The Hyundai Elantra, while considered an entry-level compact car, boasts features that elevate it above the basic. One such feature, increasingly sought after by drivers, is remote start. Many Hyundai Elantra models come equipped with a remote start system activated by the key fob. Starting from the 2017 model year, Hyundai expanded remote start capabilities through smartphone integration for most Elantra trims. This article delves into the specifics of the Hyundai Elantra remote start, focusing on the key fob operation and exploring other available methods.
Remote start offers undeniable convenience, especially in extreme weather. Imagine pre-heating your car on a frigid winter morning or cooling down the interior on a sweltering summer day before you even step inside. Understanding how to utilize the Hyundai Elantra remote start system, particularly the key fob functionality, ensures you can maximize this comfort feature.
Whether you’re a prospective Hyundai Elantra owner or already have one parked in your garage, this guide will provide valuable information. Keep in mind that features and equipment can vary across model years and trim levels, so always consult your owner’s manual for the most accurate details specific to your vehicle.
Utilizing Your Hyundai Elantra Smart Key for Remote Start
The Smart Key Remote Start Feature
Hyundai often refers to their key fobs as “smart keys,” particularly in newer Elantra models. To determine if your Hyundai Elantra key fob has remote start capability, look for a button with a circular arrow icon (an incomplete circle with an arrow at one end). This symbol indicates the presence of the factory remote start function on your key fob. If your key fob lacks this icon, don’t worry; we will discuss aftermarket remote start options later in this article.
For Elantra models equipped with the smart key remote start, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use it. Always double-check your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions.
- Proximity is Key: Ensure you are within approximately 32 feet (10 meters) of your Hyundai Elantra for the remote start to function effectively.
- Initiate the Sequence: First, press the “lock” button on your Hyundai Elantra smart key fob.
- Engage Remote Start: Within four seconds of pressing the lock button, press and hold the button with the circular arrow icon.
- Confirmation Signals: If the remote start command is successful, a red LED indicator light on the key fob will blink, and the car’s hazard lights will flash briefly to confirm activation.
Once remotely started using the key fob, the Hyundai Elantra’s climate control system will activate. For vehicles with manual climate control, the system will operate at its previous settings. In Elantra models with automatic climate control, the system will automatically adjust to a comfortable 72°F (22°C). The engine will run for a maximum of 15 minutes, providing ample time to precondition the cabin. You can turn off the engine remotely at any time by pressing the remote start button on the key fob again.
Expanding Remote Start Capabilities with the MyHyundai App
Hyundai introduced its Bluelink connected car service to the Elantra lineup starting in 2017, and it has become a standard feature on most trims since then. Bluelink offers a suite of services designed to enhance the ownership experience, including automatic emergency notifications, vehicle health reports, remote vehicle monitoring, and, importantly, remote start functionality. The remote start and other Bluelink features are accessible through the MyHyundai smartphone application.
If your Hyundai Elantra is equipped with Bluelink and you have an active subscription, you can leverage the MyHyundai app to start your car from virtually anywhere with cellular service. This offers greater convenience compared to the limited range of the key fob remote start.
Setting up remote start via the MyHyundai app is straightforward:
- Download and Registration: Install the MyHyundai app from your smartphone’s app store and register your vehicle using your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
- Access Remote Start: Open the MyHyundai app and navigate to the remote start section, often found on the main dashboard or under a “Remote” or “Quick Controls” menu.
- Customize Settings (if equipped): Depending on your Elantra’s specific features, the app may allow you to customize climate control settings before initiating remote start. This can include activating defrosters, heated seats, cooled seats, and the heated steering wheel, if your vehicle is equipped with these options. You can also typically set a desired engine run time.
- Initiate Remote Start: Tap the “Remote Start” button within the app to send the command to your Hyundai Elantra.
Utilizing the MyHyundai Web Portal for Remote Start
For situations where smartphone access is unavailable, or you prefer using a computer, the MyHyundai web portal provides another avenue for remote starting your Elantra. If your Hyundai Elantra is Bluelink-enabled and you have an active subscription, you can access remote start features through the web portal.
