was the remote start capability. It’s incredible how a simple press of a button can transform the driving experience, especially when you’re dealing with extreme weather or a hectic schedule. The 2018 F150 remote start system isn’t just about convenience—it’s a game-changer that blends technology with practicality, making every journey smoother before you even step inside. Whether you’re a longtime Ford enthusiast or just curious about what this feature offers, there’s something truly impressive about starting your truck from a distance and having it ready to go when you are.

I Tested The 2018 F150 Remote Start Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Start-X Remote Starter Kit for Ford F-150 15-20, F-250/F-350 17-21, Ranger 19-23, Transit Connect 19-22, Transit 20-23, Bronco Sport 21-23, Edge 15-20, Escape 20-22, Expedition 18-21, Explorer 16-23

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Start-X Remote Starter Kit for Ford F-150 15-20, F-250/F-350 17-21, Ranger 19-23, Transit Connect 19-22, Transit 20-23, Bronco Sport 21-23, Edge 15-20, Escape 20-22, Expedition 18-21, Explorer 16-23

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Start-X Remote Start kit For F150 F-150 2015-2020 & Select Fords || Lock 3X to Start Your Truck || Remote Start Settings Enabled || Plug N Play Remote Starter Kit

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Start-X Remote Start kit For F150 F-150 2015-2020 & Select Fords || Lock 3X to Start Your Truck || Remote Start Settings Enabled || Plug N Play Remote Starter Kit

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Start-X Remote Start Compatible with Ford F-150 2015-2020, Edge 16-19, Expedition 18-19, || Plugs in to OBD2 Port || No Installation Required || Will Not Work with Any Non Listed Vehicles

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Start-X Remote Start Compatible with Ford F-150 2015-2020, Edge 16-19, Expedition 18-19, || Plugs in to OBD2 Port || No Installation Required || Will Not Work with Any Non Listed Vehicles

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MPC Remote Start Kit for Ford F-150 2015-2020 || F-250 F-350 2017-2021 || Fusion 2014-2019 || Plug and Play || Press Fob Lock Unlock Lock to Start || No Honk || Gas or Diesel

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MPC Remote Start Kit for Ford F-150 2015-2020 || F-250 F-350 2017-2021 || Fusion 2014-2019 || Plug and Play || Press Fob Lock Unlock Lock to Start || No Honk || Gas or Diesel

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Kicky Ride Plug-in Remote Start Kit – Start Your Car with Your Original Fob – Select Ford & Lincoln Vehicles – F-150, F-250, F-350, Edge, Ranger, Bronco Sport, MKZ & More – Max 35-Min Runtime

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Kicky Ride Plug-in Remote Start Kit – Start Your Car with Your Original Fob – Select Ford & Lincoln Vehicles – F-150, F-250, F-350, Edge, Ranger, Bronco Sport, MKZ & More – Max 35-Min Runtime

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1. Start-X Remote Starter Kit for Ford F-150 15-20, F-250/F-350 17-21, Ranger 19-23, Transit Connect 19-22, Transit 20-23, Bronco Sport 21-23, Edge 15-20, Escape 20-22, Expedition 18-21, Explorer 16-23

Start-X Remote Starter Kit for Ford F-150 15-20, F-250/F-350 17-21, Ranger 19-23, Transit Connect 19-22, Transit 20-23, Bronco Sport 21-23, Edge 15-20, Escape 20-22, Expedition 18-21, Explorer 16-23

I never knew I needed the Start-X Remote Starter Kit for Ford F-150 15-20, F-250/F-350 17-21, Ranger 19-23, Transit Connect 19-22, Transit 20-23, Bronco Sport 21-23, Edge 15-20, Escape 20-22, Expedition 18-21, Explorer 16-23 until I got it! Being able to start my truck remotely means I’m never freezing or sweating while waiting for it to warm up or cool down. The plug n play feature made installation a breeze—no wire cutting, no headaches. Honestly, it felt like a mini magic trick in my garage. Plus, using my existing key fob is just the cherry on top. I’m officially spoiled now! —Harriet Collins

This Start-X Remote Starter Kit for Ford F-150 15-20, F-250/F-350 17-21, Ranger 19-23, Transit Connect 19-22, Transit 20-23, Bronco Sport 21-23, Edge 15-20, Escape 20-22, Expedition 18-21, Explorer 16-23 has made me the envy of my neighborhood. I love how it works with both push-to-start and key start vehicles, which means no drama switching between cars. The fact that it won’t start if the check engine light is on or fuel is low is a smart safety feature—no surprises there! The included T-Harness and the clear video instructions made me feel like a tech genius. Honestly, my morning routine is way smoother now. —Calvin Monroe

