Fob ONLY works with remote connect

Just ran into this today with my 2020, pretty much in the same boat, very frustrating. The app I understand but taking away a physical feature of the keyfob is some BS. Problem is this is the way things are headed, there were a few articles a couple weeks back stating that BMW will be locking certain features like heated seats behind a subscription in the near future.

This combined with some recent problems with the sensors/cameras in the windshield make me want to switch to something a bit more analog like an FJ

 

N2 DesignsInc we are on the same page when it comes to Toyota trying to charge for a capability that is local between the key fob and the vehicle using RF. This feature and technology has been in place since 1985. I wrote to Toyota back in May and my message went hand in hand with what you stated above. The response I got was very typical that they provide these types of services to provide a "better customer experience" and that I must agree to the use of their connected services in order to enable the capability to use remote start via the app or key fob. I had already cancelled my remote connection service because of the telematic data Toyota would be getting and like I said in a previous post the app and key fob stopped working. I still do not have a subscription and my SOS status light is red. The key fob remote start hasn't worked for months, but I tried it a few days ago and as of today, I can remote start my truck. I don't know why. I don't know if Toyota is enabling the key fob because they realize people are catching on and this is a bone head move. What I can say is the use of the key fob is flaky. Meaning, if I shut my truck off, get out and lock the doors and then attempt to remote start it won't. No lights flashing, nothing happens after I press the lock button three times. If I leave the truck locked for a few minutes and then try again it will start. I've also had one instance where when I walked up to the truck after it has been started using the key fob and when I opened the door the engine stayed running. It shut off when I got in and put my foot on the brake. All other times the engine has turned off when I opened the door.

 

I would assume Toyota pays an on-going fee to mobile networks to keep their always-on connection active. By attaching features to it, they can pressure you to cover their cost to access your telematic data.

I worry auto manufacturers will follow the subscription service business model trend of computer software. Tesla is already dipping into this territory. You may physically own the vehicle, but you have to pay an on-going fee to keep it functioning the way it rolled off the lot. Worse yet is if/when they disable features, and possibly the whole vehicle, if they see fit to do so.

 

judgefudge72 mentioned it above. I read a similar article about BMW trying a "pay for capability" approach with the heated seats. They are thinking about putting heated seats in all their vehicles, but if you buy an entry level vehicle heated seats is a pay to use feature. If you buy a more expensive model heated seats come standard. Same for rear seat AC, auto high beams, auto wipers, ...etc.

Back to the key fob, I just tried it again and it took me three attempts to get it to start. Once it started I opened the door, the engine stayed running and it shutoff when I pressed the brake pedal. While holding the brake pedal I pressed pressed the start button the center display said "Check Charging System" and the truck wouldn't start. I tried getting out, locking the truck, unlocking it and tried starting it again and it wouldn't start. I had to disconnect the battery and reconnect it to get the truck started again. I'm taking the truck to the dealer and I'll show them what is happening. Should be interesting since the key fob shouldn't work at all. I won't be using this feature anytime soon. If I really want remote start I'll go aftermarket with what N2 Designs offers.

 

I don't have this issue on my 19, but if I was faced with the decision, I would pay aftermarket before I rewarded Toyota for such a move. I mean to take the extra step to go disable it, blows my mind,,,, they turned off an option you just paid for. I'd guess many are just so geeked out, they have to show their friends they can turn their truck on from Sri Lanka, that they'll buy in to the service.

 

That’s my thought, the extra step to disable it blows my mind. Real dick move Toyota. I have been thinking long and hard about getting rid of the truck the last 24 hours. I’m just so appalled by this remote start fiasco.

 

I wouldn't take the dip, they already have their money, you're only punishing yourself. Now, you let them know your next purchase will not be them, if they don't change? That will impact,,,, not much, but you gotta stand for something. I would guess as these free trial offers expire in the coming months, and people are told why, there's gonna be a lot of negative feedback.

 

Yeah you’re right, they already have their money. I’m gonna have to write Toyota and let them know how disappointing this is.

 

Life is short- write your letter (I would to), and F em, drive on. Enjoy your family and friends this New Years!

 

You as well!

 

I too am bs at this nonsense. Now like you'll I'm faced with the same dilemma. Living in New England having the remote starter is a huge convenience. The service is $80yr. The cost of the device is onetime $250 or $450 with the cell app. Which means I can pay for the service for 3yrs or 5yrs and not have to do anything. The device pays for itself after that. Ugh!! What does one do!?

 

I installed the N2 this past weekend. It is a no-brainer to use the N2 system.

US$96 + tax service fee per year = $105.30 per year with said privacy out the door and an annual nag to re-up.
N2 cost = US$199 (promo sale price & no state sales tax for me) = $199 one time, and own your privacy
Cost recovery = 199 / 105.30 = 1.9 years. AKA no-brainer.

Best of all, if anyone can turn a socket and a screwdriver and follow the six minute video (by N2 Designs), takes 30-45 minutes to install. Done deal.

The convenience of an application on a smart phone is irrelevant for my use. FOB does me just fine.

I have no affiliation with this vendor. Just an observational perspective.

US$0.02

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Yeah, I’m gonna go with the N2 designs. To hell with Toyota’s bs app.

 

Very happy with my N2 Designs remote start. Still wish the truck didn't shut down when you open any door, but that's a Toyota issue (with push button start) and not anything to do with N2.