Comprehensive Guide To Remote Starting Your Subaru: Key Fob And MySubaru App Methods

To remote start a Subaru, owners must utilize either the MySubaru mobile application via an active Starlink Safety and Security subscription or a hardware-based long-range key fob. The process requires an automatic transmission (CVT), all doors and the hood to be securely closed, and the vehicle to be in Park, ensuring the engine can safely run for a pre-set duration of five to ten minutes for climate pre-conditioning.

Technical Requirements and System Prerequisites for Subaru Remote Access

Before attempting to remote start your vehicle, you must identify which system your specific Subaru model utilizes. Subaru offers two primary pathways for remote engine start (RES): the software-based Starlink Telematics system and the hardware-based Long-Range Remote Start Fob. While both achieve the same goal of idling the engine to regulate cabin temperature, the technical requirements for each differ significantly.

Essential Equipment and Subscription Tiers

• Starlink Security Plus Subscription: This is the most common method for modern Subarus (typically 2015 and newer). It requires an active "Safety Plus" and "Security Plus" subscription tier. The basic "Safety Plus" package (which includes SOS emergency assistance) does not include remote start capabilities.
• Compatible Mobile Device: For app-based starting, you must have the MySubaru app installed on a device running iOS 13.0 or later or Android 8.0 or later.
• Keyless Access with Push-Button Start: Most app-based remote start features are exclusive to vehicles equipped with a push-button ignition system and a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Manual transmission Subarus are ineligible for factory remote start due to safety protocols regarding gear engagement.
• Long-Range Fob Hardware: If you do not wish to pay for a monthly subscription, an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Remote Start kit can be installed by a dealer. This involves a separate transceiver module and a specific long-range remote that provides bi-directional feedback via LED lights.

Pre-Operation Safety Standards

• Transmission State: The gear selector must be in the "Park" (P) position.
• Sensory Security: All doors, the rear gate/trunk, and the hood must be fully latched. If the vehicle's Body Integrated Unit (BIU) detects an open circuit in any of these sensors, the remote start command will be rejected to prevent theft or mechanical accidents.
• Diagnostic Integrity: The Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) must be off. If the ECU (Engine Control Unit) detects any active trouble codes (DTCs), it will disable remote start to protect the powertrain.
• Fuel Levels: The fuel tank should have at least 1/4 of its capacity. Low fuel levels may cause the system to ignore the start command to prevent the vehicle from stalling out.

Executing the Remote Start Sequence via Smartphone and Hardware

The method of engagement varies depending on whether you are using the cloud-based Starlink system or the localized radio frequency (RF) signal from your key fob. Following these sequences precisely is necessary to overcome the vehicle's security handshakes.

Step 1: Initiating Remote Start via the MySubaru App

Log into the MySubaru application on your smartphone. On the home screen, you will see a prominent "Remote Engine Start" button.

1. Select the "Remote Engine Start" icon.
2. Choose your desired climate settings. You can select "Full Heat," "Full Defrost," or "Cool." You can also manually adjust the temperature, fan speed, and air circulation (recirculation vs. fresh air).
3. Choose the engine run time. Most systems allow for a 5-minute or 10-minute duration.
4. Press the "Start" button and enter your 4-digit Starlink PIN. This PIN was created during your initial vehicle delivery or through the MySubaru web portal.
5. Wait for the confirmation screen. The app will send a signal to the Subaru Starlink server, which then pings your vehicle via a cellular connection. Once the engine cranks, the app will display a timer showing the remaining run time.

Pro-Tip: If your vehicle is parked in a subterranean garage or an area with poor cellular reception, the app-based remote start may fail. In these instances, the hardware key fob is a more reliable alternative.

Step 2: Using the Standard OEM Key Fob (Lock-Lock-Lock Sequence)

Many newer Subarus without a dedicated remote start fob still have the capability hidden within the standard keyless entry remote. This uses short-range RF signals.

1. Stand within 30 to 50 feet of the vehicle.
2. Press the "Lock" button on your key fob.
3. Press the "Lock" button a second time within one second.
4. Press and hold the "Lock" button a third time for approximately three seconds.
5. Listen for the vehicle's horn to chirp or the exterior lights to flash. The engine should crank shortly after.

Warning: This method has a very limited range and does not provide feedback to the user. If the vehicle is out of sight, you will not know if the start was successful unless you hear the engine.

Step 3: Using the Dedicated Long-Range Remote Start Fob

If you had the optional Subaru Long-Range Remote Engine Start system installed, you will have a separate, smaller fob with a single button.

1. Press the "Start" button once. The LED on the fob will flash green once to indicate the signal was sent.
2. Wait for the bi-directional feedback. If the vehicle successfully starts, the fob will beep and the LED will flash green repeatedly.
3. If the start fails, the LED will flash red, indicating the vehicle did not meet the safety requirements (e.g., a door is ajar).

