....I just read that this thing has a range of 75 FEET ????????? Are you friggin' kidding me!? That's pretty damned near useless!? Now I'm angry that I even had it installed. I thought it would function like my 2013's remote start. I'm very sad to find out otherwise. Can anyone recommend another starter that's WORTH putting into this car, that doesn't have compatibility issues.

 

That's the main reason I didn't have it installed when I ordered. As of this week, there are NO 3rd party remote starters available for push-button start. I've looked and looked. I would assume in time, they'll make the firmware to work.

 

Well, from a Design/Engineering standpoint, I understand why it works this way. Nobody wants 2 remotes in their pock, way too bulky. So Subaru uses the system you described when coupled with the pushbutton start system. The problem is that they use weak radiowaves for the fob to communicate with the car. These weak signals cause the shorter working distance. Since the fob is "always communicating" (ie always transmitting) the fob battery wears down quicly ( the manual indicates 2 years). Putting a light on the fob that notifies you of when it is started would reduce that time frame by quite a bit more.

It's certainly not the ideal system by any means. If they made the fob rechargeable, they could have added the extra range and light... however, last thing i need is another thing that needs to be recharged!

 

Anemic Remote Start

On the remote start for a 2015 Outback, Eyesight, push button start. Terrible range and no feedback. I'd be happy to carry the extra fob to get the great range and feedback I have on my 2013 Legacy. Can the 2013 fob be programmed to work with the 2015 Outback??

 

On the remote start for a 2015 Outback, Eyesight, push button start. Terrible range and no feedback. I'd be happy to carry the extra fob to get the great range and feedback I have on my 2013 Legacy. Can the 2013 fob be programmed to work with the 2015 Outback??

Ask the dealer to install the standalone 2015 auto start.

The cars with push button start that incorporate the remote start in the fob all seem to have poor range. Same was true on my Prius. I think it has to do with the transmitter in the push button start fob. It has to small range otherwise people could walk up to your car while you are having coffee in Starbucks and drive off.

 

This is the Viper SmartStart, no? Why are you not using your phone to start the car? That's its intended purpose if I am not mistaken and the range will be much better I think. I have not done much research on this system but this is the way I understand it.

 

Does anyone have feedback on the remote start for the non push button start (ie, the premium model)? I have an after market one in my Honda Accord and I works great, just don't like the blinking blue light. I'm waiting fir my 15OB 2.5 premium with nav, MR, ES to come in in February and I'm wondering who the Subaru one works for non push button model? My mother in law has a pilot with Honda remote start and hates it because in order to open the doors, you need to shot off the engine remotely first.

 

I have it and it works fine. Car is about 200 feet from the house and up about 50 feet and starts right up.

The engine shuts off when you open the doors but I think all factory remotes do that as safety feature, the Prius' worked the same way.

 

My '07 Chevy Silverado HD did not shut off when I opened the door, and come to think of it, none of the rentals that I have had with factory remote starts have, either.

 

I don't use it a far distances, had the one for my '13 on a separate FOB and the one on the '15 on the same as the key FOB. Works well, not as fast as the older one.

 

I finally found a scenario where it was useful....ran in to the grocery store for 10 minutes and left it running...

 

How did you lock it?

 

I asked if it was possible to choose the standard remote with a Subaru with the push button start and was informed that I could not, and I could only get the Smart Remote which has a maximum range of 75 feet. I agree that SUCKS. I would prefer to give up the push button start, but it comes standard with the model I am purchasing if I want the other features...so either way I"m off to an unhappy dilemma.

 

It seems the best way to go is to NOT order the OEM remote with the push button start. Instead, have an aftermarket one installed that has a much greater range.

 

Better option. Turn the car off when you get out. Makes no sense to leave an unoccupied car running.

 

Really? It's -22 here today. I'd like to see half of the people here get into a -22 car. :wink2:

As for legality, most states laws read that leaving an unattended car running with a key in the ignition is illegal. RS does not apply, as there is no key in the ignition.

There's no way a law outlawing RS would pass in Minnesota.

 

And apparently remote stater use is illegal in many states as well...

COLD SHOCK: Warming up your car illegal!

Been in the news a bunch lately here in MD..

Using a remote car starter in Maryland is illegal - Michael Rosenwald - The Washington Post

Annapolis Police Ticket Unattended, Running Cars | Annapolis, MD Patch

Again, the intent of the law is to protect against a dangerous situation, for which the Remote Start systems are designed to eliminate, but there is no provision in most state's laws to allow leaving your running car unattended, even if it was started with a remote start system..

