Honda CR-V Remote Start: The Full Rundown

Published December 20, 2022
in Ownership

2018 Honda CR-V by EurovisionNim — CC BY-SA 4.0

One of the significant technological improvements to hit the auto industry in the last ten years has been the availability of remote start on vehicles. While not every car has remote start, more and more do each year, and it is prevalent as a standard feature. The CR-V’s remote start system is similar to other makes and models, but what makes it different?

The Basics: What Is Remote Start?

A remote start system is essentially an electronic key fob that you can easily clip to your key ring and, as the name would suggest, starts your vehicle remotely. Remote starters can mimic the engine starting process when you signal a remote start.

The CR-V’s remote start does this without placing and turning a physical key in the ignition. When the control module is hooked into your ignition switch and other starter mechanisms, this is conceivable. After installing the system, you may use the buttons to transmit signals to the control module.

Once your remote start control module is fitted, it uses unique radio frequencies to communicate with your specific vehicle and transmitter. These signals instruct the control module to start the engine, lock, and unlock at the primary level. The control module receiver and the remote transmitter are the two main components of the CR-V’ ’s remote start system, leaving everything at the control of a few points and clicks.

GET THE SAME INSIDER INFO THAT DEALERSHIPS USE

The CoPilot app is the smartest way to buy a car. Built using the same technology that dealerships use, we’ll show you everything you want to know about each listing - like how long it’s been on the lot, or if there are similar vehicles at a better price nearby.

The Benefits of Using the CR-V’s Remote Start System

Convenience at your fingertips

For more than one reason, remote start is all about convenience. Whether you want to modify the cabin’s temperature, give your engine a head start, or signal other passengers that it’s time to go, remote start can take care of everything. While some may value different types of convenience that it offers, being able to start a car without having to leave your house or the grocery store checkout line is usually the first that comes to mind. There are several other benefits that remote start systems create:

Resale value

A remote-start system may boost the resale value of the CR-V, especially when factoring in that Honda is one of the best-valued companies regarding the return on investment. Factoring in the geography of where you live, having unpredictable weather could make it a necessity.

Security

While not necessarily something that comes to mind, remote start allows the CR-V to be managed virtually, keeping it safer and more secure from theft. Of course, this isn’t a sure thing, but vehicles with remote capabilities can typically be more secure than traditional key fobs.

Warm the cabin, engine, and motor oil

The most common benefit of CR-V remote start is the ability to control the temperature. This can help defrost the windows and loosen up the ice and snow, warm the cabin itself, and warm up the engine to prevent winter stalling. This is great for keeping up with routine maintenance and avoiding multiple trips to the mechanic.

On the flip side, it’s also a great tool to cool off for those hot summer days (especially if you go with a darker exterior and interior color). It might not get it down to your ideal air conditioning temperature, but getting a head start on the cooling system will make the first few minutes much more comfortable.

THE BEST CARS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

Whether you’re squeezing into a tight campus parking spot or hauling ten loads of laundry back home, these best cars for college students will get you, your friends, and your stuff where you’re going.

Are There Any Cons?

Like any good thing, sure, there are some downsides. Having more vehicles idling isn’t the best for the environment, and having the CR-V run for up to 10 minutes will bring your fuel efficiency down. It’s a good idea not to overindulge in the benefits and uses in moderation when possible! Just because you have it, you don’t always have to use it.

Honda CR-V’s Remote Start Specifics

You may already be aware that the remote start allows you to switch on your Honda even if you are not physically present for a headstart on heating up or cooling the cabin. You may have yet to be aware of the specific distance, and it can turn on as long as you are within 100 feet of it, typically regardless of what may be in between the key fob and vehicle. Some interference may make you try it a few times, but just pressing and holding the lock button for five seconds before pressing and holding the remote start button will trigger the system.

If you look through a window at home or work, you’ll see the lights flash six times when the system activates and gets put into place. After that, your car will be turned on and run for ten minutes. The CR-V will automatically power off if you do not enter using the remote before the timer runs out. You can continue this process as often as you want, and when you get into the car, you’ll have to hit the ignition button to get ready to drive thoroughly.

The default setting for the Honda system is a modest 72 degrees; depending on the outside temperature, the heating or air conditioning will kick on automatically. This feature is offered for both the 2020 and 2021 editions of the CR-V on both standard and hybrid versions. Most of the Honda family has since made remote start standard, from sedans to minivans, and it is a great feature to have to get ready for summer, winter, and everything in between.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How does the Honda Remote Start work?

The Honda Remote Start feature allows you to start your vehicle’s engine from 400 feet away. This remote system is also connected to other functions, such as auto climate control if you have it on your vehicle. Once you activate the Remote Start feature and turn on the car engine, the climate system and heating wire will also turn on when you have cold surroundings. In some models, Remote Start automatically sets the temperature to 72 degrees.

Q: Which models have the Honda Remote Start feature?

Many of the modern Honda models come with the Remote Start feature, including the following:

Civic Sedan
Civic Coupe
Civic Hatchback
Insight
Accord Sedan
Accord Hybrid
CR-V
Pilot
Ridgeline
Odyssey

Q: What are the things to remember while using the Honda Remote Start?

One of the main safety tips is to avoid using your Remote Start with your car parked inside the garage or in a space with limited ventilation. In addition, make sure that you remove the car cover before activating the feature because the cover is a fire hazard. Also, don’t use remote start with flammable materials nearby.

8 QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN BUYING A USED CAR

So you’re in the market for a used vehicle? We’ve gone ahead and prepped some essential questions to ask when buying a used car.

Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You

The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to make you a personalized list of the best car listings in your area.

Only looking for newer models? CoPilot Compare is the search engine for nearly-new cars. Only see cars five years or newer with low mileage — CoPilot Compare is the best way to find off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO cars.

The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.