Revolutionize Your Morning Routine: How to Auto Start Subaru Legacy

The Subaru Legacy is known for its reliability, safety, and performance. But did you know it also offers the convenience of remote engine start? This feature allows you to warm up your car on cold mornings, cool it down on hot days, or even pre-heat the cabin for a comfortable ride. Whether you’re new to the Subaru Legacy or simply need a refresher, this guide will walk you through the process of how to auto start your Subaru Legacy, ensuring you can enjoy this fantastic feature to the fullest.

Understanding the System: Key Components and Requirements

Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand the components and requirements for remote engine start in your Subaru Legacy.

• Subaru Starlink System: Your Subaru Legacy must be equipped with the Subaru Starlink system. This system allows you to connect your car to your smartphone via a mobile app.
• Remote Engine Start Feature: Your vehicle must have the remote engine start feature enabled. This may be a standard feature depending on your trim level or an optional add-on.
• Subaru Starlink App: The Subaru Starlink app is essential for initiating remote engine start. You can download it for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
• Compatible Smartphone: Ensure your smartphone is compatible with the Subaru Starlink app. Most modern smartphones should have no issues.

Step-by-Step Guide to Auto Starting Your Subaru Legacy

Now, let’s get into the practical steps of how to auto start your Subaru Legacy:

1. Pair Your Smartphone with Your Subaru Legacy: The first step is to pair your smartphone with your Subaru Legacy. This process is typically done through the Subaru Starlink app. Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to connect your phone to your vehicle.

2. Enable Remote Engine Start: Once your phone is paired, you’ll need to enable the remote engine start feature within the Subaru Starlink app. The exact location of this setting may vary depending on your vehicle’s year and model. Look for options like “Remote Start” or “Engine Start” within the app’s settings or vehicle control menu.

3. Initiate Remote Engine Start: With the feature enabled, you can now start your Subaru Legacy remotely. Open the Subaru Starlink app and navigate to the remote start section. You’ll typically find a button or icon that resembles a car with a key.

4. Confirm and Start: The app will prompt you to confirm the remote start request. Once you confirm, your Subaru Legacy will start remotely. The engine will run for a predetermined duration, usually around 10-15 minutes, or until you manually stop it.

Troubleshooting Common Issues: When Remote Start Doesn’t Work

While the process is usually straightforward, there might be times when your remote start doesn‘t work as expected. Here are some common issues and troubleshooting steps:

• Check Your Vehicle’s Battery: A weak car battery can prevent remote start from working. Ensure your battery has sufficient charge.
• Verify Signal Strength: Remote start relies on a cellular connection. Make sure you have a strong signal in your location.
• Check the App for Errors: The Subaru Starlink app may display error messages if there’s a problem. Read the error message carefully and follow any troubleshooting steps provided.
• Restart Your Smartphone and App: Sometimes, a simple restart of your phone and the Subaru Starlink app can resolve connection issues.
• Check Your Vehicle’s Settings: Ensure the remote start feature is still enabled in your Subaru Legacy’s settings menu.
• Contact Subaru Customer Support: If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and still can’t get remote start to work, contact Subaru customer support for assistance.

Beyond the Basics: Maximizing Your Remote Start Experience

While the basic steps are straightforward, you can further optimize your remote start experience with these additional tips:

• Set a Custom Start Time: Some Subaru Legacy models allow you to schedule remote start in advance, ensuring your car is warm or cool when you need it.
• Use Remote Start with Climate Control: Many models allow you to pre-set your cabin temperature using the remote start feature, ensuring a comfortable ride from the moment you get in.
• Utilize Remote Start for Safety: In situations where you need to warm up your car in a cold climate, remote start can help prevent frost buildup on your windshield, improving visibility.

Safety Considerations: Using Remote Start Responsibly

While remote start is a convenient feature, it’s important to use it responsibly:

• Park in a Safe Location: Always park your car in a safe and secure location before using remote start.
• Check Your Surroundings: Before starting your car remotely, ensure that there are no obstructions or potential hazards in the immediate vicinity.
• Don’t Leave Your Car Running Unattended for Extended Periods: Remote start is designed for short durations. Don’t leave your car running unattended for extended periods, as it could be a safety risk.

Final Thoughts: Empowering Convenience and Comfort

Mastering how to auto start your Subaru Legacy unlocks a world of convenience and comfort. With a little understanding and practice, you can easily utilize this feature for a more enjoyable driving experience. From warming up your car on a frosty morning to pre-cooling it on a scorching day, remote start empowers you to take control of your driving environment.

What People Want to Know

Q: Can I use remote start with my key fob?

A: While some older Subaru models may have key fob-based remote start, newer Subaru Legacy models primarily rely on the Subaru Starlink app for remote start functionality.

Q: How long can I run my Subaru Legacy with remote start?

A: The remote start feature typically runs for a predetermined duration, usually around 10-15 minutes. This time limit is designed to prevent excessive fuel consumption and potential safety hazards.

Q: Can I use remote start even if my car is locked?

A: Yes, you can usually use remote start even if your Subaru Legacy is locked. The app will automatically unlock your car, start the engine, and then re-lock it after the remote start cycle is complete.

Q: What happens if my phone battery dies while my car is running on remote start?

A: If your phone battery dies while your car is running on remote start, the engine will continue to run for the predetermined duration. However, you will not be able to manually stop it remotely until your phone is recharged and connected to the Subaru Starlink app.

Q: Is there a way to disable remote start?

A: Yes, you can disable remote start through the Subaru Starlink app or your vehicle’s settings menu. This can be helpful if you want to prevent accidental or unauthorized use of the feature.