Start Me Up: Lexus Remote Engine Start
Getting Started with Lexus Remote Engine Start
The convenience of remote engine start is hard to beat, especially with the extreme heat we all experience living in South Texas. In 2015 and newer Lexus vehicles equipped with Enform Remote, Lexus owners can remotely start their vehicle one of four ways. In this post, we guide you through key features of Lexus Remote Engine Start, the requirements for this feature to work, and steps to getting started with Remote Engine Start.
Key Features
The Lexus Enform Remote Start service delivers the ultimate convenience that allows owners to lock and unlock vehicle doors, start the engine, start and adjust climate settings, and even check fuel levels remotely. Other key features of the Lexus Enform Remote Service includes:
- Start your Lexus vehicle’s engine and climate controls – what you need for summer in South Texas!
- Stop your Lexus vehicle’s engine if already remotely started
- Lexus App allows you to use the Lexus Enform Remote Service from your smartphone anywhere in the world
- Vehicle Finder* makes locating your vehicle in an uncovered parking lot easier than ever
- Guest Driver Monitor
- Vehicle Status and Alerts
Requirements for Lexus Enform Remote
The main requirement to get started with Lexus Enform Remote is to first have a vehicle compatible with Lexus Enform Remote Service (2015 or newer models*). You also need an active trial or a subscription to any Enform connected service. If you have these two standard requirements then you can start using Lexus Enform Remote using just your key fob as long as you’re located within a close to a reasonable range of the vehicle – if you can see the car then you should be good.  Here is what else is required to start your Lexus a few other ways using smart devices and apps:
Using Remote Start Via the Lexus App
- The vehicle has an active cellular network connection
- Eligible smartphone or smartwatch with Lexus App installed
- Smart Device has an active cellular network or WiFi connection
Using Remote Start Via Amazon Alexa-Enabled Devices
- The vehicle has an active cellular network connection
- Valid Amazon account
- Amazon Alexa-enabled device with Lexus skill enabled
- Amazon Alexa Lexus skill linked to active Lexus App account
Using Remote Start Via Google Assistant
- The vehicle has an active cellular network connection
- Valid Google account
- Lexus action enabled in your Google account
- Lexus action linked to active Lexus App account
To use Google Assistant to start your Lexus remotely, make sure you have the Lexus action enabled in your Google account and linked to an active Lexus App account.
Steps for Using Remote Start
A quick note: when remote starting the engine, the engine will start, and the vehicle will flash the hazard lights for up to 20 seconds. The engine will automatically shut off after running for 10 minutes. Now, let’s get started using Remote Start!
Follow these steps for starting your Lexus with Remote Start using any of the four listed methods below but first, ensure the following:
- Your Lexus is in PARK
- All doors are closed and locked
- Car is not parked in a closed garage
- The trunk, hood, and moonroof are closed
- Fuel level is above 1/4 tank
- No key fobs are inside or near the vehicle
- The vehicle security alarm is not triggered
Steps to Remote Start Using SmartAccess Key Fob
- Rapidly press the ‘LOCK’ button on your key fob twice, with less than one second between presses
- Press and hold the ‘LOCK’ button on your key fob for three seconds
To Remote STOP your Lexus Engine:
- Press the ‘UNLOCK’ button on the key fob OR
- Press and hold the ‘LOCK’ button on the remote for two or more seconds
Press and hold Start Engine in the Lexus App to start your Lexus on your smartphone
Steps to Remote Start Using Lexus App
- Open the Lexus App on your smart device
- Press and hold ‘START ENGINE’ icon for 1 second
To Remote STOP your Lexus Engine:
- Open the Lexus App
- Tap the ‘STOP ENGINE’ icon
Steps to Remote Start Using Amazon Alexa-Enabled Devices
- Say, “Alexa, ask Lexus to start my car.”
- Give your app PIN when prompted
To Remote STOP your Lexus Engine using Amazon Alexa:
- Say, “Alexa, ask Lexus to turn off my car.”
