Imagine rushing out to your Volvo XC60 on a sweltering summer afternoon. The sun has been beating down all day, and the interior feels like an oven. Instead of enduring a scorching first few minutes of your drive, what if you could activate the air conditioning remotely, cooling down your car before you even open the door? This is just one of the many everyday conveniences offered by the Volvo XC60 remote start feature, often accessed through your remote start key fob.
Remote start is more than just a luxury; it’s a practical feature that adds comfort and ease to your daily driving experience. It allows you to start your vehicle from a distance, pre-conditioning the cabin temperature to your liking. Whether it’s cooling down in the heat or warming up on a frosty morning, remote start ensures your Volvo XC60 is ready and comfortable the moment you step inside.
If you’re looking to understand more about the Volvo Xc60 Remote Start Key Fob and its capabilities, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this valuable feature, ensuring you can make the most of your Volvo XC60.
Understanding Remote Start: How It Enhances Your Volvo XC60 Experience
Remote start is a sophisticated feature that allows you to ignite your car’s engine from outside the vehicle. Typically activated by a button on your key fob or through a smartphone app, this technology communicates with your car’s computer system via radio signals. When you initiate remote start, a signal is sent to the vehicle, engaging the ignition and fuel systems to start the engine.
This seemingly simple function offers a range of benefits that enhance your overall Volvo XC60 ownership:
- Climate Comfort: The most obvious advantage is pre-heating or pre-cooling your car’s interior. In extreme weather, this means stepping into a comfortably warm or cool vehicle, rather than a freezing or sweltering one.
- Time-Saving: No more waiting in discomfort while your car warms up or cools down. Remote start allows you to use this time for other tasks, making your mornings more efficient.
- Improved Safety: In cold climates, remote start can defrost your windshield, improving visibility and safety before you even get behind the wheel.
- Vehicle Longevity: Pre-warming your engine in cold weather can reduce wear and tear, potentially extending the life of your engine.
For Volvo XC60 owners, the remote start feature is seamlessly integrated, offering both key fob and app-based activation methods to suit your preferences and needs.
Volvo XC60 Remote Start Key Fob: Model Year Compatibility and Options
The availability and method of remote start in your Volvo XC60 can vary depending on the model year. Volvo has offered remote start functionality through both traditional key fobs and their advanced Volvo Cars app.
XC60 Models with Key Fob Remote Start
For Volvo XC60 models manufactured between 2014 and 2017, remote start is primarily accessed through the remote start key fob. These key fobs came in two main versions, distinguished by the number of buttons and the effective range:
- 6-Button Key Fob: Offers a longer operating range of up to 328 feet.
- 5-Button Key Fob: Provides a shorter range of approximately 65 feet.
These key fobs are designed with a specific button or button sequence to activate the remote start feature. Consult your owner’s manual to identify the correct procedure for your specific key fob model.
Volvo Cars App for Newer XC60 Models
For newer Volvo XC60 models, specifically those from 2015 onwards with engine types T5, T6, D4, and 3.2, Volvo introduced remote start functionality via the Volvo Cars app. This app provides a modern and convenient way to control various vehicle functions, including remote start.
The Volvo Cars app offers extended range compared to the key fob, as it operates via cellular connection. This means you can start your XC60 from virtually anywhere with mobile service, offering unparalleled convenience. Furthermore, the app often integrates with other vehicle features, providing a centralized control hub for your Volvo experience.
Interestingly, even if your newer XC60 model is primarily app-controlled for remote start, the key fob remote start functionality might still be available. In some cases, you can use the key fob to initiate remote start and even switch off the engine using the app, offering flexibility in how you utilize this feature.
Aftermarket Volvo XC60 Remote Start Options
If your Volvo XC60 model doesn’t come equipped with factory remote start, or if you desire enhanced features, aftermarket solutions are available. Companies like Compustar and others offer remote start systems that can be integrated into your Volvo XC60.
