How to start a Subaru Ascent with a key fob?

Two quick ways: use the push-button start when the fob is inside the vehicle, or use remote start from the fob if your model supports it.

In practice, most Ascent models with Keyless Access use a push-button Start/Stop when the fob is present, and some trims offer a Remote Engine Start feature via the fob or Subaru Starlink. This guide walks you through both methods, what you need to know about availability, and common troubleshooting tips.

Push-Button Start from Inside the Vehicle

What you need to know before you begin: the key fob must be inside the car, the transmission must be in Park (P), and you’ll start the engine by applying the brake and pressing the Start/Stop button.

1. Enter the vehicle with the fob inside the cabin and ensure the gear selector is in Park (P).


2. With your foot on the brake, press the engine Start/Stop button once to start the engine.


3. If the engine does not start, verify the fob is inside the vehicle, the transmission is in Park, and the fob’s battery is functioning.


4. To stop the engine, press the Start/Stop button again while the vehicle is in Park.

After you've started the engine this way, the vehicle will remain running as long as the fob is detected inside the car and you don’t press the Stop button. If you encounter repeated failure to start, check the fob battery or consult your owner's manual for model-year specific steps.

Remote Engine Start Using the Key Fob

Remote start is available on Subaru Ascents equipped with Remote Engine Start capability (via the fob or Starlink) and requires the fob to be within range. This lets you start the engine from outside the vehicle to warm or cool the interior before you get in.

Important note: Remote start works only when the vehicle is in Park, the doors are locked, and all occupants are clear of the exterior exterior of the vehicle. The engine will typically run for up to 15 minutes and may require a second remote start to extend, depending on your trim and the service plan.

Steps for Remote Start via the Key Fob

1. Close all doors and lock the doors with the key fob.


2. Within a short window (often about 5 seconds), press and hold the Engine Start/Stop button on the key fob for 2–3 seconds to initiate remote start.


3. Wait for confirmation (horn chirp or lights) indicating the engine has started. If not, try again or check the fob battery and range.


4. To cancel remote start or to drive off, approach the vehicle, unlock with the fob, and press the brake while pressing the Start/Stop button to bring the ignition to the running state.

If your model does not respond to remote start, verify that your trim includes Remote Engine Start and that your Starlink or dealer-provided services are active. Some older or base configurations may not support remote start via the fob.

Troubleshooting and Tips

Before you call for help, check a few common issues that can prevent starting with a key fob:

• The fob battery may be dead or weak—replace it and try again.


• Confirm the vehicle is in Park and the fob is detected inside (for push-button start) or within the proper range (for remote start).


• Ensure doors are properly closed and, for remote start, that the hood and all doors are closed and locked.


• If the car refuses to start, consult your owner’s manual or contact your Subaru dealer for model-year specific instructions or software updates.

For ongoing concerns or to enable Remote Engine Start on compatible trims, check with your local Subaru dealer. Features may vary by year, trim, and optional packages.

Summary

In a Subaru Ascent, you can start the engine from inside the vehicle with the push-button Start/Stop as long as the fob is present, the car is in Park, and you press the brake before pressing the Start/Stop button. If your model supports it, you can also remotely start the engine from the key fob by locking the doors and initiating a remote start sequence. Availability depends on trim and active services. If in doubt, refer to your owner’s manual or contact a Subaru dealer for precise steps for your exact year and configuration.

How to start a Subaru with the key?

To start a Subaru with a key fob, press the lock button twice, then press and hold it to remote start, or step on the brake and press the start button while the fob is inside for a standard start. If the fob battery is dead, place it directly against the start button to start the car.
 
This video demonstrates how to start a Subaru with a dead key fob battery: 57sCopeland Subaru HyannisYouTube · Nov 1, 2024
To remote start with the key fob

1. Press the lock button on your key fob twice within two seconds. 
2. Immediately after the second press, press and hold the lock button for three seconds. 
3. The vehicle's hazard lights will flash, and the engine will start. 
4. To turn the engine off, press and hold the lock button again. 

To start the car from inside

1. Ensure the key fob is inside the vehicle.
2. Sit in the driver's seat and press the brake pedal.
3. Press the engine's push-to-start button. 

To start the car with a dead key fob battery

1. If the push-button start is not working due to a dead fob battery, place the fob directly against the start button. 
2. With your foot on the brake pedal, press the start button with the fob pressed against it. 
3. The car should start, allowing you to get to a place to replace the battery. 

If the key won't turn in the ignition

1. If you have a traditional key ignition and it won't turn, the steering wheel lock is likely engaged and under pressure.
2. Firmly turn the steering wheel in one direction to relieve the pressure.
3. While holding the steering wheel in this position, turn the key to start the engine. 

How do I use my key fob as a remote start?

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.

How to remote start a Subaru Ascent with key fob?

To remote start a Subaru Ascent, ensure the vehicle is locked, then press the lock button twice and immediately press and hold it for a few seconds. The car's lights will flash, and the engine will start. This process requires either a genuine Subaru remote start accessory or the specific key fob that came with it. To turn the car off, press and hold the lock button again, or simply open the driver's door to turn the engine off before you drive away. 
This video demonstrates how to remote start a Subaru Ascent with a key fob: 57s12Volt.SolutionsYouTube · Mar 23, 2022
Step-by-step instructions

1. Lock the vehicle: Press the lock button on your key fob once. The car should beep once and the lights will flash to confirm it is locked. 
2. Press the lock button twice: Within two seconds of locking the car, press the lock button twice. The lights will flash again, and the keyless buzzer will chirp once. 
3. Press and hold the lock button: Immediately after the second press, press and hold the lock button for about three seconds. 
4. Confirm startup: The car's horn will honk once, and the lights will flash three times to indicate the remote start sequence is successful. 
5. Drive away: The engine will run for approximately 15 minutes. To drive, you must get into the vehicle, place your foot on the brake, and press the start/stop button to turn the engine to the "on" position. 

Important notes

• Check your key fob: Some fobs may have "press twice" written on the back. Always follow the timing and sequence of the key fob that came with the vehicle. 
• Ensure the vehicle is ready: The vehicle must be in park, with all doors closed, and not in valet mode for the remote start to work. 
• Forced shutoff: To turn off the engine, press and hold the lock button on the key fob for a couple of seconds. The car will then shut off automatically after about 15 minutes or when you step on the brake and press the start/stop button. 
• Troubleshooting: If the car does not start, check the key fob battery or disable any security settings that may prevent the remote start from functioning. 

Does the Subaru Ascent come with remote start?

Yes, the Subaru Ascent comes with remote start, either standard through the MySubaru app (with a subscription) or as an available accessory that works with the key fob. The app-based remote start is available on most models with push-button start, typically from 2020 and newer, while a separate key fob system can be purchased for vehicles without the app subscription.
 
Key-fob remote start

• How it works: Press the lock button twice on the key fob and then press and hold the lock button for three seconds to start the car. The parking lights will illuminate to confirm it's starting. 
• To turn it off: Press and hold the lock button again. 
• What you need: This system is available as an optional accessory that may need to be installed by a dealer if your vehicle did not come with it. It is not a standard feature on all trims. 
• Range: The range for this system is limited compared to the app-based system. 

MySubaru app remote start

• How it works: Use the remote start feature in the MySubaru app on your smartphone to start the vehicle from anywhere. 
• What you need: A push-button start and a subscription to the STARLINK Safety and Security Plus tier. 
• Features: This system allows for remote start, cabin pre-conditioning, and can be a more convenient option for those who don't want to use a separate remote. 
• Availability: The app is typically available on 2020 and newer models.