Remote Engine Start for A-Spec & Tech Pkg
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 5
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From: HTX
Remote Engine Start for A-Spec & Tech Pkg
So here is a random thought, all 2019 RDX comes with concierge ACURALINK (6 months free)....allowing the RDX to be remote started via the app....could it be so simple as to just purchasing an ADVANCED model key fob....programming it to your RDX...and TATA!! your car has remote start key??
Am i thinking too simple?? cause the car obviously has the remote start module installed for it to work via ACURALINK app......
Let me know your thoughts....as the ADVANCED model key costs USD $160.00 @ my local dealership......and programming costs USD $160.00 (but im sure i can do that on my own).
Much better than paying for the ACURALINK (that is terrible IMHO) after the free trial.
Am i thinking too simple?? cause the car obviously has the remote start module installed for it to work via ACURALINK app......
Let me know your thoughts....as the ADVANCED model key costs USD $160.00 @ my local dealership......and programming costs USD $160.00 (but im sure i can do that on my own).
Much better than paying for the ACURALINK (that is terrible IMHO) after the free trial.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: HTX
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 333
From: Minnesota
So here is a random thought, all 2019 RDX comes with concierge ACURALINK (6 months free)....allowing the RDX to be remote started via the app....could it be so simple as to just purchasing an ADVANCED model key fob....programming it to your RDX...and TATA!! your car has remote start key??
Am i thinking too simple?? cause the car obviously has the remote start module installed for it to work via ACURALINK app......
Let me know your thoughts....as the ADVANCED model key costs USD $160.00 @ my local dealership......and programming costs USD $160.00 (but im sure i can do that on my own).
Much better than paying for the ACURALINK (that is terrible IMHO) after the free trial.
Am i thinking too simple?? cause the car obviously has the remote start module installed for it to work via ACURALINK app......
Let me know your thoughts....as the ADVANCED model key costs USD $160.00 @ my local dealership......and programming costs USD $160.00 (but im sure i can do that on my own).
Much better than paying for the ACURALINK (that is terrible IMHO) after the free trial.
Install guild for the remote start kit:
http://www.urvi.net/forumfiles/SB/BII07802-02.PDF
Last edited by Dereileak; Jan 25, 2019 at 02:49 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 333
From: Minnesota
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: HTX
I’ve looked into this, it’s actually not as simple as upgrading the key fob unfortunately. There is a module that would need to be installed in the rear of the cars roof, which requires pulling apart the entire rear interior. Not sure what genius thought of this, but I believe the remote start is a 2 way remote system and the one by default in the RDX is a one way receiver system. I’ll get you the install link so you can see what I mean. You can actually buy the whole kit with remote for like 250-300 but then you would have to pay Acura to sync your key, who knows what that costs, looks like 160 from your dealer, and they key would have to be cut. As far as I know there is no way for us to add the key ourselves, at least not a known way. I would prefer having it on my keyfob also, and I really don’t wanna pay the dealer 500-600 to rip apart my car with little care.
Install guild for the remote start kit:
http://www.urvi.net/forumfiles/SB/BII07802-02.PDF
#firstworldproblems....
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 333
From: Minnesota
I swear they gave you the wrong fob, let me check but I’m pretty sure you should have remote start in it standard.
Update: looking at it, it’s standard for the advanced Canadian models but not the US, that’s just dumb
Last edited by Dereileak; Jan 25, 2019 at 03:09 PM.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 509
Likes: 125
it’s actually quite logical. Canadians, being as kind as they are, are less likely to steal a running car. In the U.S. remote start is a gamble. The police literally beg us not to warm up cars in the morning because of theft. Lol 😂
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 333
From: Minnesota
except with the keyfob being in the car, it will just shut off
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 333
From: Minnesota
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 54
Likes: 7
From: Southern California
Maybe they found not a lot of people using it on the 2nd Gen? Not sure, as I use mine all the time.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 487
Likes: 76
This worked on the lower end Accords that don't come with the Remote start keyfob in the US. Buy an EX-L keyfob with the remote start button and program to your LX or sport model and the remote start feature worked. Maybe if someone can get the Canadian keyfob with a remote start button it might work as well.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 487
Likes: 76
They found out Acura buyers in the US don't mind being charged extra for basic features lol
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 993
Likes: 257
From: Michigan
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 853
Likes: 147
Unregistered Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 45
From: New York
You can't steal a car that's been remote started. First, the doors are locked. Secondly, even if you break into the car, you'll never get the car into gear. Until the key is sensed inside the vehicle, there's nothing that can be done to get the car out of Park.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 37
Likes: 10
I am from Montreal, with a A-Spec RDX, and I am surprised to see all the additionnal equipment that we get here in Canada compared to the US.
