I've read so many opinions about remote start & features my head is spinning.

Internet forums can do that.
don't venture into vinyl record/turntable/audiophile forums and ask questions. It is a black rabbit hole of unmatched immensity in the differing opinions/"facts" you will get. haha. Makes these threads look rather simple.

Thanks for this post!!

 

Thanks for the post... a question from the time you tell app to start the car how long does it take for the car to actually start?

Thanks in Advance
Mike

 

Less than 30 seconds in a normal city setting, including full two-way communication. The app will show a spinning wheel while it connects to the vehicle and starts the car. It will tell you if it was successfully started. Typically for me: The vehicle starts in 5-10 seconds after pushing the button, then it takes another 5-10 seconds for the status to come back to the app and inform the user it was started. The website has a similar notification.

 

can you turn on the heated steering wheel?

 

There is currently no option to turn on the heated steering wheel. If that changes, I'll update the post.

 

Myth #1: The engine shuts off when you open the door if the car has been started remotely.
Fact: The engine stays running when the driver door is unlocked and opened. The car cannot be placed in to drive until you press the start/stop button in the car, with the key fob present. The engine never stops running. Using the remote key-fob system, the manual does indicate the engine shuts off when the door is opened. The Starlink system does not work this way with the tested configuration.

There is also a time associated with how long to run the engine. It will shut off after that period. It's possible this is what people were seeing and interpreted it as being a result of opening the car door. But yes, if you're within the engine run period, it won't shut off, and you can turn the full car on with a push of the button and the engine will not shut down and start back up.

 

Or the difference between the Subaru smart start remote vs using Starlink to do it.

 

Myth #1: The engine shuts off when you open the door if the car has been started remotely.
Fact: The engine stays running when the driver door is unlocked and opened. The car cannot be placed in to drive until you press the start/stop button in the car, with the key fob present. The engine never stops running. Using the remote key-fob system, the manual does indicate the engine shuts off when the door is opened. The Starlink system does not work this way with the tested configuration.

To me this sounds like the only advantage to using Starlink for remote starting. Since using a phone to start my car doesn't appeal to me I think I would be investigating aftermarket options over the Subaru remote start key-fob system. There were some aftermarket systems for the Gen 5 models that sounded pretty good so I imagine in time there will be some good options for the Gen 6 as well. The biggest issue with aftermarket is getting a competent installer that won't do a hack job on the install.

 

All the climate control settings aren't an advantage to you? To me, that's the biggest one, especially in these weird Fall days where one day it's 85 degrees F and the next it's in the 50s, so you want to start it with A/C or heating depending on what mother nature has in store for the day.

 

On particularly frigid days an idling car is not enough to heat the interior enough to melt show on the windshield anyway. It needs revving the engine for a bit to get temperatures up sufficiently. The seats and steering are the ones that need to be warned up first which 10 minutes is enough I think..

 

Works pretty good down to -30F in my experience. How cold does it get where you are? ?

 

At -30, all odds are off to accomplish anything.

 

Only five or ten minutes of run time? That is a bit short if I want the car to warm up and start defrosting the ice and snow on the windows. Twenty minutes at least should be available.

 

I agree. Question is: how long does it run with the fob based remote start?

 

Myth #2: The Starlink app is terrible garbage.
Fact: This is partially true. There are two apps available: Starlink and MySubaru. Both let you start the vehicle and set controls like the climate settings. The MySubaru app is current and works better. I've only had to put my password in one time. I enabled a new feature in the MySubaru app to use Apple's Touch-ID (fingerprint) as the "pin" to start the car. The Starlink app does not have these features at this time. Starting the car with the MySubaru app is quite easy and works well.

I got to speak to the Developers of the My Subaru app in 2017 when they were working on all the new features for the Ascent release. And like the majority of them, then, reviews in both the apple store and play store were from early releases in the development. Not a not uncommon issue when you have a small dev team (10 at the time) and a huge audience and so many variations of apps, phones, etc... They had a lot to do to make it as good as it is today, which is a lot better. They have really stepped up the development of the app since the launch of the Ascent and they are paying attention to bug reports from both app stores.

 

Myth #4: You can adjust the climate settings remotely.
Only the phone app allows for climate setting adjustment prior to starting. It is not possible to change these settings when starting via the MySubaru website.

