How do I tell if I have remote start?

If you’re wondering whether your vehicle can be started remotely, you can usually tell by checking the key fob for a remote-start button, inspecting the vehicle’s connected-app options, or reviewing the owner’s manual or dealership records to confirm whether remote start is installed.

Remote start lets you start the engine from outside the vehicle to heat or cool the cabin before you get in. Availability varies by brand, model year, and trim, and some functions require a smartphone app or an OEM remote on the key fob. The sections below explain how to verify whether your car supports remote start and how to use it safely.

What remote start is and why it matters

Remote start is a convenience feature that turns the engine on from a distance so you can preheat or precool the interior. It can be factory-installed (OEM) or added via an aftermarket system. Not every model or trim includes it, and some regions or subscription plans affect availability. Understanding whether your car has remote start can save time on hot days or freezing mornings, but it also comes with safety and warranty considerations.

Key indicators on the fob and apps

Look for common signals that remote start is available or already installed, either on the key fob or within official vehicle apps.

• A dedicated remote-start button on the key fob, often a circular arrow or a button labeled “Start” or “Engine.”


• Indicator lights or a display on the fob when selecting remote start.


• A remote-start option in a manufacturer app (for example, “Start Engine,” “Climate,” or “Remote Vehicle Start”).


• The ability to start the vehicle via the app while the car is parked and doors are locked.

If you notice any of these indicators, your vehicle likely supports remote start through the fob or an integrated app. If none are present, verify with the manual or dealer to confirm whether the feature is available for your trim or if an aftermarket system was installed.

How to verify with documentation

Official documentation is the most reliable way to confirm whether your car has remote start and what prerequisites or costs apply. Use these steps to check your vehicle’s paperwork and online records.

• Check the owner’s manual or the vehicle’s settings menu for a “Remote Start” or “Engine Start” option.


• Review the manufacturer’s website or your dealership’s Build Sheet to see if your exact trim includes remote start, or use the VIN to verify options.


• Use the VIN lookup through a dealer or manufacturer portal to confirm remote-start capability and any activation requirements or subscriptions.

Documentation checks tend to be the most authoritative way to confirm OEM capability and any conditions or costs involved. If the manual and VIN records don’t mention remote start, your vehicle may not have it as an option.

Smartphone apps and connected services

Many newer vehicles offer remote start through official apps or connected-car services. Availability varies by brand, model year, region, and may require activation, a subscription, or a one-time setup.

• Check whether your car supports a branded app (for example, FordPass, GM Remote Start, Hyundai Blue Link, Toyota Remote Connect, Volkswagen Car-Net) and whether remote start is listed as a feature.


• Install the app, sign in with the vehicle’s linked account, and look for a “Remote Start” or “Climate” option. Ensure the vehicle is in Park and the doors are locked when starting remotely, as safety prerequisites.


• Be aware of regional restrictions, potential data charges, and security considerations to keep your vehicle secure while using the app.

Using the app is a common way to access remote start, but not all brands support it, and some features require activation by a dealer or subscription.

Limitations and safety considerations

While convenient, remote-start features come with important safety and environmental caveats. In most regions, the vehicle must be in Park with the parking brake engaged, and many systems automatically shut off after a set period or if certain conditions aren’t met. Do not run a remotely started car in an enclosed space, such as a garage, due to carbon monoxide risk. Some vehicles disable remote start if the hood is opened during an attempt, or if the battery is too low. If your car uses an aftermarket system, verify compatibility with your anti-theft features and warranty terms, and seek professional installation.

What to do if you don’t have remote start

If your vehicle doesn’t include OEM remote start, you can explore aftermarket options installed by a licensed professional. Aftermarket kits vary in features and compatibility and may affect warranties or insurance requirements. Before buying, check with your dealer or a trusted installer to ensure compatibility with your vehicle’s security system and climate controls.

Summary

Remote start is a common feature but not universal. You can tell if you have it by checking the key fob for a dedicated remote-start button, reviewing the vehicle’s official app options, and consulting the owner’s manual or dealer records. If you’re unsure, a dealership can confirm your exact trim’s capabilities and help with activation, subscription, or an approved installation if you decide to add it. Always prioritize safety and follow the manufacturer’s guidance when using remote start.

What does remote start look like on fob?

Times. Once started remotely the engine will run for 10 minutes and then shut. Off. You can extend the running time for another 10 minutes by repeating the start procedure during the initial. Period.

What year did cars have remote start?

The remote keyless systems using a handheld transmitter first appeared on the French made Renault Fuego in 1982, and as an option on several American Motors vehicles in 1983, including the Renault Alliance. The feature gained its first widespread availability in the U.S. on several General Motors vehicles in 1989.

Does every car come with a remote start?

No, not every vehicle has remote start, as it is a feature that is more common in newer and higher-end models. Many basic models, older cars, and vehicles with a manual transmission do not have it as a standard feature. However, it can often be added to a vehicle with an aftermarket system if it's compatible. 
This video shows how to check if your car has a remote start feature: 1mSteven WelchYouTube · Nov 23, 2024
How to tell if your vehicle has remote start

• Check the key fob: Look for a dedicated remote start button on the key fob. Some manufacturers may require a specific sequence of button presses, like a double or triple press of the lock button, to activate it. 
• Check the dashboard or iDrive system: Some manufacturers require you to check the vehicle's infotainment system or owner's manual to see if the feature is available and needs to be enabled. 
• Look for aftermarket systems: If you don't have the feature, you can often have an aftermarket remote start system installed. This is especially true for older cars that may not have had the feature when they were built. 

How do I know if my car has a remote start?

You can tell if your car has a remote start by checking the key fob for a dedicated remote start button, often shaped like a circular arrow. If you don't see one, check the vehicle's owner's manual, look for a VIN lookup at a dealership, or try a specific sequence of button presses on the fob (like lock, lock, then hold the lock button). You can also look for aftermarket fobs or modules under the dashboard. 
This video shows how to identify a remote start button on different car key fobs: 55sSteven WelchYouTube · Jun 19, 2021
Check your key fob

• Look for the button: The most common indicator is a specific button on your key fob, often with a symbol of a curved or circular arrow, as shown in this YouTube video. 
• Try specific button sequences: Some cars, like many Toyotas and Lexuses, start the engine with a different sequence. Lock the doors, then immediately press the lock button two or three more times and hold the last press. 
• Look for an extra fob: If your car has an aftermarket remote start system, it may have come with a separate fob for that function. 

Check the car

• Look for an app: Check if your car is compatible with a remote start app, as many newer vehicles have this option. 
• Inspect under the hood: Look for a small wire harness connected to the hood latch or a spring-loaded switch that is pressed when the hood is closed. This is a safety feature to ensure the hood is shut before the car can be started remotely, as shown in this Quora video. 
• Inspect under the dashboard: If aftermarket remote start was installed, there will be an added module and extra wiring under the dashboard. 

This video demonstrates how to check for the safety feature under the hood: 50sToyotaJeff ReviewsYouTube · Jun 9, 2021
Consult the experts

• Check the owner's manual: The owner's manual is the best place to find out for sure and to learn the correct sequence for your specific vehicle. 
• Contact a dealership: Ask the dealership to check your car's VIN to see if remote start was a factory-installed feature.