Hi I'm new to the forum and the Aviator, 2020 model. I traded my 2016 MKT a month ago. I loved it and never had issues with it. My husband wasn't satisfied with the interior size as he's over 6 feet tall, needless to say we upgraded. I love my Aviator!
Last night we came home after a week on vacation. It was sitting at the airport and the fob locked inside, the door panel's keyless entry pad would not light up. The app would not function either to remote start or unlock it. We could not get in. I knew there was such a thing as deep sleep mode for the Aviator but hadn't taken time to educate myself. The airport's garage service was able to unlock it for us free of charge and before Lincoln Roadside Assistance arrived. (Bc my app wasn't working & I didn't have their # saved my Lincoln salesman was a huge help in contacting them, TY Cody!)
What I need to know is, how do you wake up the Aviator when the fob is in it, the app features won't work and and the door panel won't light up? Is the best resolution to prevent this scenario by never letting the keyfob locked inside?
Also, any idea why the app's remote start is not working for me and is there some kind of troubleshooting I can do with the app, like syncing, uninstall the reinstall or see the Lincoln technicians at my dealership?
Thank you in advance for educating me on my 2020 Aviator.
Hi Tracey. There are several things going on here, so I will try to cover some of them in as brief a manner as possible. First, a little more detail would be helpful. For example, did the vehicle start up normally with the fob, once you gained access to the vehicle, or did it need a jump start?
Next...If your battery died or lost substantial charge after only one week of sitting, then the odds are good that the battery is failing and needs replacement. Unless you are in an area where temperatures are in the below freezing range, since that can bring on Deep Sleep Mode more quickly. And Deep Sleep mode will be enabled after 14 days of no manual starts, no matter any other factors.
Is it still the factory battery? The factory battery in a 2020 model may be 3+ years old by now, and 3-4 years is the expected battery life in modern vehicles, due to their heavy reliance on electronics, computers and other electrical features which constantly draw batter power, even when the vehicle is sitting still, such as sensors, remote apps and other items.
Next...For several reasons, you are on the right track that not leaving the fob in the vehicle while away on vacation would be the best idea. First, the fob contains a key blade which would have allowed you to gain easy access to the vehicle without help from others, a slim-jim etc. Second, if a thief broke into your vehicle, the fob would allow them to easily steal it.
Next...Contrary to the misunderstanding many owners seem to have, Deep Sleep Mode has a purpose. That purpose it to shut off accessory/ancillary functions which sap battery power, when the Battery Management System senses the battery is getting low on charge, in order to allow the vehicle to be started when necessary. In the past, all those functions would keep sapping battery charge, and the battery would die even quicker.
Deep Sleep mode allows the Battery Management System to extend the time period that the battery will keep starting power.
Next...When in Deep Sleep Mode, the LincolnWay app remote functions (remote start/lock/unlock etc.) will
not work until the vehicle is started manually again. Manually meaning sitting in the vehicle with the keyfob and pressing the Start button. Keep in mind that also means driving the vehicle long enough to recharge the battery (i.e. generally ~20+ minutes at speed), since only starting it will
not charge the battery, and simply leave us in the same situation as before.
Next...For the most detailed explanations, the best course of action would be to read the Owners Manual explanation of what "Deep Sleep Mode" is, when it occurs, what is does etc.
Odds are everything is working properly in your Aviator, and it simply needs a new battery. However, if anything still seems to be working improperly, then yes, schedule a service appointment with your Lincoln Dealer and explain the situation to them.
Hope I explained the basics in an understandable manner.
Let us know how you make out and good luck.