Many modern vehicles come equipped with key fobs that offer more than just locking and unlocking your doors. One popular feature is the ability to remotely start your car. If you’re wondering “How To Start My Car With Key Fob”, you’re in the right place. This guide will explain how this convenient feature works, its benefits, and limitations, especially concerning range, and explore better remote start options to consider.
Understanding Factory Key Fob Remote Start
Using your factory key fob to start your car is often surprisingly simple. Many vehicles utilize a system commonly known as “3x Lock Start”. This intuitive system leverages your existing key fob to activate your car’s remote starter. The process typically involves pressing the lock button on your key fob three times in quick succession.
When you perform this “3x Lock Start” sequence, a computer interface module within your vehicle interprets the signal and commands the remote starter to ignite your engine. This system integrates seamlessly with your car’s existing electronics, monitoring door locks, security systems, and other functions. For vehicles where the remote is integrated into the car key itself, this method provides a clean and efficient solution, eliminating the need for an extra remote on your keyring.
The Range Question: Factory Key Fob Limitations
While the convenience of using your factory key fob for remote start is undeniable, it’s important to consider its limitations, particularly concerning range. The effectiveness of your factory remote start is often tied to the standard operating range of your key fob’s locking and unlocking functions. This is where the question of “can you start your car with factory remote” shifts to “should you rely solely on your factory remote for remote start?”.
Imagine the comfort of stepping into a pre-warmed car on a frigid winter morning. Once you experience this, remote start becomes indispensable. However, the factory key fob range might not always be sufficient for your needs. Consider scenarios like starting your car from inside your office building, a large grocery store, or a crowded movie theater. The limited range of a factory key fob can lead to frustration when you expect a warm car, only to find it still ice-cold because the start command didn’t reach.
Exploring Enhanced Remote Control Options
If range is a concern, aftermarket remote starters offer significantly improved performance and features compared to factory key fobs alone. Even basic aftermarket remote controls typically provide a range starting from 800 feet, extending up to a mile or more in optimal conditions. Furthermore, many aftermarket remotes offer valuable feedback, confirming that your start command has been successfully received and executed by your vehicle. This confirmation feature eliminates the guesswork and potential disappointment associated with limited-range factory remotes.
For the ultimate in remote start convenience and control, telematics systems like Viper SmartStart are available. These advanced systems utilize smartphone apps, allowing you to remote start, lock, unlock, and even open the trunk of your car from virtually anywhere with cellular service. Premium SmartStart plans can also include GPS vehicle tracking and customizable alerts based on location and speed. Many users choose to combine a SmartStart system with their factory key fob, providing multiple control options and ensuring reliable remote start capability in diverse situations.
Consulting Remote Start Experts
If you’re considering a remote starter and exploring the option of using your factory key fob, it’s beneficial to consult with professionals. Experts at Auto Image can demonstrate how factory key fob remote start works and assess whether it meets your specific needs and range requirements. If you require extended range or advanced features beyond the capabilities of your factory remote, they can recommend and install a suitable Viper remote starter system tailored to your vehicle and lifestyle. For any further inquiries or to discuss your remote start options, contacting them through their contact page is a great next step.
