Remote Start App / Key FOB??

I just read an article that said after my one year trial subscription is up I will not only lose remote start from the App but I will no longer be able to remote start from the Key FOB (Press Lock Twice and hold down on the third press till it starts)? My Lexus has a 3 year trial App subscription and from my understanding the Key FOB will always be able to remote start, even when the trial ends. Does anyone know for sure??

 

I was able to use the fob on my 20 Pro when the subscription ended. Not sure if anything has changed on the 23 Pro. I won’t know until my subscription ends.

Maybe, someone can confirm before activating their subscription on a 2023.

 

I was not able to use the key fob after my trial ended on my 2021. Reactivated the subscription its back up.

But with subscription I'm using the phone because its more practical while I'm at the doctor office or similar when I can't see the car.

 

I guess what I found online is correct then. That sucks!! I use my phone as well but thought I’d switch to the FOB when the trial ends. The only time I use it is in the Winter but having everything warmed up and ready is definitely a comfort I’d like to keep.

 

Great when its super hot too. Aftermarket is better anyway, I would go that way.

 

My 2019 Limited is no more supported by Toyota connected services. So I'm thinking of Accessorides one with mobile app and location service.

 

The 4runner has aftermarket, but the lexus nx has fob start without the app being activated.

But agreeing with @Ripper238 , aftermarket would be a more reliable less expensive way to go than the app sub.

 

I have been using the key fob on my 2021 with no issues after the sub ended.

 

I guess I’ll know for sure after Jan 2024. I’m no genius but I would think they are two completely different methods of remotely starting your vehicle. But I even found a second article on CNET saying Toyota wanted to join the herd and milk $ for subscriptions and do away with FOB starting the vehicle w/o a subscription. Thanks for all the input!!

 

I went with Compustar (though i really like Python/DEI) mainly because the fob has 3+ mile range. Almost no need for the app.

 

Installed aftermarket auto start, it was linked to my fob. I can start it 200 feet away. My 2020 did not come with the auto start option. No biggie, saved money.

 

Had Compustar with Drone Mobile on my previous cars and really liked it.

 

Purchased a 2021 Limited with no subscription to the App services and the fob start works. Added the subscription later as like to start the car from the office but it did work even without it.
It would be kick in the nuts from Toyota if they would disable the fob start without subscription.

 

Where do you live? Current TRD's and Limited models still retain this function on Canadian models.

 

I had the dealer install a Compustar remote start when I purchased the truck. I had a compustar remote on my 2009 tacoma for 14 years and had no problems.

 

US here…. Good to know.

 

Has anyone successfully migrated from carrying a physical car key with them, and using only their smart phone to lock/unlock and start their 4Runner?

(has anyone found a way to do this on an SR5 Premium?)

 

My subscription ended and I can still remote start using the key fob. Anyone that says otherwise is probably doing it wrong or they accidentally deactivated the feature (via carista or something similar?)

 

Along the same line as your question but different; If a person didn’t want to carry keys anymore and if your vehicle has the keyless entry; I bet you could get a “Lexus Smart Access credit card key for your wallet” and have it programmed. It would eliminate the need for a key. It’s the size of a credit card but about 3 times as thick and works great. I’m reading in other forums that Toyota can program it for the same price as a key FOB. It’s actually pretty old technology but I use mine all the time on my other car.https://youtu.be/BzgwfAEt8Gw

 

I would never do this. I have seen and had apps just stop working, and though rare, I would never want it to be an issue.

Just imagine a terrible storm, loss of power, loss of cell signal and you are stuck and cant get away.....

 

I own a 2021 Tacoma TRD Pro. The three pushes of the fob still worked after the subscription ended. Just couldn't do it from the phone anymore. No biggie.

 

Or it may start up while you are asleep, worse if you park in a garage attached to your house. Heard people died from carbon monoxide poisoning because the car automatically started up.

 

A physical key is your friend.

 

Someone verified this comment on Amazon customer reviews.

 

My hope is to work towards minimalism/simplicity. Ditching my wallet for Apple Pay has been a great move, the next things would be the keys. If I need it with my cell phone where I go and be pretty slick. I do carry a physical credit card and drivers license just in case. But some states are already moving toward digital drivers licenses. Hoping Toyota keeps moving toward smart technologies.

 

I guess only few people like my self like a regular key with a chip to be trouble free and safe method. I would love to have regular key with a chip any day over keyfob / smart cards / phone app entry.

 

100%. I want good old reliable and a sound foundation. Don't get me wrong I love technology, but there are so many risks taken when only going the way of technology. Just look at Toyota and there fob inventory issues and the many bank accounts that get hacked with these apps. And no digital license for me, I am not handing over my phone when pulled over for driving freely.

 

Yep. I've had to use one on a different vehicle when the fob battery died. So has my wife. I walked her through how to extract the physical key from the fob. When she called, she thought I'd have to drive an hour each way from work to fix it.

It's great that the 4R uses a user-replaceable 2032 battery. My previous vehicle needed battery changes by the dealer because it had to be re-paired with vehicle, which wasn't a user operation.

 

FYI … Toyota / Lexus Apps automatically kill the engine after 10 minutes…. plus the app itself is designed in such away that it would be pretty difficult to accidentally start your car.

 

Plus, there would need to be someone in the garage who hears/sees the 4Runner start, and remains in the garage while it runs. I suppose that could happen, but probably rare that this sequence of events would even occur.