Step 4: Entering and Operating the Vehicle After Remote Start

Once the vehicle is running, it remains in a "secure state." You cannot simply drive away without completing the handshake.

1. Unlock the vehicle using the key fob or the touch-sensitive door handles.
2. Enter the vehicle. Do not press the brake pedal yet.
3. Once inside, you must press the "Start" button on the dashboard while your foot is off the brake to "transfer" the ignition from remote start mode to driving mode. On some newer models, simply depressing the brake pedal with the fob inside the cabin is sufficient to transition the system.
4. The climate control will return to its previous manual settings or remain on the remote start presets depending on the model year.

Subaru Remote Start Technical Specifications and Feature Matrix

The following table outlines the operational differences between the two primary remote start methods available for Subaru vehicles. Understanding these parameters helps in choosing the right method for specific weather conditions or locations.

Diagnosing Common Remote Start Failures and Field Fixes

Even with a perfectly maintained vehicle, the remote start system may occasionally fail to execute. These failures are usually safety-related rather than mechanical.

Scenario 1: The Engine Cranks but Shuts Down Immediately

• Root Cause: This is often caused by a "Hood Switch" malfunction or a detected security breach. If the system detects the hood is open (or the sensor is failing), it will kill the engine to prevent injury to anyone working in the engine bay.
• Actionable Fix: Open and firmly slam the hood to ensure the latch is fully seated. Inspect the hood pin switch for debris or corrosion. If the issue persists, use an OBD-II scanner to check for a "Hood Open" status in the Body Integrated Unit.

Scenario 2: The MySubaru App Displays "Service Not Available"

• Root Cause: This typically points to a lapse in the Starlink Security Plus subscription or a dead "DCM" (Data Communication Module) battery. The DCM is responsible for the vehicle's cellular link.
• Actionable Fix: Verify your subscription status at MySubaru.com. If the subscription is active, perform a "DCM Reset" by pulling the dedicated telematics fuse in the engine bay fuse box for 30 seconds, then re-inserting it to force the module to re-handshake with the cellular tower.

Scenario 3: Remote Start Fails After Two Consecutive Attempts

• Root Cause: Subaru safety logic limits remote starts to two consecutive cycles. This prevents the buildup of carbon monoxide in enclosed spaces and ensures the battery is not depleted by the starter motor.
• Actionable Fix: You must physically enter the vehicle and turn the ignition to "On" or start the car manually with the key/button. This resets the counter, allowing for another two remote start cycles.

Scenario 4: "Remote Start System Inhibited" Warning on Dash

• Root Cause: The vehicle has detected a condition that makes idling dangerous, such as a low battery voltage (typically below 11.5V) or a Check Engine Light.
• Actionable Fix: Drive the vehicle for at least 20 minutes to allow the alternator to recharge the battery to a nominal level. If a Check Engine Light is present, resolve the underlying code (e.g., a loose gas cap or O2 sensor fault) before attempting another remote start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remote start a manual transmission Subaru?

No, Subaru does not offer a factory remote start for manual transmission vehicles due to the risk of the car moving if it is left in gear. While third-party aftermarket systems exist with "neutral safety switches," installing them may void portions of your electrical system warranty and is generally discouraged by the manufacturer.

How much does the MySubaru Starlink subscription cost?

While pricing varies by region and promotional offers, the Starlink Security Plus package generally costs approximately $99 to $150 per year. This is an add-on to the Safety Plus package. Many new Subaru owners receive a discounted rate for the first three to five years of ownership.

Will remote starting my Subaru drain the battery?

Under normal conditions, no. However, because the starter motor requires high amperage and the alternator does not charge at full capacity at idle, repeated remote starts without significant driving can lead to a state of low charge. It is recommended to use remote start only when necessary for extreme temperatures.

Does the engine turn off when I open the door?

For older Subaru models (prior to 2019-2020), the engine was designed to shut off as soon as a door was opened as a theft-deterrent measure. Most newer models equipped with Starlink allow the engine to keep running, provided the driver performs the "ignition transfer" by pressing the start button or brake pedal once inside.

Can I turn off the remote start if I change my mind?

Yes. On the MySubaru app, you can press the "Stop" button to kill the engine immediately. If using the long-range fob, pressing and holding the start button for two seconds will shut down the engine. If using the standard key fob, the engine will naturally shut off after the 10-minute timer expires.

Enhance Your Subaru Ownership Experience

Maximizing the utility of your Subaru’s remote start system ensures a comfortable cabin regardless of the season. To ensure long-term reliability of your Starlink system, always keep your MySubaru app updated and maintain a healthy vehicle battery.