Use Alexa to Start Your Ranger & More

[thejeg]

I recently tried to connect my 2021 Ford Ranger to my android phone so I could use Google voice to turn it on and more, unfortunately Google had disabled this capability. I thought and researched about many other ways and thought I should look into Alexa instead. I can now start my car every morning by just talking to my Alexa devices throughout my home!!!!! "Alexa start car" and done. I've been using it daily. I have Alexa devices throughout my home so either if I am in the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, or even around my Ecobee thermostat I can just say it, and Alexa makes it happen. You can also say things like "Alexa, Use Ford Pass to Unlock Car" etc and the command is also received.

What you can do:

Start Engine
“Alexa, ask FordPass to start my car with PIN 1234.”

Stop Engine
“Alexa, tell FordPass to stop the engine.”

Lock Vehicle
“Alexa, ask FordPass to lock my vehicle.”

Unlock Vehicle
“Alexa, tell FordPass to unlock my car.”

Last Command Status (used after lock/unlock and start/stop commands)
“Alexa, what is the status of my last command using FordPass?”

Vehicle Mileage
“Alexa, ask FordPass the odometer reading.”

Vehicle Range
“Alexa, ask FordPass what is my range?”

Tire Pressure
“Alexa, ask FordPass is my tire pressure low?”

Selected Vehicle
“Alexa, ask FordPass what is my primary vehicle?”

List Vehicles
“Alexa, tell FordPass to list all cars on the account.”

Switch Selected Vehicle
“Alexa, switch my primary vehicle using FordPass.”

Start Charging (only available for compatible electric vehicles)
"Alexa, ask FordPass to start charging my car."

Stop Charging (only available for compatible electric vehicles)
"Alexa, ask FordPass to stop charging my car."

Vehicle Charge Level (only available for compatible electric vehicles)
"Alexa, ask FordPass for my vehicle's charge level."

Vehicle Charge Status (only available for compatible electric vehicles)
"Alexa, ask FordPass to tell me my vehicle's charge status."

Some details to help you set it up if interested:

Must have:
- Phone
- Amazon Account (Free, no membership required)
- Ford Pass App on Phone with vehicle already registered
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/fordpass/id1095418609
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ford.fordpass&hl=en&gl=US
- FordPass Alexa Skill (LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Ford-Motor-Company-FordPass/dp/B077Y1FK9D)

To use this skill:
· Enable the FordPass skill
· Log in to your FordPass account within the Alexa mobile app using your FordPass username and password
· Set a PIN to help protect access to certain features when using the skill
· Select your vehicle that you want to interact with
· To get help at any time, just say “Alexa, ask FordPass for help.”

DONE

Additional Tips:

To shorten the command into something simple like "Start Car" you can use the Alexa "Routine" section of the app, you can state the phrase you would like to say, and then write out the longer command from the list above such as "Alexa, ask FordPass to start my car with PIN 1234.” This way its shorter and just happens, can make a routine for every one of the commands if you like. You can name the command anything "Alexa, Start Batmobile" or "Alexa, Let's Ride" haha

To create routine:
Open the Alexa app .
Open More and select Routines.
Select Plus
Select When this happens, and follow the steps in the app to choose what starts your routine.
Select Add action, and follow the steps in the app to choose the action of your routine.
You can select multiple actions for the same routine.
Select Save.

PS: Tips, if any issues recognizing commands about the app vs the phone, if you have a phone contact that's called "Ford" it may try to call them instead, I removed them and abbreviated as Frd. Also, for me, I am limited to 2 uses per day with the start car action, based on the agreement of Alexa with Ford I believe.

Good Luck and Enjoy! I love it!

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[RedDakooter05]

This could actually be handy for me to use fordpass at work since they get all pissy when I whip out my phone.

 

[thejeg]

I'd agree, it's handy for me. Another plus is that the car engine can warm up with more time. Additionally depending on weather, if it's cold out and I left the temperature at a good amount, when I get to the car it's warm and ready to go. So much quicker than using the ford pass app, always take a while to load and hold the button so I didn't use it much before.

