Toyota Remote Connect

So I just spent 43K last month for a new Tundra well equipped, TRD Sport, SR5 Upgrade, TRD Sport Convenience etc and just got a notice from Toyota it expires in a year and have to pay $85.00 per year to unlock, lock and remote start my new Tundra and how said is that?

You would think if a new car/truck comes equiped with a remote starter it would work forever instead of being nick-led and dime by Toyota and have to pay $85.00 per year to use that feature the vehicle has and pretty pathetic I think, and don't know any other auto manufacturers that do that yet coming from a ford that it was forever.

Very sad we buy and pay for a new Toyota with all the options we want, only to find out they expire and we have to keep paying annual fees to keep them working I think!!!! ???

 

So I’m not 100 percent and others can chime in but once you activate the remote start the key fob should work even without a subscription. You won’t be able to use the app.

Unfortunately the range on the key fob is abysmal so remote starting from inside your house is even problematic with it

 

YUP App won't work and sad after paying all that money for a new Toyota, and the range key on the FOB is terrible too and really disapointed on the new Toyota

 

Agreed on all points said before... also the key fob is the cheapest POS I've had in my pocket across several different vehicles. The fob is huge, feels hollow, and the key feels like it might snap after three uses.

 

The remote start via key fob is good for 10 years. I agree that the subscriptions services should last longer before paying a subscription, but I understand that those services (the ones through the app) have ongoing costs for Toyota that have to be covered. The key fob remote start should be a permanent feature though.

 

I paid for it just because I like the alerts when the door is open or if I forget it's unlocked. Yeah, it sucks that we have to pay for it but I'm making monthly payments for shit that is less useful on my iPhone so I just paid the $85 and pretty much forgot about it until you brought it up.

It didn't affect my enjoyment of the truck at all though.

 

AJT makes a nice replacement case for it. https://www.ajtdesign-llc.com/online-store/2020-V1-Fob-Case-c70676011

 

Yeah I'm considering it, just seems like it shouldn't be necessary and it still doesn't fix the flimsy key.

 

Yeah, it seems like everything is heading into that direction. I can't speak to it's durability because I haven't had to use the key that much but I do like the feel and look of the AJT case.

 

Drone Mobile...$12.00 per month gives you everything you need. You can unlock, lock, and start from a cell phone, computer or FOB...and you can be anywhere (not with FOB of course). Also has vehicle monitoring, GPS, and all sorts of other goodies. Well worth looking into.

 

Yes, then there's the issue of it not working after the year. My 2020 trd sport key fob stopping doing remote start after year, and reading the posts on here it's a known issue. Toyota wouldn't even extend my remote connect. Only way around is to pay for it, or get new(better) remote start

 

Hello All... In anyone's opinion... is it better to go aftermarket for the remote start?

Reason i am asking..... picking up a new toy in a few days fingerscrossed and this post has me thinking

 

I'm happy with the Toyota remote start. Many don't like it because it turns off when you open the door. Doesn't bother me a bit. I'm paying for the remote connect and it was $84/year (I think). It tells me if I leave a door open, where I parked, etc. Free would be better but I'm cool with it.

 

$12/month? That's $144/year! Remote Connect is only $8/month or $80/year. I just subscribed to the Remote Connect (since my trial is ending) but did not get Safety Connect or Destination Assist. While I think the remote start from the key fob should be a permanent part of the truck, I like the ability to check status, lock/unlock doors, and the other stuff on the app, and on my Apple Watch. All of that takes back end infrastructure which is not free for Toyota. $80/yr is not unreasonable for this. $80/yr for the other services (each) is way too high though.

 

12 volt solutions (no affiliation) makes a plug & play cellular remote start, first year included, I just renewed until 9/24 for 99 bucks. It gives you all the remote start lock/unlock features and a map locator so if the truck is stolen you can see where it is.

 

I just picked up my pro a couple of weeks ago, salesman said nothing about starting truck with Fob. How do you do that?

 

Yes, what Kelly said is what I was trying to say but he said it much better.

 

I opted out of everything toyota tried to offer me with the remote start and alarm system. Cost just over 1000 bucks. I ended up getting the viper system with 1 mile 2-way remotes and alarm system with a GPS tracker and ability to do everything on my phone. Viper cost me around 720 bucks so it came with more features and cheaper over all. Love it.

 

Some things to consider with the FOB. Is the range limited because the FOB is always transmitting a signal? How long would the battery last if the power output was doubled? Would someone be able to open your door if you were sitting inside of a restaurant a few hundred feet from where you are parked? I know that my FOB won't communicate with my truck once I shut the office door and I like that since my truck is parked in a high foot traffic area.

 

"$85/year? That's crap! Instead I'll pay $144/year...."

(Sorry, couldn't resist. )

 

My assumption was that he wasn't complaining about the cost, he was basically just complaining that it should be included with a 40K+ vehicle. I was simply giving him another option. $144/yr definitely doesn't affect my pocketbook. Especially with gas being $4+/gallon and DMV fees of $600+ in CA, $144/yr for something that benefits myself and keeps my vehicle safe, monitors maintenance and such is well worth the price tag. My '17 did not have that option so I had to look elsewhere, luckily I have a good friend that has been doing car audio and customization for 20+ years and he told me about it.

 

Yeah, this discussion wouldn't be necessary if Toyota just treated it's customers the same way other car manufacturers do. I'm here for the reliability, just wish they didn't go cheap on the small things like this. I feel like the msrp is enough to cover those small details.

 

Oh, I'm definitely not disagreeing with you; it was just that the post read kinda funny to me is all. I'm in the same boat - $144 (or $80) per year is no big deal...and it'd be nice if it were included. With that said, my previous 2 vehicles didn't have squat available, so I'm just happy that I have built-in remote starting and the option to pay for it.

 

Press lock, press lock, press lock and hold 10 sec