One of my wife's "must-haves" for her next car is remote start. The Advance is a little out of our price range (which has remote start), so we're looking at a RDX Tech and adding the remote start as an accessory. Few questions:

• If you have remote start (Advance or non-Advance), is it true there is a second key fob to carry? Does that key fob not open the doors?
• When you unlock the vehicle, does the car turn off?
• Has anyone had remote start added as an accessory? Is it dealer installed or added at the factory? Any pros/cons to share?

Thanks.

It looks like the 2016 RDX has the latest generation Acura remote starter system which is two-way with excellent range and integrates everything into a single (albeit large) fob. It also does not shut off the engine when you get in.

I don't have experience with this but I would assume that if it is dealer installed then you would either have a separate key fob or need entire set of new keys to be programmed which will add to the cost. If I were in your situation I'd go for a factory installed option (advanced) as much as I can. Just want to know how much are you planning to save by not taking the advance option but installing the remote starter. Not a huge amount in my opinion. So don't get buyers remorse after you pay for the retrofit but miss out on the other features of the advanced model. Good luck.

The difference between the RDX Tech and RDX Advance is about $3000 ($2950 in fact). We don't want the AcuraWatch Plus package (LDS and LKAS in particular), so opting for an RDX Tech and adding the $399 remote start option is best for us.

Can speak about the Advance model, unsure about the remote start as an accessory. Only one of the two key fobs has the remote start feature. The car does not have to be shut off after entering it, just need to press the engine start button which will light up the instrument panel.

I believe the question asked was ... after remote starting the car, does the car automatically shut off while the door is opened? This seems to be a problem in the pre-updated (13-15) cars where the car shuts itself off when you open the door. I believe this issue has been fixed in the updated versions.

The answer is "No" - I can only speak for the 2016 model.

I'm glad the remote start finally works as it should, but only giving one of the two fobs remote start capability is pure and blatant nickel and diming.

I disagree. The remote start FOB is considerably larger than the non. It is nice to have a choice of a smaller FOB when you'd prefer one.

I'm curious to see both fobs. Is the remote-start remote 2-way? If not, I'm not sure why it's so much bigger than the other one. My Cadillac fob with remote start is not much bigger than my 2014 RDX fob.

That said, I'm glad Acura addressed pretty much all of the RDX's weaknesses with the 2016 model.

Yes, it's 2 way. Note LED's at top of larger remote.

Thanks for the pic. Two-way is nice. It's definitely bigger. Personally, I'd rather have two remote start-capable remotes, even if they're on the large side, but I understand your point about the size.

Odd - I guess this is another small difference between the US and Canada models? My RDX Tech has the remote start, and both keyfobs are the full-size with remote start capability.

Seems you guys get the better deal, as you only need to purchase the mid-level pkg and get most of the same features of the highest level in the States.

Wish we got the heated rear seats and power folding mirrors that are equipped on Canadian Tech models.

Thanks guys, this is really helping our decision. For those keeping track, this is where we're at:

• If you have remote start (Advance or non-Advance), is it true there is a second key fob to carry? Does that key fob not open the doors?
  ANSWER: For 2016, there is one key fob (albeit larger - see image above). The secondary key fob does not have remote start capability.
  ----
• When you unlock the vehicle, does the car turn off?
  ANSWER: For 2016, no. You press the "Engine Start" button to activate the instrument panel.
  ----
• Has anyone had remote start added as an accessory? Is it dealer installed or added at the factory? Any pros/cons to share?
  ANSWER: this one is unanswered as of yet...

Yep, I just went on acura.ca and built a 2016 RDX Tech. It has remote start as part of the Tech package.

C'mon Acura, give us Mericans some of the goods!

I concur. No issues with the 2016 RDX. I can unlock the doors and get into the car without the remote start turning off.

So --- the RDX/Advance comes with only one remote fob? That would suck!

This is obviously a late answer to your question, but maybe it will help someone else down the road. I purchased the RDX with Tech package and added on the remote start as an accessory. Cost was $399 dealer-installed, and it only came with the one remote. I've had absolutely no issues with it - works perfectly.

"and it only came with the one remote"


Supposed to come with two transmitters according to the Acura accessories site.

Up north (in Canada), the car comes with 2 remotes with remote start function build in (i.e., 2 way remote). Note: The remote only flashes lights. It does not beep or make any sound.

Yep, I got 2 key fobs that are identical except one says "Driver 1" and the other says "Driver 2". In Canada, we also get the power folding mirrors and standard AWD.

The Remote Start accessory for a US-spec 2016 RDX is exactly the same system on the Advance model, and replaces your #1 key fob with a new larger remote start fob.

Whether you get the Advance or a base-Tech and add the Remote Start accessory, you only get 1 remote start gob. The 2nd fob is optional for either.

All in one key fob, 2 way with lights to show success/not, and the car stays running when you open the door. New system for 2016.

I wonder if there's a chance the 2016 accessory remote start would work for an earlier model.

My understanding is that the interface fir this new remote start systems was built into the MMC RDX. I think there was a more traditional remote start for the earlier RDX models.

For SURE on the power folding mirrors. I have the '16 Advanced (top model) and I was more than surprised to find it didn't have power folding mirrors when I first drove it into our 2 car garage opening which is a bit tight. In fact, shortly after getting the vehicle, I dinged up the drivers outside mirror backing out. I was doing the manual fold, but thought I could make it without folding the mirror and I was in a bit of a hurry. I have some touchup paint, but haven't gotten around to using it yet.

I am picking up my 2016 RDX AWD Advance this weekend...and I just found out from this thread that only 1 of the 2 keyfobs has the remote start button.

Does anyone know if a 2nd one can be used? How much does that cost to get?

I just bought a tech last night, having the remote start installed today, and my salesman just texted me that it will only have one remote starter FOB - you can't pay for/get a 2nd, not even an option.

Kind of disappointed, but it will have one main driver using the remote start (me).

I have an Advance with remote start.
When I start it with the fob and get in and put my foot on the brake,the engine shuts down.Yet,I read the engine should stay on.

You're either doing something wrong or you need to visit the dealer.

I simply get in,put my foot on the brake to shift and it shuts down.
I had a RX350 that did the same thing.A ridiculous Toyota safety thing.

You need to push the red button as well as depress the brake. Manual says simultaneously.

Thanks!
I haven't done that.Just put my foot on the brake.
Lexus/Toyota factory remote start shuts the engine down when opening the door.

Should there be a parking light/rear light blink when started by remote start?
I don't have the light flash and it's hard to tell if the RDX started.

Watch to LEDs on the fob. Read your manual in the meantime.

I'd prefer the lights flashing once at least.
The Sonata has flashers on when remote started.

The manual seems to be a disc.I have to read it downloaded online.

Or, you can have a hard copy sent to you.

Thanks,I did read a post on that but couldn't find the link on the site to get a hard copy.
I may give Acura customer service a call.

Found the link and ordered!

Stepping on the brake and simultaneously pushing the starter button does work to keep the engine on.Odd thing is the wipers make one sweep too.Not a big deal but just odd.
I guess because in rain sense mode?I'll have to try without being in rain sense mode for the hell of it.

It's a better set up than the Lexus RX350 I had that would shut down the engine when unlocking the door which was ridiculous.