On the website if you click STARLINK and then Starlink Remote Services it will pop what appears to be the same screen but then you will have climate control features under Remote Engine Start.

 

On the website if you click STARLINK and then Starlink Remote Services it will pop what appears to be the same screen but then you will have climate control features under Remote Engine Start.

Good catch. I've updated the main post with this info. The main home page "Remote Engine Start" button doesn't work this way for me. It only starts the engine. Because it looks exactly the same as the button on the remote start page, I guess I never bothered to actually press that button to see what was available. If you do, you'll see the full settings previously listed. Thanks for catching the mistake!

 

I've read so many opinions about remote start & features my head is spinning. Having used the feature several times on the 2020 OB, I can offer some real-world myth-busting.

Test Setup
YMM: 2020 Subaru Outback (Limited XT)
Features: Starlink Safety & Security Plus (remote start key-fob accessory system NOT installed), Keyless Entry
Software: MySubaru app (iPhone 6s Plus), MySubaru Website

Myth #1: The engine shuts off when you open the door if the car has been started remotely.
Fact: The engine stays running when the driver door is unlocked and opened. The car cannot be placed in to drive until you press the start/stop button in the car, with the key fob present. The engine never stops running. Using the remote start key-fob accessory, the manual indicates the engine does shut off when the door is opened. The Starlink system does not work this way with the tested configuration. Adjustable run times are either 5 or 10 minutes.

Myth #2: The Starlink app has very low reviews in the store, must be garbage.
Fact: This is partially true. There are two apps available: Starlink and MySubaru. Both let you start the vehicle and set controls like the climate settings. The MySubaru app is current and works better. I've only had to put my password in one time. I enabled the feature in the MySubaru app to use Apple's Touch-ID (fingerprint) as the "pin" to start the car. The Starlink app does not have this feature, and is less user-friendly as a result. Starting the car with the MySubaru app is quite easy and works well. I recommend using that one.

Myth #3: You can disable auto-renewal for the Starlink subscription.
Fact: This is partially true. You can call Starlink support and they can remove your credit card information (only they can do this). This effectively prevents auto-renew from working as Subaru will have no way to charge you at renewal time. When calling Starlink support to turn off auto-renewal, ask to have your card data deleted instead. Technically, there isn't a way to have the card data on-file and auto-renew disabled. There is currently no way to switch from an auto-renewal plan to any other subscription term (they are all auto-renew). The only choice is to let it expire, then pick a new plan. Hopefully Subaru improves this!

Myth #4: You can adjust the climate settings remotely.
Fact: This is partially true. You can adjust a few of the climate controls prior to starting. Once the car is started, the controls cannot be modified without stopping the engine first and sending another start command. Only the phone app allows for climate setting adjustment prior to starting. It is not possible to change these settings when starting via the MySubaru website. The following settings can be adjusted prior to start (as of October, 2019) using the MySubaru app: Temperature, Manual or Full-Auto, Engine Runtime (5 or 10 minutes), Driver and Passenger Heated Seats, Rear Defroster. If "Manual" is selected, additional settings are available: Air Flow (e.g. face/feet, front defrost), Front Defroster, Fan Speed, Air Circulation (fresh, recirculate). Items that cannot be set: dual-zone settings, rear seat heaters, steering wheel heater.

Myth #5: You can use the regular keyless fob to start the car.
Fact: The manual makes it seem like you can use the regular key fob for the keyless system to start the vehicle (see page 333 in 2020 owners manual). This does not work if the remote-start accessory is not installed (different system than Starlink). You cannot use it to start the car as a "work-around" to the Starlink system or remote-start accessory. Having the Starlink Security Plus system enabled does not allow the fob to also start the car. The full remote-start accessory must be installed first. The feature on page 333 only allows the key fob to act as an "alternative" remote start transmitter, albeit one with less range. (The remote-start accessory includes a separate long-range transmitter fob for starting the car.)

