Understanding Subaru Remote Start Technology
Subaru remote start is a convenience feature that allows drivers to start their vehicle's engine from a distance using a key fob or mobile application. This technology has become increasingly common across Subaru's vehicle lineup, offering owners the ability to warm up or cool down their cars before entering them. The system operates through wireless communication between your key fob and your vehicle's engine control unit.
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The remote start feature works by sending a coded signal from your key fob to a receiver installed in your vehicle. This signal triggers the vehicle's starter motor to engage, beginning the engine start sequence. Unlike traditional key ignition, the remote start system must verify several safety conditions before allowing the engine to turn over. These conditions include checking that the transmission is in Park, the parking brake is engaged, and the brake pedal hasn't been pressed recently.
Subaru has integrated remote start technology into various models across different model years. Depending on your vehicle's year, trim level, and options package, remote start may come as a standard feature or as an optional addition through Subaru's technology packages. Some models include a basic remote start function with the standard key fob, while others offer a more advanced version through Subaru's subscription-based StarLink connected vehicle services.
The range of a Subaru remote start typically extends from 100 to 300 feet, depending on environmental factors, obstacles, and the specific model year. This range allows you to start your vehicle while still inside a building or from a distance in a parking lot. The exact distance can vary based on radio frequency interference from other electronic devices and physical obstructions like buildings or terrain.
Practical Takeaway: Remote start capability varies by model year and trim level. Check your vehicle's owner manual or contact a Subaru dealer to determine whether your specific model includes this feature and what method (key fob or app) activates it.
Key Fob Remote Start: How to Operate Your Vehicle's Button
Operating remote start through your Subaru key fob involves a specific sequence of button presses designed for safety. Most Subaru models with key fob remote start use a dedicated button marked with an engine symbol or the words "Remote Start." To activate the feature, you typically press this button while holding down a lock button or a specific combination of buttons simultaneously. The exact sequence varies by model year, making it important to reference your owner's manual for precise instructions.
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When you initiate remote start via key fob, the vehicle sends a signal to your car, which verifies the safety conditions before proceeding. Your vehicle's lights will typically flash, and the engine will begin running. The engine will continue running for approximately 10 to 15 minutes before automatically shutting off for safety reasons. If you want to extend the runtime, you can press the remote start button again while the engine is running, though most vehicles limit the number of times you can do this.
Environmental conditions affect key fob remote start performance. Extreme weather, such as heavy snow, rain, or dense fog, can reduce the signal strength between your key fob and vehicle. Metal structures, dense buildings, and electronic interference can also weaken the signal. Additionally, most Subaru vehicles will not allow remote start if the hood is open, the door locks are malfunctioning, or if the vehicle's battery voltage is too low. Understanding these limitations helps you troubleshoot if the feature doesn't work as expected.
Certain safety restrictions prevent remote start activation. If any door is open, if the vehicle has been unlocked recently with the key fob but not started, or if the transmission is not in Park, the remote start function will not engage. These restrictions protect against unintended vehicle movement and ensure that only authorized remote start sequences occur. Some models also include a geofence feature that prevents remote start if the vehicle is detected in motion.
Practical Takeaway: Locate the remote start button on your key fob and practice the activation sequence in your driveway before relying on it in daily use. Write down the button combination in an accessible place so you remember it when needed.
Subaru StarLink Remote Start: Using Your Smartphone
Subaru's StarLink connected vehicle services offer a mobile app-based remote start option available on many newer models. This feature extends beyond the traditional key fob range, allowing you to start your vehicle from anywhere with internet connectivity. The StarLink app requires an active subscription and a compatible smartphone running iOS or Android. To use mobile remote start, you download the Subaru StarLink app, create an account, link your vehicle, and set up authentication methods such as biometric login or PIN codes.
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The StarLink mobile remote start process differs slightly from key fob activation. After logging into the app with your security credentials, you navigate to the remote start option and press the start button. The app sends your command through Subaru's servers to your vehicle's communication module, which then initiates the start sequence. This method requires that your vehicle has active cellular service and that your subscription is current. Response time is typically faster than traditional key fob, usually within seconds, though it depends on cellular network strength.
StarLink subscription tiers vary in functionality. Some subscription levels include remote start as a core feature, while others may require upgrading to a higher tier. Subscription costs generally range from $100 to $300 annually, depending on the tier and features included. Beyond remote start, StarLink services may include remote door locking and unlocking, remote climate control, vehicle health reports, and real-time GPS location tracking. Your vehicle's model year and trim level determine which subscription tiers are available.
Mobile remote start through StarLink offers advantages in extreme weather conditions and longer distances. If you're inside a building at work or in an airport, you can warm your vehicle in winter or cool it in summer before you reach it. The app also provides information about your vehicle's status, including fuel level, door lock status, and odometer reading. However, mobile remote start requires maintaining an active subscription and ensuring your vehicle's cellular modem remains in good working condition.
Practical Takeaway: If your Subaru includes StarLink capability, review the subscription options during your first ownership month. Compare the subscription cost against the convenience and safety benefits, especially if you live in a climate with extreme temperature changes.
Safety Features and Restrictions That Protect Your Vehicle
Subaru remote start systems include multiple safety features designed to prevent unintended vehicle operation and accidents. The transmission must be in Park before remote start will function. This restriction ensures that the vehicle cannot move unexpectedly when the engine starts. Additionally, the parking brake must be engaged, adding another layer of protection. If either of these conditions is not met, the system will not allow remote start, and you may see an indicator light or message on your key fob or smartphone app.
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Most Subaru vehicles include a door detection system that prevents remote start if any door is open. This includes the hood, trunk, and fuel door on some models. The vehicle's computer monitors these door switches continuously, and if a door opens after you've initiated remote start, the engine will automatically shut off after a brief period. This feature protects against situations where someone might open a door near a running vehicle without realizing the engine is already on.
Subaru vehicles with remote start also monitor battery voltage and will not allow remote start if the battery is too low. This protection ensures that using remote start won't completely drain your battery, leaving you stranded. Additionally, many models include a kill switch that stops the engine if the vehicle is actually driven while in remote start mode. This redundant safety measure prevents the remote start function from conflicting with normal vehicle operation if someone were to enter the vehicle and attempt to drive it.
Cold weather operation includes specific safety considerations. In freezing temperatures, remote start may not function if the engine's oil is too thick or if other fluid thicknesses prevent safe engine operation. Some models include a block heater connection for engine preheating in extreme cold, which supplements or replaces remote start functionality. The vehicle's computer constantly monitors engine temperature, oil pressure, and other parameters to shut down the engine if any values fall outside safe operating ranges during remote start.
Practical Takeaway: Before relying on remote start in new situations, test the feature with all doors and the hood closed, the transmission in Park, and the parking brake engaged. This confirms that all safety conditions are met and the system functions properly.
Troubleshooting Common Remote Start Issues
If your Subaru's remote start feature stops working, several common causes can explain the problem. The most frequent issue is key fob battery depletion. Remote start