Does anyone know if there is a way to change the app setup with regard to remote start for the 2022 Hybrid HIghlander? We live in the mountains and are able to use our cell phone at home only through our wifi service. Unfortunately this apparently does not meet the requirements of the app. The error message states that there must be cellular phone service in the area for this to work. Remote start doesn't work; the car shows as parked on the highway on our way home when it is actually in our driveway; etc. Would appreciate any help! Thank you!
Remote Start with app - wifi, no other cell service
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Welcome to the forum, Liza Jane!
Your phone has the ability to communicate either via the cell network or your home WiFi network.
Unfortunately, your Highlander requires a usable cell signal to communicate with the app on your phone.
The Highlander can't use home WiFi for this purpose.
As an alternative, you may be able to do a remote start using the key fob if you are within range and your vehicle has that feature.
Here's how it works if you have it:
Highlander Remote Start With Key Fob
Your phone has the ability to communicate either via the cell network or your home WiFi network.
Unfortunately, your Highlander requires a usable cell signal to communicate with the app on your phone.
The Highlander can't use home WiFi for this purpose.
As an alternative, you may be able to do a remote start using the key fob if you are within range and your vehicle has that feature.
Here's how it works if you have it:
Highlander Remote Start With Key Fob
Thank you very much! I'll see if that works for me.
I’d be surprised if that still works, DCM still needs to communicate through cellular to check if the Remote Connect trial period or subscription is active.
Aftermarket remote starter might be your only solution.
There seems to have been a lot of conflicting information about this particularly since Toyota did change a few things for some models in about 2018. Yes, any "app" based service requires an active cell connection subscription for the vehicle (i.e. Remote Connect). The final word from Toyota regarding the key fob "short range" remote start seems to be that it will continue to function without any cell service to the 2020+ Highlanders for 10 years.
Here is a (somewhat lengthy) video with a decent explanation:
Toyota is not shutting off your key fob
T
There used to be a PDF on the Toyota website showing only trims with Premium Audio 12” screen would get 10 years key fob remote start. Basic Audio Plus 8” screen vehicles only get it for 3 years.
This PDF is gone from the website now so who knows anymore. They removed it around last summer.
www.toyotanation.com
It would be interesting weekend project to figure out how to trick the system into thinking the trial/subscription is active.
Toyota changed things even in the last year.
There used to be a PDF on the Toyota website showing only trims with Premium Audio 12” screen would get 10 years key fob remote start. Basic Audio Plus 8” screen vehicles only get it for 3 years.
This PDF is gone from the website now so who knows anymore. They removed it around last summer.
Remote Start with Key Fob good for 10 years
I found this pdf about remote start that seemed to indicate the the key fob will work up to ten years without having a connected services subscription. Dealer told me that key fob start would expire after one year trial so wrong as usual. This will be fine with me as I don't need anything more...
www.toyotanation.com
It would be interesting weekend project to figure out how to trick the system into thinking the trial/subscription is active.
Thanks, everyone! I tried it today and it didn't work but will try again later. I read somewhere that remote start may not work if the car hasn't been driven in 7+ days. I am hopeful it works with the key fob since I don't want to spend more money.
We also live in an AT&T dead zone and I'm able to use the remote start with my keyfob. The timing for pressing the button is super persnickety, so try again if it doesn't work the first time. The instructions in the video are very helpful.
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