How To Use The Hyundai Tucson Remote Start

Published December 4, 2023
in Model Info and Features

You just bought a Hyundai Tucson and want to make the most of its features. The factory remote start system is a handy option that may have come with the car. Hyundai offers remote start capabilities on most newer Tucson trims to allow starting the engine and climate control at a distance. This built-in convenience is ideal for defrosting the vehicle on winter mornings or cooling the interior on hot summer days. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the Hyundai Tucson remote start system.

Importantly, these are general guidelines. Specific functionality may vary by model year and trim. Always consult your car’s owner’s manual for precise instructions.

At a Distance: Hyundai Tucson Remote Start

Smart Key Remote

The available remote start feature allows you to start your Tucson’s engine from outside the vehicle, up to 32 feet away, according to Hyundai. This way, you can get the interior temperature just right before even opening the door.

First, make sure you’re within range to start with the smart key fob. Then lock your Tucson by pressing the lock button. Within four seconds, press and hold the remote start button. The red light on the remote will blink, the hazard lights will flash, and the engine will start up.

If your Tucson has manual climate controls, it will remain at the current settings. But models with automatic climate control will default to 72°F. Once running, your Tucson will stay on for up to 15 minutes before automatically shutting off. But if you need to turn it off sooner, just press the remote start button again.

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Using the MyHyundai App

You can also use the remote start feature through the MyHyundai smartphone app. This requires an active Bluelink subscription and a Tucson with the remote start feature.

Open the app and select remote start. Then, choose the climate control settings (on/off and the desired cabin temperature). You can even activate the front and rear defrosters, turn on the warmed/cooled seats and heated steering wheel (if your car is so equipped), and set how long you want the car to run.

Starting through the Hyundai Website

If your phone isn’t handy, starting your Tucson via the MyHundai web portal is possible. Once you’ve registered and signed in, click the remote start icon or link. If you find that you access this feature a lot, you can add a remote start icon to the Quick Links section.

Hyundai Tucson Remote Start Requirements

While using the Hyundai Tucson remote start feature is straightforward, there are some important requirements to keep in mind before turning on the engine from a distance.

For remote start to work, your Tucson’s doors, trunk, and hood must be closed and locked. In addition, the transmission must be set to park.
Remote start activation via the MyHyundai app/Bluelink requires that the car must have been turned on within the past four days.
Your phone and car must be in the range of a cellular signal.
Importantly, never remotely start your car while the vehicle is in an enclosed space like a garage. Only activate remote start when your Tuscon is in a well-ventilated area.

HOW LONG DO HYUNDAI TUCSONS LAST?

If you’re in the market for this compact SUV, you’re probably wondering: how long do Hyundai Tucsons last? Knowing the lifespan of a vehicle is crucial to ensure you’re making a sound investment.

FYI: Hyundai Digital Key

Beginning with the 2022 model year, the Hyundai Digital Key became standard equipment on some Tucson trims. The technology allows a driver to unlock, lock, and start their car using a compatible smartphone with a separate Hyundai Digital Key app.

As long as the phone’s NFC (near-field communication) signal is active, a physical key isn’t needed to open, lock, or start the vehicle. The phone needs to be placed next to the front door handle to open the car and then placed in the wireless charger before the start button can be engaged. Hyundai also sells an NFC card (the size of a credit card) that can be used instead of the app.

In addition to having remote start functionality, The Digital Key app offers the ability to send a Digital Key to someone else (with the app installed and activated on a compatible phone). This is ideal if you want to let a friend or relative use your car while you’re not around.

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Hyundai Tucson Remote Start: Smart Parking Assist

If you’ve ever struggled to get your Tucson into or out of a tight spot, you’ll appreciate Hyundai’s Smart Parking Assist (RSPA). More recent Hyundai Tucsons in the Limited trim include this feature. Although RSPA doesn’t involve starting a Tucson at a distance, it does offer a different way of remotely controlling your car.

In short, RSPA allows drivers to park their vehicles in tight spaces completely from outside the vehicle using the smart key fob.

To use RSPA:

Pull up in front of the parking space you want to use. Put the vehicle in park and press the RSPA button on the center console.
The driver display will prompt you to use the smart key to control the vehicle after exiting.
Stand in a safe position outside the vehicle within 13 feet of the car. Hold down either the forward or backward button on the smart key. As long as you hold the button, your Hyundai will slowly drive itself backward or forward up to 23 feet. Pressing the button again will move the car another 23 feet.
RSPA has sensors to stop the car automatically if it detects an obstacle. The system can even turn the steering wheel itself to avoid objects.

You can also activate RSPA completely from outside a parked vehicle:

Press lock on the smart key, then press remote start so the lights flash and the engine starts.
Hold the forward or backward button to have your Hyundai exit or enter the space.

There are two options for canceling RSPA:

Release the forward or backward button and press remote start to park, engage the brake, and switch off the RSPA system.
Get back in the car with the smart key, depress the brake, or close all doors to keep the ignition on.

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