One of the most useful features of contemporary vehicles is remote starting. For many drivers, being able to start their car’s engine remotely using a key fob or other small gadget is a game-changer. Toyota is one of the manufacturers whose fleet of automobiles are equipped with remote starters.
From 2018 to 2020, Toyota Tundra TRD Pro owners have access to remote start as a standard feature. Toyota has, however, significantly altered its remote start feature, which we’ll talk about later.
For today’s post, we’ll discuss the Toyota Tundra remote start. We’ll examine its accessibility and the methods through which you can use the functionality. Let’s start now.
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What is a Toyota Tundra Remote Start and How Does it Work?
With the push of a button, you may quickly turn on and off the engine of your automobile thanks to a remote starter, which is made up of many hardware components. A Toyota Tundra Remote Start is mostly used to cool or preheat the interior so that it is comfortable before the passengers enter.
Other features such as keyless entry, locking and unlocking the trunk and doors, opening the sunroofs, and others may be available with a remote starting. You can start your engine from up to a mile away, or even three times that distance, depending on the hardware and remote starter kit you employ. More advanced systems enable you to remotely start a vehicle from any location using your smartphone.
When a driver turns on the automobile using the key, the remote starter mimics the engine starting process. It goes without saying that the remote start system does this without a real, live key in the ignition.
Once everything is assembled properly, a remote transmitter can be used to transmit frequencies to the main module. The remote control system is instructed by the signal or frequency to lock or unlock the doors, start the engine, etc.
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Typical Hardware of a Remote Starter System
The typical parts of a remote starting system are listed below:
- Control module: The hardware that handles all remote start functions often resembles a black box. It is interconnected with the vehicle’s parts and other remote start system components.
- Modern vehicles require the installation of a bypass module to ensure that the remote start does not interfere with or disable the factory security system.
- Wires: A network of cables that link various parts of the car to the remote starter system.
- Remote transmitter: For the majority of owners, this customized key fob or remote is the only part they see, and it manages all system operations.
Please be aware that depending on the kit you use and the make/model of the car in which it will be fitted, these are general components and may vary.
Toyota Tundra Remote Start Availability
A key fob with remote capabilities was previously available from Toyota, including for the Tundra pickup. Toyota, however, declared in December 2021 that it will eliminate the physical remote start option and make the functionality only available through its Connected Services.
Whether or whether they are Toyota owners, the announcement has undoubtedly whipped up a frenzy among consumers. Many opponents worried that automakers might now pinch and dime customers by putting some functions behind a paywall (subscription plans) when it used to be a one-and-done transaction alleged that Toyota is setting a bad precedent.
The last time we heard, Toyota was “reviewing its Key Fob Remote Start Subscription Plan” after receiving a lot of backlash for this news.
As a result, the handy key fob with remote functions is no longer available if you want a remote start for your Toyota Tundra. Either sign up for Toyota’s Connected Services (we’ll talk more about this later) or look at aftermarket options.
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Remote Start Via Connected Services
Toyota’s Connected Services are a collection of features that address every aspect of connectivity, convenience, maintenance, and safety. It’s a membership service for Toyota owners who want access to more sophisticated features for their cars. Subscribers have access to the Toyota Tundra Remote Start feature through the Remote Connect subfeature.
You can use features like Guest Driver, Vehicle Status Alert, Last Parked Location, Door Lock/Unlock, and of course Remote Start thanks to the Remote Connect subfeature.
Toyota published official documentation about the remote key fob features, which you can access here. Here is a brief summary:
- Key fobs are compatible with Toyota automobiles equipped with Remote Connect.
- You must register with Connected Features in order to access the full range of Remote Connect services.
- Only the SR5 TRD Sport and SR5 TRD Off-Road trims are eligible for the 3-year Connected Services free trial offered by the optional Audio Plus package.
- Up to 10 years of a free trial are available on a certain 2020 models that offer Remote Connect.
- A free 10-year trial is also offered for the high-end Premium Audio bundle that is available.
- A current Remote Connect subscription is no longer required for vehicles with remote starts that were manufactured prior to 11/12/2018.
Toyota appears to have reversed course on its stance that all remote start features require an active Connected Services membership, most likely as a result of the criticism.
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Toyota Tundra Remote Start: Rounding Up Your Options
You probably won’t have to pay a monthly fee to utilize Remote Connect if your Tundra is a 2020 model or newer. However, keep in mind that only few truck trims offer it. A generous 10-year trial is included with the Premium Audio package if you have a 20182020 model, but only with models that support the feature.
You can still use the key fob capability on Tundra vehicles produced prior to 11/12/18 without signing up for any services. Key fob remote start usage:
- Your key fob remote’s LOCK button should be pressed.
- Within one second, press the LOCK button a second time.
- Once more, hold down the LOCK button for three seconds.
- If all goes well, the engine will start.
The key fob remote functions for vehicles manufactured after 11/12/18 that support Remote Connect will not function without a Connected Services subscription. Following your trial period, the subscription will run you $80 annually, or $8 monthly. Otherwise, the aftermarket is your only real choice.
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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.
Which models of the Tundra feature remote start?
The remote start capability is found on many Toyota Tundra models, notably those produced in 2010 and after. Owners may simply need to check whether their Toyota cars have this feature using their key fobs.
The 2016 Tundra has remote starting, right?
YES! A remote starter can be installed by the user. Do not pay extravagant dealer fees to have the dealer perform services that you can perform yourself. YOU were considered during the design of the Start-Xkit. You, the typical car owner who is capable of performing a few simple repairs.
The T-harness that is included makes installation a lot easier. Wires don’t need to be cut or joined. Complete Plug N Play.
By hitting lock three times on the factory remote, which is included in the base package, you can remote start your vehicle without carrying a separate remote. The distance at which you can lock your car is the same as the range at which you can remote start it.
You can add a long-range RF kit as an option for even longer range. If you really want to go all out, you can select a cell phone module that enables you to begin from almost anywhere that has phone service. The RF kits provide you a second remote that can operate at a considerably greater distance.
Kit contains:
- Module for Remote Starting
- T-Harness
- pry bar
- Snap ties
- Installation guidelines
Does Toyota offer remote starting as standard?
The Smart Key fob in your car can be used to start and stop your engine with Toyota’s remote start system. In order to ensure that your car’s interior is at the perfect temperature when you get in and drive to your next destination, this feature also lets you turn on the air conditioner, heater, and defroster.
Do all Toyotas made in 2022 have remote starts?
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 other 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.
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.