How To Remote Start Lexus NX 300

Having a remote start in your Lexus NX 300 is a feature that helps you to be able to get in your car before it gets too cold or too hot. However, you will need to know how to use the function before enjoying the benefits. This article has laid out the steps to use your remote start.

To remote start your Lexus NX 300, follow these simple steps:

  • First, press the lock button twice.
  • Next, press and hold the LOCK button for at least three seconds.
  • The hazard lights will flash, and the engine will start.
  • The vehicle will run for 10 minutes until it automatically shuts off.
  • In addition, the climate control settings will defaul1t to the previous condition when the vehicle was last turned off.

Getting a new vehicle is exciting, but it can be overwhelming to learn all features, such as remote start. This article will explain how remote start works and how to use it in your Lexus NX 300. In addition, we will discuss and answer other frequently asked questions about the Lexus NX and other models, so read on!

A Lexus NX300 parked near the trees on the side of the road, How To Remote Start Lexus NX 300

How To Remote Start Lexus NX 300

Remote start allows you to start your car without being inside it. To use the remote start, you need to have the key fob and be within a specific range of the car. In addition, the vehicle will need to be locked for this procedure. 

Once you're in range of the Lexus NX 300, press the lock button twice on the key fob. Then, hold down the lock button for at least three seconds. The hazard lights will flash, and the engine will start. The engine will run for 10 minutes or until it automatically shuts off.

The climate control settings will also default to the previous condition when the car was last turned off. So, for example, if the climate control was set on Defrost when you turned it off, it will default to that setting when you remote start. So make sure that your automatic settings are what you want them to be before remotely starting your car.

This means that the climate controls can not be controlled remotely. For example, you cannot change from cold to hot or from one fan setting to another.

In addition, your remote start won't work if due to the following:

  • The "Start" button inside the vehicle is being pressed.
  • Doors, trunk, hood, or moonroof are open or unlocked.
  • Too many remote start attempts.
  • The alarm is triggered.    
  • Check engine light is on.
  • ACC or Ignition is already on.
  • The foot brake is being pressed.    
  • The vehicle is not in park.    
  • The key fob is inside the vehicle or within the smart key detection range.
  • Fuel tank/level at a 1/4 or less.
  • Outside temperature below -22º F (-30º C).
  • If the vehicle hasn't been driven for over a week [the vehicle will need to be manually started to reactivate the remote start feature].

A gray Lexus NX300 moving on the snowy highway trail of the outback country

Does Lexus Have Remote Start?

All Lexus models that are 2015 or newer that are equipped with Enform remote and smart access key fobs have remote start. However, it is important to note that not all models have this feature. For example, if your Lexus is older than 2015, it may only have a remote start if it is a higher trim package.

If you are unsure whether or not your Lexus has a remote start, then contact the dealer. They will check your vehicle with the VIN to let you know if it has this feature.

How Do You Start a Lexus NX300 With a Key?

A gray Lexus NX300 parked on a amusement park

If your key fob battery is dead, you will need to start the Lexus NX 300 differently.

  1. You first need to unlock the door using the hidden key in the key fob to do this.
  2. Put the key into the door slot to unlock the door.
  3. Next, you will need to put your foot on the brake and hold the key fob up to the push start button until the system recognizes it.
  4. Once the lights come on the dash, the car recognizes the key fob.
  5. Now, with your foot still on the brake, press the push to start button, and the engine will start.

The next thing you should do is go to an automotive store or a Lexus dealer to buy a new key fob battery. It is good to buy a couple of them to have them on hand when the new battery dies.

What Lexus Models Have Remote Start?

As mentioned earlier, all 2015 and newer Lexus with the Enform remote and smart access key fobs have remote start. However, if your Lexus is older than 2015, it might not have a remote start. Usually, remote start only came in higher trim packages as it was seen as a luxury feature in the older days.

A dark gray colored Lexus NX300 displayed at a car show

Remote start isn't working- What could be wrong?

If your remote start isn't working, then it could be due to the following reasons:

Dead key fob batteries

If your remote start isn't working, it could be due to the batteries being dead in the key fob.

You can check if the batteries are dead by pressing the lock and unlock buttons on the key fob. If your car is responding, then that means that you need to replace them with a new battery.

Key fobs might be too far away from your vehicle

If your keys are not in range, then it won't work. Check your owner's manual or with your dealer to see the remote start range.

Dead car battery

If your car is dead, you won't be able to start it. Instead, you will need to get a jump or replace the dead battery before using your remote start.

Remote lost programming

If your car is a used model you have just bought, it might not have been set up to start with the key fob. If this is the case, then take it in for service at a dealership to get this fixed.

In addition, if your computer system was reset for any reason, then the key fob could have been unprogrammed in the process. So, again, you will need to take it to the appropriate dealer to have the key fob reprogrammed.

Faulty hood pin switch

If your car hood is open or damaged, it might not start via remote. Check with your dealer about the correct procedure to fix this problem.

Remote system malfunction

This is another reason you will need to take your Lexus in for service at a dealership. Then, if you continue to have trouble starting your car, they will check the system and see what is wrong.

Check engine light is on

If your check engine light is on, you won't be able to start your car either. You will need to get the issue checked out by a qualified mechanic before using your remote start again.

Broken key fob

Broken or damaged remote key fob and new vehicle key on black dark grey background

If the key fob is broken, it won't work. You will need to either take it to a dealership or get a new one. The prices vary for a key fob; sometimes, it can range from $150 to $600!

Faulty immobilizer system

An immobilizer system is a security feature put in most cars to prevent them from being stolen. If the car key doesn't have the proper signal or the car's not recognized, the engine won't start.

In addition, if the immobilizer system is having an issue, that might prevent you from remote starting your car. If this is the case, you will need to fix it before using your remote start again.

Not enough oil in the engine

This sounds like a joke, but seriously, if there isn't enough oil in the engine, you won't start it. So, as a good rule of thumb, you should check the oil level in your engine before using your remote start each time.

In addition, the car company will have a guide in your owner's manual about how much oil should be in there. If you have never changed it before, check with a trusted mechanic to see if the oil level is correct.

Bad Starter

If the starter on your Lexus or other vehicle is bad, you won't start it with a key fob or use the physical key. To check this, try starting your vehicle manually, and if you hear a clicking or grinding noise, that is a tell-tale sign that the starter has failed. You may need to have the vehicle towed to a certified mechanic to diagnose the problem.

A gray Lexus NX300 parked on the side of the road

Final Thoughts

If you have a factory-installed remote start system, you will enjoy the benefits. You can use this to start your Lexus or another vehicle so long as the car is within range of the key fob.

In addition, several factors could prevent the Lexus or other vehicle from starting, including something as simple as not enough oil in the engine. If you are having trouble with your remote start, make sure to check your owner's manual before contacting a mechanic to get it fixed.

For more articles like this one, check out our website:

How To Change Clock In A Lexus NX

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