Remote Start maybe NOT connected to subscription?

So Toyota announced (in December?) that the remote start capability via either app or the fob triple click would be disabled without paying for the subscription. My subscription lapsed the other day and the buttons for lock/unlock, start, status, etc. are all gone. The keyfob, using the triple click of the lock button still starts the truck as it always had. Anyone heard anything more on the subject? I'm glad I can still get the heat/AC going before I have to get in!

 

Hopefully that’s the case and not just a matter of their system not catching up yet. Could be one of those things where the system sweeps on a set day and purges when that day comes.

My dealer didn’t even tell me the fob had that capability. He said I had to use the app. I found out about the lock button feature on this forum 2 days after I bought it.

 

I know there are other threads on subscription service through Toyota. My fob failed to unlock or lock the doors. I just hope it’s a weak battery, so I ordered a new battery. If it is a subscription issue and my fob isn’t working any longer I would demand it be reinstated as it was never presented as a subscription which would need to be reinstated (annually?)
Maybe my truck isn’t subscription.
I just think options should be a one time fee. I believe my wife’s Honda is option driven not subscription.

 

Toyota confirmed the lock/unlock would remain outside the subscription so hopefully a new battery fixes it. That would indeed be ludicrous for the basic fob functions to be subscription. My salesman also had no idea. He gave me a blank stare and said no it doesn't have that feature. You should have seen his face when my friend (who also has a tacoma) grabbed the fob and started the truck right up . Black magic I tell ya. REALLY hoping that feature stays...

 

I've read somewhere(I'll try to go find it) that the fob function is programmed for 10 years before it deactivates, separate from subscription, it was in small print vehicle description.

 

Toyota has backtracked on disabling the fob-based remote start.

https://www.thedrive.com/tech/43636...tart-subscription-plan-after-massive-blowback

My guess is they'll remove the remote start from the fobs going forward so they have full control of it via their paid-subscription service.

Sounds like you just need a battery. Lock and unlock were never in jeopardy of being taken away, thankfully.

 

Of course the dealer wants you too use the app its money for them or Toyota.

 

I read that too somewhere depending on your trim package.

 

That article linked above by sporin has a graphic listing how long the fob should be programmed based on audio package trim. 1 year base, 3 years Audio Plus, 10 years for premium audio.

I think it is BS charging for remote start once you're hooked on it, but I pay for the app subscription just for convenience of linking it to my smart home stuff. It's a lot easier to say "Alexa, tell Toyota to start my Engine" than fumble around with the key fob out the window or waiting for the slow ass app to launch.

 

My 2021 Tacoma comes with Toyota Connect and is expired.
The key Fob remote start still works. But the Lock-Lock, Lock hold has to timed just right to start.
My co-worker's used 2019 Avalon remote starts the same way, he didn't even know his car has remote start.
Most dealership sales person only know 2 things, extended warranty and paint protection. They don't know shit about the vehicle they are selling.

 

Lol the day I picked up my ‘21, the salesman said they could install a remote start on my TRD Sport for @ $600. He said he sells them all the time and its best to have it done by the dealer for ‘warranty purposes’.
He seemed a little confused when I demo’d the factory remote start from the fob to him at the end of our walkaround.
Said he swore he had no idea. Sadly, I believe him …

 

My original post on this thread #3 update
I received the cr-2016 battery last night and replaced original battery in my fob. It was just a weak battery. Resolved!!