 

[kendive]

This could actually be handy for me to use fordpass at work since they get all pissy when I whip out my phone.

Not interested but wow they get pissy if you get your phone out. LOL

But again I have been in places where you have to put your phone in a locked box before you enter. You know Military stuff that's all I'm saying.

 

[KJRR]

I'd rather just give Alexa the keys and tell her to get her ass out there and warm up the car and clean the snow off it while your at it. Maybe even shovel the drive. Just no replacement for a good one.

 

[kendive]

I'd rather just give Alexa the keys and tell her to get her ass out there and warm up the car and clean the snow off it while your at it. Maybe even shovel the drive. Just no replacement for a good one.

Hell take that a little further and tell alexa to go get a job so you can stay home and chill.

 

[Rp930]

I'd agree, it's handy for me. Another plus is that the car engine can warm up with more time. Additionally depending on weather, if it's cold out and I left the temperature at a good amount, when I get to the car it's warm and ready to go. So much quicker than using the ford pass app, always take a while to load and hold the button so I didn't use it much before.

Warm up? In Miami??

 

[Friday yet?]

Man oh man... I just do not need that much f'ing Amazon in my life. Glad for everyone that loves it. But hard pass for me.

 

[9512tacoma]

There is an app on IOS called Voice in a Can. You connect it to your Alexa account and can use it in your iPhone or Apple Watch to give Alexa commands. It works with the ford pass app so it can be used on the go to start your truck.

 

[RedDakooter05]

Not interested but wow they get pissy if you get your phone out. LOL

But again I have been in places where you have to put your phone in a locked box before you enter. You know Military stuff that's all I'm saying.

Dead end job full of [redacted], They let you use one ear bud to listen to music but I use both cause I work right next to an industrial air compressor all day... But yeah I told them before I only change volume or use ford app to remote start my truck cause it's f'ing winter time.

 

[Davidjc]

I recently tried to connect my 2021 Ford Ranger to my android phone so I could use Google voice to turn it on and more, unfortunately Google had disabled this capability. I thought and researched about many other ways and thought I should look into Alexa instead. I can now start my car every morning by just talking to my Alexa devices throughout my home!!!!! "Alexa start car" and done. I've been using it daily. I have Alexa devices throughout my home so either if I am in the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, or even around my Ecobee thermostat I can just say it, and Alexa makes it happen. You can also say things like "Alexa, Use Ford Pass to Unlock Car" etc and the command is also received.

What you can do:

Start Engine
“Alexa, ask FordPass to start my car with PIN 1234.”

Stop Engine
“Alexa, tell FordPass to stop the engine.”

Lock Vehicle
“Alexa, ask FordPass to lock my vehicle.”

Unlock Vehicle
“Alexa, tell FordPass to unlock my car.”

Last Command Status (used after lock/unlock and start/stop commands)
“Alexa, what is the status of my last command using FordPass?”

Vehicle Mileage
“Alexa, ask FordPass the odometer reading.”

Vehicle Range
“Alexa, ask FordPass what is my range?”

Tire Pressure
“Alexa, ask FordPass is my tire pressure low?”

Selected Vehicle
“Alexa, ask FordPass what is my primary vehicle?”

List Vehicles
“Alexa, tell FordPass to list all cars on the account.”

Switch Selected Vehicle
“Alexa, switch my primary vehicle using FordPass.”

Start Charging (only available for compatible electric vehicles)
"Alexa, ask FordPass to start charging my car."

Stop Charging (only available for compatible electric vehicles)
"Alexa, ask FordPass to stop charging my car."

Vehicle Charge Level (only available for compatible electric vehicles)
"Alexa, ask FordPass for my vehicle's charge level."

Vehicle Charge Status (only available for compatible electric vehicles)
"Alexa, ask FordPass to tell me my vehicle's charge status."

