Key Fob Remote Start

I bought a used 2022 trd sport 3 weeks ago and have not been able to figure out the key fob remote start for this truck.

I had the dealer factory reset all settings on the truck when I bought it. Then on my own, I downloaded "the app", created an account and connected the app to my truck. I do not have the paid subscription version that comes with mobile remote start.

From what both the internet and my underwhelming car salesman tell me.. my understanding is that the key fob remote start process goes like this:
*Press lock button
*Release
*Brake lights flash once, truck beeps and tries to lock itself
-one mississippi-
*Press lock button
*Release
*Brake lights flash once, truck beeps and tries to lock itself
-one mississippi-
*Press lock button and hold for at least 5 seconds
*brake lights flash multiple times and truck starts

At the time of purchase, the car salesman failed to succeed at his demonstration and used the cop out of "get the app and it will work." Makes no sense to me, but sure..? This was consistent with the rest of his answers to pretty much anything. I deemed him useless, asked for additional support at the dealer and quickly realized that no one wanted to help; I'd only burn my time and patience by sticking around there.

I've attempted to follow this process on my own a handful of times with no success.
I've exaggerated the press and hold to 10 seconds.. nothing.
Taken longer between button presses, taken less time between presses.. nothing.
Uninstalled the app, reset the truck to factory settings, reinstalled and reconnected the app.. nothing.
Google, youtube, chatgpt again.. nada.

Has anyone had a similar experience or know anything on the topic?

 

If memory serves me - That only works with the Remote Connectivity Service - $Paid of course$

 

Nope, you do not need the subscription service. Remote start should work with the FOB only.

OP, don't wait a second between LOCK button presses. Rapid fire the first 2, then hold the third press for 3 seconds. The truck should start. If not, there's a problem.

Matt

 

I was told by my dealer on my '24 that they ran Techstream and were unable to activate remote start using the remote. Now only the paid app will work.
Does not warm my heart and they won't see a dime from me there. BMW tried charging a subscription for heated seats and that went well.
Using the app during the trial isn't exactly the smoothest thing either. It makes no sense to me that when you approach the running vehicle with the key fob in your pocket, the engine shuts off as soon as you open the door. Brilliant engineering there. That's bad enough for free - never will pay for it.

 

I'll try it and let you know. That would be better.

 

I'm with you. I can't imagine a reason to have the engine shut off when you open a door after a remote start. Dumb...just dumb. Toyota claims its for our own safety, or anyone near the vehicle. Ummm....

 

'23 Sequoia here, this works but I still have remote connect active. Will report back to see if it disables it if I let my subscription lapse.

True, not a deal breaker but wonder if it's necessary. I've never driven a Ram but are they easier to steal because they stay on after you remote start it?

 

My subscription lapsed in March but three clicks (two presses, hold on the third) on the lock button works just fine.

 

I never activated the subscription service, even for the trial period, out of principle. The remote start with the FOB has always worked.

 

Fob works great for me as well. I normally just use it at work and am able to see it across a field so I can verify with the flashing lights that it started.

 

There is a bit of a learning curve when using the remote. Sometimes I get it to start on the 1st try. If not it for whatever reason gets harder the more times you fail. I found that if I do not get it the first time I will unlock and lock it. Then start the sequence again, that seems to work.

 

I tried my remote ('24, built late August) multiple times. It does not start the truck (as the dealer had said).

I had a Viper in my '08 that was still working when I traded it in. Key fob type button, not an app but incredible range. It worked from my office through several walls to start the truck in the back lot 100 yards away. I think its line of sight rating was 1/4 mile.

Not sure what I'll do when trial ends but this chicken shit move by Toyota isn't warming my heart towards the brand.

 

Thanks Matt, this worked! definitely a difficult sweet spot to find here with the timing.

Next question: Is there a timer or any condition other than touching the handle that will trigger the truck to turn off once it has been remotely started?

 

'24. I shut off the connected service we hooked up when I picked up the truck. Key fob no longer starts truck. I was curious if that was the cause. Reconnected the free trial and key fob starts truck. I am able to opt out of all the data sending but who really knows. I'll have remote start thru the winter at least and then I won't miss it. I think I will lose the remote start and the sos button. Big whoop.

 

You're welcome. Yeah, it took me a few attempts to get the timing of the FOB remote start down. Now, it's very reliable.

I think there's a 10 minute timer on the remote start. It will shut off the engine after that. Unfortunately, I think the engine shutting off when you open a door after a remote start is by design, and there's no way to disable it that I'm aware of.

 

2022 model year here. The FOB method no longer works once the app has expired. Will be looking into aftermarket solutions going forward.

 

I'd talk to your dealership service dept, first. Many of us use our FOBs for remote start without the subscription. As I said earlier, I never even activated the connected services for the free trial, and my FOB remote start has always worked.

 

Will do, thanks for the info.
The best part is when you start the truck and walk away with the keys in your pocket you are unable to lock it.


Toyota

 

Yeah, I used to do that on my '15 tacoma with turning the truck on with 1 key then lock it with the other. But I guess they really wanted you do use the remote start. I just wish it lasted longer than 10 min.

 

Agree. I recently bought 2022 used tundra. This is exactly what works for me.

 

Holy cow it worked on my 23! Thank you!

 

Truly is one of the worst designs. It makes zero sense. I can only compare remote start to my wife’s Kia and even that allows you 30 seconds to put the fob inside the vehicle. Toyota thinks to just turn it off? What the actual fuck is that.

 

Don’t wait for any response from the vehicle. Click it twice fast and on the third hold it down and it fires right up. However remote start on this thing is pointless due to the fact as soon as you open the door it fucking turns off.

 

Wait what!? I didn't know that this was even an option. I thought remote start was ONLY available through the app. I guess I should have read the manual. Thanks guys!

 

I purchased a new 2023. Key fob remote start worked prior to disabling connected services. After disabling connected services, key fob remote start stopped working.

I disabled connected services because the data collection and privacy agreement is pretty much a carte blanche data collection and data sharing (selling) agreement.

When I called Toyota, they explicitly stated that no remote start function would work with connected services deactivated, including the key fob. Hopefully an aftermarket solution becomes available. I'm starting to miss my old Silverado...

 

adding insult to injury, the new tacoma stays on when you open the door, lol

https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2023/11/toyota-remote-start-snafu-why-tundra-tacoma-differ/

 

There is a lot of conflicting information on this thread. Several of us have indicated the FOB remote start works without the subscription. As I said earlier, I never activated my subscription, even for the free trials. My FOB remote start has always worked. Other's claim theirs doesn't work without the subscription.

Toyota doesn't even seem to know the correct answer.

And I agree, it would be nice to disable the auto shut off when you open a door after a remote start. That "feature" sucks.

 

They are either lying to you, or they don’t know what they’re talking about. Not sure which is worse.

 

No idea if true or not, but the sales person told me the keyfob works for 10-years. Seemed random but I didn't ask details.

 

My 2 local dealers don't even know the difference between a standard and short bed for the Tundras. You expect some of the salesmen to actually know something more complicated like remote start? Good luck.