Subaru Legacy Remote Start: The Full Rundown

in Model Info and Features
Subaru Legacy in a garage

Source: Flickr

Whether you wake up to a snow-covered car or walk out to a parking lot in the blazing afternoon sun, being able to start your car remotely has significant advantages. For an owner of a newer Subaru Legacy, there are multiple ways of making this happen. Keep reading as we look at all the details of Subaru Legacy remote start. We’ll cover how the system works and what car owners should know about the fundamentals of a remote start system.

About the Subaru Legacy

The Subaru Legacy is the Japanese automaker’s mid-size sedan offering in North America, slotting between compact Impreza and larger Ascent SUVs. Currently in its seventh generation, the Legacy first reached the U.S. for the 1990 model year. Interestingly, the Legacy would serve as the launchpad for the Outback name, first appearing as the Legacy Outback. By 2000, the automaker spun the Outback as a standalone model. 

Earlier Legacy iterations were available as either a sedan or wagon, but recent versions (since 2015) only come as a sedan. The Legacy retains a unique position in the market as one of the few sedans with standard all-wheel drive. 

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What Can Subaru Legacy Remote Start Do?

Simply put, remote start allows Legacy owners to fire up the vehicle’s engine from outside the car by pressing buttons on the supplied key fob or using a smartphone app. Once activated, the engine runs for a set duration (up to 20 minutes) while you go about your business inside, where it’s more comfortable. This allows the car’s interior to warm up or cool down so you’re comfortable as soon as you get inside. Scraping off the ice and snow is easier, or there’s no sitting in a sizzling seat. 

Subaru Legacy Remote Start: Key Fob

Newer Legacy models have a key fob with built-in remote start functionality. Press the lock button twice in rapid succession. Then, within a couple of seconds, hold down the lock button for three seconds. A horn honk and flash of the lights signal that the Subaru Legacy remote start has activated. 

If you don’t notice the car starting, try again. In ideal conditions, remote start via the key fob works from 100 feet. Although obstructions (like buildings) can lessen the effective range. Keep in mind that for the remote start system to work:

  • All doors and the hood must be closed.
  • Low fuel or an engine service light will disengage remote start.
  • The transmission must be in park mode.

HOW LONG DO SUBARU LEGACYS LAST?

If you’re interested in the Subaru Legacy, it’s critical to ask yourself a question - how long do Subaru Legacys last?

Subaru Legacy Remote Start: Smartphone App

Newer Legacys have remote start capability via a smartphone app. Subaru vehicles with the Starlink telematics system can be remote-controlled with the MySubaru app (available for Apple and Android devices). Once the app is paired with your Legacy, remote start is capable from anywhere. The technology also includes remote climate controls, so it’s easy to use pre-set temperature controls, ensuring the cabin is comfortable before driving away.  

New Legacys with Starlink include a three-year trial period to access MySubaru remote features. Otherwise, a subscription is required, which runs $10 per month or $100 per year. 

When it comes to using remote start via the MySubaru app, remember:

  • The car must have access to a strong cellular signal.
  • Use the latest version of the app.
  • Your phone’s battery optimization setting may need adjustment to avoid interrupted connections.

Subaru Remote Start Upgrade

No smartphone? Don’t want to pay a subscription? No problem. Subaru provides a stand-alone remote start fob accessory for late-model Legacy models already equipped with remote start. This upgraded key fob uses extended radio frequencies and allows Legacy remote start activation up to 400 feet away. Expect to pay $300-$400 for this add-on.

Subaru Legacy Remote Start: Troubleshooting

Like most vehicle systems, remote start can have its share of problems. Understanding common issues can minimize hassles. Here’s what to look for:

  • There’s a maximum engine run time of 20 minutes with Subaru remote start.
  • The system won’t activate if the hood or a door is open.
  • Alarm activation or stepping on the brake pedal disengages remote start (shuts the engine off).
  • Remote start will only activate if the transmission is in park mode.
  • The engine will shut off if RPMs exceed 3500.

Subaru Legacy Remote Start: Pros and Cons

It’s helpful for Legacy owners to understand the benefits and drawbacks of using remote start. Here’s what to consider:

Advantages

  • Cooling or warming the interior before getting in makes for a more comfortable driving experience from the get-go.
  • Pre-heating the car helps melt accumulated snow and ice, making it easier to clean off the windows during winter.
  • Starting the car in advance allows the engine and fluids to warm up, reducing wear.

Disadvantages

  • Remote starting the car in a garage or enclosed space can lead to a dangerous carbon monoxide build-up.
  • Extra emissions and fuel consumption are associated with using remote start.
  • Using app-based remote start requires a subscription after the trial period.

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Subaru Legacy Remote Start: Safety Fundamentals

Using the remote start feature requires attentiveness just like any vehicle system. Keep these safety points in mind:  

  • Before using remote start for the first time, review the owner’s manual to learn the system’s proper operation and avoid mistakes. 
  • Only remote start your Legacy in an outdoor area to prevent the accumulation of dangerous exhaust gasses.
  • Confirm the transmission is set to park to avoid any accidental movement.
  • Never remotely start an occupied car, especially with children or pets inside (who can’t exit the vehicle if there’s an emergency).
  • Secure the key fob and the MySubaru app to prevent unintended remote start activation.

Subaru Legacy Remote Start: Final Thoughts

For Legacy owners who deal with extreme temperatures, even for only part of the year, it’s hard to argue against the convenience of a remote start system. Getting into a warm and toasty cabin during a frigid winter morning is invaluable. The same can be said for dealing with a scorching summer afternoon. Through a key fob or smartphone app, Subaru makes using this feature straightforward.

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