For owners of the 2020 Kia Telluride who find themselves without the convenience of factory remote start on their key fob, or are looking for an alternative to the UVO subscription service, this guide provides a comprehensive solution. While 2021 and later Telluride models come standard with remote start, many 2020 models missed out on this feature. This article will explore how the Accessorides remote start kit offers a 100% plug-and-play solution to add remote start functionality to your 2020 Kia Telluride, directly from your existing OEM key fob. We’ll delve into the benefits, installation process, and everything you need to know to enhance your Telluride experience.
Benefits of the Accessorides Remote Start Kit for Your 2020 Kia Telluride
The Accessorides remote start kit is designed specifically for the 2020 Kia Telluride and offers several compelling advantages:
Activate Remote Start with Your OEM Key Fob
The primary benefit is the ability to remote start your 2020 Telluride using the factory key fob. No need for extra remotes cluttering your keychain. By simply pressing the lock button three times on your existing key fob, you can initiate the remote start feature. This is perfect for warming up your car in the winter or cooling it down in the summer before you even step inside.
Extended Range and 2-Way Key Fob Options
Beyond the OEM key fob start, Accessorides offers upgrade options for extended range. You can choose key fobs that provide up to 3000 feet of range, ensuring you can start your vehicle from a significant distance. 2-way key fobs are also available, which provide confirmation that your car has successfully started – a valuable feature for peace of mind.
Smartphone Control via CarLink App
For ultimate convenience and range, the CarLink smartphone app integration is a game-changer. This option allows you to start your 2020 Kia Telluride from virtually anywhere with cellular service. The CarLink app is significantly more affordable than a UVO subscription and offers faster response times, providing a seamless and modern remote start experience. The first year of service is often included, with affordable annual renewals thereafter.
100% Plug & Play Installation
One of the most appealing aspects of the Accessorides kit is its 100% plug-and-play design for the non-takeover model. This means installation is straightforward, requiring no cutting or splicing of factory wires. The kit comes with vehicle-specific harnesses that plug directly into existing connectors in your Telluride, making it a DIY-friendly upgrade.
This image showcases the Accessorides website, highlighting their Kia Telluride remote start kit and available options, emphasizing the ease of upgrading your 2020 Kia Telluride remote start system.
Choosing the Right Accessorides Kit: Takeover vs. Non-Takeover
Accessorides offers two main kit options, each with slightly different functionalities:
100% Plug and Play (Non-Takeover)
This option is the simplest to install and is completely plug-and-play. With this kit, after remote starting your Telluride and unlocking the doors, the engine will shut off. You then simply restart the vehicle to drive. This operation mirrors the behavior of many Toyota and Lexus push-start vehicles. It’s an excellent choice for those prioritizing ease of installation and a straightforward setup.
Plug & Play with 2-Wire Connections (Takeover)
The takeover kit adds a minor layer of complexity with two wires requiring manual connection, but it provides a significant convenience upgrade. With the takeover option, after remote starting, you can enter your Telluride and drive off without needing to restart the engine. This “takeover” functionality provides a more seamless experience, similar to factory remote start systems.
Both kits come with all necessary components and detailed instructions. The takeover kit is only slightly more expensive and might be preferred by those wanting the most refined remote start experience.
Compatibility and Requirements for the 2020 Kia Telluride
Before purchasing an Accessorides remote start kit, ensure your 2020 Kia Telluride meets the following compatibility requirements:
- Model Year: 2020 Kia Telluride (US models only, not compatible with Canadian models).
- VIN: The 10th letter of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) must be “L”.
- Ignition Type: Push-start ignition only. Not compatible with key-start models.
- Features: Vehicle must have power locks and keyless entry.
- Transmission: Automatic transmission only.
These requirements ensure the Accessorides kit integrates seamlessly with your vehicle’s existing systems.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide for the Accessorides Remote Start Kit
While Accessorides provides detailed instructions with their kits, here’s an overview of the installation process, focusing on the Smartphone App Control kit with takeover:
Kit Contents and Tools Needed
Your Accessorides kit will include:
- Remote start control module with pre-connected harnesses.
- Installation instructions (printed).
- Plastic trim removal tool.
- Hood safety switch and cable (optional installation).
- Promotional items (like a face mask and hand sanitizer).
- CarLink app instructions and support information.
You will need the following tools:
- Wire strippers (for the 2-wire takeover connection).
- Posi-Taps (for splicing the takeover wires – recommended).
- Diagonal cutters (optional, but wire strippers are safer).
This image showcases the Accessorides CarLink Phone App Add-On Module, highlighting its extended range capabilities and smartphone control features for the 2020 Kia Telluride remote start system.
Accessing the Vehicle Wiring
- Passenger Footwell Access: The primary wiring connections are made in the passenger footwell area, under the glove box. You may need to remove the glove box for easier access, though it’s possible to install the plug-and-play harnesses without removing it. Removing the glove box involves releasing pins and screws as detailed in the original article and Accessorides instructions.
