So you’re the proud owner of a Hyundai Tucson and eager to explore all its modern conveniences. One of the most user-friendly features, especially in climates with temperature extremes, is the remote start system. Many newer Hyundai Tucson models come equipped with this factory-installed feature, enabling you to start your engine and pre-condition your car’s interior from a distance. Imagine defrosting your windshield on a frosty morning or cooling down your cabin on a sweltering summer day – all before you even step inside.
This guide will provide you with a detailed walkthrough on how to start your Hyundai Tucson using the key fob, along with exploring other remote start methods and essential information you need to know.
Keep in mind that while these instructions are generally applicable, specific functionalities can differ based on your Hyundai Tucson’s model year and trim level. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the most accurate and model-specific directions.
Starting Your Hyundai Tucson Remotely with the Smart Key Fob
The Hyundai Tucson’s smart key fob is your primary tool for remote starting your vehicle. Hyundai states that the remote start feature is effective from up to 32 feet away. This range allows you to comfortably start your car from inside your home or office, ensuring a comfortable temperature awaits you.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use your Hyundai Tucson key fob for remote start:
- Ensure you are within Range: Begin by positioning yourself within approximately 32 feet of your Hyundai Tucson.
- Lock Your Doors: Press the lock button on your smart key fob to securely lock all doors of your Tucson.
- Initiate Remote Start: Within four seconds of locking the doors, press and hold the remote start button on your key fob. This button is usually distinctively marked with a circular arrow or a similar remote start symbol.
- Observe the Indicators: Upon successfully initiating the remote start, you’ll observe the following:
- The red indicator light on your key fob will blink, confirming signal transmission.
- Your Hyundai Tucson’s hazard lights will flash, indicating the remote start command is received.
- The engine will start.
Image: Hyundai Tucson smart key fob highlighting the remote start button, used to remotely start the vehicle.
Climate Control Functionality:
- Manual Climate Control: If your Hyundai Tucson is equipped with manual climate controls, the system will maintain the settings it was last set to before the vehicle was turned off.
- Automatic Climate Control: For Tucson models with automatic climate control, the system will automatically default to a comfortable 72°F (22°C) when remote started.
Engine Run Time and Shut Down:
Once remotely started, your Hyundai Tucson’s engine will run for a duration of up to 15 minutes. After this period, the engine will automatically shut off as a security and fuel-saving measure. If you need to turn off the engine sooner, simply press the remote start button on your key fob once again.
Alternative Remote Start Methods for Your Hyundai Tucson
Beyond the key fob, Hyundai offers additional ways to remotely start your Tucson, providing flexibility and convenience:
Utilizing the MyHyundai App
For tech-savvy owners, the MyHyundai smartphone app provides an even more feature-rich remote start experience. This method requires an active Hyundai Bluelink subscription and, of course, a Tucson model equipped with remote start capabilities.
- Open the MyHyundai App: Launch the MyHyundai app on your smartphone.
- Navigate to Remote Start: Locate and select the “Remote Start” option within the app’s interface.
- Customize Climate Settings (Optional): The MyHyundai app allows you to go beyond just starting the engine. You can customize your climate control settings before starting, including:
- Climate Control On/Off: Toggle the climate control system on or off for the remote start cycle.
- Desired Cabin Temperature: Set a specific temperature you want the cabin to reach.
- Defrosters: Activate the front and rear defrosters – incredibly useful for clearing ice or fog.
- Heated/Cooled Seats & Steering Wheel: If your Tucson has these features, you can pre-activate the heated or cooled seats and heated steering wheel for maximum comfort upon entry.
- Engine Run Time: In some app versions, you might be able to adjust the engine run time duration.
- Initiate Remote Start: After setting your preferences, tap the “Start” button within the app to remotely start your Hyundai Tucson.
Image: Screenshot of the MyHyundai app interface showing the remote start options and climate control settings for Hyundai Tucson.
Starting Your Tucson Through the Hyundai Website
If you don’t have your phone readily available, or prefer using a computer, you can also access remote start functionality through the MyHyundai web portal.
- Access the MyHyundai Website: Go to the official MyHyundai website and log in to your account. If you haven’t registered yet, you’ll need to create an account and link your Hyundai Tucson to it.
- Locate Remote Start: Once logged in, look for the “Remote Start” icon or link, typically found on the dashboard or vehicle control section of the portal.