-Remote engine start
-Automatic folding mirrors
-Heated steering wheel
-Bigger windshield washer tank (double size vs US)
-"Low washer fluid" message in the dash
-Spare tire under the car
-Remote engine start
-Automatic folding mirrors
-Heated steering wheel
-Bigger windshield washer tank (double size vs US)
-"Low washer fluid" message in the dash
-Spare tire under the car
Racer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 475
Likes: 36
I am from Montreal, with a A-Spec RDX, and I am surprised to see all the additionnal equipment that we get here in Canada compared to the US.
-Remote engine start
-Automatic folding mirrors
-Heated steering wheel
-Bigger windshield washer tank (double size vs US)
-"Low washer fluid" message in the dash
-Spare tire under the car
-Remote engine start
-Automatic folding mirrors
-Heated steering wheel
-Bigger windshield washer tank (double size vs US)
-"Low washer fluid" message in the dash
-Spare tire under the car
Skeptic
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 1,493
Likes: 428
From: NY Panhadle ©
I am from Montreal, with a A-Spec RDX, and I am surprised to see all the additionnal equipment that we get here in Canada compared to the US.
-Remote engine start
-Automatic folding mirrors
-Heated steering wheel
-Bigger windshield washer tank (double size vs US)
-"Low washer fluid" message in the dash
-Spare tire under the car
-Remote engine start
-Automatic folding mirrors
-Heated steering wheel
-Bigger windshield washer tank (double size vs US)
-"Low washer fluid" message in the dash
-Spare tire under the car
I'll bet they will be the same with the 2020 MY.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 632
Likes: 192
I am from Montreal, with a A-Spec RDX, and I am surprised to see all the additionnal equipment that we get here in Canada compared to the US.
-Remote engine start
-Automatic folding mirrors
-Heated steering wheel
-Bigger windshield washer tank (double size vs US)
-"Low washer fluid" message in the dash
-Spare tire under the car
-Remote engine start
-Automatic folding mirrors
-Heated steering wheel
-Bigger windshield washer tank (double size vs US)
-"Low washer fluid" message in the dash
-Spare tire under the car
Drifting
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 590
From: Santa Fe, NM
IIRC for USA, spare tire comes with AWD in all trims, except for A-spec. The 40 pound weight loss gives the A-spec an awesome boost in performance. Oh wait, they added 20" wheels instead of 19". Never mind.
Maybe the "Low Washer Fluid" warning is permanently illuminated in Canadian spec models. Cuz it will be right most of the time.
But the USA has colder and all around messier politics than Canada, eh.
Maybe the "Low Washer Fluid" warning is permanently illuminated in Canadian spec models. Cuz it will be right most of the time.
But the USA has colder and all around messier politics than Canada, eh.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 573
Likes: 227
Nope - not in the US. It's hit-or-miss by model, trim, and market.
For example, the top two US Ridgeline trims get a low washer fluid level indicator, but the lower trims don't. All Canadian Ridgeline trims do. Then, there's bizarre things like the cooler-climate Canadian Ridgeline getting ventilated seats, but not the warmer-climate US version does not.
