Once your car turns on, the engine will run for about 10 minutes before it shuts off again automatically. Note that remote starting your car also turns on your car’s climate control, with the temperature set to where you left it when you last turned your car off.

How to start a Toyota Highlander using the Toyota app

First, make sure your Toyota Highlander is equipped with the automaker’s Remote Connect feature. If so, you have the option of starting your car from your phone.

Get the app: Download and install the Toyota app on your mobile device.

Enable the option: Open the app and follow the on-screen prompts to add your Highlander and activate remote services. This is a one-time step.

Start the car: Now, you can start your car from inside the Toyota app with a single tap.

Press and hold the START ENGINE button on the home screen.

Wait for the turn signal lights to begin flashing.

Time limit: 10 minutes

Just like when you start your car from the key fob, using the Toyota app to start your car will activate climate control and allow the engine to run for 10 minutes before it shuts itself off. But if you use the app, you can see a timer that displays the time remaining until your Highlander’s engine turns off.

How to remote turn off the engine on a Toyota Highlander

You can turn it off again before the 10-minute timer is up, if necessary. There are three ways to remotely turn off the engine while it is in the remote start waiting period:

Option 1 (UNLOCK): Press the UNLOCK button on the key fob. This method will cause the engine to shut off. Your Highlander’s doors will also unlock, but they will re-lock automatically after a few seconds.

Option 2 (LOCK): Press and hold the LOCK button on the key fob for two seconds or longer. Using this method will turn off the engine without unlocking your Highlander’s doors.

Option 3 (STOP): Open the Toyota app and press the STOP button for one second.

Toyota Highlander remote start tips and tricks

Whether you’re a new user or a remote start expert, here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of this invaluable feature:

Anti-theft engine shut down feature: If your Highlander has been turned on using the remote start, but the doors are opened without the key in range, the engine will switch itself off again to prevent theft.

Auto mode climate control: Since remote start also activates your car’s climate control, leaving your vehicle on the auto mode setting can ensure your vehicle heats up or cools down to a comfortable temperature.

Three strikes, you’re out: If you don’t want your car to shut off after 10 minutes, you can repeat the startup process to double the engine running time. But on the third time, you’ll need to manually turn off the ignition from inside the vehicle before you can use the remote start feature again.

Troubleshooting? If your Highlander’s engine doesn’t start after using your key fob or the Toyota app, there are a few things you can check before calling your

mechanic

or dealership service center for OEM replacement parts.

Here are a few common reasons that your Highlander’s factory remote start function isn’t working:

Your car’s hood or doors aren’t fully closed.

Your gas tank is empty.

Your car battery is dead or very low on power.

Your key fob battery is dead.

The check engine light is on.

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Which Toyota models come with remote start?

Toyota Highlanders from 2018 and later have remote start functionality. While the Highlander is a great pick for car buyers looking for plenty of seating, cargo space, and driver-assistance tech, it’s not the only member of the Toyota family with remote start.

Here are some other great Toyota models that offer a remote start option:

Transmission: Remote start systems are only available for Toyota models with

automatic transmission

, so choosing a

manual Toyota

or stick shift trim means you’ll have to be content without this feature.

Model year: Older models may not offer remote engine start, so do your research carefully.

It may be possible to add on a remote starter to a Toyota that is not on this list. However, an aftermarket remote start kit could invalidate your automotive warranty.

Note that keyless entry and start button functionality is included on all 2021 and later Highlanders, including the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Opt for the XLE if you also want a wireless smart charging pad, or upgrade to the XSE and add a hands-free rear liftgate.