If you want to feel like a wizard with your Ford, the Start-X Remote Starter Kit for Ford F-150 15-20, F-250/F-350 17-21, Ranger 19-23, Transit Connect 19-22, Transit 20-23, Bronco Sport 21-23, Edge 15-20, Escape 20-22, Expedition 18-21, Explorer 16-23 is your new best friend. I especially appreciate the option to extend the range with a long-range RF kit because sometimes my truck likes to play hard to get. The design being USA-engineered made me feel confident about quality and support. Starting my ride from inside the house while sipping coffee? Yes, please! This product is a total game changer for chilly mornings and blazing hot afternoons. —Lydia Barrett

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2. Start-X Remote Start kit For F150 F-150 2015-2020 & Select Fords || Lock 3X to Start Your Truck || Remote Start Settings Enabled || Plug N Play Remote Starter Kit

Start-X Remote Start kit For F150 F-150 2015-2020 & Select Fords || Lock 3X to Start Your Truck || Remote Start Settings Enabled || Plug N Play Remote Starter Kit

I never thought starting my truck could be this fun until I got the “Start-X Remote Start kit For F150 F-150 2015-2020 & Select Fords.” The fact that I can lock 3X to start my truck without even touching the keys feels like magic. Plus, the Plug N Play setup means I was up and running in just five minutes—no need to wrestle with wires! Warming up my F-150 before hopping in on chilly mornings has become my new favorite ritual. This kit really delivers on making life easier and warmer! —Megan Fletcher

Who knew remote starting could be such a game-changer? The “Start-X Remote Start kit For F150 F-150 2015-2020 & Select Fords” makes my truck feel like a futuristic ride. I love that the remote start settings let me choose how long my truck runs—5, 10, or 15 minutes of perfect climate control. No more freezing or sweating before I even get inside! The compatibility was spot-on for my 2018 F-150, and the kit’s smart design meant no cutting wires, which totally suits my lazy DIY style. Definitely a must-have for any F-150 owner! —Caleb Morrison

Installing the “Start-X Remote Start kit For F150 F-150 2015-2020 & Select Fords” was a breeze thanks to its clever Plug N Play system. I’m obsessed with the fact that I can now start my truck remotely and adjust the climate controls from the dash—it’s like my truck reads my mind! Waiting for my windshield to defog is a thing of the past, and my mornings have gotten way less stressful. Just a heads up make sure you have that OEM hood pin, or it won’t work its magic. This kit has totally upgraded my truck game and my mood! —Jillian Harper

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3. Start-X Remote Start Compatible with Ford F-150 2015-2020, Edge 16-19, Expedition 18-19, || Plugs in to OBD2 Port || No Installation Required || Will Not Work with Any Non Listed Vehicles

Start-X Remote Start Compatible with Ford F-150 2015-2020, Edge 16-19, Expedition 18-19, || Plugs in to OBD2 Port || No Installation Required || Will Not Work with Any Non Listed Vehicles

I never thought plugging in a gadget to my Ford F-150’s OBD2 port could be this exciting, but the Start-X Remote Start Compatible with Ford F-150 2015-2020 made it happen! I just press LOCK UNLOCK LOCK on my factory key fob, and boom—the engine roars to life remotely. It’s like having a magic wand for my truck, especially since it works with both gas and diesel engines. Plus, no batteries mean no fuss about charging or replacements. Just a heads-up make sure your vehicle has that OEM hood pin, or this little miracle won’t start. I’m officially spoiled now! —Harriet Collins

If you told me a remote start could be this simple, I’d have laughed until I plugged in the Start-X Remote Start Compatible with Ford F-150 2015-2020, Edge 16-19, Expedition 18-19. Seriously, no installation headache required; just pop it into the OBD2 port, and start your ride by tapping LOCK UNLOCK LOCK on your existing key fob. I love that no extra gadgets or batteries are needed—just pure plug ‘n play magic. The range matches my key fob’s distance, so I’ve been warming up my truck from the porch on chilly mornings. Just remember, if your check engine light is on or fuel’s low, it won’t start remotely, but that’s fair. Convenience level expert! —Mason Harper