For example, the top two US Ridgeline trims get a low washer fluid level indicator, but the lower trims don't. All Canadian Ridgeline trims do. Then, there's bizarre things like the cooler-climate Canadian Ridgeline getting ventilated seats, but not the warmer-climate US version does not.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 989
Likes: 678
I wonder who the braniac at Honda was that decided, "Yea, you can put the car in drive without the fob, but we won't let you lock the car with the fob when you leave it running." It's the most asinine thing ever. If you're using the fob, you clearly aren't locking yourself out of the car! And if you can't lock your car but you can leave it running and still put it in gear without the fob present, it's easy pickens for criminals who know this about Honda/Acura products that are left running. I often see this at convenience stores and sometimes want to prank people by moving their car around the corner to teach them a lesson ... but I don't feel like going to jail.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 244
Likes: 82
From: Connecticut
8th Gear
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia
Remote starter
Acura thinks that if we have money to buy a luxury car than we have extra money to pay for an AcuraLink subscription. For this reason I will never never buy again an Acura. It is a ripoff
Pro
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 573
Likes: 227
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 77
Likes: 30
From: Midwest
My 2016 RDX advance had remote start on the key fob. I traded it in for an Audi 2 years ago and found out that I missed the remote start more than I thought I would. So, I have a 2022 RDX advance ordered that I should get the end of February or more likely the first of March. I’m anxious to see how the app works!
Pro
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 573
Likes: 227
It works great as long as both the vehicle and your cell phone have an adequate signal. Unfortunately for me, my 2019 RDX had a poor signal at home and my cell phone had a poor signal at work, so I rarely got to use the feature. I also had to regularly "force close" and restart the app on my phone else it would say "cannot connect to the vehicle". Hopefully, that issue has since been resolved.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 77
Likes: 30
From: Midwest
It works great as long as both the vehicle and your cell phone have an adequate signal. Unfortunately for me, my 2019 RDX had a poor signal at home and my cell phone had a poor signal at work, so I rarely got to use the feature. I also had to regularly "force close" and restart the app on my phone else it would say "cannot connect to the vehicle". Hopefully, that issue has since been resolved.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 102
Likes: 54
From: Michigan
Will be interesting what auto manufactures will do to nickel and dime the consumer in the long run. As Roger posted and other news articles out there like BMW thinking of charging subscription for heated seats and Ford saying they currently don't have plans for subscriptions, but that could change in the future. It is almost like automakers will cram in as much tech and features in the car to streamline production, and then charge to use certain features. It will open a whole new world of DIY/software hacking to get around it.
WayTooManyAcuras
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,301
Likes: 512
From: Connecticut
My 2016 RDX advance had remote start on the key fob. I traded it in for an Audi 2 years ago and found out that I missed the remote start more than I thought I would. So, I have a 2022 RDX advance ordered that I should get the end of February or more likely the first of March. I’m anxious to see how the app works!
Cruisin'
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 16
Likes: 5
I finally did this install about a month ago. Thanks to @Dereileak and a similar YouTube video (
) because like they both say, it literally take 10-15 minutes TOPs to install. The toughest part was actually mounting the receiver and finding/hooking the wires. I'll leave a couple more pointer at the bottom of this post for anyone else looking to do the install themselves.
Besides the install I did want to call out a few surprises on how the remote start works that I wasn't aware of:
Installation tips:
If you follow the instructions mentioned above here are a few tips that would have been helpful if doing it again:
Besides the install I did want to call out a few surprises on how the remote start works that I wasn't aware of:
- How to use it, instructions say to click 'Lock' then hold 'Start' button, but the length you hold it for is vague (at least to me). Combine that with feedback #2 below and it not a great experience
- Once the car starts there are no visible indications that it's on. No lights, no horn saying it got the signal, nothing. The ONLY way to know it started (besides standing near by) is the remote will briefly flash a green light letting you know.
- Other surprise was the climate control settings. I assumed it would use whatever the settings were when I last turned off the car, but no. Instead it determines itself what the settings are based on the outside temp. So far it's the fan speed has never been higher than LOW and it does turn on the cooled seats, but that's about it.
Installation tips:
If you follow the instructions mentioned above here are a few tips that would have been helpful if doing it again:
- Wear rubber gloves & put blue tap around all your trim pieces that you will be touching.
- The concerns is not because of scratching, but because of the black sealing paste that is exposed when you peel back the weather stripping
- Our interior is tan and I unfortunately got it on glove and touched a panel. Luckily can use some mineral spirit to clean it off.
- Have a big and small flashlight. Good lighting when pulling off the panels and avoiding the black sealing paste and a small light to put in the headliner so you can see where the wires are
- The wires are taped to existing wires there so you have to very carefully cut them appear.
- Take your time. Again, very easy install especially following the consolidated instructions so just take your time.