Myth #6: It takes several days for the Starlink system to become activated.
Fact: This may be true in rare cases. In most cases (mine included) the Startlink Safety & Security Plus features worked within about 15 minutes of paying for it. It may depend on your access to the data network the Starlink system uses. If you are concerned about Starlink coverage in your area, I'd actually check with people who use AT&T cellular services in your region. They may know of network dead spots. The OB has an on-board cellular modem connected with AT&T to enable Starlink to work. (Note: This is the same modem used for the vehicle wifi hot-spot. You do not have to have the hot-spot subscription service for Starlink to function. I tested it in both configurations. The hot spot services does not impact Starlink in any way, as far as I can tell.)

Myth #7: You need to purchase the remote-start accessory for remote start to function.
Fact: The Starlink system and remote-start accessory can both remotely start the vehicle. The two systems are totally independent and do not rely on each other to function in any way. You do not need the remote start accessory installed for the Starlink remote start feature to work. The Remote-start Accessory uses a built in radio receiver installed in to the car. The owner must carry a second remote-start fob (which comes with the accessory). This fob is a long-range transmitter which can send a signal to the accessory, starting the car. The remote-start accessory is a two-way system. The remote-start fob can receive a signal back from the car indicating successful start. The Starlink Security Plus subscription also allows owners to remotely start their vehicles (as well as perform other functions). It uses a cellular modem built in to the car to function. As a result, its range is limited to the AT&T cellular network coverage area (which is gigantic). Using this system, it is possible to remote start the vehicle from around the world (as long as the car is in cellular coverage range).

FAQ #1: How long does it take to actually start the car?
Answer: It takes approximately 20 seconds from the moment you press start in the app to the car responding back indicating the engine was successfully started. It takes about 5-10 seconds for the engine to actually start (another 5-10 to get the message in the app). ATT&T cell coverage may affect performance as it uses the AT&T cellular modem built in to the car for the feature. You do not need to pay AT&T for this service, though many trims offer a separate data wifi hotspot that can be purchased from AT&T. This hotspot doesn't impact Starlink performance in any way and does not need to be purchased for any of the Starlink features to work.

FAQ #2: Can the steering wheel heater be turned on remotely?
Answer: The MySubaru app does not allow the user to turn on the steering wheel heater at this time. I also tested turning on the steering wheel heater prior to shut-off, then remote starting. The car starts with the heater off. See the climate settings myth above for a complete listing of all adjustable options.

FAQ #3: Does the car remember dual-zone climate settings with remote start?
Answer: When starting using the MySubaru iPhone app, the user must select climate control settings (it is not optional). This sets both zones to the selected temperature. It will override any previous settings set when the car was parked. Starting the car using the MySubaru website was harder to test. There is no way to select climate settings when starting with the website. It seems to set the climate settings to the last used climate settings sent via the app. I was unable to test what they are set to if the app has never been used. I suspect it may be some default value. I was unable to find a way to configure the car to start with dual-zone settings configured.

FAQ #4: How many times can the car be started remotely? Can you request multiple starts at 10 minutes each?
Answer: After requesting a remote start duration of 10 minutes and letting the full 10 minutes pass, the engine will automatically shut off. There is a 20-30 second delay for the car status to be synchronized with the app, during which time the remote start feature of the app can't be used. The engine can then immediately be started remotely again for another 10 minutes. When attempting to start the car a third time, the user is given the following error message: "You have reached the maximum allotted run time of 20 minutes, the vehicle will need to be manually started." The remote start will not function until the vehicle is restarted normally.

FAQ #5: What remote start settings can be set via the MySubaru web site?
Answer: At this time, there are no settings that can be set (not even run duration). You can only request remote start. It appears to use the last settings sent to the car via the MySubaru app. I am unable to fully reset the system to factory defaults to test this further. I recommend using the app.

FAQ #6: How much does Starlink Security Plus cost?
Answer: Without discounts, the feature costs $149/year. However, discounts and coupon codes are readily available. When purchasing a new vehicle, it is possible to get 7 years for $374.90. For better pricing, call the Starlink support line and work out a deal. The longer the subscription time, the better the deal is likely going to be. You can also ask in the forum for links to any discount codes.

Nicely done, thanks!

 

Living in the Phoenix, Arizona area.... having the remote start is GREAT to begin cooling the cabin and getting that A/C flowing.

 

I cannot figure out how to change the temperature and heated seat settings on the mysubaru app (Android). I click on Adjust Climate & Delay Settings, make a change, and don't see a "save" option. I back out to the main screen and the changes are not saved.

