New Owner Question - Remote Start

if its free why does toyota sell the feature?

 

Perhaps the two features are being mixed up. Remote start via the fob is free via subscribing to the service features in the Toyota app. Maintenance alerts and other nanny features. There is also a paid service that allows you to use the app to start your truck, this costs money. I could be mistaken, but I have fob remote start, cost me zero dollars. I cannot start my truck with the app. YMMV.

 

My '17 didn't have remote start.

I had the dealership install an 2-way long range aftermarket remote, and now my oem fob also starts the truck, by pressing the lock button 3 times.

 

the remote fob start will stop sooner or later

 

from the manual.....

Toyota - Remote Connect
Use only if aware of circumstances surrounding vehicle and it is legal and safe to do so (e.g., do not remotely start engine if vehicle is in an enclosed space or vehicle is occupied by a child). Toyota Remote Connect depends on an operative telematics device, a cellular connection, GPS signal strength and other factors outside of Toyota’s control, which can limit system functionality and availability. Service may vary by vehicle and region. Registration and Toyota app download required. Subscription required after trial. Terms of Use apply. Data charges may apply. Remote start/stop not available on manual transmission-equipped vehicles. Services subject to change at any time without notice. See usage precautions and service limitations in Toyota Owner’s Manual and https://www. toyota.com/connected-services for additional details. To learn about Toyota’s data collection, use, sharing and retention practices, please visit https://www. toyota.com/privacyvts/.

 

This is for the subscription service using the app to start. The fob start does not require this service. The fob start is under the 10 year, free, Service Connect.

 

Where did you get this info? I’m not saying it’s wrong but a quick Google search says this: “You will need Toyota Remote Connect service to utilize the full functionality of your key fob.”

Edit: I pay 80.00 annually for remote connect and I have all the perks of the app plus the fob will start my truck.

 

Screenshot from my Toyota account subscribed services section. Like I posted above, my fob start stopped working after 8-9 months. Subscribed to service connect, for free from info I found on TW. My fob has worked since.

 

Another Google search came up with this again not saying it’s correct but you know everything on the internet is lol.

“Yes, on a 2023 Tacoma, once the trial period for your remote start service (known as "Remote Connect") ends, you will need to purchase a subscription plan to continue using the feature to crank your truck with the key fob; the basic functionality of locking and unlocking with the key fob will still work, but remote start will require a paid subscription.”

 

Maybe that’s why mine still works lol I have been signed up for service connect 10 year trial since day one.

 

I operate my Taco registered 11/2022 since 05/2023 outside the Toyota US and US GSM system. That means that the app does not connect to my Taco. FOB remote start works like a charm.