Toyota Tundra Remote Start: The Full Rundown
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Remote start is one of the most convenient features of modern vehicles. Using a key fob or a small device to start your car’s engine remotely is such a game-changer for many drivers. Toyota is one of many manufacturers that included remote start systems for their fleet of vehicles.
Drivers of the Toyota Tundra TRD Pro from 2018 to 2020 have been enjoying remote start as a factory standard. However, Toyota has made significant changes to its remote start feature, which we’ll discuss later.
We’ll talk about the Toyota Tundra remote start for today’s post. We will look at its availability and ways you can access the feature. Let’s get to it.
What is a Toyota Tundra Remote Start and How Does it Work?
A remote starter consists of several hardware pieces that allow you to conveniently turn your car’s engine on and off with a simple button push. The primary purpose of a Toyota Tundra Remote Start is to cool or preheat the interior, so the temperature is comfortable before the passengers get inside.
A remote starter may also include other functions, including keyless entry, lock/unlock doors and trunk, open sunroofs, and more. Depending on the hardware and remote starter kit you use, you may start your engine up to a mile away or even thrice that distance. More sophisticated systems let you use your smartphone to trigger remote starter functions with unlimited range.
The remote starter simulates the engine starting sequence when a driver turns on the car using a key. Obviously, the remote start system accomplishes this without an actual physical key in the ignition.
Once the parts are correctly installed, you can send frequencies to the main module using a remote transmitter. The signal or frequency tells the remote system to lock/unlock the doors, start the engine, etc.
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Typical Hardware of a Remote Starter System
Below are the typical components of a remote starter system:
- Control module - Usually looks like a black box; the control module is the hardware that performs all remote start functions. It’s connected with the vehicle components and other pieces of the remote start system.
- Bypass module - The bypass module has to be installed on modern vehicles, so the remote start doesn’t interfere with or disable the factory security system.
- Wires - A series of cables that connect the remote starter system to specific components of the vehicle.
- Remote transmitter - For most owners, this specialized key fob or remote device is the only component they get to see, and it controls all functions of the system.
Please note that these are general components and can differ depending on the kit you use and the vehicle make/model in which it will be installed.
Toyota Tundra Remote Start Availability
Toyota used to offer a key fob with remote functionality, including the Tundra truck. However, in December 2021, Toyota announced that it would kill the physical remote start feature and make the feature exclusive through its Connected Services.
Naturally, the announcement has sent consumers into a frenzy, whether they own a Toyota or not. Many critics claimed that Toyota is setting a terrible precedent, fearing that automakers can now nickel and dime consumers by locking certain features behind a paywall (subscription plans) when it used to be a one-and-done purchase.
The last time we’ve heard, Toyota has received a massive blowback for this announcement and is “reviewing” its Key Fob Remote Start Subscription Plan.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a remote start on your Toyota Tundra, you can’t have the convenient key fob with remote functions anymore. You’ll either have to enroll in Toyota’s Connected Services (more on this later) or explore your aftermarket options.
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Remote Start Via Connected Services
Toyota’s Connected Services is a suite of features that covers everything – safety, convenience, maintenance, connectivity, and more. It’s a subscription plan for Toyota owners to have more advanced capabilities with their vehicles. Through the Remote Connect subfeature, subscribers can access the Toyota Tundra Remote Start feature.
The Remote Connect subfeature lets you enjoy features like Guest Driver, Vehicle Status Alert, Last Parked Location, Door Lock/Unlock, and of course, Remote Start.
Concerning the remote key fob functions, Toyota put out official documentation, which you can view here. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Toyota vehicles with Remote Connect have key fob compatibility.
- To use the complete suite of Remote Connect services, you need to register with Connected Services.
- The available Audio Plus package gets you a 3-years free trial of Connected Services, but only on the SR5 TRD Sport and SR5 TRD Off-Road trims.
- Select 2020 models that support Remote Connect can enjoy up to 10 years of a free trial.
- The available high-end Premium Audio package also has a free trial of up to 10 years.
- Vehicles built before 11/12/18 equipped with a remote start no longer need an active Remote Connect subscription.
Likely due to the backlash, it seems that Toyota backpedaled on its policy that all remote start functions need an active Connected Services subscription.
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Toyota Tundra Remote Start: Rounding Up Your Options
If you have a 2020 Tundra or newer, you’ll likely not have to pay subscription fees to access Remote Connect. However, remember it’s only available in certain trims of the truck. Also, if you have a 2018-2020 model, getting the Premium Audio package nets you a generous 10-years trial – but only with models that support the feature.
For Tundra models built before 11/12/18, you can still use the key fob functionality without subscribing to any service. To use the key fob remote start:
- Press the LOCK button on your key fob remote.
- Press the LOCK button a second time within 1 second.
- Press the LOCK button again and HOLD for 3 seconds.
- The engine should start if successful.
For vehicles built after 11/12/18 that support Remote Connect, the key fob remote functions will not work without a Connected Services subscription. After your free trial, the subscription will cost you $80 per year, or $8 per month. Otherwise, your main option is to go down the aftermarket route.
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