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Sorry if this is already posted somewhere or is old news but … I let my subscription to the Lexus service expire. SI I can't remote start/remote lock etc. from the app any more. I THOUGHT this would also cause the remote start on the keyfob to cease functioning as well. But I tried it anyway and it did indeed still work. That's cool. I thought the fob remote start was tied in with the subscription. Maybe I was wrong I guess.
For those that don't know if your triple press the lockbutton on your fob and hold it down on the thrid press for like 8 seconds (until the lights start flashing) then the car will start for 10 minutes with the doors locked and the DRLs off. It shuts off when you unlock a door (but not the back glass, BTW).
That’s strange. My 16 luxury was bought used and the remote start on the key fob didn’t work for me. I had to buy an aftermarket remote starter kit to make the 3 tap remote start work. I guess Lexus updated it for later model years?
I would expect that Enform is only needed if one uses a smart device to remote start. I would expect that the key should always work regardless of Enform subscription.
I don't believe my 2011 had Enform, however I did buy it Lexus CPO and so perhaps it was included then. I have not owned it outside the CPO period so have no idea.
Disclosures:Key Fob Remote Start requires Enform Safety Connect, Remote, or Destination Assist registration to ensure vehicle operation.
If I am reading that correct, I didn't realize one needs to have an active Enform account to use the key fob for remote start. Seems a sneaky way to 'require' owners to continue paying for Enform just to continue using a feature that is already in place (key fob) and one that normally would not require any additional communication outside a key fob-to-car distance. This means to me that every time you use your key fob for remote start that Lexus knows about it since it likely communicates the action back to them (as they require Enform for it to work).
The best option if remote start is needed is to get an aftermarket remote start added which as an added benefit would not shut down when you open the door. Wish I kept the 2011.
to be fair, a lot of makes require you to download their app, give a complimentary 1-yr period, and then charge a subscription fee just to allow remote starting.
The only advantage I see is the ability to remote start from a distance vs the aftermarket kits that require you to be within a certain distance from the car.
I bought the kit from 12volt and it shuts off the minute the door opens. But at least the car is warmed up vs not being able to do so at all.
to be fair, a lot of makes require you to download their app, give a complimentary 1-yr period, and then charge a subscription fee just to allow remote starting.
The only advantage I see is the ability to remote start from a distance vs the aftermarket kits that require you to be within a certain distance from the car.
I bought the kit from 12volt and it shuts off the minute the door opens. But at least the car is warmed up vs not being able to do so at all.
This is for the key fob only use requiring Enform . I don't know of any manufacture that would charge a subscription to use a key-fob (radio signal from fob-to-car only) remote start, The only thing I can think of is that Lexus wants to know when you use the remote start from your key fob, so requires you to pay for Enform so they will notified when used.
Aftermarket remote start radio signal range should as good or better than the key's radio range.
I am aware you are talking about the key fob. Again, a lot of other automakers force you to subscribe to their services plans to have the ability to remote start, among other features. They’ve robbed the actual key fob of the ability to remote start.
And that link is broken. Cuz if that is indeed true, there’s no reason why my ‘16’s key fob wouldn’t remote start. I should be good until 2026, according to what you’re saying.
I am aware you are talking about the key fob. Again, a lot of other automakers force you to subscribe to their services plans to have the ability to remote start, among other features. They’ve robbed the actual key fob of the ability to remote start.
And that link is broken. Cuz if that is indeed true, there’s no reason why my ‘16’s key fob wouldn’t remote start. I should be good until 2026, according to what you’re saying.
So you're saying that other manufacturers also require a paid subscription to use the key fob's radio signal-to-car to stay active (which would mean that the manufacturer would send a 'deactivate' signal via satellite or cell to the vehicle to remotely disable that feature in the car)?
Apologies for the broken link, I'm unable to find that link again but will continue to look. It was on Lexus's information page regarding remote start.
Edit: Link corrected in prior post.
Last edited by GX4602011; Jan 24, 2022 at 04:38 PM.
I don’t know how it all works. All I know is that the key fob by itself will not remote start the car without either the paid subscription or an after market kit. However you want to read into that is up to you. But Lexus is not the only one guilty of that practice.
#Key #Fob #Remote #Start Without #Subscription