But as usual, the laws don't apply to police officers. My MD State Trooper neighbor routinely warms up all his cars unattended, including his cruiser, on cold mornings..

On a side note, most manufacturers recommend AGAINST warming the engine by extended idling. While the EPA may be concerned about Emissions, Engineers just know it's not the most efficient way to warm the engine..

 

@Sandbag. Turned car off. Got out. Remote started car (which requires locking it). Went in to get my lunch. Came back to a warm car.

 

@EaglexPDX It only runs for 15 minutes after a remote start...then shursdown. If you choose to immediately start it remotely again...it will run for another 15 and shutdown. At this point...it cannot immediately be started remotely a 3rd time...you have to hop in and start it conventionally or wait a while before being able to start it remotely again.

 

@digitalbliss06 Having an aftermarket installed sets you up for a host of problems that the convenience of the remote starter will not (IMO) offset.

At the first sign of any electronics failure, Subaru will challenge your warranty claim and point to the aftermarket equipment as the culprit.

 

@digitalbliss06 Having an aftermarket installed sets you up for a host of problems that the convenience of the remote starter will not (IMO) offset.

At the first sign of any electronics failure, Subaru will challenge your warranty claim and point to the aftermarket equipment as the culprit.

Well, for the record, I have the factory remote start with push button start. I am ok with the system as it is designed because I dont really use it all that often. I just think that the after market guys offer superior options.

As far as warranty items are concerned, I know from first hand experience that a warranty item can only be refused if it is proven that your modifications caused the specific issue. The warranter (in this case Subaru) has to prove, not speculate, that the modification caused the issue. Most of the time, this will cause them too much time, energy, and money to do. Specially when it turns out that your modification did not cause the issue. The trick is to not let them casually blow you off. You have to press them and talk to a supervisor and then his boss, etc.. if necessary.

 

Not true. Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act covers you in this case.

Unless you are a hack, there is nothing modern RS will "open you up for host of problems"

 

Not true. Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act covers you in this case.

Disagree. Magnuson–Moss prohibits Subaru from requiring their own Remote Startsystem, but it specifically allows them to deny warranty coverage for problems due to maintenance, repair, or modifications improperly performed by another party.

Excerpt from MLM Law - Lawyer R&R Law Group, PLLC - Attorney Specializing in Multilevel Marketing - Understanding the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act:

While you cannot use a tie-in sales provision, your warranty need not cover use of replacement parts, repairs, or maintenance that is inappropriate for your product. The following is an example of a permissible provision that excludes coverage of such things.

While necessary maintenance or repairs on your AudioMundo Stereo System can be performed by any company, we recommend that you use only authorized AudioMundo dealers. Improper or incorrectly performed maintenance or repair voids this warranty.​

​

 

@mpnret

OT:

Do you know how long one has between unlock on the viper remote and entry into the vehicle for handoff? I have gotten into mine a few times and it shuts down. But others I just throw it in drive and mosey on. Also, is that time adjustable? (you may not know, and that is fine, just curious since you have installed one)

 

I believe if you step on the brake without waiting 3 seconds or waiting longer than 45 seconds after unlocking or opening the door (not sure which) the engine will shut down. Got this info from installer. I would bet this is not adjustable.

 

Fwiw, to share: New 2016 Outback w/ push button start -- learned pretty quick to watch out how *quiet* the car is -- almost had a roll-a-way situation my 1st week . . . yikes!

With stuff on-the-brain, I pulled up to a parking stall arriving to work, and stepped out without realizing I hadn't *push-button stopped* the car . . . standing there about to shut the door, then slowly realizing why the car was bucking up against the parking curb, had to hop back in real quick + hit the brakes / cut the ignition. (Later tested sitting in car while running in the driver's seat, and gave the key to my kid to "walk as far away as you can" -- it still remained running w/ the fob 50 feet away)...

Definitely quieter car + something to say for the visual aspect of "regular old keys" hanging in the ignition . . . Coulda' been a lot worse; WHEW!

 

But you put it in park, right? If you put it in park it shouldn't roll away unless you are on a really steep hill and the parking paw fails.

 

I have a 2016 Outback Limited with keyless start and with the optional remote start controlled by the regular key fob. I'm satisfied with the remote start range, and prefer not having a separate fob for remote start. I agree that I wouldn't be satisfied if I had to park in a large parking lot, such as at an airport, on a very cold or hot day.ll

The remote start can be set (by the dealer) for the engine to be run at idle for up to 20 minutes. Mine is set to run for 10 minutes, after which the engine shuts off.