To use the MyHyundai web portal for remote start:
- Registration and Login: Visit the official MyHyundai website and register or log in to your owner account.
- Navigate to Remote Features: Once logged in, locate the remote start section. This is usually found under “Remote Access” or a similar menu option.
- Initiate Remote Start: Click the remote start link or button to send the command to your vehicle. The functionality mirrors that of the smartphone app, allowing for similar customization options if available for your Elantra model.
Hyundai Digital Key: A High-Tech Remote Start Approach
With the introduction of the seventh-generation Hyundai Elantra for the 2021 model year, Hyundai incorporated advanced technological features, including the Digital Key. Available on certain trims like the Limited, the Hyundai Digital Key system allows owners to use their smartphone or an NFC card as a virtual key to unlock, start, and control vehicle functions, including remote start, without the traditional key fob.
The Hyundai Digital Key utilizes Near Field Communication (NFC) technology in compatible smartphones. To use it:
- Digital Key App: Download and install the Hyundai Digital Key app.
- NFC Access: To unlock the car, simply tap your smartphone against the front door handle.
- Starting the Engine: Once inside, place your smartphone on the wireless charging pad and press the engine start button.
- Remote Start Functionality: The Digital Key app also integrates a remote start function, offering similar features to the MyHyundai app. You can also share a digital key with another authorized user’s smartphone.
Hyundai also provides an NFC card, similar in size to a credit card, as an alternative to using a smartphone for the Digital Key system.
Aftermarket Hyundai Elantra Remote Start Systems
If your Hyundai Elantra, particularly older models or base trims, does not come equipped with a factory remote start system, aftermarket solutions are readily available. Adding remote start aftermarket can provide the convenience you desire.
When considering aftermarket remote start for your Hyundai Elantra:
- Research Options: Explore the numerous aftermarket remote start systems available online and at local car audio or customization shops.
- System Types: You’ll generally find two main types: one-way systems that simply send a start/stop command and two-way systems that provide confirmation signals and vehicle status updates back to a remote or smartphone app.
- Pricing: Quality aftermarket remote start systems typically range from $200 to $500 for the unit itself, excluding installation costs. More advanced systems with smartphone integration, extended range, and additional features like alarm integration and climate control adjustments will be at the higher end of the price range.
- Brand Reputation: Opt for reputable brands known for quality and reliability to avoid issues and ensure customer support is available if needed. Avoid extremely cheap, unbranded systems, as these can be problematic and lack support.
Professional Installation is Crucial
While DIY installation might seem tempting, installing a remote start system in a modern vehicle like the Hyundai Elantra is not a simple task. It involves intricate wiring and integration with the vehicle’s electrical and computer systems. Professional installation by an experienced mobile electronics technician is highly recommended.
- Installation Costs: Labor costs for professional installation typically range from $100 to $250 per hour, and the job can take anywhere from one to three hours, depending on the complexity of the system and your vehicle.
- Avoid Damage: Improper installation can damage your Elantra’s sensitive electronics or the aftermarket system itself. Professional installers have the expertise and tools to ensure a safe and reliable installation.
Important Safety Tips for Hyundai Elantra Remote Start
Whether you are using the factory Hyundai Elantra remote start via the key fob, app, or an aftermarket system, safety should always be a priority. Adhere to these safety guidelines:
- Ventilation: Always use remote start in open, well-ventilated areas. Never remotely start your Elantra in an enclosed space like a garage, as this can lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide fumes.
- Vehicle in Park: Ensure your Hyundai Elantra is securely parked, with the transmission in “Park” (P) and the parking brake engaged, before activating remote start.
- Child Safety: Keep your Hyundai Elantra Remote Start Key Fob and any associated remotes or devices out of reach of children to prevent accidental activation and potential hazards.
- Read the Instructions: Carefully review the operating instructions for your specific remote start system, whether it’s factory or aftermarket, before using it for the first time. Understanding the system’s nuances is crucial for safe and proper operation.
By understanding the various remote start options available for your Hyundai Elantra, from the convenient key fob to advanced smartphone integration and aftermarket solutions, you can enhance your driving experience and enjoy the comfort of a pre-conditioned vehicle, regardless of the weather.