 

On mine, I have to start the car with a particular setting for it to stick in the app. In other words, the app remembers your last start settings.

 

That might be the trick... thank you!

 

I goofed.

 

The original post about Starlink remote start is fantastic. My wife and I each have 2020 OBs, hers is red and mine is blue.
I wanted to get Security Plus for both, but I wanted each of us to be able to remotely start either car with our respective cell phones. We each have a separate My Subaru account and separate cell phone accounts. Originally, I was told one MySubaru account would have to be deleted and have both cars under one account. A Subaru support supervisor was not sure I could maintain separate accounts and control both cars.
It worked. Separate accounts. Each My Subaru account can control both cars. Once the main account is set up I gave that car a nickname (blue or red), made the other person an authorized user, went to the other person's MySubaru account and there was the car. Did the same for the other account. Without nicknames the VIN is what shows and who can remember that. I open the MySubaru app on either phone, hit menu, and I get to choose which car to control, blue or red.
You can authorize multiple users (I think 5) to have remote start capabilities. The others don't even have to own a Subaru; they are sent an email with a link to open their own MySubaru account.
The original post hit everything right on the head - except pricing. Got both cars December, 2019 with 3 free years of the basic safety plan. Added Security Plus with remote start and everything else (not concierge) for $70 plus tax for each of the cars for 3 years (to December 2022). Not per year, but total cost. I did this on 3/2/2020.
I find it ironic that here we're talking about warm-up times up to 20 minutes long, while stop-start stops the engine for maybe 5 minutes per tankful of gas (and after 3 months I still don't know if I like stop-start).

 

Glad you're liking the OB, ralphs. I turned this OP in to a full Remote Start guide. It contains lots of updates, clarifications, and edits. I can't modify the original post to update anything. For the latest version, it is available here: Subaru Starlink Remote-Start

 

Glad you're liking the OB, ralphs. I turned this OP in to a full Remote Start guide. It contains lots of updates, clarifications, and edits. I can't modify the original post to update anything. For the latest version, it is available here: Subaru Starlink Remote-Start

Thanks, @2ow -- truth be told, my wife and I are on our 18th and 19th Subarus, going back to 1985. For the most part, they have been fantastic cars.
I've read your guides and watched your videos - wish I had discovered you before I went searching in the huge manuals. One of the problems is that I'll adjust something in my car and then can not figure out how to do it again in my wife's car. Intuitive settings does not seem to be a Subaru strong point.
Keep up the good work.

 

I'm subscribed to the Starlink Safety and Security Plus.

I don't see Remote Start.

I have an 2019 Outback 3.6R Touring and it does have the remote key fob start (which I've used once and then put in the drawer - don't need more things in my pocket). From reading this thread it looks like they're completely separate systems and it seems like I should have remote start on the MySubaru app. Any ideas on why it's missing?

All I can do is:

• lock doors
• unlock doors
• locate vehicle
• horn & lights

 

I'm subscribed to the Starlink Safety and Security Plus.

I don't see Remote Start.

I have an Outback 3.6R and it does have the remote key fob start (which I've used once and then put in the drawer - don't need more things in my pocket). From reading this thread it looks like they're completely separate systems and it seems like I should have remote start on the MySubaru app. Any ideas on why it's missing?

Not sure you are in the right thread, this is for 2020+ - not sure the 3.6 (19 and before) had this feature.

 

Ok. Thanks all. I swear I thought I was reading a Gen 5 thread but it must have been a different thread.

 

To start the car with the app you need a car with keyless start, it can't be a manual transmission, and you have to have a subscription to StarLink Safety Plus and Security Plus. If I understand correctly, even the Gen 6 cars with key start can't use the app for remote start.

I bought the key dongle start for my wife's 2016 Outback 3.6R Limited. It works well and has decent range. I'm spoiled with my 2020, not only can I start the car remotely from anywhere with an internet connection, but I can set the temp and turn on the heated seats. At least you can still lock/unlock and track the car. Her 2016 doesn't have any of those capabilities.

 

The 2.4 DIT warms up faster than any car I have owned. Those that would rather install a Subaru or other aftermarket remote starter other than the "built-in" are just throwing away their money. $75.00 for 3 years and another $150 for an additional 3 years is less than any remote starter purchased and installed.

