Remote starting your Range Rover Velar can be incredibly convenient, especially on chilly mornings or sweltering afternoons. Pre-heating or pre-cooling your vehicle before you even step inside ensures a comfortable environment from the moment you begin your journey. While many assume the key fob is the primary tool for this function, the Range Rover Velar primarily utilizes the remote smartphone app for remote start capabilities. Let’s delve into how to effectively use the remote start feature on your Range Rover Velar and understand the role of your key fob in this process.
Understanding the Velar Remote Start System: App vs. Key Fob Functionality
It’s important to clarify upfront that the Range Rover Velar’s remote start is predominantly designed to be operated through the Remote App, rather than directly from the key fob in the traditional sense. While some vehicles offer a dedicated button on the key fob to initiate remote start, the Velar adopts a more integrated approach via the smartphone application.
The Remote App provides comprehensive control over your Velar’s remote start features, allowing you to pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin for up to 30 minutes. This system is more advanced than a simple key fob start, offering features like climate control pre-sets and vehicle status updates.
The key fob’s role in conjunction with the remote start is primarily for vehicle access after you’ve initiated the engine remotely via the app. It’s used to unlock and fully activate the vehicle systems once the engine is running.
How to Use Remote Start via the Remote App
To effectively remote start your Range Rover Velar, you’ll primarily be using the Remote App. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on the standard operation of the system:
Starting the Engine via the App
- Open the Remote App: Ensure you have the official Range Rover Remote App installed on your smartphone and that it is properly connected to your vehicle.
- Initiate Remote Start: Navigate to the remote control section of the app. You should find an option to start the engine remotely, often indicated by a recognizable engine start icon or button.
- Set Climate Control (Optional): Before initiating the start, some versions of the app may allow you to set your desired cabin temperature or activate pre-heating/pre-cooling functions.
- Confirm Start: Follow the app’s prompts to confirm your remote start request. The engine should start, and the climate control system will begin to adjust the cabin temperature based on your previous settings or automatic modes.
- Engine Run Time: The engine will typically run for a maximum of 30 minutes when started via the app. If the vehicle is not accessed within this time, it will automatically shut down for security.
Unlocking and Entering the Vehicle with the Key Fob
- Approach the Vehicle: Once you’ve remotely started the engine via the app, approach your Range Rover Velar. You should hear the engine running as you get closer.
- Unlock with Key Fob: Use your Range Rover Velar key fob to unlock the vehicle as you normally would.
- Open Driver’s Door: It’s crucial to open the driver’s door first. Opening the tailgate before the driver’s door may cause the engine to shut down automatically as a security feature.
Activating the Vehicle Systems
- Enter and Press Brake Pedal: Get into the driver’s seat and firmly press the brake pedal.
- System Activation: Pressing the brake pedal is the signal to fully activate all vehicle systems. Until you do this, the gearbox will remain disconnected, and the infotainment screens may remain blank to prevent unauthorized driving while the vehicle is remotely started.
- Drive as Normal: Once you press the brake pedal, the Range Rover Velar will “come alive,” and you can engage the gear selector and drive off as usual.
Key Features and Considerations of the Remote Start System
- Heated Screens and Mirrors: The remote start system is designed to activate the heated front and rear screens, as well as heated mirrors, automatically when the ambient temperature is below 7 degrees Celsius (44.6 degrees Fahrenheit). This is especially helpful for defrosting and demisting on cold mornings. Ensure your climate control settings are set to ‘auto’ for this feature to function correctly.
- Eco Mode and Climate Settings: If you frequently use Eco mode, be aware that it can sometimes override the automatic heated screen function. If you find the heated screens are not activating during remote start when in Eco mode, you may need to manually reset the climate control to ‘auto’.
- Engine Run Time and Safety Shut-off: The 30-minute engine run time limit is a safety and fuel-saving feature. The automatic shut-off if the vehicle isn’t accessed ensures that the vehicle isn’t left running unattended for extended periods.
Conclusion
In summary, while the key fob is essential for unlocking and accessing your Range Rover Velar after a remote start, the primary method for initiating remote start is through the smartphone Remote App. This app-based system provides a range of convenient features, including cabin pre-conditioning and automatic activation of heated screens and mirrors. By understanding how to use the Remote App in conjunction with your key fob, you can maximize the comfort and convenience of your Range Rover Velar, ensuring every journey begins in a perfectly prepared environment.
