Toyota RAV4 Remote Start – Features, Benefits, App and Availibility

The Toyota Rav4 remote start brings convenience and comfort to a new level. With this feature, you cannot only start your Rav4 but also change its internal temperature accordingly. The remote start features of the Rav4 will make your life easier.

Don’t worry if you are new to the remote start features. The article below covers almost everything, whether it is features and benefits or availability and application.

Toyota RAV4 Remote Start:

A remote start is a feature that allows you to start your car with just a button press. Its unique features use radio signals to start your Rav4 with the help of a key fob or its Toyota smart app. The remote start will help you in different conditions, especially in extreme weather like rain, snow, etc., because it can make your Rav4 cool down or heat up before even stepping inside.

The remote start is a simple but advanced feature that improves the comfort of using your car and increases vehicle management.

How the Toyota RAV4 Remote Start Works:

There are different methods of accessing remote start.

Using the Key Fob for Remote Start:

The remote launch function can be actuated using the RAV4’s key fob. By pressing an engine start button on the fob, you can start your rav4 engine without having to be inside your car.

Once the vehicle is started, it will start and keep idle for about 10 minutes, giving enough time to reach the interior temperature to a comfortable level. The engine will automatically shut down if you don’t get inside in about 10 minutes.

Using the Toyota App for Remote Start:

Toyota also offers a smartphone app called Toyota App( part of the Entune ™ 3.0 system), which allows you to start your Rav4 remotely. This app offers features beyond remote start, like location tracking, locking and unlocking your car, and vehicle status updates.

The app lets you spark remote start from nearly anywhere as long as your phone and vehicle are connected.

Range and Activation Distance for RAV4 Remote Start:

When using the key fob, remote start only works when you are within its required distance. For the key fob, you must be 80 to 100 feet, otherwise it won’t work.

With smartphone apps, you can start your vehicle from about 80 feet.

Watch the video below tutorial to learn how to easily activate and use the Remote Start feature on your Toyota RAV4.

Features and Benefits of the Toyota RAV4 Remote Start:

There are different types of features and benefits of using the Toyota Rav4 remote start; we listed some of them below.

Temperature Control of Your RAV4:

One of the most precious benefits of remote start is temperature control. You can start your RAV4 remotely during winter, allowing it to warm up before entering. While in hot summer seasons, remote start can turn on the air conditioning to cool down the inside. This makes your drives more comfortable regardless of the season.

Enhanced Safety Features:

The RAV4’s remote system includes several safety features. For example, the doors remain locked during remote start to prevent unauthorized access. The engine will automatically shut off if someone tries to open the door without the key fob present. This ensures the vehicle remains secure while it’s running unattended.

Convenience and style:

For individuals who are always in a hurry, a remote start can help immensely. Imagine being able to warm up or cool down your Rav4 while finishing tasks inside your home or office. It’s also straightforward to start your car from a remote or cell phone, which I can tell from my personal experience.

How to Use the Toyota RAV4 Remote Start:

To start your RAV4 using the key fob, follow these simple steps:

• First of all, make sure that your rav4 is locked.
• Now Press the lock button on the key fob three times.
• After that, on the third press, hold the lock button down on the key fob for about 3 seconds.
• Then, with the third press, your Rav4 engine will start and will have about 10 minutes before automatically shutting off if not driven.

Remote start via the Toyota App:

The process of using the Toyota App is also simple.

• First of all, download and install the Toyota App on your smartphone.
• Now open the app, create an account, and connect your rav4 with the app.
• Select and click the Remote Start button on the home screen, and it will start your rav4.
• You can also then turn off the rav4 from that app.
• You can also see and track features of your rav4 from this app.

Troubleshoot common Remote Start Problems:

Sometimes, the remote start may not work as expected, so you must troubleshoot those issues.

The Toyota rav4 remote Start not working:

The Rav4 remote start not working can be caused by many things, like a low battery on the key fob or you needing to be within the required distance. It can also be a reason for a faulty sensor, the car being in valet mode, or not properly parked in park mode.

The app isn’t connecting:

Sometimes, the app isn’t connecting, so check your phone’s internet connection and confirm that the vehicle has a stable network signal.

Remote launch shuts down:

This may happen if the door is opened, the brake is applied, or the vehicle detects low energy.

Compatibility and availability of Toyota RAV4 Remote system:

Let’s discuss which Rav4 model has it and which Rav4 is compatible with it.

Toyota RAV4 Trims with built-in Remote start:

Remote start is available in certain RAV4 trims, like XLE, XSE, and Limited. In the past, some models had it as an optional add-on, but now it is considered a standard package. So whenever you buy a Rav4, check the availability of remote start.

Toyota rav4 remote start installation

Aged RAV4 models without built-in remote start features can still be added via aftermarket installation. Toyota dealerships and third-party service providers offer installation remote start kits to add functionality to compatible models. But let me tell you, it costs about $200 to 500$, depending upon the starter range, brand, and warranty coverage.

Toyota Remote Start Subscription Service:

Let’s discuss Toyota subscription services.

What’s Toyota’s Remote Start Subscription:

Toyota recently introduced a subscription-based model for remote start functionality via the Toyota App. Like other apps, it has a trial period(generally one year, depending on the car); car owners can extend it by paying a proper subscription to access and use the remote start through the app.

Costs and Benefits of the Subscription Service:

The subscription generally costs around 8 per month or 80 per year, depending on the plan. It includes more features than just remote launch, like offering access to vehicle health reports, emergency services, and remote lock and unlocking functionality.

Alternatives if You Don’t Want a Subscription:

For those who prefer not to pay for the subscription, the key fob remote start will still work if your RAV4 model has one. However, the app has additional features, including long-distance control, that you won’t be able to access without a subscription.

Pros and Cons of Toyota RAV4 Remote Start

Is Remote Start Worth It:

For numerous RAV4 owners, remote launch offers considerable convenience, especially in areas where the weather gets extreme (that means winters get colder and summers get hotter). But if you live in a mild climate, people rarely use it. If you don’t live in extreme weather areas, then you don’t need its subscription, but if you do and control the remote start from the app, you should consider getting it.

Conclusion:

The Toyota RAV4 Remote Start offers a range of benefits, from comfort and convenience to enhanced security. It’s a very helpful feature, especially for those who live in extreme climates. Whether through the key fob or the Toyota App, remote launch can make your RAV4 experience more pleasurable. Before deciding, consider your climate, driving habits, and whether the convenience of remote start is worth the cost of your life.