Many Toyota Highlander owners appreciate the convenience of remote start, especially during extreme weather conditions. A common question arises regarding the duration of the key fob remote start feature, particularly after the trial period for connected services expires. Confusion often stems from dealership information and varying interpretations of Toyota’s connected services offerings. This guide clarifies how to use your Toyota Highlander key fob for remote start and how long this functionality lasts, even without a paid subscription.
For Toyota Highlander models equipped with Premium Audio, which typically includes Platinum, Limited, and XLE trims with Dynamic Navigation, the key fob remote start is designed to function for an extended period, independent of a Remote Connect subscription. Initially, your Highlander comes with trial periods for both Service Connect and Remote Connect. While Remote Connect, which allows remote start and other features via the Toyota app, may only be trial-based (often one year), the basic key fob remote start capability is more enduring.
According to official Toyota communication, owners of Highlanders with Premium Audio can expect the key fob remote start to remain operational for up to ten years from the vehicle’s purchase date, even after the Remote Connect trial concludes. This means you can continue to enjoy the convenience of starting your vehicle remotely using just your key fob for a significant period without incurring subscription fees. For lower trims like L, LE, and potentially XLE without Dynamic Navigation, the duration might differ, possibly around three years, although some information suggests it could also extend up to ten years for select vehicles. It’s advisable to confirm the specific duration for your trim level directly with Toyota or your dealership.
To use the key fob remote start on your Toyota Highlander, the process is straightforward:
- Press the lock button on your key fob.
- Immediately press and hold the remote start button (usually a circular arrow button) for a few seconds.
Your Toyota Highlander’s engine should start, and the parking lights will typically flash to confirm the remote start is active. The vehicle will run for a predetermined time, usually around ten minutes, before automatically shutting off if you don’t enter and drive.
It’s important to note that while the key fob remote start provides basic functionality, subscribing to Remote Connect unlocks additional features through the Toyota app. These app-based features can include extended range remote start, vehicle status monitoring, and more. However, for many owners, the key fob’s range is sufficient, making the long-term availability of key fob remote start a valuable and convenient feature of the Toyota Highlander. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the most accurate and detailed instructions specific to your Toyota Highlander model and year.
