How do I turn on my Acura remote start?
The quickest way to start your Acura remotely is with the key fob: lock the doors and a short press-and-hold on the lock button can start the engine. If your model supports it, you can also start remotely from the AcuraLink smartphone app. Steps can vary by model year and trim, so consult your owner’s manual for model-specific details.
In this guide, we cover two common methods—key fob remote start and smartphone app remote start—and highlight safety considerations, run-time expectations, and troubleshooting tips to help you get a warm or cooled cabin before you enter the vehicle.
Using the Key Fob Remote Start
These steps reflect the standard process for most recent Acura models that offer remote start from the key fob. If your vehicle behaves differently, check your manual or contact a dealer for model-specific instructions.
- Close all doors and ensure the vehicle is locked with the key fob.
- Within about 5 seconds, press and hold the LOCK button on the fob for roughly 2 seconds until the engine starts.
- The engine will run for a set duration (typically up to 10 minutes) and climate control preconditioning will activate according to the vehicle’s settings.
- To stop the engine before the run time expires, use the fob’s remote control according to your model’s instructions (often by pressing the lock button again or using a separate Start/Stop command). If you’re unsure, consult your manual.
- If the vehicle doesn’t start, check the fob battery, ensure the car is in Park, and verify that remote start is enabled in the settings or by your dealer.
Using the key fob for remote start is a quick, no-app option that works when you’re within the expected remote range. Availability and exact sequence can differ by year and trim, so verify with your owner’s manual if you run into trouble.
Using AcuraLink or the Acura Smartphone App
Many Acura models offer remote start via the AcuraLink smartphone app. This method can allow you to start the engine and precondition climate control from your phone, provided your vehicle is enrolled in AcuraLink and you have an active account and network connection.
- Ensure your vehicle is enrolled in AcuraLink and that you have an active account and the latest app version installed on your smartphone.
- Open the AcuraLink app, select your vehicle, and locate the Remote Start or Remote Engine Start option.
- Tap Remote Start and confirm the action if prompted. The app will indicate when the engine has started.
- Some models let you set preferred cabin temperature or climate settings before starting. Use these options if available to customize your preconditioning.
- The engine will run for the standard duration defined by your model (commonly 10 minutes). If your model supports it, you may be able to extend run time by issuing another remote start command before the current session ends.
- To stop remote start early, use the app to stop the session or wait for the run-time to expire, depending on model and settings.
Notes: A compatible subscription or activation may be required, and cellular connectivity is essential for app-based remote start. Some features may be limited or unavailable on older models or without dealership activation.
Safety, Limitations, and Troubleshooting
Remote start should never be used when occupants (including pets) are inside the vehicle, or when the area around the car is not clear. Always ensure doors are locked and that you’re in a safe, legal location before starting remotely. Remote-start duration and climate-control behavior can vary by model year, trim, and regional settings.
If remote start doesn’t work, try these quick checks: replace the key fob battery, confirm the feature is enabled in the vehicle’s settings, verify app permissions and account status, and ensure the vehicle is in a parked state with the immobilizer disengaged. If issues persist, contact your Acura dealer for model-specific guidance and potential software updates or activations.
Summary
Acura offers two reliable paths to remote start: the key fob and the AcuraLink smartphone app. The exact steps depend on your model year and trim, but the general flow is to lock the doors and initiate a start from the fob, or to use the app to start and precondition climate control. Always follow safety guidelines, and consult your owner’s manual or dealer if you’re unsure about your specific vehicle’s remote-start setup.