Some details to help you set it up if interested:

Must have:
- Phone
- Amazon Account (Free, no membership required)
- Ford Pass App on Phone with vehicle already registered
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/fordpass/id1095418609
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ford.fordpass&hl=en&gl=US
- FordPass Alexa Skill (LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Ford-Motor-Company-FordPass/dp/B077Y1FK9D)

To use this skill:
· Enable the FordPass skill
· Log in to your FordPass account within the Alexa mobile app using your FordPass username and password
· Set a PIN to help protect access to certain features when using the skill
· Select your vehicle that you want to interact with
· To get help at any time, just say “Alexa, ask FordPass for help.”

DONE

Additional Tips:

To shorten the command into something simple like "Start Car" you can use the Alexa "Routine" section of the app, you can state the phrase you would like to say, and then write out the longer command from the list above such as "Alexa, ask FordPass to start my car with PIN 1234.” This way its shorter and just happens, can make a routine for every one of the commands if you like. You can name the command anything "Alexa, Start Batmobile" or "Alexa, Let's Ride" haha

To create routine:
Open the Alexa app .
Open More and select Routines.
Select Plus
Select When this happens, and follow the steps in the app to choose what starts your routine.
Select Add action, and follow the steps in the app to choose the action of your routine.
You can select multiple actions for the same routine.
Select Save.

PS: Tips, if any issues recognizing commands about the app vs the phone, if you have a phone contact that's called "Ford" it may try to call them instead, I removed them and abbreviated as Frd. Also, for me, I am limited to 2 uses per day with the start car action, based on the agreement of Alexa with Ford I believe.

Good Luck and Enjoy! I love it!

This is perhaps the most interesting post I've seen. Thanks for all the details.

 

[Billythekidd]

It is cool... been using it for a couple of years...

 

[Tremorky]

I recently tried to connect my 2021 Ford Ranger to my android phone so I could use Google voice to turn it on and more, unfortunately Google had disabled this capability. I thought and researched about many other ways and thought I should look into Alexa instead. I can now start my car every morning by just talking to my Alexa devices throughout my home!!!!! "Alexa start car" and done. I've been using it daily. I have Alexa devices throughout my home so either if I am in the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, or even around my Ecobee thermostat I can just say it, and Alexa makes it happen. You can also say things like "Alexa, Use Ford Pass to Unlock Car" etc and the command is also received.

What you can do:

Start Engine
“Alexa, ask FordPass to start my car with PIN 1234.”

Stop Engine
“Alexa, tell FordPass to stop the engine.”

Lock Vehicle
“Alexa, ask FordPass to lock my vehicle.”

Unlock Vehicle
“Alexa, tell FordPass to unlock my car.”

Last Command Status (used after lock/unlock and start/stop commands)
“Alexa, what is the status of my last command using FordPass?”

Vehicle Mileage
“Alexa, ask FordPass the odometer reading.”

Vehicle Range
“Alexa, ask FordPass what is my range?”

Tire Pressure
“Alexa, ask FordPass is my tire pressure low?”

Selected Vehicle
“Alexa, ask FordPass what is my primary vehicle?”

List Vehicles
“Alexa, tell FordPass to list all cars on the account.”

Switch Selected Vehicle
“Alexa, switch my primary vehicle using FordPass.”

Start Charging (only available for compatible electric vehicles)
"Alexa, ask FordPass to start charging my car."

Stop Charging (only available for compatible electric vehicles)
"Alexa, ask FordPass to stop charging my car."

Vehicle Charge Level (only available for compatible electric vehicles)
"Alexa, ask FordPass for my vehicle's charge level."

Vehicle Charge Status (only available for compatible electric vehicles)
"Alexa, ask FordPass to tell me my vehicle's charge status."

Some details to help you set it up if interested:

Must have:
- Phone
- Amazon Account (Free, no membership required)
- Ford Pass App on Phone with vehicle already registered
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/fordpass/id1095418609
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ford.fordpass&hl=en&gl=US
- FordPass Alexa Skill (LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Ford-Motor-Company-FordPass/dp/B077Y1FK9D)

To use this skill:
· Enable the FordPass skill
· Log in to your FordPass account within the Alexa mobile app using your FordPass username and password
· Set a PIN to help protect access to certain features when using the skill
· Select your vehicle that you want to interact with
· To get help at any time, just say “Alexa, ask FordPass for help.”

