You’re excited about your new Honda and started to set up the HondaLink app. Unfortunately, you’ve discovered that the remote start option doesn’t show. No worries, we’re happy to help! We pulled up information regarding your concern, and here’s what we found.
The Remote Start feature will not show in your HondaLink app for the following reasons and how to resolve such:
- Remote Start is not set up in your HondaLink. As an additional step, manually add the remote start option to your installed HondaLink app.
- Remote Start is not compatible with HondaLink. Your Honda car isn't capable of a remote start despite the HondaLink app already being installed. Use the key fob instead.
- The Remote Start free trial has ended. The feature gets disabled when the free trial period expires. If you opt to continue to enjoy the service, a monthly subscription fee is charged.
The Remote Start feature is the most sought-after in the HondaLink app, as any new Honda car owner would attest. However, there are instances when Remote Start fails to show up in the app. Stay on this page to discover why this happens and learn more about its remarkable features. Happy reading!
What Is Remote Start All About?
HondaLink is an application-based technology packed with amazing connectivity features. This app allows the car owner to connect his smartphone to his Honda car through the infotainment touch screen.
If you have successfully installed your HondaLink app, the next thing you will do is to look for the remort start button. Indeed, Honda has successfully marketed this Remote Start feature in its latest offerings. Many new car owners attest that they chose Honda solely because of this remarkable feature.
Honda's Remote Start is a highly needed feature. It has made a significant impact on the comfort and convenience of the car owner and the passengers as well.
Without using the ignition key, it allows you to remotely start your car from anywhere there's a cellular signal. You don't need to go inside your car to start the engine. As a Honda car owner, you can start your car from a distance of up to 400 feet. This is a sparkling difference compared to the traditional key fob that operates at only 100 feet.
Aside from this remote starting function, your car is preconditioned with its climate control feature, perfect for the extreme temperatures of winter and summer. This feature turns on either the heat or the AC unit, depending on the external air temperature.
In a few instances, you might experience issues with your HondaLink. Learn more by checking out these posts:
Why Is My HondaLink Not Connecting?
My HondaLink Odometer Is Not Updating - Why? What To Do?
What Is Remote Start In HondaLink App?
The HondaLink has a range of feature sets that comprise the Basic, Link, Security, Remote, and Concierge packages. What's nice about this app is that it allows customization. Hence, as the owner, you can choose among the feature sets only those which you deem you need most.
Most new Honda models come standard with the HondaLink Basic feature only. As the name implies, this package is complimentary and includes the essentials such as service scheduling, safety parking reminders, roadside assistance, and digital manual access.
If you need additional features, you must have a subscription above the Basic package. The remote start option is a separate feature above the basic package. Therefore, it is not surprising when Remote Start doesn't show up upon installation of HondaLink.
Remote Start is an add-on feature to the Basic package. It doesn't automatically displays; hence, you must manually add it to your installed HondaLink app.
How To Activate HondaLink
Connecting to the HondaLink app in your car is simple as its technology. Here are the steps:
- Download the HondaLink app on your Apple or Android mobile phone.
- Input your car's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). Typically, you can locate it in the driver's side door jam.
- Log in with your Honda ID. You can contact your dealer if you don't know your ID.
- Follow the prompts to pair the app with your Honda car.
- Hit the HondaLink icon on your car's infotainment touchscreen.
- HondaLink is ready for use.
How To Add HondaLink Remote Start
After setting up your HondaLink app on your phone, you can easily add the Remote Start feature. Here are the steps as a guide:
- Locate the Remote command and hit the Start button.
- Your car will start and remains on for ten minutes. This pre-set time range gives you ample time to reach your car.
- If you need more time, turn it off and extend it for another ten minutes. Hit the Stop button, then the Extend button.
- At the extend button, you can then indicate your preferred run time.
Before using the feature, you need to observe precautionary measures. Ensure your car isn't covered, as it might ignite a fire. It is also crucial to have your car parked outside, if not in a well-ventilated area, to avoid monoxide poisoning.
Which Honda Models Offer HondaLink?
