Honda Pilot Remote Start: The Full Rundown

Published March 18, 2022
in Model Info and Features

Whether you live in a cold and snowy or hot and humid state, a remote start is one of the more recent innovations that drivers appreciate. While it’s not exactly the most cutting-edge feature out there, the ability to remotely start your car’s engine is such a game-changer.

Unlike some car manufacturers that paywalled their remote start feature behind a subscription, Honda’s remote start is available as a standard feature on select models. Plus, nearly all of the Japanese automaker’s fleet of vehicles support the feature, including the Honda Pilot.

Today’s post will highlight the Honda Pilot remote start feature. How does remote start work? Which Honda Pilot models have it? How do you use remote start? We’ll answer these questions and more.

What is the Honda Pilot Remote Start?

The remote start lets you start the engine without using the ignition and away from your vehicle. While that sounds like a minor thing by itself, the core benefit of remote starters is the ability to pre-warm or pre-cool your Honda.

Nobody likes sitting inside their cars in discomfort during hot days or chilly mornings. Starting the engine also engages the climate system, which you can pre-configure to ensure optimal temperature as you enter the vehicle. Some remote starter systems even allow you to control the A/C system using your smartphone remotely.

As you might reckon, remote starters are designed for convenience and comfort. As mentioned earlier, Honda offers remote start as a factory add-on for many select new and recent models. This means you don’t have to resort to aftermarket solutions, which in itself is a viable route if you have an older Honda.

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Which Honda Pilot Models Have Remote Start?

Since the 2016 model, Honda Pilots has had a remote start as a standard feature. However, keep in mind that it’s only available for models after the base trim. Therefore, if you have a base Pilot model, you likely don’t have a remote start.

Fortunately, remote start is a standard feature, an incentive if you get the higher trim Pilots. This means you don’t have to pay subscription fees or purchase a separate package to enjoy the Honda Pilot remote start feature. Aside from the Pilot, remote start is also available on the following Honda models:

Accord
Accord Hybrid
Civic (Sedan, Coupe, and Hatchback)
Insight
CR-V
Ridgeline
Odyssey
Passport

Remote starters used to be luxury features, but if you have a Honda, you can easily access the feature by simply going up a trim or two. Moreover, the automaker has HondaLink, which allows you to use Remote Start via a smartphone app. However, HondaLink is a subscription-based service with a monthly or yearly fee.

Check your owner’s manual to know if your vehicle has remote start capabilities.

How to Use Honda Pilot Remote Start?

Using the Honda Pilot Remote Start is relatively straightforward; just follow these steps:

Starting the Engine

Press the Lock button, then the Engine or Remote Start button (the partial circle-shaped arrow button) to remotely turn on the engine.
The running engine has a 10-minute timer before it automatically shuts off. To extend the timer for another 10 minutes, repeat step 1.
While the engine runs, the climate system will adjust based on cabin temperature, the security system is still enabled, and lights and accessories remain off.

Stopping the Engine

While the engine runs, press and hold the Engine or Remote Start button until the engine shuts off.
The engine will also automatically turn off after 10 minutes, if not extended. Opening the doors without using the remote or smart entry will also shut off the engine.

Safety Tips to Remember When Using Remote Start

Don’t use the remote starter to fire up your Pilot inside a garage or any enclosed space. This can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide, which can be deadly.
Don’t use the remote start function before removing the car cover. The cover may catch fire due to the running engine and exhaust.
Don’t use remote start to start the engine when you’re close to flammable materials such as grease, oil, dried leaves, dead grass, paper, wood, etc.

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What are the Benefits of Remote Start?

Is it worth it to install a remote start on your Honda Pilot? Here are several benefits you should know:

Convenience and comfort - One of the best benefits of the Honda Pilot remote starter is the ability to prepare the car for the passengers. For example, using a remote starter to activate the engine pre-warms the vehicle to operating temperature during colder months. You can preemptively adjust the climate control to optimal temperatures in many remote starter systems.
Save time - Overall, it’s better to drive a car with internal combustion engines with the oil warmed up. Remotely activating the engine ten or so minutes before you leave ensures that your Pilot is ready to go by the time you’re in the driver’s seat. Also, during snowy weather, you can pre-start your vehicle, warm it up, and scrape less ice off your windshield.
Easy installation - In Honda’s case, remote start is a standard feature on select models and trims. This means you don’t even have to deal with installation times. Even if you go for aftermarket starters, the installation should take less than an hour.
Security - Can someone drive off with your car after remote starting? One of the people’s main concerns about remote starters is security. With Honda Remote Start, the engine will automatically shut off if any doors are opened unless the remote or smart entry feature is used.

After trying it, many drivers claimed that remote start is a feature that they can’t live without. It just adds a great deal of convenience and comfort to one’s ownership experience.

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If you’re planning to get a Honda Pilot Remote Start, make sure it’s legal to idle your vehicle for extended periods. For your information, some states have car idling laws where it’s illegal to run the engine without actually driving. Due to environmental concerns, we don’t recommend running your engine for prolonged periods.

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