Remote start help!!!

I live in Alaska and it's finally time to get a remote start and I just started looking into them. One way versus 2 way. Remote start with alarm and keyless entry and all the options. I have a few questions. The car had a aftermarket viper alarm system when I got the 2000 4Runner and I didn't have the remote so I removed it. I was wondering if there a stock system in there that I can get a new controller for or what are my options. Plus I don't need anything fancy her for alarm system car isn't going anywhere far on this island haha. But I do need keyless entry bc my key insert on my door keeps freezing and I can't get the key in or turn it once it's in without scrapping and water. Also I was wondering for a 2000 4Runner sr5 4x4 do I need the bypass that I keep reading about.

Please help and let me know if there is any other info is required

My viper alarm on my 97 4Runner has electric start and it works pretty good

thatoneguygeoff said:

My viper alarm on my 97 4Runner has electric start and it works pretty good

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Did you install it yourself?

Did I need to put a bypass into the system?

It was already installed when I bought my rig. I'm sure it's a pretty straight forward installation as it is installed in tons of vehicles

I used to install these for a living years back and recently added a new remote and changed programming on the old Python remote start I found that was installed in my 97 SR5 before I bought it. I have some experience.

I would recommend a 2-way remote start system with as long range as possible. Reason being is that you will know your truck is running without even needing to worry about it. Mine is one way and I'm always curious if it started or not....but I dont feel like spending the money to upgrade. You shouldn't have tore the old one out! It's MUCH cheaper to program a new set of remotes, unless it was just an alarm and not remote start capable.

The key on my 97 doesn't have a chip, so there is no need for a transponder bypass. I'm not sure they have one in 2000 but a local installer can tell you or a lengthy search will give you the correct answers. Some brands (usually the newer ones) have an ignition transponder chip inside the key itself and those need to be bypassed...but I'm guessing you knew that already.

Can you install it yourself? Are you capable of wiring some relays, diodes, negative trigger locks or horns? If you can't answer those questions with confidence then let a pro install it. Trust me it's worth the extra dough. You don't want to accidentally leave yourself stranded in Alaska.

Good luck and if you have any questions just ask! (I'm going to search and see if you need a bypass and get back to you)

EDIT:
Ok after searching around, I don't think you need a bypass. BUT you need to verify that by getting a spare key made and trying it out on your vehicle. Any hardware store can do it. Make a key and try to start your car. If it doesn't start...there is a chip....if it does then your 4runner doesn't have a chip and you are good to go!
Source Transponder List

I'm pretty sure you can identify if you have the chip by the type of key, the bigger plastic housing key has the chip. I know I've seen this in another thread, but I'm not hip enough to know it. But [MENTION=10169]TheDurk[/MENTION] knows it for sure!

IBallEngineer said:

I'm pretty sure you can identify if you have the chip by the type of key, the bigger plastic housing key has the chip. I know I've seen this in another thread, but I'm not hip enough to know it. But [MENTION=10169]TheDurk[/MENTION] knows it for sure!

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Chip master key:




Unchipped master and valet:



The unchipped 4Runners also came with a second all-metal master that is slightly squarer than the all-metal valet shown.

Size of hole is major giveaway; the unchipped is much wider. Some of us are hip--some of us ain't.

I think in 1999 and 2000 only Limiteds had chips, but I am not sure on that. My 1999 SR5 is unchipped.

Awesome,

Thank you all for your replies. That is all good information. I have a straight metal key so I am pretty sure it isn't chipped. Also, there isn't a local dealer or shop here in town. We are very remote here in Alaska on my island lol. But I am confident that I can install it. I know a little about cars but I am a aircraft mechanic and electriction and can figure it out. We will make it work haha. Thanks for all the help and I am sure I may have more questions later. Like what brand is the best bang for your buck and am now planning on a 2 way bc of what you told me. I would also wonder if it started or not. It's cold here and sometimes it likes to fight me or not. But just replaced all plugs and leads and she is now working like a champ. Thanks again all.

Good luck. You won't regret getting a 2 way.

4runner remote start install

I found the12volt.com site to have lots of good info on remote starters

plus detailed info on specific vehicles and pics you can google it up too

I am installing Compustar 800s on my 1999 and 2000 this week I can let you know how it goes.

Alarm + Remote Start in 99 Toyota 4Runner

Jduv10007 said:

Awesome,

Thank you all for your replies. That is all good information. I have a straight metal key so I am pretty sure it isn't chipped. Also, there isn't a local dealer or shop here in town. We are very remote here in Alaska on my island lol. But I am confident that I can install it. I know a little about cars but I am a aircraft mechanic and electriction and can figure it out. We will make it work haha. Thanks for all the help and I am sure I may have more questions later. Like what brand is the best bang for your buck and am now planning on a 2 way bc of what you told me. I would also wonder if it started or not. It's cold here and sometimes it likes to fight me or not. But just replaced all plugs and leads and she is now working like a champ. Thanks again all.

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Thank you for that information. I looked it over and it looks like a good source and start for me. Thank you

I spoke with a dealer/installer a few days ago about 2-way setups and he directed me to the Compustar brand. I'd never heard of them before then but they look really nice. 3 mile range and waterproof remote on the Pro T11 model! I wonder if anyone has any experience with them?

