How to remote start Toyota 4Runner with key fob or mobile device

Toyota 4Runner supports remote start feature that allows you to remotely start the engine of your vehicle for the purpose of cooling or preheating the interior before the passengers gets to it.

Toyota 4Runner – (photo by Toyota)

The remote start feature on Toyota 4Runner has many benefits. You can start your vehicle in advance when the weather is too hot or cold outside. The system turns on the air conditioning or heating, making inside cabin temperature more tolerable when you get to your vehicle.


Before you start your 4Runner remotely, ensure that the vehicle is parked in a well ventilated area. Starting your vehicle in an enclosed space, like a closed garage, introduces risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Remote start procedure for 4Runner

You can remotely start your Toyota 4Runner by following these simple steps:

  1. Press and release the LOCK button twice within two seconds on the key fob of your 4Runner.
  2. Then press and hold the LOCK button for three seconds on the key fob.
  3. The turn signal lights flash multiple times and the engine starts.
  4. Once started remotely, the engine will run for 10 minutes and then shut down automatically.

For safety reasons, the engine will turn off if you open any door on your 4Runner when the engine is running after remote start. A valid key must be inside your vehicle to switch the ignition on and drive your vehicle.

Remotely stop 4Runner’s engine

There are two methods to remotely shut off 4Runner’s engine.

Method 1: Press the UNLOCK button on the key fob. The engine stops and the hazard lights flash twice. The doors will be unlocked in this method and will re-lock shortly after if no action is taken.

Method 2: Press and hold the LOCK button on the key fob for two or more seconds on your Toyota 4Runner. The engine stops and the hazard lights flash once. With this method the doors will remain locked after the engine is shut off. You should use this method if you have any security concerns.


Climate control setting

Remote engine start will also activate HVAC controls in your 4Runner by defaulting to the condition they were in when the vehicle was turned off. Keeping your vehicle on the Auto Mode setting is recommended for improved vehicle temperature preconditioning.

Climate control in Toyota 4Runner. Press the AUTO button for best cooling/heating performance during remote start.

Extend engine running time

When you remotely start the engine of your 4Runner, it will run for 10 minutes and then shut off automatically. When this happens, you can perform another remote start procedure which doubles the engine running time. You can start the engine remotely for a maximum of two consecutive times, after that you need to turn the ignition on and off from inside the vehicle before you can use remote starter again.

Automatic engine shutdown after remote start

The remote engine starter on Toyota 4Runner will automatically shut engine off under the following conditions:

  • The hood is opened.
  • When the shift lever is moved to any position other than “P”.
  • When the brake pedal is depressed.
  • When any door is unlocked or opened.
  • When key is inserted into the ignition or push start button is pressed.
  • When the security alarm is triggered.
    Note: engine will continue to run of panic alarm is triggered from key fob.

Remote start system not working on Toyota 4Runner

If the engine on your 4Runner does not start when you perform the remote starting procedure, it can be due to a number of reasons:

  • Your vehicle is low on fuel.
  • The hood on your 4Runner is not fully closed.
  • One or more of the vehicle doors are open, make sure they are securely closed.
  • The transmission is not in park mode (P).
  • The 12v battery voltage has gone too low.
  • The service engine light is turned on in the instrument cluster.
  • Your Toyota 4Runner may not have the remote start feature. Get your vehicle checked by an authorized dealer to confirm if it is equipped with a remote start system.

Note: Remote engine start feature is not available on Toyota models with manual transmission.

Video Demonstration (key fob)

Watch this video to see how to remotely start Toyota 4Runner with key fob.

Remote start Toyota 4Runner with a mobile device

If your Toyota 4Runner is equipped with Remote Connect feature, you can remotely start the engine of your vehicle with an Apple or Android mobile device.

  1. Download “Toyota” app from App Store or Google Play on your mobile device.
  2. Tap the Toyota app icon on your device to start using the app.
  3. Next, make sure that the country and language are set to your preference and then tap Sign-in.
  4. When the Toyota driver’s login permission screen appears, tap Continue.
  5. At the login screen, enter your email address or mobile number and then tap Continue.
  6. At the password screen enter your password and then tap Sign-in.
  7. Add your 4Runner in the Toyota app and activate Remote Services by following on-screen prompts.
  8. Now press and hold the Start Engine button on the home screen of Toyota app.
  9. The turn signal lights flash multiple times and the engine starts.
  10. Once the engine has been started, it will automatically shut off after 10 minutes if the vehicle isn’t driven.

Note: A timer shown in the engine start stop button displays the time remaining until the engine will automatically shut off.

Stop engine with mobile device

To remotely turn off your 4Runner’s engine, press and hold the Stop button in the Toyota app for one second.


Video Demonstration (mobile device)

Watch this video to see how to set up Toyota app on your mobile device and remote start the engine.

Which 4Runner vehicles have Remote Connect feature?

Remote Connect which lets you remotely start the engine of your Toyota 4Runner is a standard feature on:

  • Limited, TRD Pro, Nightshade Special Edition with Premium Audio.

Safety precautions

These are warnings against actions which may cause injury to people/vehicle if the warning is ignored.

  • Never start the engine of your 4Runner in an enclosed area (such as a garage or indoor parking lot) where exhaust gases may accumulate and create a hazardous environment with potential for Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning.
  • Do not start the engine if a child or pet are present in or near the vehicle.
  • Always turn off vehicle systems such as the windshield wipers, headlights and radio before leaving the vehicle. If left on, such systems may be damaged or vehicle battery depleted by remote engine start in extreme cold weather.

Engine idling law

There are laws against car idling with no passenger or driver inside in many states to protect the environment. It does not mean its completely illegal to use remote start, some states have time limit on how long you can keep the engine running. So check with your local state laws before using the remote start feature on your Toyota 4Runner.

Author: Nabeel K
Email: nabeel@wheelsjoint.com



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Jessica Jackson
Jessica Jackson
1 year ago

Is there a way to bypass the engine shutting off when you open the doors once you remote start? So annoying.

Liam
Liam
1 year ago

No, its a safety feature as per Toyota.