- Give your app PIN when prompted
Steps to Remote Start Using Google Assistant-Enabled Devices
- Say, “Hey Google, ask Lexus to start my car.”
- Give your app PIN when prompted
To Remote STOP your Lexus Engine using Google Assistant:
- Say, “Hey Google, ask Lexus to turn off my car.”
- Give your app PIN when prompted
Frequently Asked Questions – and Answers – from Lexus
Why won’t my remote start request via my smart device start my vehicle?
A number of requirements must be met for a successful remote start request via the Lexus App, Google Assistant, or Lexus + Alexa. Be sure the following requirements are met.
- Your vehicle is parked in a location with cell service. If your vehicle is parked in a location with poor or no service, such as an underground parking garage, the vehicle may not receive the remote start request
- You must have an active trial or subscription to any Lexus Enform connected service
- Your vehicle is in PARK
- All doors are closed and locked
- The trunk, hood, and moonroof are closed
- Fuel level is above 1/4 tank
- No key fobs are inside or near the vehicle
- The vehicle security alarm is not already triggered
- Your vehicle has not ‘timed out’ from previous remote start operation
What does it mean for my remote start to ‘time out’?
The Lexus remote start function will automatically shut the vehicle’s engine off after 10 minutes of run time. The remote start function can be activated again once the vehicle has run for a total of 20 minutes via the remote start function. After 20 minutes of remote operation, the vehicle has ‘timed out’ and must be started traditionally from within the vehicle via the key fob.
Why does my Lexus turn off when I open the door?
Unlocking the door or pressing the brake pedal will shut the vehicle off as an extra security precaution. Simply restart the engine from inside the vehicle by using the start button on the dashboard.
Have additional questions or would you like a personal tutorial on using Remote Start in your Lexus? Contact our team at North Park Lexus Rio Grande Valley. We’re always here to help and just a short phone call away.
36 comment(s) so far on Start Me Up: Lexus Remote Engine Start
I think I can speak for many that we really dislike the feature that the car cuts off when you unlock the door. I love the fact that I can start my car and let it cool down but it just seems senseless that I approach the car with my key fob and it shuts off.
We’ve heard that a lot. We have been told it shuts off for safety reasons – mainly so your car can’t be stolen as soon as you open the door.
Why you don’t have only enform remote service for 2017 rx350
The 2017 Lexus RX 350 does have Enform Remote. Visit the Lexus Drivers website or Lexus Connected Technology Support site to get an easy-to-follow guide on setting it up. https://lexusconnectedtechnologysupport.com/lexus/home
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Thank you for following our blog!
I’ve read this thread and understand that Lexus thinks that by shutting off the engine (from remote start) when the door is opened is a security concern, but still not understanding this. The doors are locked so nobody can steal the car. Can Lexus change the software so that the car remains on even when the car door is opened. This policy just doesn’t make sense. Every other car manufacturer allow the car to remain after a remote start. Help, this is terrible!
We understand and will definitely pass along your concern whenever given the opportunity! Thank you!
I would like to set up my phone to use to start my car. Plz tell me how? Thanks.
Good Afternoon Mrs. Zaman,
It would be our pleasure to assist you with the Lexus Application. Please give us a call at 956-704-4000.
Does my 2016 IS300 support enform remote start app?
Or can it start with the key fob?
Good Afternoon,
The 2016 Lexus IS300 works with the Lexus enform application to lock, unlock and turn on vehicles. Unfortunately, it does not support the key fob with the remote start function.
Hello, I have a 2015 IS 250. My local dealership is stating that the remote start is not available on my vehicle. In what I read it looks like if I paid for the subscription I would be able to. Can you please let me know your thoughts?
Good Morning Jessica,
I did some research on the Lexus Application and found your 2015 Lexus IS250 is compatible with remote start via Lexus App remote services subscription. Although the remote start feature is not available on your vehicle, this is a great alternative to keep your vehicle cool in hot weather. If you have any questions regarding remote services please give us a call at 956-704-4000.