DONE

Additional Tips:

To shorten the command into something simple like "Start Car" you can use the Alexa "Routine" section of the app, you can state the phrase you would like to say, and then write out the longer command from the list above such as "Alexa, ask FordPass to start my car with PIN 1234.” This way its shorter and just happens, can make a routine for every one of the commands if you like. You can name the command anything "Alexa, Start Batmobile" or "Alexa, Let's Ride" haha

To create routine:
Open the Alexa app .
Open More and select Routines.
Select Plus
Select When this happens, and follow the steps in the app to choose what starts your routine.
Select Add action, and follow the steps in the app to choose the action of your routine.
You can select multiple actions for the same routine.
Select Save.

PS: Tips, if any issues recognizing commands about the app vs the phone, if you have a phone contact that's called "Ford" it may try to call them instead, I removed them and abbreviated as Frd. Also, for me, I am limited to 2 uses per day with the start car action, based on the agreement of Alexa with Ford I believe.

Good Luck and Enjoy! I love it!

This sounds great and all… but do you also get Alexa: “By the way, your fuel gauge is low, would you like me to suggest a place to fill up? I can also tell you the statistics of dying in traffic accidents as well as how bad your sports team sucks! Also, Toyota stock is through the roof. If you would like to enable this feature …..”

? I have an echo dot and I’m apparently not social enough for it most days lol

 

[Tom_C]

This sounds great and all… but do you also get Alexa: “By the way, your fuel gauge is low, would you like me to suggest a place to fill up? I can also tell you the statistics of dying in traffic accidents as well as how bad your sports team sucks! Also, Toyota stock is through the roof. If you would like to enable this feature …..”

? I have an echo dot and I’m apparently not social enough for it most days lol

I think you can turn off that stuff... but it takes a while to find all the stupid settings in the alexa app. I just found the one yesterday to turn off those suggestions, but don't ask me where they are, it will take me another 6 months to find it. I only found it this time cause I was setting up another device. I'm a glutton for punishment, apparently.

I started using the devices a few years ago to dip my toe into home automation. I have one room in my house that is 'smart' and thermostats. It's nice to have and play with. But I don't need it to start the truck. There's enough occasional glitches that I don't need it controlling a vehicle.

9am: Alexa, play channel 4.1 on TV.
... Tunning to channel 4.1.

9:01 am: Alexa, play channel 7.1 on TV.
... Hmmm, I don't know that.

Alexa, what do you mean you don't know that? You just @#$%ing did it!
... Tom, you seem tense. Can I recommend a sedative, or therapist?

 

[Tremorky]

I think you can turn off that stuff... but it takes a while to find all the stupid settings in the alexa app. I just found the one yesterday to turn off those suggestions, but don't ask me where they are, it will take me another 6 months to find it. I only found it this time cause I was setting up another device. I'm a glutton for punishment, apparently.

I started using the devices a few years ago to dip my toe into home automation. I have one room in my house that is 'smart' and thermostats. It's nice to have and play with. But I don't need it to start the truck. There's enough occasional glitches that I don't need it controlling a vehicle.

9am: Alexa, play channel 4.1 on TV.
... Tunning to channel 4.1.

9:01 am: Alexa, play channel 7.1 on TV.
... Hmmm, I don't know that.

Alexa, what do you mean you don't know that? You just @#$%ing did it!
... Tom, you seem tense. Can I recommend a sedative, or therapist?

Yeah some of it can be disabled. Alexa is pretty useful for people who integrate it into their routine. I’m too stubborn to use the calendar on my phone for simple tasks unfortunately. Alexa is light years ahead of Siri and nearly as good as the Google Assistant but my tinfoil hat demanded I switch to Apple from Google ?. I make big a deal but I am enjoying fewer targeted ads and emails. My worst Alexa story is the one in my bedroom doesn’t respond to me telling it to turn the lamp off, but the one downstairs 40 feet away will hear me and respond. Also, have you noticed that Alexa can whisper? Try it out if you didn’t know. Ask her something in a whisper and she will answer in a whisper. I thought I was dreaming or imagining it ?

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