Has anyone done this? I didn't opt for remote start from the factory. Is this something that can be easily added on?

I have the OEM remote start. It's a module they add and reprogram existing remotes. Doesn't work over 60' and it turns the vehicle off when you open the door. Works great to warm up in the morning but can't stand the shutting off when you open the door.

I added the OEM remote start after the fact. It is all plug and play as far as wire harnesses, but probably more involved dash dis-assembly than most people would be comfortable with. You will still need to take it to a dealer to program it to the engine immobilizer.

I think it took me about 3 hours to install.

There's tons of threads on remote start here, I'm sure some even have photos.

If its the stock oem module, it most likely won't be too hard, but if its aftermarket, I suggest not trying it.

Funny, I swear I just typed this same thing about a month ago!

If you are adding one I'd suggest having an aftermarket setup installed. Like the previous poster stated the factory setup shuts off the engine when you open the door and it gets kinda annoying.

Hi clobna,

The vehicle's shutting off when the door opens is there by Design, not a flaw! It does that to prevent anyone from taking the truck while unattended; an anti-theft/secuity feature.

Best!

You did, wife got me one for xmas. I still haven't had it installed.

I know others who have added Oem also.. I Got a nice Viper system with remote start/alarm. Shows you on screen if it's locked, unlocked, running, how long it's been running, etc..

If you dont mind me asking how much did that cost you to install? Also was it installed by Best Buy because thats the only Viper supplier I know of in my area?

I have a similar Clifford system with the remote start/alarm and LCD remote. I absolutely love it! I didn't need the alarm, but honestly it is adds a piece of mind, especially with living in an apartment complex. Plus the range is incredible.

Does the factory remote start work off the existing key? If so, that is a good reason to go with it rather than an aftermarket which requires you carry an additional fob.

I have a Compustar installed on my TE and I don't have to carry an additional key fob.

anyone added one that starts using phone??

Note that some aftermarket remote starts also have this feature/bug.

I had my dealer install a remote start when I bought my 4Runner and they told me they would rather install an aftermarket one since the range on the OEM version is very limited (it uses the regular remote unlock clicker so you're basically limited to 50 feet or so).

Anyway, my "aftermarket" remote start which was installed by the dealer before I took delivery has the engine shutoff attribute. I don't really care, honestly. If it's OK with Toyota, it's OK with me.

Without the key in the ignition to unlock the steering wheel, not sure far anybody is going to get with your 4Runner. And if they know how to defeat that, they probably don't give a rat's rear end about your remote start anyways.

Both Viper and Compustar have the ability to unlock using your smart phone.

I had my Viper remote start installed at Abt Electronics in Morton Grove. They pulled their salesman magic on me, pointing out that if I came back to have anything else installed, it would be another $65, as opposed to adding the SmartStart electronics of $100 right then. It worked, I had the extra electronics installed. Then I signed up for the smart phone too, which is billed by either the year or three years.

I use LastPass on my smart phone, and it can be annoying to log into SmartStart. SmartStart has both email/password, and also a PIN. Never really sure what its going to ask me for. And then I could have sworn I messed up the password and it let me start the car anyway.

You might want to ask about having the windows go down; search the forum too; there's something in Techstream. I am not keen on it. I park my 4Runner in the summer such that the rear window is cracked about 2", just enough to let the heat out, yet unless you are looking hard, you don't see its open.

I liked the Compustar T1 looks, but wasn't 100% sure on either Armando's on the north side of Chicago, or having to take a day off to get to Valpraiso Indiana. Abt Electronics took back a GE frig that I was just not happy with, no questions asked, although it helped I was picking out another unit to replace it from their store.

Whether to get the smart phone thing or not is highly dependent on how far and thru what the remote has to get thru to your car.

As I recall, you have to get a remote regardless of the smart phone thing.