Remote start lets you start your engine from outside the vehicle using a key fob, smartphone app, or dedicated remote
Remote start is a feature that turns on your engine without you being inside the car or turning the ignition key. You trigger it from a distance — usually 100 to 1,000 feet away, depending on the system — using a button on a key fob, a mobile app on your phone, or a voice command through a smart home system. The engine runs for a set time (often 10 to 15 minutes) and then shuts off automatically, or you can stop it manually.
The setup process depends on whether your car came with remote start built in, whether you want to add an aftermarket system, or whether you want to use a smartphone app that your car manufacturer already supports. Each route has different costs, installation steps, and limitations.
Key Takeaways
- Factory remote start comes pre-installed on many new vehicles and works through your car's existing key fob or a smartphone app provided by the manufacturer.
- Aftermarket remote start systems require professional installation and typically cost between $300 and $800 depending on your vehicle and the system's features.
- Smartphone-based remote start through manufacturer apps (like OnStar, BMW Connected Drive, or Tesla) requires a subscription and an internet connection to work.
- Remote start will not work if your car is locked, your transmission is in gear, or your hood is open — safety features prevent accidental engine starts.
- You must have a working battery and fuel in your tank; remote start cannot diagnose mechanical problems or start a car that would not start normally.
Check whether your car already has remote start capability
Many vehicles manufactured in the last 10 years come with remote start as a factory option. Check your owner's manual or your key fob itself — if you see a button with an engine or arrow symbol, your car likely has the feature. Press and hold that button for three to five seconds to test it. If the engine starts, you already have remote start and do not need to install anything.
If your car has a touchscreen dashboard system, look in the settings menu for "Remote Start" or "Remote Services." Some manufacturers hide the feature behind a subscription or require you to set up it through their mobile app first. Visit your car manufacturer's website and search for your model year and "remote start" to confirm what your vehicle supports.
set up factory remote start through your manufacturer's app
If your car has factory remote start but you want to use your smartphone instead of a key fob, read your manufacturer's official app. Common examples include OnStar (General Motors), BMW Connected Drive (BMW), Mercedes me (Mercedes-Benz), and the Tesla app. Create an account, register your vehicle, and look for a "Remote Start" or "Engine Start" option in the app's main menu.
Most manufacturer apps require a paid subscription to use remote start — this typically costs $10 to $20 per month or $100 to $200 per year, though some vehicles include a trial period. The app will show you the remaining runtime and let you stop the engine remotely. Your car must have an active internet connection (through its built-in cellular modem) for the app to work, and you need to be within range of your car's cellular network, not just Bluetooth range.
Install an aftermarket remote start system if your car does not have one
If your vehicle did not come with remote start and you want to add it, you will need an aftermarket system installed by a professional. Common brands include Viper, Compustar, Avital, and Crimestopper. These systems range from $300 to $800 installed, depending on your car's complexity and the system's features (basic remote start costs less than a system that also includes GPS tracking or smartphone control).
Contact a local car alarm or car electronics shop and ask for a quote. Bring your vehicle's year, make, and model. The installer will run wiring from the ignition system through your dashboard and firewall, connect the remote start module to your car's electrical system, and program the remote fob to communicate with the module. Installation typically takes two to four hours. Ask the installer for a warranty on both the equipment and the labor — most reputable shops offer one to three years.
Understand the safety limits and restrictions
Remote start will not work if your transmission is in gear, your car is locked, or your hood is open. These are safety features designed to prevent the engine from starting unexpectedly while someone is working on the car or while the vehicle is in an unsafe state. If you try to use remote start and nothing happens, check these conditions first.
Remote start also requires that your battery has enough charge and your fuel tank has gas. The system cannot diagnose why a car will not start normally — if your car has a dead battery or is out of fuel, remote start will not work either. Some vehicles will not allow remote start if the outside temperature is below a certain threshold (often around -20°F) to protect the engine.
Set up smartphone-based remote start for aftermarket systems
Some aftermarket remote start systems now include smartphone connectivity through a separate app or a connected device. If your aftermarket system has this feature, read the app and create an account. You will need to pair your phone with the remote start module, usually by entering a PIN or scanning a QR code that came with the system.
Smartphone-based aftermarket systems typically require a cellular or internet connection to work, and some charge a monthly subscription fee ($5 to $15 per month) for cloud connectivity. Check with your installer about whether the system you are having installed includes smartphone control and what the ongoing costs are. Some systems work only within Bluetooth range (100 to 300 feet), while others work from anywhere if you have an internet connection.
Test your remote start and troubleshoot common issues
After installation or set up, test your remote start from outside the vehicle with the doors locked and the key fob or phone in your hand. Press the remote start button and wait 5 to 10 seconds — you should see the engine turn over and hear it running. If nothing happens, check that your car is in Park (for automatic transmissions) or Neutral (for manual transmissions), that the doors are unlocked, and that the battery has charge.
If your factory remote start through a smartphone app is not working, check that your car has cellular service (look for a signal indicator on your dashboard), that your subscription is active, and that you are logged into the app. If your aftermarket system is not responding, the remote fob battery may be dead — try replacing it with a fresh battery. If the system still does not work after these steps, contact your installer or the system manufacturer's support line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use remote start if my car is locked?
No. Remote start will not work if your doors are locked — this is a safety feature. You must unlock your car first, either by pressing the unlock button on your key fob or by using your smartphone app if it has that feature. Once unlocked, you can use remote start.
Does remote start drain my car battery?
Remote start uses battery power while the engine is running, but the engine is also charging the battery at the same time. If you use remote start frequently and your battery is already weak, you may notice slower starts, but a healthy battery should handle regular remote start use without problems.
Will remote start work in cold weather?
Remote start works in most cold weather, but some vehicles disable it below a certain temperature (often around -20°F) to protect the engine. Check your owner's manual for your car's cold-weather limits. In normal winter conditions, remote start should work fine.
Can I use remote start to warm up my car before driving?
Yes. This is one of the main reasons people use remote start — to let the engine warm up and the cabin heat up before getting in the car. The engine will run for a preset time (usually 10 to 15 minutes) and then shut off automatically, or you can stop it manually when you are ready to drive.
What happens if I press the brake pedal while remote start is running?
If you get in the car while the engine is running from remote start and press the brake pedal, the engine will continue running normally. You can then shift into Drive or Reverse and drive away. Remote start is designed to work seamlessly with normal driving — once you are in the car, it behaves like a regular engine start.