Auto User Guide

2023 Subaru Legacy Engine Start Touring XT Guidelines

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2023 Subaru Legacy Remote Engine Start System Touring XT 

The 2023 Subaru Legacy Touring XT has a great new function called Remote Engine Start that makes modern cars easier to use. This innovative feature lets drivers start the engine from a distance, bringing in a new era of pre-conditioning and ease. It was made to blend technology and comfort in a seamless way. If you press a button on the key fob or maybe even use an app on your phone, the engine starts up. This makes sure that the cabin is comfortable and either warm or cool, based on the weather outside. The Legacy Touring XT makes driving easier and more relaxing, and the Remote Engine Start feature shows how committed Subaru is to meeting the changing needs of modern drivers. This feature changes the way we interact with our cars by letting the engine warm up or cool down before we get in. It adds a level of ease that improves the ride from the moment you step inside. With the Remote Engine Start feature on the 2023 Subaru Legacy Touring XT, the future of driving starts with the touch of a button. This makes driving more comfortable and convenient than ever before. 

2024 Subaru Legacy Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)

Remote Engine Start System (Dealer Option)

WARNING

  • There are some general precautions when starting the engine. 
  • Do not remote start a vehicle in an enclosed environment (e.g. closed garage). The prolonged operation of a motor vehicle in an enclosed environment can cause a harmful build-up of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is harmful to your health. Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, or in extreme cases unconsciousness and/or death.

The remote engine start system allows you to start the engine from outside the vehicle. In addition, the remote engine start system can activate the heater or air conditioner, providing you with a comfortable cabin upon entry. For more details, refer to the Owner’s Manual Supplement for the remote engine start system.

NOTE

  • The length of time for which it is acceptable to allow the engine to remain idling may be bound by local laws and regulations. Check the local rules when using the remote engine start system.
  • When taking your vehicle in for service, it is recommended that you inform the service personnel that your vehicle is equipped with a remote engine start system.

Remote Engine Starter Transceiver (Fob)Subaru Legacy 2023 Remote Engine Start Touring XT

Fob button

Starting the engine

NOTE
All vehicle doors (including the rear gate) and the engine hood must be closed prior to activating the remote engine start system. Any open entry point will prevent starting or cause the engine to stop. The remote engine start system is activated by pressing the fob button on your remote engine starter transceiver (fob) twice within 3 seconds. If the fob is within the operating range of the system and the start request is received, the following will occur.

  • The fob flashes and beeps once.
  • The horn sounds once.
    • The side marker lights, tail lights, and parking lights flash once.
    • If the fob is not within range (the user is too far away from the vehicle), the fob will indicate two long flashes without beeping.
    • The system will check certain safety preconditions before starting, and if all conditions are met, the engine will start within 5 seconds. After the engine starts, the following will occur.
    • The fob flashes and beeps twice.
  • The horn sounds once.
  • The side marker lights, tail lights, and parking lights flash once.
  • While the engine is idling via the remote engine start system, the following will occur.
  • The side marker lights, tail lights, and parking lights remain illuminated.
  • The fob button flashes once every 3 seconds.
  • The power windows are disabled. If the engine turns over but does not start (or starts and stalls) the remote engine start system will power off and then attempt to start the engine 3 additional times.
  • The system will not attempt to restart the engine if it determines a vehicle malfunction is preventing starting. If the engine does not start after 3 additional attempts, the remote engine start request will be aborted.

Stopping the engine
Press and hold the fob button for at least 2 seconds to stop the engine. The fob will flash and beep three times, indicating the engine has stopped. If the stop request is not received (for example, if the user is too far away from the vehicle), the fob will continue to flash once every 3 seconds. The system will automatically stop the engine after 15 minutes.

Remote start safety features
For safety and security reasons, the remote engine start system will prevent starting (or stop the engine if running) and sound the horn twice if any of the following conditions is detected. In addition, the fob will flash and beep 3 times.

  • The total run time has exceeded 20 minutes.
  • The brake pedal is depressed.
  • A key is in the ignition switch.
  • The engine hood is open.
  • The engine idle speed exceeds 3,500 rpm.
  • The security alarm is triggered.
  • The select lever is not in the “P” position.
  • If the system detects any door (including the rear gate) open during operation, it will prevent starting or stopping the engine, and sound the horn and flash side marker lights, tail lights, and parking lights 6 times.
  • In addition to the items above, if the vehicle’s engine management system determines there is a safety risk due to a vehicle-related problem, the vehicle will power down and the horn will sound 3 times.

NOTE

  • If the alarm system is armed at the time of remote engine starter activation (the security indicator light on the combination meter is flashing), the alarm system will remain armed throughout the remote start run cycle.
  • If the alarm system is disarmed at the time of remote engine starter activation (the security indicator light on the combination meter is not flashing), the alarm system will remain disarmed throughout the remote start run cycle.

