I've searched and can't find anything on this subject here or on Acura's website. Forgive me if its already been asked.

Thinking of getting the remote start added the car. Does anyone have the accessory? Specifically, how far away can you be and still able to start the car? Can you be inside, etc.

Thanks!

 

I dont believe they test the system on oe remote starts like that. Not a selling point since point dont typically start their car remotely if they cant see it or its not right around the corner.

I hear they can work up to a miles away but why would you start your car then walk a mile to it? Also read things like buildings, trees, and thing blocking a direct path can interrupt the signal. I guess the units arent very strong to begin with if they cant start your car through a garage. Id imagine they do otherwise I dont see the point.

Good luck looking for an answer. Im not sure if Ive heard anyone post about installing one.

 

Thanks. I'm actually buying it for my daughter as a gift. Putting it in her ILX. I don't have a real need for it myself, but we both live in Florida and it gets hot! Coming out after work to a steaming car 9 months out of the year is not fun. That's why I asked. If you have to be within view of the car then why bother. Not enough time to cool it down. if you can start it from your desk in the office as you are leaving, then that is great.

The lit already states how it locks the door and rolls up the window once started. Also, the car cannot be driven away when started that way. In fact, as soon as you touch the door handle to open the door the car shuts off. Lastly, it only runs for 10 mins unless you press the start button again, and then it gives you another 10 mins (but no more)

See's great for the right situation. Anyone else have any insights?

 

I believe the literature for the system in the MDX states ~300 feet. To be honest, I've found the system somewhat finicky at best, totally unresponsive at worst.

 

Thanks Colin. I looked everywhere but found nothing. 300 feet is good. Finicky is bad. I think I'll get it for her and let you all know what she thinks.

 

^^ Found a '14 accessory catalog, it says 400 feet away... no word on finickiness....

 

I really wanted to get it, but it is not an option for the hybrid model. I have looked into the viper smart start unit, which seems like a better system. You can activate from your smartphone no matter where you are.
I think car companies (Acura included) are starting to offer a smart phone enabled system in the newer models.

 

Agreed, internet connected cars is the next horizon. Many makers offer it. Acura is behind the curve as usual. I guess it's just their conservative nature. But then again, that's why we buy their products right? Proven reliable products for a great price. Lots of value.

Having said that, as I understand it the latest wave of technology introduced in this years RLX and MDX have the new AcuraLink system that is like OnStar. I think I read there is a smartphone app for accessing the cars features. Colin might be able to confirm that. I'm kinda talking out my ass on this one really but I briefly researched it because I'm thinking of picking up a RLX before the Loyalty money runs out

 

Followup: So they installed the Remote Start feature in my daughters ILX yesterday. Charged the stated $399 for the feature plus $200 for labor. Seems like a bit much for such a simple thing, and I'm sure someone will post the obligatory "I could have done it myself cheaper" comment, but all in all she's very happy, and I think it works very well.

Range: The manual says it works up to 1500 ft in clear line of sight. More realistically it will work reliably up to 400 ft with buildings and other RF interference around.

Functions:
- You press the Engine + Lock button and it starts the car for 10 minutes. You can press the buttons again to add another 10 minutes.

- You can also use a other buttons and a series of other button presses to, lock the doors, unlock the doors, set the defroster on, and trigger the panic alert.

- The lock button seems to work from the full range. That's nice if you get into work and forgot to lock the door. Now you can do it from up to a 3rd of a mile away. Interestingly, you cannot unlock the door from that distance. Seems intentional. You have to be within about 10-20 feet from the car otherwise you get the "too far" icon.

- Speaking of Icons, the remote has a really nice LCD screen that provides two way communication. Its a nice feature I have not seen on other remote starters. So you get visual confirmation when the engine is started, if the doors are locked, and even the temperature in the cabin. It's all very nice and works flawlessly. I really like how you can check if the doors are locked. Again, if you get into the mall or work and have this uneasy feeling you may have forgotten to lock the doors, you can now check!

That's it I think. Hope this helps someone who might be interested in the feature

 

AWESOME REVIEW! Good info.
I myself would spend the money elsewhere but as a present I would love it! Good job.

One thing. Can that remote roll your windows UP remotely? The oe key fob lets you roll all the windows and sun roof open to allow the car to cool down without starting it. I do so from my room before I leave to work. I however would really like to be able to roll my windows up after Ive gotten out of the car and turned it off. They really should have made it so you hold down the door lock button on the handle and the windows roll up.

 

Sorry, no. The Remote Start cannot rollup/rolldown the windows. In fact, if the windows are rolled down, it will still remote start the car, lock the doors, but still leave the windows unchanged. Seems odd but I guess it was intentional since its certainly something they could have done.

 

I'm glad it worked out! If only we could get our $50K MDXs to work that well!?

 

I'm surprised. It seemed the Acura Remote Start system is an add-on for all the cars. I'd think it's basically the same exact system for all. Not sure why it wouldn't work just as well.

BTW, the only design complaint I really have is that the car shuts off when you open the door and then you have to restart it with your fob. Really? Obviously a cop out solution for them. They should have spent the extra time to figure out how to integrate it better with the ECU so the car did not need to be restarted. Maybe require the user press the START button again with the FOB in range to acknowledge an authenticated user is in control of the car.