Remote starting your Hyundai Elantra offers a fantastic way to ensure your vehicle is at the perfect temperature before you even step inside. Whether it’s a frosty winter morning or a scorching summer afternoon, pre-conditioning your car enhances comfort and saves time. While many modern Hyundai Elantra models boast advanced remote start features accessible through smartphone apps, the key fob remains a reliable and straightforward method for many owners. This guide will delve into how to effectively use your Hyundai Elantra key fob for remote start, alongside exploring other available options and essential safety tips.
Understanding Your Hyundai Elantra Key Fob for Remote Start
The key to initiating remote start with your standard Hyundai Elantra key fob lies in identifying the correct buttons and understanding the proper sequence. Hyundai often refers to these fobs as “smart keys,” especially in newer models, due to their enhanced functionalities.
Identifying the Remote Start Button
The remote start function on your Hyundai Elantra key fob is typically indicated by a specific icon: a circular arrow. This symbol, resembling an incomplete circle with an arrow at one end, is your visual cue. Before proceeding, take a moment to examine your key fob to confirm the presence of this icon. If your key fob features this symbol, your Elantra is likely equipped with the key fob remote start capability. If you’re uncertain, consulting your vehicle’s owner’s manual is always a good idea to verify the features specific to your model year and trim.
Step-by-Step Guide: Remote Starting Your Hyundai Elantra with the Key Fob
Once you’ve identified the remote start button on your key fob, initiating the process is quick and easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
- Get within Range: Ensure you are within approximately 32 feet (10 meters) of your Hyundai Elantra. This is the typical operational range for the key fob remote start system.
- Press the Lock Button: Begin by pressing the “lock” button on your key fob. This action secures your vehicle and prepares it for the remote start command.
- Activate Remote Start: Within four seconds of pressing the lock button, press and hold the button with the circular arrow icon. Keep the button pressed for a couple of seconds.
- Confirmation Signals: If the remote start is successful, you should observe a few confirmation signals. A red light on your key fob will usually blink to indicate that the command has been sent. Additionally, your Hyundai Elantra’s hazard lights will briefly flash, and the engine will start.
Once started, your Hyundai Elantra will run for a predetermined period, typically up to 15 minutes. If you need to turn off the engine before the timer expires, simply press the remote start button again.
Regarding climate control, Hyundai Elantras are designed to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature upon remote start. Models equipped with manual climate control will retain the settings from the last time the vehicle was used. In contrast, Elantra versions with automatic climate control will intelligently adjust the interior temperature to a comfortable 72°F (22°C).
Exploring Alternative Remote Start Methods for Your Hyundai Elantra
Beyond the key fob, Hyundai offers alternative methods for remote starting your Elantra, providing enhanced convenience and features.
MyHyundai App: Remote Start at Your Fingertips
For Hyundai Elantra models equipped with Bluelink (introduced in 2017 and prevalent in most trims since), the MyHyundai smartphone app provides a sophisticated remote start experience. With an active Bluelink subscription and the app installed on your compatible smartphone, you can start your Elantra from virtually anywhere with cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity.
After downloading the MyHyundai app and linking it to your vehicle, remote starting is incredibly user-friendly. Simply open the app, navigate to the remote start section, and tap the “start” button. The MyHyundai app also offers advanced controls, allowing you to customize climate settings, activate defrosters, and even engage heated or cooled seats and steering wheel (if your Elantra is equipped with these features). You can also set a specific duration for the engine to run.
MyHyundai Web Portal: Remote Access via Web Browser
Complementing the smartphone app, Hyundai also provides the MyHyundai web portal. If you have web access but your phone is unavailable, you can log into the MyHyundai web portal through a computer or tablet. The web portal mirrors the functionality of the app, including remote start capabilities. After logging in with your registered credentials, locate the remote start link to initiate your Elantra remotely.
Hyundai Digital Key: A High-Tech Approach
Introduced with the seventh-generation Elantra in the 2021 model year, the Hyundai Digital Key represents a cutting-edge approach to vehicle access and operation. Available on certain trims like the Limited, the Digital Key allows you to use your smartphone (or an NFC card) to unlock, start, and drive your Elantra without the traditional key fob.
Through a separate Hyundai Digital Key app, you can utilize NFC (Near Field Communication) technology to control your vehicle. Simply tap your smartphone on the door handle to lock or unlock, and place your phone on the wireless charging pad inside to start the engine. The Digital Key app also incorporates a remote start function, adding another layer of convenience.
Considering Aftermarket Remote Start Systems
If your Hyundai Elantra is an older model or a base trim that doesn’t come with factory-installed remote start, you can still enjoy this feature by exploring aftermarket solutions. Numerous reputable aftermarket remote start systems are available, offering varying features and price points.
When considering aftermarket options, you’ll generally encounter two main types:
- One-way systems: These basic systems allow you to remotely start and stop your engine.
- Two-way systems: These more advanced systems provide confirmation that your commands have been received and executed, often displaying vehicle status updates on a remote or smartphone app.
Prices for quality aftermarket systems typically range from $200 to $500, excluding installation costs. Higher-end systems may include smartphone app integration, climate control adjustments, and security alarm notifications. It’s crucial to choose reputable brands and avoid overly cheap, unknown systems to ensure reliability and customer support.
Professional installation is highly recommended for aftermarket remote start systems. Due to the complexity of modern vehicle electrical systems, improper installation can lead to damage to your car or the aftermarket components. Professional installation labor costs typically range from $100 to $250 per hour, with the installation process taking anywhere from one to three hours, depending on the system’s complexity.
Essential Safety Tips for Using Hyundai Elantra Remote Start
Whether you’re using the factory remote start or an aftermarket system, safety should always be a priority. Here are some crucial safety tips to keep in mind:
- Ventilation is Key: Always use remote start in open, well-ventilated areas. Never remotely start your Elantra in an enclosed space like a garage, as this can lead to a dangerous buildup of toxic exhaust fumes, including carbon monoxide.
- Vehicle in Park: Before activating remote start, always ensure your Hyundai Elantra is parked securely and the parking brake is engaged.
- Keep Key Fob Secure: Store your key fob safely, out of reach of children, to prevent accidental remote starts.
- Read the Instructions: Carefully review the instructions for your specific remote start system, whether it’s factory-installed or aftermarket, before using it for the first time.
By understanding how to use your Hyundai Elantra key fob for remote start and being aware of other available options and safety considerations, you can maximize the convenience and comfort this feature offers.