Remote start operation  fob confirmation
Your remote engine starter fob is a bidirectional transceiver that can confirm system operation with several different visual and audible indications. The fob’s LED-backlit button and the internal piezo buzzer will indicate the status of the system using the following flash and beep sequences, provided the fob is within the operational range of the system.

Precondition Fob Indication Meaning
Flash Beep
The fob start button is being pressed Continuous while the button is held down The fob transmits an RF signal
The user attempts to start the engine by pressing the fob button twice within 3 sec 1 flash 1 beep Engine start request received
2 flashes 2 beeps Engine started successfully
1 flash every 3 sec Engine idling
3 flashes 3 beeps The vehicle is in range but the engine has not started
2 long flashes Vehicle not in range (engine not started)
Engine idling by remote engine start operation 1 flash every 3 sec Engine idling
3 flashes 3 beeps Engine stopped by system time-out or for safety reasons (see sections above)
The user attempts to stop the engine by pressing and holding the fob button for at least 2 sec 3 flashes 3 beeps Engine stopped by user request
1 flash every 3 sec Stop request not received. Engine still idling.

Alternate Operation Method for Models with “Keyless Access with Push-Button Start System

Subaru Legacy 2023 Remote Engine Start Touring XT

Access key fob

  1.  Lock button

An access key fob can be used as the remote engine start transmitter. Operate the lock button to start or stop the engine as follows.

Before starting the engine
Before using the remote engine start system to start the engine, confirm the following conditions.

  • The select lever is in the “P” position.
  • All doors including the rear gate are closed.
  • The engine hood is closed.
  • The push-button ignition switch is in the “OFF” position.

Starting the engine
To start the engine with the remote engine start system, briefly press the lock button twice within 2 seconds, then press and hold the lock button for 3 seconds.

  1. Press the lock button briefly. The hazard warning flashers then flash once and the keyless buzzer chirps once.
  2. Within 2 seconds, press the lock button briefly again. The hazard warning flashers then flash once again, and the keyless buzzer chirps once again.
  3. After step 2, immediately press and hold the lock button. The hazard warning flashers then flash three times, and the horn will honk once.
  4. Approximately 3 seconds after step 3, release the lock button. The engine will then start successfully.

Stopping the engine
Press and hold the lock button to stop the engine with the remote engine start system.

Entering the Vehicle While It Is Running via Remote Start (Models without “Keyless Access with Push-Button Start System”)

  • Unlock the vehicle doors using the remote keyless entry system.

NOTE
If the vehicle’s doors are unlocked manually using the key, the vehicle’s alarm system will trigger (if the alarm system is armed prior to activating the remote engine start system) and the engine will turn off. Perform either of the following procedures to disarm the alarm system. 

  • Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it to the “ON” position.
  • Press any button on the remote keyless entry transmitter.
  • Enter the vehicle. The engine will shut down when any door or rear gate is opened.
  • Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it to the “START” position to restart the engine.

Entering the Vehicle While It Is Running via Remote Start (Models with “Keyless Access with Push-Button Start System”)

  1. Unlock the vehicle doors using the keyless access function and remote keyless entry system.
    NOTE
    If the vehicle’s doors are unlocked manually using the key, the vehicle’s alarm system will trigger (if the alarm system is armed prior to activating the remote engine start system) and the engine will turn off. Perform either of the following procedures to disarm the alarm system. 
    • Turn the push-button ignition switch to the “ACC” or “ON” position.
    • Press any button on the access key fob.
  2. Enter the vehicle. The engine will remain running provided the access key fob is present and detected by the vehicle.
  3. Press the push-button ignition switch once while depressing the brake pedal before driving your vehicle. The remote engine starter transceiver (fob) will flash a hand beep 3 times to indicate that the remote start system has been shut down.

Entering the Vehicle Following the Remote Engine Start Shutdown
An alarm trigger may occur if the vehicle is opened by the remote keyless entry transmitter within a few seconds immediately following the remote engine start shut down.

Preheating or Pre-cooling the Interior of the Vehicle
Before exiting the vehicle, set the temperature controls to the desired setting and operation. After the system starts the engine, the heater or air conditioning will activate and heat or cool the interior to your setting.

Remote Transmitter Program (Remote Engine Starter Transceiver)
New transmitters can be programmed into the remote engine start system in the event that a transmitter is lost, stolen, or damaged or additional transmitters are desired (the system will accept up to eight transmitters). New remote engine start transmitters can be programmed according to the following procedure.

  1.  Open the driver’s door (the driver’s door must remain open throughout the entire process).
  2.  Depress and hold the brake pedal.
  3.  Turn the ignition switch to “ON” then “LOCK”/“OFF”, back to “ON” then “LOCK”/ “OFF”, back to “ON” then “LOCK”/“OFF”, then back to “ON” again and leave the ignition “ON” throughout the programming process.
  4. The system will flash the side marker lights, tail lights, and parking lights and honk the horn three times, indicating that the system has entered the transmitter learn mode.
  5.  Press and release the “ ” button on the transmitter that you want to program.
  6.  The system will flash the side marker lights, tail lights, and parking lights and honk the horn one time, indicating that the system has learned the transmitter. Upon successful programming, the remote start confirmation transmitter button will flash one time.
  7.  Repeat step 5 for any additional transmitters (the system will accept up to eight transmitters).
  8.  The system will exit the transmitter learn mode if the key is turned to the “LOCK”/“OFF” position, the door is closed after 2 minutes.

