No Digital Key…Can I Add Remote Start?

I opted out of digital key because I didn’t want subscriptions. Now I see that some trial periods are 10 yrs. Oh well..

Searching here and online for options. Gen 4 could be started by pressing smart key 3 times? Can dealership add a remote start option? My Prius is already built and on its way. Thanks

 

I guess it’s only $80 per year. Oh well.

 

Right. I just called a dealership and they said the 2023 and even 2022 Prius as well as other models with the smart key fob now have remote start. Press fob 3 times and car starts remotely? The online research I’ve done states that as of 2022 Toyota removed this feature and replaced it with remote control subscription. I will call local dealership tomorrow to get clarification.

 

Salesman emailed stating their dealership does not offer the option of adding a remote starter. If I choose to install an aftermarket remote starter and it causes a problem with the Prius, Toyota has the right to not warranty whatever the problem is.

I had already told them if I get the cat shield that’s offered on Toyota’s website, I need something in writing stating it won’t affect warranty. Haven’t heard back about that yet.

The subscription service info talks about being able to view the pressure on each tire etc. Of course this is not part of the remote connect subscription. I’m not paying $32 a month to get access to things other manufacturers supply for free. Plus the reviews on the app say connection to these services are slow and intermittent. Depends on where you are located at time of use.

I just spoke with Toyota subscription services …oh boy that was fun. Apparently there are two generations of connected services. Some vehicles are now coming with services bundled so you can’t just pick remote connect. Hopefully my car isn’t one of them.

 

From what I’ve read and been told by Toyota certain previous year vehicles had the ability to remote start by pressing the smart key 3 times. When they developed “remote connect” they switched to needing a trial or paid subscription to use any remote connect features. Only vehicles that come with a DCM (data communication module) are able to use these subscriptions.

Update: Apparently these subscription services are now only offered as a bundle. I won’t be able to remote start my Prius after the trial subscription unless I pay $15 per month. The remote start option also depends on the model. Apparently Prius LE remote connect doesn’t come with remote start function?

 

The details state it fits 2013 to 2018 models. Toyota knows they will makes more $$$ with subscriptions.

 

Not yet. It could be here any day. I’m now dealing with an additional complication. The family members paying for this car live in Virginia and might need to document the purchase as a gift. I think I’m missing something. Dealership is looking into the details. This also might mean I can’t trade my car in because I’ll need it until I receive the title transfer.

Update: Don’t think I’ll be jumping though hoops after all.

 

Are you looking on a different website? I set the page with my 2023 Prius and this remote starter shows up but did you read the fine print below?

 

Toyota corporate insists I will only be able to use the smart key fob to remote start the car if I have the paid remote connect subscription. Once the trial ends supposedly both the app remote connect and the pressing of the smart key fob three times to remote start the car will no longer work. I hope they are wrong! I guess I can enjoy it for a year and then find out. Thanks!

Update: I found a couple of articles online that confirm what Toyota is saying. Basically they now have control over the remote connect features of the smart key fob. What next? Oh well. Just disappointed. I’ll get over it.