For example, the Compustar Drone 4G Smart Phone Control X1 LTE is an add-on module compatible with Volvo XC60 models from 2017 to 2021. This system allows you to control your existing factory remote start using your smartphone, providing app-based convenience to older models or enhancing the capabilities of newer ones. These aftermarket systems often offer extended range and additional features beyond the factory options.
Step-by-Step Guide: Using Your Volvo XC60 Remote Start Key Fob
Activating remote start using your Volvo XC60 key fob is a straightforward process. While the exact steps may slightly vary depending on your specific key fob and model year, the general procedure is as follows:
- Ensure Proximity: Position yourself within the effective operating range of your key fob. Remember, 6-button keys have a longer range (up to 328 feet) compared to 5-button keys (around 65 feet).
- Initiate Remote Start Sequence: Press the designated remote start button(s) on your key fob. This often involves pressing a lock button followed by a specific remote start button, or a double press of a dedicated remote start button. Refer to your Volvo XC60 owner’s manual for the precise button sequence for your key fob.
- Confirmation: Watch for visual confirmation from your vehicle. Typically, the car’s lights will flash to indicate that the remote start signal has been received and the engine has started.
- Engine Operation: Once started, the engine will run for a pre-set duration, usually up to 15 minutes. This is a safety and fuel-saving measure. You may be able to remotely start the vehicle again for another 15-minute cycle if needed.
- Safety and Security: During remote start operation, your Volvo XC60 remains locked and secure. The engine will automatically shut off if the brake pedal is pressed before the key is inserted into the ignition or if the car is started in the conventional manner.
- Entering and Driving: Once you are ready to drive, unlock your Volvo XC60 using your key fob, enter the vehicle, and start the car normally by inserting the key and turning the ignition or pressing the start button.
Always consult your Volvo XC60 owner’s manual for the most accurate and model-specific instructions on using your remote start key fob.
Step-by-Step Guide: Using the Volvo Cars App for Remote Start
For Volvo XC60 models equipped with Volvo Cars app compatibility, remote start via the app offers enhanced convenience and range. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and Install the Volvo Cars App: If you haven’t already, download the Volvo Cars app from your smartphone’s app store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store).
- Log In or Create Volvo ID: Launch the app and log in using your existing Volvo ID. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to create an account.
- Navigate to Climate Function: Within the app’s main menu, locate and select the “Climate” function or a similar option related to vehicle climate control.
- Set Departure Time (Optional): Some versions of the app allow you to specify a departure time. You can set the number of minutes (from 1 to 15) until you plan to drive, and the system will initiate remote start accordingly.
- Initiate Remote Start: Confirm that you want to start your vehicle. You may be prompted to verify your identity using your phone’s security method (PIN, password, fingerprint, facial recognition, etc.) for security purposes.
- Engine Start and Operation: Once confirmed, the app will send a signal to your Volvo XC60, and the engine will start. As with the key fob, the engine will run for a limited time (typically 15 minutes), and you can usually extend it once via the app before requiring a regular key start.
A significant advantage of the Volvo Cars app is that basic remote start functionality is generally included without a subscription fee. However, be aware that some advanced connected services or features within the app might require a paid subscription.
Important Considerations and Legal Aspects
While the Volvo XC60 remote start key fob and app features offer immense convenience, it’s important to be mindful of certain considerations:
- Idling Laws: Be aware of local idling laws and environmental regulations in your area. Some regions have restrictions on vehicle idling times. The EPA website provides information on state idling regulations.
- Safety and Security: Volvo’s remote start systems are designed with safety in mind, ensuring the vehicle remains locked and secure during operation. However, always be aware of your surroundings and avoid remotely starting your car in enclosed spaces like garages due to the risk of carbon monoxide buildup.
- Battery Usage: Frequent use of remote start, especially in cold weather, can slightly increase battery drain. Ensure your vehicle’s battery is in good condition, particularly if you rely heavily on remote start.
By understanding how to use your Volvo XC60 remote start key fob and app effectively, and by being aware of these considerations, you can fully enjoy the comfort and convenience this feature offers, making every drive in your Volvo XC60 a pleasant experience.
