The Remote Connect and Drive Connect expired for the 2024 US market yesterday. I used the remote start a lot in cold weather, but I didn’t use other features. The subscription feels pricey for just this function.
This morning, I tried remote starting my car using the key fob while watching from my window. Here’s what I did:
Press and release the lock button. The hazards flash once.
Press and release the lock button again. The hazards flash once.
Press and hold the lock button for a few seconds. The hazards flash several times, and the car starts.
The range is limited to the key fob’s range, which seems a bit less than other cars I’ve owned.
When I was shopping for this car, I saw some people say that remote start stopped working after their subscription ended, and those posts got a lot of upvotes. But that’s not true.
@Baylor
I haven’t canceled the connected services (I keep it for cheaper car insurance; my insurer uses the data), so maybe those who couldn’t use remote start opted out or disabled it?
Frey said: @Baylor
I haven’t canceled the connected services (I keep it for cheaper car insurance; my insurer uses the data), so maybe those who couldn’t use remote start opted out or disabled it?
Yes, if you opt out of everything, including service connect, then you won’t have remote start. But I still think it’s wrong. You’re paying for remote start, but they turn it off unless you pay extra… forever.
@Baylor
Exactly. It’s a terrible policy. It’s like the BMW heated seats subscription that caused so much outrage. If the hardware is there and it doesn’t need external services to work, it should just work, like it always has for fob remote starts.
@Baylor
Not only is there no remote start, but there’s no native navigation either. I’ve got a 2024 Venza, and the dealer hasn’t figured out how to activate Connected Services since I bought it in August. If I want navigation, my only choice is CarPlay.
@JACI
CarPlay is great though. It integrates really well compared to other cars. Your next turn shows up on the instrument cluster and HUD. And there’s no ‘native’ map storage in the system—it streams over cellular.
Frey said: @Baylor
I haven’t canceled the connected services (I keep it for cheaper car insurance; my insurer uses the data), so maybe those who couldn’t use remote start opted out or disabled it?
What insurance do you use that gives you this discount?
@Dallas
I use Progressive. They get the data from a data aggregator, probably LexisNexis. For our other car, they’re sending a box to plug into the OBD2 port.
Frey said: @Dallas
I use Progressive. They get the data from a data aggregator, probably LexisNexis. For our other car, they’re sending a box to plug into the OBD2 port.
Our town has no speed limits over 35 MPH, and I usually drive around 39. I’m afraid the insurance company would see me as a regular speeder and raise my rates if I let them access my data.
I didn’t renew after my trial ended. About a month ago, when winter hit hard, I renewed for $8 a month. I don’t think that’s a bad price. The FOB method was a bit annoying, but it’s doable if you don’t want to pay extra.
I have a 2022 that was a rental. Somehow AVIS opted out of having remote start at all. I couldn’t just subscribe to Remote Connect. The car doesn’t have it. I contacted a Toyota dealership, and they told me my car isn’t equipped with remote connect capability. That’s frustrating. I’m not going aftermarket either. I’m just sticking with the key fob.
@Baylen
Sounds like a fleet option was removed. They used to do that with GM cars for the Federal Government. Do you have an SOS button on the overhead console? If it doesn’t work, it might not even have the cellular module.