The App is always down during the fall/winter time, when I need it most. I actually hate it so much it made me come on here to find out what’s happening! Is there another way to remote start on a website? I don’t want to use my key either so what’s another way????
Good Afternoon Stephanie,
I apologize for the problems you’re having with your Lexus application. Unfortunately, there is no other way to remote start besides the Lexus app and key fob.
When you are available, I like to invite you to visit us at North Park Lexus Rio Grande Valley; we have a great technology team, or please give or Technology Specialists a call at 956-704-4000
I added the Lexus app on my iPhone. When I open the app it has my name, my card vin # but that’s it. The rest of the app is advertisements. How do I see my gas level or the start engine button?
Good Evening Mrs. Fieler,
I assure you we have the best technology specialists Lexus has to offer; give us a call at 956-704-4000 ask for Mark Salinas or Valeria Perez.
Wife just got a 2017 GX460. Do we need to download the app and subscribe for the remote start?
Hi,
I have a 2010 Lexus Gx 460 and I would like to know if I can use my key to start the car. Do I need to update anything?
Does 2017 lexus rc300 f sport awd have remote start using smart access key pob ?
Does my 2017 Lexus es350 have emote started by using the Fob?
Good Afternoon Ryan,
Unfortunately, the Remote start on Keyfobs started in 2018.
I purchased the Lexus safety feature subscription, but my app does not show any controls to turn my car on remotely. Do I need to purchase the Lexus Wi-Fi package in order to enable it?
Good Morning, Abigail, the Lexus App, and Wifi are two separate features it would be our pleasure to assist you please give us a call at 956-704-4000.
Hello! I just purchased a 2018 GX 460 and am wondering what I might need to do for the key fob to remotely start my car? I’ve tried what I’ve seen about the lock button 3 times but wasn’t sure if there is another setting somewhere, or if a subscription is my only option?
Is there anyway to override the remote start to not shut off when I open the door?
Also is there a way to program the lights to come on when I hit unlock on the door or approach lights or even have some lights come on while in auto start?
Good Morning,
Unfortunately, there is no way to override the remote start. Regarding the exterior lights, there is a way to program they would need to be set at a Lexus dealership. We like to assist please give us a call at 956-704-4000 to set an appointment. Thank you
Hi, y’all! I have a 2013 RX450H, I saw in another post about how to do things not listed on my remote. #1 windows down remotely. If I hold down the unlock button until they start going down, they will open until I release the remote, i.e. you can stop it 1/2 way (or wherever)
Remote start, If I push the lock button rapidly 3-4 times and then hold the lock button down, she starts right up. I tried different patterns until I found what works, and no I don’t have a subscription.
In Texas heat even just putting the windows down before opening the doors is a huge help.
Good luck!! 🙂
Does the lexus es 350 2015 support remote start from the enform app ?
All Lexus vehicles from the model year 2015 and on are equipped with Enform Remote and have the option to start the engine from a distance. Please give us a call if you need help setting up.
When I remote start my 2023 Lexus RX350 from the Lexus app it do not warm up or cool down the vehicle. Do I need to do anything specific to make that work?
When you use the remote to start turning on your vehicle, the climate controls can automatically adjust the temperature based on the outside temperature, or they can resume the temperature settings that you were using when you most recently turned off your vehicle if you’re having any issues, please give us a call at 956-704-4000.
My car doesn’t warm when I start from inside my house, I have to manually start
Good Afternoon,
I apologize for the issue your having please give us call to schedule service at 956-704-4000.
It seems ridiculous to remote start only for it to shut off when opened. If the door is being opened with the key fob near, that should be security enough for it to remain running. Also, you should program the car/key fob to shut the engine off if the car is separated from the key fob. How hard can that be to program? There should be an update provided for current owners. Very frustrating.