- Removing the Lower Panel: Use the trim removal tool or your fingers to carefully detach the plastic panel underneath the glove box. This panel is held in place by plastic pins and tabs.
- Locating Connectors: Identify the red, blue, and green connectors located to the right side under the glove box. These are the connectors you will be working with for the plug-and-play harnesses.
This image highlights the red, blue, and green connectors located under the glove box of the 2020 Kia Telluride, crucial connection points for the Accessorides remote start kit installation.
Installing the Plug & Play Harnesses
- Disconnecting Factory Connectors: Reach to the side of the red and green connectors to find the release tabs. Squeeze the tabs and pull to disconnect the connectors from the vehicle harness. You can disconnect the blue connector for more room if needed.
- Connecting Accessorides Harnesses: Plug the factory connectors into the female ends of the Accessorides plug-and-play harnesses, matching red to red and green to green. Ensure they click securely into place.
- Reconnecting to Vehicle: Plug the male ends of the Accessorides harnesses back into the original slots on the vehicle harness where you disconnected the red and green connectors. Again, listen for a click to confirm a secure connection.
This image demonstrates the connection of the Accessorides plug & play harness to the Kia Telluride’s factory connectors, emphasizing the straightforward, plug-and-play nature of the installation process.
Connecting the 2-Wire Takeover (For Takeover Kits)
- Routing Wires to Fuse Box: For takeover functionality, you’ll need to route the two takeover wires from the passenger side to the driver’s side fuse box. Route the wires under the center console, being mindful of coolant lines (metal pipes) and staying closer to the side of the grab handle.
- Accessing Driver’s Side Fuse Box: Remove the kick panel on the driver’s side footwell, similar to the passenger side. Open the fuse box cover located to the left of the steering wheel.
- Splicing Takeover Wires: Use Posi-Taps to splice the two takeover wires into the designated wires in the fuse box harness. The instructions indicate the yellow wire from the takeover harness connects to the purple wire in the fuse box harness, and the red wire connects to the red wire. Strip about ½ inch of insulation from the takeover wires and use the Posi-Taps to create secure connections without cutting the factory wires. Refer to online videos for detailed Posi-Tap installation if needed.
This image displays Posi-Tap wire connectors, the recommended method for splicing the takeover wires in the 2020 Kia Telluride remote start installation, ensuring a secure and reversible connection.
Programming the Remote Start Control Module
- Locate LED and Push Button: Find the LED light and push button on the remote start control module. The location might vary slightly depending on the module brand (Compustar or Voxx), but it’s usually near a corner of the module.
- Enter Accessory Mode: Press the push-to-start button on your Telluride without pressing the brake pedal to enter accessory mode.
- Enter Ignition On Mode: Press the push-to-start button again to turn the ignition on. The LED on the control module should turn solid red, then solid green for 2 seconds, and then off. If the LED doesn’t light up, proceed to the next step as it might already be programmed.
- Start and Program: Turn off the car by pressing the push-to-start button a third time and open the driver’s side door. Then, start the car normally by pressing the brake pedal and push-to-start button. Let the engine idle stabilize. With your foot still on the brake, press and release the black button on the remote start control module. The LED will turn red for 2 seconds, then blink green and go out. You may hear clicking sounds from the module, which is normal.
Programming is now complete.
Using Your 2020 Kia Telluride Remote Start System
Operating with the OEM Key Fob
To remote start your 2020 Kia Telluride:
- Press the lock button on your OEM key fob three times in succession.
- The headlights and taillights will flash, and the engine will start.
- The Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and taillights will remain on while the vehicle is remote started. Mirrors will unfold if you have power-folding mirrors.
To turn off the remote started car, repeat the process: press the lock button three times.
Important Usage Tips
- Your car does not need to be locked to remote start.
- Press the lock button at a moderate pace – about 1-2 second intervals between presses.
- HVAC settings will revert to your last used settings when remote starting.
- The radio will not turn on until you press the brake pedal and fully start the vehicle.
- The remote start runtime is approximately 15 minutes before automatically shutting off.
- For non-takeover kits, opening any door or the liftgate after remote starting will shut off the engine.
- For takeover kits, allow about 45 seconds after remote starting before using the smart liftgate to ensure proper function.
Conclusion
Adding remote start to your 2020 Kia Telluride using the Accessorides kit is a worthwhile upgrade, especially for those living in climates with extreme temperatures. The kit offers a range of options from simple OEM key fob activation to advanced smartphone control, all with a relatively easy installation process. By choosing the Accessorides remote start kit, you can significantly enhance the comfort and convenience of your 2020 Kia Telluride, making it even more enjoyable to own. Consider visiting the Accessorides website to explore the different kit options and find the perfect remote start solution for your vehicle.