Not sure how that model works but my 97 has a Viper system on it with the Your Valet remote start option and it works great


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TheDurk said:

Chip master key:

Unchipped master and valet:

The unchipped 4Runners also came with a second all-metal master that is slightly squarer than the all-metal valet shown.

Size of hole is major giveaway; the unchipped is much wider. Some of us are hip--some of us ain't.

I think in 1999 and 2000 only Limiteds had chips, but I am not sure on that. My 1999 SR5 is unchipped.

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Thanks for this. Looks like I'm chipped. Now I'm feeling chapped. I guess that's why Home Depot said naw. That's OK - usually I accidentally lock my keys inside so a plain copy in a hide-a-key should work to get back in. I read the little manual last night, but still don't understand how the Immobilizer function works (and how to avoid doing it to myself).

Endlessblockades said:

Thanks for this. Looks like I'm chipped. Now I'm feeling chapped. I guess that's why Home Depot said naw. That's OK - usually I accidentally lock my keys inside so a plain copy in a hide-a-key should work to get back in. I read the little manual last night, but still don't understand how the Immobilizer function works (and how to avoid doing it to myself).

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You can eliminate the need for chipped keys.

• First, take your chipped key to the hardware store and get several non-chipped copies of it made.
• Then duct tape the chipped key behind the dash, right next to the ignition switch. The chip works by proximity, so put it as close as possible.
• Insert a non-chipped copy in the ignition switch, and start the engine.

I've always considered these chipped keys to be an ill conceived security measure. They're more of an inconvenience to the vehicle owner than they are to any thief.

If you have a chipped key, you will need an immobilizer bypass for the alarm. It's an item that is sold separately. You will need one to go with your remote start alarm.

I had my remote start taken out of my 4runner right before winter. Reason, car was off I shut my door and the car started itself. About a week later I was in my living room and heard my car start. Thought it was getting stolen. Nope just decided to start itself. It was on the vehicle for 14 years, but once it started acting up, I got rid of it after making sure it wasn’t the remote batteries triggering it. No way I’m working on the 4runner and it starting itself randomly.


2001 SR5 4x4 Premium
2017 SR5 4x4 Premium

O2RunnerSR5 said:

I had my remote start taken out of my 4runner right before winter. Reason, car was off I shut my door and the car started itself. About a week later I was in my living room and heard my car start. Thought it was getting stolen. Nope just decided to start itself. It was on the vehicle for 14 years, but once it started acting up, I got rid of it after making sure it wasn’t the remote batteries triggering it. No way I’m working on the 4runner and it starting itself randomly.


2001 SR5 4x4 Premium
2017 SR5 4x4 Premium

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I'm with you on the safety concerns. Mine's a little different.

My son's 2009 Corolla had an aftermarket remote start already installed by the PO when he bought it used. Over the course of his first 3 months of ownership, the voltage regulator failed in the alternator, the car began making a noise upon starting that initially sounded like oil starvation (turned out to be the starter not fully disengaging), and the battery kept draining and eventually failed. While troubleshooting the noise, there were several instances where the starter stayed engaged when I released the key. I checked the current flow at the battery and discovered a 150mA parasitic drain with everything off. While checking this, the meter pegged a couple of times, and then the fuse blew in my meter. I think maybe the remote start was trying to engage. I took the steering column apart and located the two 30A fuses for the remote start. Removed those and the starter noise got better but didn't go away completely. Finally had the starter replaced, all perfect now.

I've always been suspicious of what type of failure a remote start would have, and now I know of one type. I believe this one took out the starter, maybe over-worked the regulator, and wore out the previous battery. I've decided I won't ever get one myself.

thennen said:

I'm with you on the safety concerns. Mine's a little different.

My son's 2009 Corolla had an aftermarket remote start already installed by the PO when he bought it used. Over the course of his first 3 months of ownership, the voltage regulator failed in the alternator, the car began making a noise upon starting that initially sounded like oil starvation (turned out to be the starter not fully disengaging), and the battery kept draining and eventually failed. While troubleshooting the noise, there were several instances where the starter stayed engaged when I released the key. I checked the current flow at the battery and discovered a 150mA parasitic drain with everything off. While checking this, the meter pegged a couple of times, and then the fuse blew in my meter. I think maybe the remote start was trying to engage. I took the steering column apart and located the two 30A fuses for the remote start. Removed those and the starter noise got better but didn't go away completely. Finally had the starter replaced, all perfect now.

I've always been suspicious of what type of failure a remote start would have, and now I know of one type. I believe this one took out the starter, maybe over-worked the regulator, and wore out the previous battery. I've decided I won't ever get one myself.

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I would not install 3rd party remote starter kits ever in any vehicle.. just my opinion on them.


2001 SR5 4x4 Premium
2017 SR5 4x4 Premium

tvpierce said:

You can eliminate the need for chipped keys.

• First, take your chipped key to the hardware store and get several non-chipped copies of it made.
• Then duct tape the chipped key behind the dash, right next to the ignition switch. The chip works by proximity, so put it as close as possible.
• Insert a non-chipped copy in the ignition switch, and start the engine.

I've always considered these chipped keys to be an ill conceived security measure. They're more of an inconvenience to the vehicle owner than they are to any thief.

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I like this idea!