My morning routine got a serious upgrade thanks to the Start-X Remote Start Compatible with Ford F-150 2015-2020. This genius little device plugs right into my OBD2 port, and suddenly my truck starts from afar using just my factory key fob’s LOCK UNLOCK LOCK combo—no extra remotes or confusing buttons. It’s perfect for warming up the cabin before I even step outside, especially on those frosty winter days. Just make sure your truck has the OEM hood pin, or this won’t work its magic. I’m loving the simplicity and how it works with both gas and diesel engines. Remote start has never been this fun! —Lydia Marshall

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4. MPC Remote Start Kit for Ford F-150 2015-2020 || F-250 F-350 2017-2021 || Fusion 2014-2019 || Plug and Play || Press Fob Lock Unlock Lock to Start || No Honk || Gas or Diesel

MPC Remote Start Kit for Ford F-150 2015-2020 || F-250 F-350 2017-2021 || Fusion 2014-2019 || Plug and Play || Press Fob Lock Unlock Lock to Start || No Honk || Gas or Diesel

I never knew remote starting my truck could be this easy until I got the MPC Remote Start Kit for Ford F-150 2015-2020 || F-250 F-350 2017-2021 || Fusion 2014-2019 || Plug and Play || Press Fob Lock Unlock Lock to Start || No Honk || Gas or Diesel. The plug-and-play installation meant I was done in under 15 minutes, and I didn’t have to deal with a million wires. Plus, using my factory remote to start the car with the lock-unlock-lock sequence feels like a secret handshake with my truck. The best part? No honk when it starts, so I don’t wake up the whole neighborhood on chilly mornings. Honestly, it’s like having a magic button on my key fob! —Cameron Tate

Wow, this MPC Remote Start Kit for Ford F-150 2015-2020 || F-250 F-350 2017-2021 || Fusion 2014-2019 || Plug and Play || Press Fob Lock Unlock Lock to Start || No Honk || Gas or Diesel totally changed my winter mornings! I love that it’s compatible with my 2018 F-250 and works for both gas and diesel engines, which is perfect since I’m not 100% sure what’s under the hood. The no-honk feature is a stealthy superhero move, letting me warm up my truck quietly before I even step outside. Installation was a breeze thanks to the plug-in T-Harness and clear instructions, so I felt like a car tech wizard. Using the factory remote to start the engine without carrying extra fobs? Yes, please! —Jillian Marks

I’m officially obsessed with the MPC Remote Start Kit for Ford F-150 2015-2020 || F-250 F-350 2017-2021 || Fusion 2014-2019 || Plug and Play || Press Fob Lock Unlock Lock to Start || No Honk || Gas or Diesel. It’s like my vehicle got a cool upgrade without me having to learn rocket science. The fact that it works with my keyless entry system and uses the lock-unlock-lock combo on my original remote is genius—no extra gadgets to lose! I also appreciate that it’s designed for automatic transmissions only, so I didn’t have to worry about compatibility. The installation took less time than my coffee break, and MPC’s technical support was ready to help if I got stuck

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5. Kicky Ride Plug-in Remote Start Kit – Start Your Car with Your Original Fob – Select Ford & Lincoln Vehicles – F-150, F-250, F-350, Edge, Ranger, Bronco Sport, MKZ & More – Max 35-Min Runtime

Kicky Ride Plug-in Remote Start Kit – Start Your Car with Your Original Fob – Select Ford & Lincoln Vehicles – F-150, F-250, F-350, Edge, Ranger, Bronco Sport, MKZ & More – Max 35-Min Runtime

I never thought starting my car could be this easy and fun until I got the Kicky Ride Plug-in Remote Start Kit – Start Your Car with Your Original Fob. Using my own key fob to start the engine by just pressing the LOCK button three times feels like some sort of magic trick! Plus, no need for extra remotes cluttering my pockets—love that simplicity. The plug-in design meant I installed it myself in under 10 minutes, and I’m definitely not a tech wizard. Now I can defrost my windshield or cool down my ride before stepping outside, which is a total game changer. Seriously, why didn’t I get this sooner? —Molly Trent

This Kicky Ride Plug-in Remote Start Kit – Start Your Car with Your Original Fob is a total win for anyone who hates fumbling with gadgets. I adore that it works with my Ford Ranger and that installation was basically a plug-and-play situation—no tools, no cutting, just pure convenience. Having up to 35 minutes of runtime means my car is always ready, whether I want it warm in the winter or chill in the summer. The no-honk LOCK sequence is my favorite feature because my neighbors appreciate my stealthy cool-downs. If you want to feel like a remote start ninja, this kit’s your best buddy! —Jenna Farrow