- Initiate Remote Start: Click on the remote start icon or link to send the remote start command to your Hyundai Tucson. Similar to the app, the website portal might also offer basic climate control settings.
- Add to Quick Links (Optional): For frequent users of the web portal, you can add the remote start icon to the “Quick Links” section for even faster access in the future.
Essential Requirements and Safety Considerations for Hyundai Tucson Remote Start
While the Hyundai Tucson remote start is convenient, it’s crucial to be aware of certain prerequisites and safety guidelines:
- Vehicle Status: For remote start to function correctly, ensure the following conditions are met:
- All doors, trunk, and hood must be completely closed.
- All doors must be locked.
- The transmission must be in the “Park” (P) position.
- Bluelink Activation (for App/Website): Remote start via the MyHyundai app or website requires that your Hyundai Tucson has been turned on at least once within the preceding four days. This is likely related to battery conservation and system readiness.
- Cellular Signal: Both your smartphone (for app start) and your Hyundai Tucson must be within an area with adequate cellular network coverage for the Bluelink system to communicate and transmit the remote start command.
- Crucial Safety Warning: Ventilation: Never, under any circumstances, remotely start your Hyundai Tucson when it is parked in an enclosed or poorly ventilated space such as a garage. Remote starting should only be activated when your Tucson is parked in a well-ventilated outdoor area to prevent the build-up of dangerous carbon monoxide fumes.
Hyundai Digital Key and Remote Start
For Hyundai Tucson models from the 2022 model year onwards, some trims are equipped with the Hyundai Digital Key feature. This innovative technology allows you to use a compatible smartphone as your vehicle key, eliminating the need for a physical key fob in many situations.
The Hyundai Digital Key utilizes Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. With the Digital Key app activated on your smartphone and NFC enabled, you can:
- Unlock and Lock Doors: Simply hold your phone near the front door handle to unlock or lock your Tucson.
- Start the Engine: Place your smartphone on the wireless charging pad inside the vehicle, and then you can start the engine by pressing the start button.
The Digital Key app often includes remote start functionality as well, mirroring the features available in the MyHyundai app. Furthermore, the Digital Key system allows you to digitally share a virtual key with others, granting them temporary access to your Hyundai Tucson – a convenient feature for family members or trusted friends.
Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) and Remote Vehicle Control
While not directly related to starting the engine, Hyundai’s Smart Parking Assist (Remote Smart Parking Assist – RSPA), available on certain higher trims like the Limited, offers another form of remote vehicle control that is worth noting.
RSPA enables you to remotely maneuver your Hyundai Tucson into and out of tight parking spaces from outside the vehicle, using the smart key fob.
How to Use RSPA (Remote Smart Parking Assist):
- Initiate RSPA: When approaching a tight parking space, pull up in front of it. Put your Tucson in “Park” and press the RSPA button on the center console.
- Exit the Vehicle: The driver display will prompt you to exit the vehicle and use the smart key for control.
- Standby and Control: Position yourself safely outside the vehicle, within approximately 13 feet. Press and hold either the “forward” or “backward” button on your smart key fob.
- Vehicle Movement: As long as you hold the button, your Hyundai Tucson will slowly move forward or backward into or out of the parking space, up to a distance of about 23 feet per button press. You can press the button again to move it another 23 feet if needed.
- Obstacle Detection: RSPA is equipped with sensors that will automatically stop the vehicle if it detects an obstacle in its path. The system can even steer the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
Remote Activation from Parked Position:
You can also use RSPA to remotely move your Tucson out of a parking space after it’s already parked:
- Start Remote Functions: Press the lock button on your smart key, and then press the remote start button (hazard lights will flash, engine starts).
- Control Movement: Hold the forward or backward button on the smart key to have your Hyundai Tucson exit the parking space.
Canceling RSPA:
You can stop the RSPA operation in two ways:
- Button Release and Remote Start Button: Release the forward or backward button and press the remote start button again. This will engage the parking brake, switch off RSPA, and put the vehicle in park.
- In-Vehicle Cancellation: Get back into the Hyundai Tucson with the smart key, depress the brake pedal, or close all doors. This will keep the ignition on and disengage RSPA.
Understanding how to start your Hyundai Tucson with the key fob and utilizing other remote features like the MyHyundai app and Smart Parking Assist enhances your ownership experience, adding convenience and comfort to your daily drives. Always remember to consult your owner’s manual for the most detailed and model-specific information about your Hyundai Tucson’s features.
