Volvo XC90 Remote Start: The Full Rundown
Source: Flickr
Imagine you’re in a busy city on a scorching summer day. The sun beats down relentlessly, turning your parked car into an oven. You have an appointment on the other side of town and dread entering your car’s oppressive heat. Luckily, you have a remote start feature that lets you activate your car’s air conditioning from the cool shade of your office. When you reach your car, it’s comfortably cool, turning your drive from a sweaty ordeal to a refreshing escape from the heat.
A remote start feature in your car can be handy, especially during extreme weather conditions. It adds to your comfort and convenience and helps maintain a safer and more manageable temperature inside your vehicle. This feature can significantly enhance your driving experience and make your life much easier.
If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering about the Volvo XC90 Remote Start feature. So, for today’s post, we highlight the remote start feature on the Volvo XC90 and everything else you need to know.
What is Remote Start on a Car?
Remote start is a convenient feature that lets you start your car’s engine from a distance without physically using the ignition key. You can use a key fob or a smartphone app to activate it. This technology works through a radio frequency signal sent from the remote to a receiver installed in the vehicle.
Before starting the engine, the system checks specific safety parameters, such as ensuring the car is locked and not in gear. This feature can also integrate with the car’s security system, providing extra safety measures. Besides starting the engine, remote start can activate the car’s climate control systems and pre-heat or cool the car for your comfort.
This feature is handy in extreme weather conditions, allowing the car to reach a comfortable temperature before you enter it.
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Does the Volvo XC90 Have a Remote Start?
Yes, the Volvo XC90 does feature remote start capabilities. This functionality is accessible via the Volvo Cars app or a key fob accessory. Features like heated seats, door mirrors, and rear windows are activated when starting the vehicle remotely.
You must meet specific prerequisites to utilize the app’s remote start function. You must lock the vehicle, ensure no keys are inside, lock the hood, and set the transmission to park with the engine turned off, among other conditions. Moreover, the app checks the engine status and fuel level before starting to ensure proper functioning.
However, for safety purposes, the vehicle cannot be driven when it is remote-started via the app. This function is available for specific markets only and expressly for Recharge models and cars equipped with fuel heaters.
Remote start is an available feature for the Volvo XC90 from 2016 onwards for the specific model year and trim. It is also available for the XC90 Twin Engine/Recharge models. However, it is essential to note that remote start is only available for vehicles with automatic transmissions and for Recharge models and cars with a fuel heater.
Below is a quick breakdown of the Volvo XC90 model years and trims featuring remote start and the associated requirements:
XC90 Model Year 2016 and Later:
- Includes XC90 and XC90 Twin Engine/Recharge (plug-in hybrid) models.
- Remote start is available through the Volvo Cars app.
- Specific to Recharge models and vehicles equipped with fuel heaters.
- Requires automatic transmission.
Alternatively, you can also use an aftermarket accessory to activate the Volvo XC90 remote start via a key fob.
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How Does the Volvo XC90 Remote Start Work?
There are two ways to access the Volvo XC90 remote start function.
Via Mobile App
Below are the steps to activate remote start using the mobile app.
- Install the Volvo Cars App: Download and install the Volvo Cars app on your smartphone.
- Log in to the App: Log in with your Volvo ID or create one if you haven’t already.
- Access the Remote Start Function: Open the app, navigate to the Home tab, and select the climate function.
- Set the Start Time: Enter the vehicle when you start driving, choosing a time within the next 1-15 minutes (or possibly 30 minutes for climate system start only).
- Confirm and Authenticate: Confirm that you want to start the vehicle. You may need to authenticate your identity using your phone’s unlock method (PIN, password, pattern, TouchID, FaceID, etc.).
- Wait for Activation: The vehicle’s engine will start remotely to warm or cool down the car.
Remember, you can only activate this function twice in succession. After that, you must start the vehicle with the key before using the function via the app again.
Via Key Fob
Below are steps to activate the Volvo XC90 remote and start using the key fob accessory:
- Ensure Vehicle Is Ready: Before attempting to use the remote start, ensure the vehicle is properly parked, the transmission is in Park, and the vehicle is locked.
- Activate Engine Remote Start (ERS): Press the Lock button on the key fob quickly. Immediately after, hold down the Approach Light button for at least two seconds.
- Confirmation and Start: Upon successful activation, the vehicle’s turn signals will flash, indicating that the Engine Remote Start process has begun. The engine will start, and the climate control system will activate to your pre-set preferences.
- Duration of Remote Start: The engine will typically run for several minutes (usually around 5-15 minutes) before automatically shutting off.
- Deactivation: Press the Approach Light button again if you need to stop the engine before the automatic shutdown.
- Entering the Vehicle: To enter the vehicle while it’s running via remote start, unlock it using the key fob. As a safety feature, the engine will shut off once the door is opened.
Remember that remote starting the vehicle doesn’t disable its security systems. The car remains locked, and the alarm is active during remote start operation.
Finally, while remote start systems are legal in the United States, specific regulations vary by state, particularly regarding idling times and environmental concerns. Check out the local, county, and state idling laws via the EPA.
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