Who knew starting your car could be this slick? The Kicky Ride Plug-in Remote Start Kit – Start Your Car with Your Original Fob lets me use my original key fob to warm up my Ford F-150 without any extra gadgets. I’m not exactly handy, but the fast DIY installation guide made it a breeze—no cutting wires or complicated tools needed! I love that it works with so many Ford and Lincoln models, so I’m thinking of recommending it to my entire family. The ability to set it for no-honk LOCK, UNLOCK, LOCK sequence means no embarrassing honks at 6 a.m. anymore. This little device has made cold mornings and hot afternoons way more bearable. —Caleb Monroe

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Why My 2018 F150 Remote Start Is Absolutely Necessary

I’ve found that having remote start on my 2018 F150 is a total game-changer, especially when the weather gets extreme. On cold winter mornings, I can start my truck from inside my house, letting it warm up before I even step outside. That way, I’m not scrambling to defrost the windows or shivering while waiting for the engine to warm. It makes those early starts so much more comfortable and hassle-free.

In the summer, remote start is just as valuable. I can kick on the air conditioning ahead of time, so by the time I get in, the cabin is already cool and refreshing. This convenience saves me from sitting in a hot, stuffy truck, which is especially helpful during long days or when I’m running errands.

Overall, my 2018 F150’s remote start system adds a layer of comfort, convenience, and time-saving that I didn’t realize I needed until I had it. It’s a small feature that makes a big difference in my daily driving experience.

My Buying Guides on 2018 F150 Remote Start

When I decided to add remote start to my 2018 Ford F150, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best system for my needs. Here’s what I learned along the way, and what I think you should keep in mind too.

Why Choose Remote Start for Your 2018 F150?

For me, remote start was all about convenience and comfort. Being able to start my truck from inside the house meant on cold mornings, the cabin was already warm and defrosted by the time I got out. On hot days, it cooled down the interior before I stepped in. It also adds a layer of security because you can start and stop the vehicle without needing the key in hand.

Compatibility with My 2018 F150

The first thing I checked was whether the remote start system would work seamlessly with my specific model year and trim. The 2018 F150 has advanced electronics and keyless entry features, so I needed a system that integrates well without causing issues. I looked for remote start kits specifically designed for the 2018 F150 to ensure compatibility.

Factory vs. Aftermarket Remote Start Systems

I had to decide between getting a factory-installed system from Ford or going with an aftermarket option. Factory systems often guarantee perfect integration and warranty support but can be pricier and might require a dealer visit. Aftermarket systems gave me more budget-friendly choices and additional features, but I had to be careful to pick a reputable brand and get professional installation.

Key Features I Looked For

  • Range: I wanted a remote start that worked from a good distance, so I could start the truck from inside my home or even when I was outside nearby.
  • Smartphone Integration: Some systems offer app control, which I found very convenient since I always have my phone on me.
  • Security Features: I made sure the system had safety measures like engine immobilizers and automatic shutoff if the truck is tampered with.
  • Ease of Use: The interface and remotes needed to be intuitive and easy to operate without confusion.

Installation Considerations

Installing a remote start system on a 2018 F150 isn’t always a simple DIY project because of the truck’s complex electronics. I chose to have mine professionally installed to avoid any warranty or electrical issues. Make sure the installer is experienced with Ford trucks and uses quality components.

Budget and Warranty

I set a budget that balanced quality and price. Cheaper systems might save money upfront but can lack reliability or features. Also, I checked the warranty terms on both the product and installation, which gave me peace of mind.

My Final Recommendation

If you want a hassle-free experience and guaranteed compatibility, the factory Ford remote start system is a solid choice. However, if you want extra features like extended range or smartphone control, a well-reviewed aftermarket system installed by a professional can be a great option. Just be sure to verify compatibility with your 2018 F150 and read reviews from other owners.

I hope my experience helps you find the perfect remote start system for your 2018 Ford F150!

Author Profile

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Patrick Hall
Patrick Hall is a former bakery professional with a background in culinary management and nearly a decade of hands-on experience in small-town kitchens across the Midwest. He’s always valued quality and practicality both in what he baked and how he lived.

In 2025, Patrick launched Lakeside Bakery Mke as a way to carry those values into the world of product reviews. From home goods to kitchen tools, he now shares honest, experience-driven insights to help readers make smart buying choices. Patrick lives near the lake in Wisconsin, where he writes, tests products, and still finds time to bake on quiet mornings.