Not all Honda cars come equipped with the HondaLink app. Fortunately, Honda has made it standard in the following models in its fleet:
- Honda Odyssey
- Honda Accord
- Honda Civic
- Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid
- Honda Insight
- Honda Fit
- Honda CRV
- Honda HRV
- Honda Pilot
- Honda Ridgeline
Which Honda Models Offer Remote Start?
What great news! Honda has made the remote start a standard feature in its newer rollouts. This is made possible by the following models:
- 2023 Honda HRV for Sport and EXL
- 2023 Honda CRV for EX and EXL
- 2023 Honda CRV Hybrid for Special Edition, EX, EXL, and Touring
- 2022 Honda Pilot for Sport, EXL, Special Edition, TrailSport, Touring, and Elite
- 2022 Honda Passport for EXL, TrailSprot, and Elite
- 2022 Honda Civic Sedan for Sport, EX, and Touring
- 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback EXL
- 2022 Honda Accord for Sport Special Edition and EXL
- 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid and Hybrid Sport
- 2023 Honda Odyssey for EX, EXL, Sport, Touring, and Elite
- 2023 Honda Ridgeline for Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition
Comparing the listings above, depending on the Honda model, year, and trim, not all with the HondaLink app can have the Remote Start feature. To cite an example, a 2022 Ridgeline RTL-E does have the app but doesn't have the Remote Start option.
The 2022 Ridgeline RTL-E example is a case of an incompatibility issue between the Remote Start and the HondaLink app. The rationale behind this is that the Remote Start option requires a cellular connection or an onboard modem and not a satellite connection.
Earlier Honda car models aren't equipped with a cellular connection to enable remote start. When this happens, the traditional key fob is the go-to option instead. This is the built-in remote start which is universal in the automotive industry.
In contrast to the HondaLink Remote Start, the key fob ignition is free and should work provided you are within 400 feet.
How Much Is The Remote Start Feature?
The Remote Start package is one of the five packages of the HondaLink app. Upon enrollment, you are given a 3-month complimentary trial period to explore and appreciate the package. If you opt to continue with the feature after the trial period, you need to purchase a monthly subscription.
In some rare instances that you have overlooked that the trial period expires, you will readily notice that the Remote Start gets disabled in your HondaLink app. You will need to pay the subscription fee to continuously use the package.
What Are The Other Benefits Of Remote Start?
As previously mentioned, another remarkable benefit of the Remote Start feature is its climate control. While remotely starting your engine, it also engages your car's climate control. Honda car owners find this feature highly useful, especially for those living in areas where heated seats or air conditioning of the cabin is a must-have.
Remote starting your Honda car affords the convenience of preconditioning its interior. This means you can warm up the car's engine in frigid temperatures. You can warm up the cabin during winter and cool it during summer. This way, it offers superior comfort for the driver and passengers in extreme temperatures.
During cold weather, preconditioning means circulating warm air inside, making it toasty when you enter your car. The other benefits are:
- You don't need to leave your car running with the key, thus a theft hazard.
- Heated interiors also heat the windshield and the windows, thus making easy removal of snow and frost.
- Driving with a cold engine gives undue wear and tear to the parts. Warming up a bit reduces the stress on the engine.
During hot weather, your car's interior is comparable to an oven. The climate control feature affords a comfortable temperature. The other benefits are:
- No rolling down of the car's windows to let heated air exit before driving.
- The leather covers of your steering wheel and seats aren't burning hot.
- Warm engines afford better lubrication, thus resulting in less wear to the engine parts.
The other benefits of Remote Start are its lock and unlock capability for your car's door. On top of this, it also serves as anti-theft protection.
Final Takeaway
Several Honda models may have the HondaLink app, but not all are compatible with the Remote Start feature. So, it isn't surprising if the feature doesn't show in your app for a few reasons.
Firstly, it comes with the standard package in Honda's newer top-of-the-line models only. Secondly, it requires a cellular connection which not all models are capable of. And lastly, remote start automatically disables not until you pay the monthly subscription fee.
It is hoped that this post did address your queries on the remote start feature of your Honda. You can learn more about remote starting by checking out these posts:
How Long Does A Car Run On Remote Start?
How To Remote Start A Honda Pilot?