How To Remote Start Toyota Tundra 2021

Press the lock button on your key fob three times to remotely start your Toyota. For the first two presses, make sure you push the lock button quickly, and for the third press, hold the button down for around three seconds.

How do I use remote start to start my Toyota Tundra?

Even if your particular Toyota Tundra model lacks an integrated remote start equipment, you can still start it remotely. To accomplish this accomplishment, take the following actions:

  • On the key fob for the Toyota Tundra, press the lock button three times.
  • The headlights should begin flashing after the third press, and the engine will start after a short while.
  • The key fob’s unlock button can be used to shut off the engine.

Be aware that utilizing the key fob for remote starting requires you to be somewhat close to the vehicle. Additionally, for the feature to function, the data broadcast from the key fob shouldn’t have too many interruptions. As a result, it can be challenging to remotely start a Tundra when there are obstacles like hills, trees, and walls between you and the car.

Alternatively, you can start your Toyota Tundra remotely by using an app on your smartphone. In a subsequent part, we’ll talk more about starting this car remotely using a smartphone app.

You can witness the remote start in action by watching the video below:

Do all Toyotas made in 2021 feature remote starting?

Toyota has removed the remote start buttons from its physical key fobs, so owners who wish to start their cars remotely will have to pay. The feature will no longer be part of the actual car key as the automaker transitions to digital services and a subscription-based approach, the manufacturer informed Roadshow on Wednesday.

Here is how it works. The remote start technology will operate for three years during a “trial period” for automobiles made in 2018 to 2020 that have it on the key fob. The button is present on the owner’s fob, however after three years it will no longer operate. Owners must search the brand’s Connected Services for Remote Connect in order to regain the remote start feature. The cost, which also includes a plethora of additional digital features accessible through the Toyota smartphone app, is $80 per year or $8 per month.

The remote start functionality on a key fob won’t be available on any new Toyota vehicles. Key fob remote start is not a function we actively market as we transition to more digital interactions through the Toyota app, the business stated. Owners of specific automobiles from the 2020 model year and newer enjoy a 10-year trial for connected services. In other words, since owners receive more than a decade of free use, there’s a strong chance they won’t need to fork over the cash to use remote start. However, it will eventually become permanently invalid and call for a Remote Connect subscription.

Toyota stated, “We routinely incorporate feedback from customers to ensure we’re giving features that are beneficial and enrich their ownership experiences,” despite the fact that it is a controversial move in an era where manufacturers continue to seek revenue streams via subscriptions.

Has remote start been added to the new Toyota Tundras?

The brand-new 2022 Toyota Tundra has a remote start feature, but you’ll eventually have to pay for it.

These days, the majority of automakers offer applications for their vehicles, and Toyota is no exception. The 2022 Tundra app can link your vehicle to your smartphone so you can view information like maintenance reminders, truck status, and more. You can also remotely start the truck and wirelessly lock the doors.

But here’s the thing: these functions are part of a group of connected services that also includes advanced navigational aid and a crash-related SOS functionality. The cost of this suite after a three-year trial is $8 per month or $80 per year.

However, you can wonder if the key fob has remote start and if it’s not free. Okay, sort of, and no.

Remote start with the key fob

There is another option to remotely start the truck if you don’t want to use the app, but you won’t find it in the owner’s guide.

Simply push the lock button on the key fob twice, then hold the button down until the truck turns on. The truck may not start right away, but it does operate after about 5 seconds. Before automatically shutting off, Remote Start runs for ten minutes.

To be clear: There is no remote start button on the key fob by itself to simplify this procedure. It is also important to note that the truck will turn off instantly if you use the remote start and unlock the door.

The quick answer to our question about whether this key fob ruse will function without a membership is no, according to Toyota.

the extended response we received from a spokesperson:

“Any Connected Servicetrial or paid membership will be operational with remote start via key fob…. The key fob start function will be available for the full duration of the Service Connect trial, which is three years. We do not actively sell remote start by key fob, and there is no associated initial fee, as we transition to more digital and remote operations.

The bottom line on 2022 Toyota Tundra remote start

There is a lot of misunderstanding around what was new and what previously functioned with the majority of new autos. In this instance, it’s good to find that a dated method still works on other Toyotas. However, it would be nice to hear more from Toyota about this feature (and to see it included in the owner’s guide).

Our main concern is that remote start isn’t cost-free. This represents a significant paradigm change and the first time we’ve heard of an automaker making this a feature that requires a membership fee. We don’t like it, and judging on the comments on the video up there, neither do you. Please feel free to leave a comment here or visit the video to do so. Should remote start continue to be free, or are you okay with ultimately having to pay to play?