There was an incorrect statement early in this thread. Even if one is holding the key fob and walks up to the vehicle that's running after remote start, opening the driver's door shuts off the engine. In other words, a thief couldn't drive off even if the owner has the key fob within remote start range of the vehicle.

 

Love my 2016 OB but agree that I do not like the remote start. In my Chrysler which has a push button start, the remote works from much farther away and when you open the door if keeps running. But.....the only electronics that work are the heated seats and heated steering wheel and you cannot shift out of park until the ignition push button is hit again once you enter the car. Much better system in my opinion. So unless you are right next to the car, no one can jump in and drive away. Love my Outback so much more but that coupled with the fact the OB doesn't give you 30 seconds after car is shut off to close windows and sunroof are both cons for me.

Sent from my SM-G928T using Tapatalk

 

Be careful what you say, wassct; the Outback Forum Mafia will hear you. You are not allowed to say things negative about the Outback (even if you explicitly state that you otherwise LOVE your Outback), without facing their wrath. You will soon be told that you should have bought another Chrysler, or if you're so smart, YOU should start your own company.

Other than that, I agree with everything you said. The range is hideous, and it is inconvenient as can be, having to restart the car.

PS-- I started this thread, with the title "Smart Start Remote Start System: Is it as bad as I've heard?" "They" decided to change it to what it currently says.

 

I thought I would hate the shutdown feature too and go with a viper. But, I realized after living with it for awhile, I don't use the remote start often enough to justify the angst.

That said, the range on the stock fob really is pitiful. I'm hoping that they may add remote start to My Subaru services. Now that would be neat!

 

I would just love to see an "official" full explanation for shutting off the engine when a door is opened. Everything posted so far is merely conjecture, including the idea that it's some sort of "safety feature". Prior to Gen 4 the remote start didn't work this way at all, and the engine continued to run until the key was inserted into the ignition switch and turned to the ON position. I think this is unnecessarily inconvenient and I've commented on it in several Subaru surveys.

•

 

I would just love to see an "official" full explanation for shutting off the engine when a door is opened. Everything posted so far is merely conjecture, including the idea that it's some sort of "safety feature". Prior to Gen 4 the remote start didn't work this way at all, and the engine continued to run until the key was inserted into the ignition switch and turned to the ON position. I think this is unnecessarily inconvenient and I've commented on it in several Subaru surveys.

?

Subaru thought someone could enter your car, unplug the brake light switch, release the shift lock (key or screwdriver) and drive away. Heard that from a district manager. For what it's worth.

 

I'm guessing a "full explanation" would have something to do with patented systems and software that actually work, and Subaru's unwillingness to pay up for it. Nothing else makes sense. But we'll never hear that.

 

I'm guessing a "full explanation" would have something to do with patented systems ...

Bingo! Few people realize how many unique/quirky "features" of a vehicle are actually a consequence of the manufacturer designing to avoid violating another manufacturer's patents. Why? 1) Licensing can be expensive. 2) Patent holders are not required by law to license them to anyone; they can refuse to license them at any price.

 

Here's a thought! (maybe a bad one)

First off -- I do not own remote start nor do know too much about it , except for the fact my dealers people, said most others, (customers who have it) --did not like it.
Could the reason for engine shutdown and restart requirement be: lets say one starts car --cold morning (or not), then ones 5-9 Y.O. kiddo decides to slip out of the hoses before mom and dad, climbs in Subaru, decides --"hey this car driving stuff is easy --think I'll try it" ?? Could they not "drive" away without a key fob?
If this theory is false --shoot it down! Of course the car would need to be unlocked -does the remote start work if the car is unlocked?
:nerd:

 

-does the remote start work if the car is unlocked? :nerd:

No, the doors lock before the engine starts and they remain locked until you either use the Unlock button on the fob, or touch the door handle (keyless access) with the fob in your possession.

•

 

Just a quick question for those of you with the factory remote. Can the signal go through walls and windows or do you have to be outside to start it. I'm about ready to order a limited outback with remote start but my driveway is like 10 feet from my house so range isnt that big of a deal. If its that bad I might just get the viper. Thanks

 

Windows, if you're close enough. Walls, is pushing it. IMO...This is one of the worst factory remotes in the industry. Go with the Viper, but watch who you get to install it.

 

For the life of me, I can't figure out how push button start is such a popular option. Are we really getting that lazy that turning a key has become a problem?

 

Maybe THIS is the reason.