Volvo XC60 Remote Start: The Full Rundown

in Model Info and Features
Volvo XC60 taillight

Source: Pixabay

Imagine you’re in a small, snow-covered mountain town, eagerly preparing for an early morning skiing adventure. The temperature outside is frigid, and a thick blanket of snow covers everything. You use a remote car starter from the warmth of your cozy cabin. The car defrosts and warms up, ensuring a comfortable and safe drive to the ski slopes.

This is just one of the many scenarios where the remote start feature can be useful. A remote start is highly convenient because it lets you start your car from a distance, pre-cooling or heating the interior. By the time you enter your vehicle, the temperature is comfortable enough so you can drive right away, as opposed to waiting a while for the interior to warm up or cool down.

If you’re reading this, you’re likely interested in the Volvo XC60 remote start feature. So today, we’ll walk you through the XC60’s remote start feature and everything else you need to know.

What is Remote Start, and How Does It Work?

As the name implies, remote start is a feature that allows you to start your vehicle’s engine from outside the vehicle, using a remote control that is typically part of your key fob or through a mobile app. This technology relies on a radio signal to communicate with a receiver installed in the vehicle.

Activating the remote start function sends a signal to the car’s ignition and fuel systems, initiating the engine start process. This feature includes safety measures to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly. It keeps the vehicle locked and shuts off the engine if the brake is pressed before the key is inserted or the car is started normally.

Remote start is helpful in pre-warming or cooling the car, making it more comfortable before you enter, and can help defrost the windshield in colder climates.


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Does the Volvo XC60 Have a Remote Start?

Yes, the Volvo XC60 does have a remote start feature. However, depending on the model year, the remote start feature can be accessed either through the vehicle’s key fob or mobile app.

XC60 Model Years with Built-in Remote Start (Key Fob)

The remote start feature is available for the Volvo XC60 models from 2014 to 2017. For these models, you can start your car engine using the vehicle’s key, which either has six buttons with a 328 ft distance or five buttons with a 65 ft distance.

Volvo Cars App for Newer XC60 Models

You can use the Volvo Cars app to start your vehicle remotely for the XC60 models from 2015 or later, particularly those with engine types T5, T6, D4, and 3.2. This app allows you to warm or cool the vehicle to a comfortable temperature. You can activate this function twice in succession, after which the car has to be started with the key before you can activate the function via the app again.

Additionally, if your vehicle key comes with a remote start, it can be used with the app. For example, you can start the vehicle with the key and switch it off with the app​.

Aftermarket Options

If you prefer a more versatile remote start capability, there are aftermarket options for adding remote start to Volvo XC60 models. For example, the Compustar Drone 4G Smart Phone Control X1 LTE is an add-on module that allows your existing Smartkey Starter remote start to be controlled using your iOS or Android smartphone.

This add-on is compatible with Volvo XC60 models from 2017 to 2021. It allows the vehicle to start using the factory key fob remotely or with the optional Drone add-on for smartphone control​.


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How Does the Volvo XC60 Remote Start Work?

Activating the remote start on your XC60 will depend on whether you’re using a key fob starter or the mobile app.

Using Key Fob

Follow the steps below to access the Volvo XC60 remote start function:

  1. Be within the effective range of your key fob. For 6-button keys, the range is up to 328 feet, and for 5-button keys, it’s about 65 feet.
  2. Press the specific button designated for remote start on your key fob. The exact button or sequence might vary depending on the key fob model.
  3. The vehicle’s lights should flash, indicating that the signal was received and the engine started.
  4. The car will begin to warm up or cool down the interior to a comfortable temperature.
  5. The engine will run for a maximum of 15 minutes. After that, you can remotely start it once more if needed.
  6. The engine will shut off only if the brake is pressed before the key is inserted or the car is started as usual. Additionally, the vehicle remains locked throughout the process.
  7. Once you’re ready to drive, unlock the vehicle with your key fob, enter, and start the car as you normally would.

Remember, the exact process might vary slightly depending on the specific model year and configuration of your Volvo XC60. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the most accurate instructions.


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Using Mobile App

Below are the steps to activate remote start using the Volvo Cars app:

  1. Download and install the Volvo Cars app on your smartphone and log in with your Volvo ID.
  2. Launch the app and navigate to the climate function.
  3. Enter when you plan to start driving (in a number of minutes, from 1-15, from the current time).
  4. Confirm that you want to start the vehicle and verify your identity using your phone’s unlock method (PIN, password, pattern, TouchID, FaceID, etc.).
  5. The vehicle’s engine will start, which you can extend once. After that, you must start the car with the key before using the app again.

Thankfully, the Volvo Cars app does not require a subscription for basic features, including the remote start feature. However, additional services or features within the app might come with subscription fees.

While the remote start is an excellent convenience feature, owners should verify its legality in their area due to varying idling laws and environmental regulations. We recommend checking the EPA website for a list of local, county, and state idling laws.



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