Does Toyota require a fee for remote starting?

Drivers must pay $8 per month or $80 annually to continue registered in Toyota Connected Services once the free trial has expired. You may already be a part of this initiative if you bought a new Toyota in 2018 without even realizing it. Even the moderators flagged a recent Reddit discussion touting the program as “possibly deceptive” when it was posted.

Drivers may no longer have access to remote starting after the Toyota Connected Services trial expires, a Reddit user said. The carmaker acknowledged to The Drive that remote start will cost extra for owners. The feedback on Newsbreak reveals that many drivers are not overly thrilled with the change.

The Verge also notes that some drivers unintentionally learned about connected services. Why some vehicles’ remote starts would still function while theirs did not was a common query among users in a Toyota forum. This implies that Toyota won’t even let you know when your free trial is up.

Additionally, the fact that Toyota Connected Services and the duration of the trials are not mentioned in the dealership videos doesn’t help. Dealers simply state that while you have the Audio Plus package, remote start is still an option. That doesn’t apply to all Toyota vehicles, as we’ve learnt.

How can I tell whether my automobile has a remote start from the factory?

If your car has a remote starter, the owner’s manual will have information about your unique remote starter and how it functions. To see if this feature is present, look in the manual’s index.

Listed below are few well-known automobiles with a factory remote start option:

  • Accord, Civic, and Insight from Honda
  • GM automobiles (2003later)
  • Honda Accord
  • ZDX and TLX Acura (2010later)
  • Tribeca, Legacy, and Outback Subaru models (2007later)
  • Navara Altima
  • Fusion and the Ford Mustang
  • Corvette Camaro

Check your vehicle’s key fob

If your car has a remote starting, the key fob will include a specific button. Typically, an arrow forming a portion of a circle serves as the remote start symbol, as seen above. But be aware that some automakers may use a different symbol for remote starting.

Plug and Play Kits

You may plug in and start using plug and play remote start kits. This implies that during installation, you won’t need to cut or splice cables. Some of our preferred plug-and-play kits are listed below:

It’s simple to install the Start-X Complete Plug N Play Remote Starter Kit. The Toyota Tundras from 2010 to 2017 can use it. Because it is a plug-and-play remote start kit, there is no need to splice wires during installation. Additionally, this kit features an optional add-on feature that enables you to use your smartphone to remotely access the controls on your vehicle.

The Start-X Remote Starter for Tundra is a remote starter kit that is available for Toyota Tundra models that are 2020 model year or newer. Additionally, it is a plug-and-play kit, which simplifies installation. This device allows you to remotely lock and unlock your doors using your original keypad. Once installed, all you have to do to start a vehicle remotely is lock it three times.

Hard-Wired Kits

The installation of hard-wired remote start kits does require some expertise. When installing them, you might also need to turn off some electrical features. We suggest the following hard-wired kits:

For Toyota Tundras from 2018 to 2021, the MPC Factory Remote Activated Remote Start Kit is recommended. This package includes preloaded firmware and a T-harness. It comes pre-loaded with all the necessary firmware and is ready to be set up for use with your car. This kit is best suited for Tundras with installed remote entry systems, though.

You might want to look at the MPC Complete 2-Way LCD Remote Start Kit With Keyless Entry if you drive an older Toyota Tundra. This kit was created for Toyota Tundras from 2007 to 2010. Additionally, it comes pre-loaded with the firmware and enables remote access to your vehicle’s controls up to 3,000 feet away. You must temporarily override your vehicle’s immobilizer system in order to install this kit, which calls for considerable technical know-how.

How does remote start work?

In order to remotely start your car:

  • To lock every door, press the Lock button on your key fob.
  • Two times on the Remote Start button. Each step must be completed in 3 seconds. The vehicle will start after two flashes from the external lights.

Has remote start been added to all Toyota Smart Keys?

Only automobiles equipped with the Smart Key system integrated can be started remotely. For Remote Start to work on vehicles without an alarm system, an additional hood switch is needed. Only auto-transmission automobiles have remote starting capabilities.

Is remote connect a feature on all Toyotas?

Entune, Toyota’s proprietary high-tech multimedia system, is standard equipment in every Toyota vehicle. Remote Connect is one of this system’s incredibly useful components. With Remote Connect, you may start your car’s engine and lock your car remotely, as the name of the feature says.