In the middle of July, it’s a scorchingly hot day. Your excursion to the supermarket took longer than you had planned, and your car has been parked there for at least two hours. Even though it was a busy day, you made an effort to find a spot in the shade, but all you could see was an empty area in the lot’s back close to a cart return.
As you wait in line to pay, you catch a glimpse of the top of your RAV4 through the store’s front sliding glass doors. You anticipate the car’s inside to be extremely hot. Ice cream, frozen peas, eggs, butter, and other chilled things that wouldn’t make it home in a heated car are looking back at you as you take a quick glance at your items that are spread out on the conveyor belt. Fortunately, you have a remote start for your Toyota RAV4 so you’re ready!
In This Article...
What is Remote Start?
The mechanism that enables remote starting enables you to start your car from a distance. A remote start will start the engine even if your car is locked, turned off, and in the driveway.
If you live somewhere where it becomes very cold or very hot at different times of the year, remote starters are especially helpful. A remote start can help you save time in the winter by warming up the engine while you’re still getting ready to leave the houseno more waiting outside in the chilly weather for your motor oil to stop being molasses!
Additionally, remote starting is beneficial in the heat. The majority of contemporary cars come with automated climate control that you can regulate with presets to maintain the highest level of comfort, including higher-end Toyota RAV4 versions. Or just let it run its course! You can start your car by using the remote start. For the purpose of bringing the interior of your car to a comfortable temperature, the automatic climate system will either turn on the heating or the air conditioning.
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Everything You Need to Know About Toyota RAV4 Remote Start
Auto shoppers and auto reviewers both love the Toyota RAV4. Depending on your demands, it is a capable off-road vehicle with either front- or all-wheel drive.
The RAV4 is a versatile little SUV with superb looks and driving manners. Additionally, it is extremely well suited for city life: Car and Driver gives it a special award for being a particularly opulent and refined vehicle on paved streets. In contrast, other large, tough Toyotas tend to prioritize off-road capability over driving comfort.
Remote start systems typically operate in one of two ways. Within a larger range of connectivity functions, there are fob-based remote starts and more sophisticated app-based remote starts. The RAV4 features both. The RAV4 also features the standard Toyota remote start technology as standard equipment.
A button on your key fob sends radio waves to a receiver inside your car, which subsequently switches on the engine and starts it. This is how traditional remote starters work. With select Toyota RAV4 grade levels, this is included as standard equipment. Using your fob, turn on your car by doing the following:
- Your fob’s lock button should be pressed.
- Repeatedly press the lock button in quick succession.
- To start your car, press the lock button once more and hold it there for three seconds.
The more sophisticated remote start technology offered by Toyota is one of several features included in the Toyota Connect program. With the premium service Toyota Connect, you may start your RAV4 from the outside and receive notifications when a window is damaged. It also makes it easier to locate the car in a crowded parking lot, allows you to lock and unlock the car, and even monitors the speed.
Follow these steps to link your RAV4 to the Toyota Connect app:
- Download the program from the Apple or Google Play stores.
- Create a new account or sign in to existing Toyota Owner’s account.
- Tap Activate Remote Services in the app, then check your inbox for an email with the verification code.
- Enter the verification code on your car by going to Menu > Apps > Authorization.
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Toyota RAV4 Remote Start: The Downsides
A complimentary one-year trial of the Toyota Connect service is included with every new RAV4. But in order to continue utilizing their remote start after that, drivers will need to purchase a monthly subscription. For convenience, Toyota charges $8 per month or $80 annually.
Even though it’s less valuable than free, a 4G wireless hotspot, Apple Play, Sirius XM, and the capacity to start your car remotely are all available for just $8 a month.
You should also be aware that not all US states permit vehicle idling. While some states only permit a maximum of 3 minutes of idle time, others allow up to 20 minutes in extremely cold temperatures. To determine whether investing in Toyota Connect will be worthwhile for you, check the laws in your state.
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Toyota RAV4 Remote Start: Other Options
For between 170 and 400 dollars, you can get an aftermarket plug-and-play kit that functions just as well as other branded fob-remote starts if you have an older model of RAV4 created before the period of remote start.
The ability to let your engine reach its ideal temperature before driving is one of the advantages of remote starting, as we have discussed. This is especially true during the winter or in areas with a cooler temperature. Additionally, if your state has strict regulations about idling, you may want to look into other methods that may make warming up your automobile a little simpler.
If you don’t want or have access to remote starting, think about switching your regular engine oil for a lubricant intended for cold weather. Engine oil made specifically for colder climates warms up faster and reduces the need to start your car ten minutes earlier.
How do I use my Toyota RAV4 Remote Start?
Make sure your Toyota Remote Start works with your car before using it. Press the lock button on your key fob three (3) times to remotely start your RAV4. Make careful you push the first and second times quickly after one another. On your third press, hold down the lock button for three seconds to activate remote start.
How long will my RAV4 engine run after activating Remote Start?
You have 10 minutes to idling after Remote Start activation before the engine shuts off on its own. You can press the lock button one more inside those 10 minutes to add another 10 minutes to the idle period.
After 20 minutes, if for some reason you are still unable to operate the vehicle, the engine will automatically shut off and must be manually started again.
Is it safe to leave my vehicle unattended after activating Remote Start?
In any event, it’s great practice to avoid leaving your car running unattended after starting it. The Toyota RAV4 is equipped with an anti-theft device that, thankfully, turns the SUV off if the doors are opened by hand.
Yes, it could seem a little inconvenient, but it does stop someone who isn’t allowed from taking off in your car.
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Is remote start available for the Toyota RAV 4?
The RAV4 has remote starting, right? A: Remote start functionality is not a standard feature of the 2021 RAV4. However, some trims of the 2021 RAV4such as the Limited, TRD Off-Road, and Adventure trimsare outfitted with an Audio Plus package, which includes available remote start technology.
How can I turn on my Toyota’s remote starter?
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.
Does the Toyota RAV4 from 2022 provide remote starting?
It’s simple to use your remote start. To activate the remote start, push the lock button on your manufacturer remote fob three times. The vehicle will start, run for the predetermined amount of timetypically 15 minuteswhile the parking lights flash. The vehicle can be turned off by pressing the lock button three more times. It may take a few tries to get the timing right, so be careful not to push the lock button too quickly or too slowly. Just unlock or open the door as you approach the car. As soon as it shuts down, you may jump in, fire it up, and drive away.
- Simply press LOCK three times on your factory remote to activate the remote starting. 3x Lock from OEM Fob Only = No more remotes to carry. Want a wider range? See below for upgrade possibilities:
- 1-Way 1000ft = Includes two 1-button remote controls with a range of up to 1000 feet, plus a 3-lock OEM fob that also functions.
- Comes with (1) 1-Button and 2-Way 2000ft two-way remote control and one button It will also function with a 1-way for a range of up to 2000 feet and a 3-lock OEM fob.
- Smart Phone App Control enables you to start your automobile from any location in the world using your smartphone. Service plan is necessary; it costs $39.99 per year. The OEM remote fob’s 3x lock will also function.
Has the 2017 RAV4 get remote starting?
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. Plug and play only.
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
Please be aware that opening the door will cause the car to stop. There is no way to get around this security measure.
How do I start my 2019 RAV4 remotely?
The remote start function is useful in both the sweltering summers and the freezing winters. Simply press the Lock button on your key fob three times to activate the remote start for your 2019 Toyota RAV4. The parking lights will flicker, and the car’s engine will start. After 15 minutes of inactivity, the engine will automatically turn off.
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Toyota remote starting is it free?
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.
Toyota’s remote start in 2022?
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?