 

Don’t forget that the Starlink service remote start requires a decent cellular link between the vehicle and AT&T’s network to work. For most metro/urban areas this shouldn't be an issue, but, in rural areas it could be.

 

Good write-up. Thanks. Haven't picked-up my new Limited XT yet but I know I will likely want to pay for the Security app access as I have similar on my F150 and it's slick.

It's 100% relative to the cost, however. I'd pay for the 7 years but would work hard for significant discount. Fwiw last I heard Ford has decided to abandon the fee and give it for no charge.

 

It's 100% relative to the cost, however. I'd pay for the 7 years but would work hard for significant discount.

The new buyer discounted price for 7 years is $374. It goes on your credit card, so there's nothing to negotiate.

 

I think ours was $75 for 3 years, much cheaper than the cost on our 19.

 

Yes, that's the three year uplift that supports remote start. Seven year is $374 for the same uplift. Both provide a discount and also account for the free trial periods.

In another thread, a poster indicated they were able to bundle the cost in to their fiancing, but there were no additional discounts. I'm guessing it's just a passthrough on the dealer side.

 

2021 Onyx XT and got the 374.90 deal for 7 years of Starlink Security and Safety Plus (thanks to all the info in this forum).

The remote start is great. It is nice to get in my car in the morning and have the seats warmed and car heated. The app runs great on my iPhone and so far no issues at all.

 

Can I have both a remote start installed and still use starlink (mysubaru) to start the car? I live in an area with little cell coverage, so the back-up option is nice to have.

 

Am i to understand that you need to subscribe to Starlink in order for the remote start feature (that was paid for, btw) to work?

 

Correct. You should get a several month trial, think its 6 for remote start, and 3 years for the emergency help part of StarLink, which you also need. Alternatively, you could purchase a remote start, Subaru sells one but you have to be relatively close to the car. Wife has the Subaru one on her 2013 Outback. No way to set temperature, heated seats, defrosters, etc. You have to remember to set when you leave the car. With the StarLink remote, you get vehicle info, can set the settings I previously mentioned, can locate the car if stolen, se miles, and vehicle health. I think you need to subscribe to 2 of the 3 options to get remote start. There are typically options at purchase/setup to get a discounted price on the subscription for $70 for three years or $375 for 7 years. If you plan on keeping the car, the 7year deal is actually better because the base StarLink service initial free sub is 3 years and you have to add that plus the remote start part for years 4 to 7 and it would be a lot more than $375. Cost of wife's Subaru remote start was more than $375 and she doesn't have all the StarLink features new models have. One caveat, your car needs to be able to get AT&T cellular service reception for StarLink to work. The manual remote start is line of sight. You can probably get a third party remote line of sight start cheaper. All depends on what you want.

 

Myth #5: You can use the regular keyless fob to start the car.
Fact: The manual makes it seem like you can use the regular key fob for the keyless system to start the vehicle (see page 333 in 2020 owners manual). This does not work if the remote-start accessory is not installed (different system than Starlink). You cannot use it to start the car as a "work-around" to the Starlink system or remote-start accessory. Having the Starlink Security Plus system enabled does not allow the fob to also start the car. The full remote-start accessory must be installed first. The feature on page 333 only allows the key fob to act as an "alternative" remote start transmitter, albeit one with less range. (The remote-start accessory includes a separate long-range transmitter fob for starting the car.)

I thought this too when I read the manual, but I just tried it and it didn't work. The car component of the "remote-start accessory" has to be just some software package right? If there's no physical key, you can start the car with the push of a button, and you have a key fob remote that can send a signal to the car, then all the components necessary to start the car are there.

I guess what I'm wondering is, why couldn't every keyless Subaru have remote start as default using the regular keyless fob (other than being able to charge you for it)?

 

I thought this too when I read the manual, but I just tried it and it didn't work. The car component of the "remote-start accessory" has to be just some software package right? If there's no physical key, you can start the car with the push of a button, and you have a key fob remote that can send a signal to the car, then all the components necessary to start the car are there.

I guess what I'm wondering is, why couldn't every keyless Subaru have remote start as default using the regular keyless fob (other than being able to charge you for it)?

When they add remote start using the dongle or key fob, an antenna gets added as well as a hardware module, at least that's how it was on my wife's 2013 Outback.