System Maintenance

NOTE
For remote engine starter transceiver: In the event that the vehicle’s battery is replaced, discharged or disconnected, it will be necessary to start the vehicle a minimum of one time using the key prior to activating the remote engine start system. This is required to allow the vehicle’s electronic systems to resynchronize.

Changing the battery

  • Do not let dust, oil or water get on or in the remote engine start transmitter when replacing the battery.
  • Be careful not to damage the printed circuit board in the remote engine start transmitter when replacing the battery.
  • Be careful not to allow children to touch the battery and any re-moved parts; children could swallow them.
  • There is a danger of explosion if an incorrect replacement battery is used. Replace only with the same or equivalent type of battery.
  • Battery should not be exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire, or the like.

For remote engine starter transceiver:
The 3-volt lithium battery (model CR-2450) supplied in your remote engine start transmitter should last approximately one year, depending on usage. When the battery begins to weaken, you will notice a decrease in range (distance from the vehicle that your remote control operates). Follow the instructions below to change the remote engine start transmitter battery.

Subaru Legacy 2023 Remote Engine Start Touring XT

  1. Remove the small Philips screw located on the back side lower left corner of the transmitter.
  2. Carefully pry the remote engine start transmitter halves apart using a small flathead screwdriver.
    Subaru Legacy 2023 Remote Engine Start Touring XT
  3. Remove the circuit board from the bottom half of the case remove the battery and replace it with a new one. Be sure to observe the (+) sign on the old battery before removing it to ensure that the new battery is inserted properly (battery “+” should be pointed away from the transmitter circuit board on the battery).
    Subaru Legacy 2023 Remote Engine Start Touring XT
  4.  Carefully snap the case halves back together, reinstall the Philips screw, and test the remote engine start system.

Certification for Remote Engine Starter

CAUTION

FCC WARNING
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

NOTE
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

  1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
  2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Canada spec models
This device complies with Industry Canada’s license-exempt RSS. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

  1. This device may not cause interference
  2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

FAQ

What is the Remote Engine Start feature in the 2023 Subaru Legacy Touring XT?

The Remote Engine Start feature allows you to start your 2023 Subaru Legacy Touring XT’s engine from a distance using the key fob or a smartphone app.

How does the Remote Engine Start work?

With the key fob or smartphone app, you can initiate the engine start remotely, allowing the vehicle’s engine to warm up before you enter.

What’s the advantage of using Remote Engine Start?

Remote Engine Start helps to pre-condition the cabin, defrost windows, and warm up or cool down the interior for enhanced comfort before driving.

Can I start the engine remotely using the key fob?

Yes, the key fob usually has a dedicated button for Remote Engine Start, allowing you to start the engine from a distance.

Can I use my smartphone to start the engine remotely?

Some models might offer smartphone apps that allow you to start the engine remotely using a compatible device.

Is Remote Engine Start available on all trim levels of the 2023 Legacy Touring XT?

Remote Engine Start availability can vary based on trim levels and optional packages. Check with your Subaru dealer for details.

How far can I be from the vehicle to use Remote Engine Start?

The range for Remote Engine Start can vary but is typically within a certain distance from the vehicle, often around a few hundred feet.

What’s the maximum runtime for Remote Engine Start?

The runtime for Remote Engine Start is usually limited to a certain duration, often around 10 to 20 minutes, to conserve fuel and prevent excessive idling.

Can I set the climate controls using Remote Engine Start?

Some models allow you to set the desired cabin temperature using Remote Engine Start, so the vehicle is comfortable when you enter.

Can I use Remote Engine Start with a manual transmission?

Remote Engine Start is often not available on vehicles with manual transmissions due to safety considerations.

What happens if I try to drive the vehicle after using Remote Engine Start?

In many cases, you need to insert the key and turn it to the “ON” position before the vehicle can be driven after using Remote Engine Start.

Can I stop the engine remotely after starting it?

In most cases, you need to be inside the vehicle with the key to turn off the engine after using Remote Engine Start.

Is Remote Engine Start secure? Can someone drive away with the vehicle?

Many vehicles have security measures in place, requiring the key to be physically inserted before driving, even after using Remote Engine Start.

Can I schedule the Remote Engine Start in advance?

Some models might offer the ability to schedule Remote Engine Start for a specific time, allowing you to warm up the vehicle before you plan to drive.

Can I use Remote Engine Start to cool down the interior on hot days?

Yes, you can use Remote Engine Start to activate the air conditioning system and cool down the interior on hot days.

Useful Link

Subaru Legacy 2023 Premium User Guide
Subaru Impreza 2023 Sport 5-Door User Guide
2024 Subaru Legacy Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)

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