Well, they wouldn't get anywhere, actually, because when installed properly, its tied to the brake, and as soon as someone touches the brake pedal, the vehicle shuts off!

And, because almost every automatic from at least the 90's requires you to press the brake pedal to get it out of park and into a gear, they will not be able to go anywhere at all!

On Toyota/Lexus vehicles with the push to start, they shut down remote start upon entry to re-validate the key with both OEM and aftermarket remote starters. I believe Honda/Acuras are like this as well but most other makes don't require a shut down to validate the key. So yes, it is by design and to help prevent theft. There was one company (Fortin) that offered a bypass module that did not require a shut down upon entry but it only had that feature on some vehicles and I'm not sure if they offer it anymore.

Now on Toyotas with the standard key, the OEM remote start shuts down upon entry but most aftermarket bypass modules can and will leave the vehicle running with entry. With any remote start system, the brake switch should always be hooked up for a number of reasons but primarly to prevent theft.

As for remote start brands, I recommend Compustar with ADS bypass module. More options, less wires, ability to upgrade/add modules/features are just some of the reasons. I can lock/unlock/remote start from the Compustar or OEM fobs. I also have Drone Mobile with virtually gives you unlimited range. I highly recommend Drone Mobile not only for the range but also the ability to monitor my vehicle's status and location.

As for install, I didn't find it very hard on my 2014 but if you are not 100% comfortable and experienced with vehicle electronics, leave it to the pros. As for finding a shop, you can call the remote start brand of your choice and ask for shops in your area. From there, ask the shops to give you references to check them out.

'Your explanation'...

@gm350reratliff , is one of the best (if not 'thee' best) that I've heard... "Kudos!" I think that the 'door entry' and 'brake pedal' anti-theft system is a bit redundant (anal retentive), but for good reason.

Just imagine if that ole' temperamental, driver-door courtesy light switch chose to stick, the same day that someone was eyeballing your truck 'with bad intentions', ...and without a brake pedal kill switch back-up... To me, this seems to make the minor inconvenience of having to restart our 'Pride-n-joy' worthwhile! Rgds

I just installed an OEM factory remote start on my 2010 SR5. Wife bought this for me for x-mas. The installation instructions are posted on this site, so I won't go into that (took about 2-3 hours). The biggest hurdle was programming the ECU to talk to the car... I did some research, got a knock off cable that included an older version of TIS techstream and had to hack the install to work on Win7. Super PITA. However, it can only do light modifications, like change the interval of the rear wiper, etc. It cannot reprogram ECUs, which is what you need to do. Took it to the dealer here in Richmond (the only dealer that said they have the capability to install these). They couldn't get it to program. They said they would have to uninstall everything and reinstall it to make sure it was done correctly, for about $500. No thanks. As crazy as it sounds, I knew they were messing it up somehow as I had followed the TIS instructions and it passed the initial diagnostics.

After more research, I discovered there is a Techstream lite and Techstream 2.0, which has the capability to program the ECU, these things were going for a couple grand on eBay. I FINALLY came across a Chinese site that sold ECU programmers. This was a little sketchy, but as I was up the creek without a paddle otherwise, I decided to pull the trigger. Was $60 bucks.

Unbelievably, in under 10 minutes, I had successfully programmed the remote starter. It came with a copy of the Techstream software and installed on my Windows 7 laptop without a problem. Here's the link VXDiag VCX NANO for TOYOTA TIS Techstream V10.30.029 Compatible with SAE J2534

Hope this helps!

Lots of thoughtfully written responses here guys... thank you.

For those of us going the OEM remote start option... is the OEM remote start built into both the brake AND the door? If so - is there a way we can disable the door turning off the engine?

I bought mine from a dealership who didn't know it, but it came with a AstroStart system already installed and it also SmartStart compatible. I ordered the fob for it and it works up to 2,000 feet away. I love it! Stops when the brake is pushed if the key is not in the start position. The SmartStart system can be operated from your smartphone for a monthly subscription fee.

To answer your question, I took a look at the brain for it, and it had a TON of wires coming to and from the unit. Not knowing a great deal about the electrical wiring, I can't imagine trying to wire that thing on on m own.

TLDR: I have an aftermarket system that I love and highly recommend, but don't try to install it yourself.

I've had both OEM and now aftermarket and am telling you: don't waste your money with the OEM remote start. Basically only works for when you can already see your truck, not from the back of the store when you're about to head to checkout. Limited range, no two way comm (to let you know it started), and doesn't enable wiper warmers or rear defroster so you still have to clear the snow/ice. If you're going to spend the money on remote start, you'll be disappointed with the OEM option at every turn. I couldn't even get mine to reliably start while looking out the window of my office at the truck parked 100ft away.

Yes. I did the Viper remote start handcar alarm. I can start and unlock doors with my phone and my apple watch

Compustar Slice JR. with the Drone Mobile add on.

This was perfect for me as I didn't want a big remote and it's very simple to use. I can also lock/unlock/start the car with my iPhone & Apple watch.

I recently bought a '14 with what appears to be a 3rd party starter installed after the original purchase. Brake pedal shuts off the engine if key is not inserted. Also has a timer; engine shuts off after about 15min or so. My complaint is the keyless entry does work 90% of the time. I have to manually use the key to unlock the door; & sometimes, the door seems to unlock when the remote started.

Compustar Slice Jr. as well. No Drone add on.

I had it factored into my purchase agreement and the dealership outsourced the installation to a local shop. I think its a $100 kit for the one-way kit (quickly looked at Best Buy) but the dealership was charging $400 not installed ($714 installed, not what I paid).

I have zero complaints about it. This is a separate remote on my key chain. Locks with one press, unlocks with two and starts when I hold for three seconds and the range works for me.

The Compustar Slice Jr remotes, both the 1-way and 2-way versions are a really great choice. 2500ft range, water resistant case, crush resistant, and low profile.

Another great choice which I would recommend is to switch to the valet key and pair a 4 or 5 button remote like a Compustar T11, 901, or 902 with it so you can have everything on one long distance remote, rather than have one key remote, and one aftermarket.

And finally, another nice solution is to do factory integration 3X lock to start, and add a mobile option like Drone. This way you have short distance with the remote, and unlimited with the phone app, and you don't add any remotes at all.

We have the dealer installed Remote start on our 2017. Range is pathetic. It's the wifes vehicle. She's happy. Seeing the OEM remote start in action is disappointing. Our previous Jeep factory remote start was superior in every way.

In canada we have this option. Not as good as aftermarket but it has a really good range.

PSA: Another aftermarket Remote starter/Alarm start thread. This one has videos

Surprised nobody has mentioned this thread yet!

Purchased a compustar remote starter + dronemobile unit from @gshadow325 for a DIY installation. Everything is pre setup so you just have to connect 12 wires. Absolutely no experience with car electronics but was able to get it done.

Perfect setup in my opinion... can either hit lock button on remote 3x to start car or use the dronemobile app from your cell phone to start from wherever with 15 minute timer. You can still open the door without the engine dying, put key in ignition for manual takeover without having to restart the car (but if pedal is pushed without key in ignition, engine will then cut off)

Really a great feature, much better than the OEM starter


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk