Ok, searched the forum and found lots of info on both available remote start systems "BUT" unfortunately nobody here has installed either of these systems on a LIMITED 4Runner.

So, for those of you who have one of these systems installed on a LIMITED 4Runner (key fob/push button start/door sensor unlock/lock feature) could you please answer the following questions:

1. Does your door touch (lock/unlock) feature still work?
2. If your door touch feature does work, does it shut off the vehicle once you open the door?
3. What do you have to do once you enter the vehicle to ensure the vehicle doesn't shut off (place foot on brake, hit push button twice, ????)
4. Depending on which system you have, do you have auxiliary features to allow you to roll up/down windows, sunroof, etc?

Some of the reviews I've been reading stated you have to use your phone to lock/unlock the doors, which is not convenient. Other reviews have stated once you hit the brakes, the vehicle shuts down. And finally, to my knowledge, Compustar is the only system that has AUX features to roll down windows, etc.

Thanks for the help....

I would also love to know the answer to these questions. Too afraid to get it installed and have everything not work.

I asked some of these questions a few weeks back in this thread...

Viper Alarm in Limited?

I am wondering this as well. I just bought my 2011 LE a couple days ago and the salesman did say that they could install the remote start there and that they just started carrying the Viper remote starts. He showed me their inventory screen and they had most of them but I didn't see the Smart Start (Iphone) one.

Anyway, I did ask him some of these questions and he didn't know the answers. I plan on having them install one sometime this week so I will make sure I get answers before paying for anything.

Please keep us updated on what you find out.

Talked to the dealership again today and they really have no clue about these systems. It turns out that they contract the work out through a local install shop as well. They couldn't even give me a price on the VSS3000 (phone only model, no key fobs) and they have never done a viper install before...so needless to say I am a little hesitant.

Also, I did see a lot of reviews that say the phone model doesn't work that well, so now I am looking at the Viper 5501 (no alarm) or the Viper 5902 (with alarm) and adding the Iphone unit on later if I want. I'm not really sure I want some high school kid re-wiring my ignition system though, so still trying to decide where to get the work done.

I'll post again when I find out any more info. Also, it does sound like you will need an additional transponder bypass part to install one of these on a limited edition.

You can add the Smart Start to a few different Viper models (their web site tells you which ones are compatible) all models need a transponder bypass...

I was actually thinking about asking the same question. I'd like not to have to carry two remotes, the factory one and remote start remote. Since I always have my cell phone on me I would love the Viper SmartStart system, and the still use the factory Smartkey.

bump

I know you are looking for Limited owners that have this just so you can have some proof but I will give you some of my suggestions...the majority of the answers you are looking for can be answered with a "YES". The reason being, the "brain" of the aftermarket remote start/unlock is for the most part independent of the factory system. It overrides the factory system...I see no reason that the touch lock or unlock would not work (my factory key remote still works as I kept the factory alarm and only opted for remote start/locks with my Compustar). I dont know that much about the Push to Start, but if there is a way to push the button so that it is in a position that is the same as if your vehicle is started (like when you turn a key to the "on" position like the last click before turning the engine over) then it would work. Almost every aftermarket system allows for additional outputs such as window up/down, turn on rear defrost, heated seats, etc. If you are not comfortable with the answers that you have received from people, send an email to Viper or Compustar. I know from experience, that Compustar has phenomenal customer service and have complimented them several times about it. Sorry if I am hijacking your thread but think that you will be able to get exactly what you are looking for as long as you go with a high quality install shop!!! Cheers...

Not to be a jerk, but the majority of what you wrote above is speculation. I know you mean well, but it's not the answer I'm looking for. I use to install Viper/DEI alarms back in the late 90's when I worked at Circuit City for 3 yrs. The caliper of installers we had back then was crap, and I imagine the same stands true today for some of these companies installing the DEI systems (Best Buy, etc). That's why I stated in my subject line that I only wanted to hear from LIMITED owners as I want actual CONFIRMATION that it either works or doesn't. I know you're happy with yours and I'm glad it's everything you hoped for, but before I drop the cash and let them hack into my factory wiring system I want to know it's gonna be RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!

If you have time, go visit Viper's forum for the iPhone remote start. All the owners with newer model cars are complaining that none of the factory features are working after installing the remote start/alarm (similar features to the ones I mentioned).

I appreciate your inputs but I need to hear from an actual LIMITED owner that it will indeed work without losing the key features or inconveniences in my original message.

No worries (you weren't being a jerk and I totally appreciate your concerns about wanting it done right so not to waste money)...I ran your concerns by a good friend of mine that owns a shop, got some of the answers from him so figured I would share with you. I hope you find the answers and get an install to your satisfaction!

Thanks brother

It only took Viper 3 weeks to reply but this is what they said when I asked about whether or not the touch-sensor unlock feature would still work after installing the iPhone remote start:

Viper's Email: I have no way to verify that the touch feature will work with an aftermarket remote start system.
One way to test is by starting the vehicle with the key and while it is running, with the doors shut touch the handle and if it does not operate then it will not operate with the remote start system.

Not exactly the answer I was looking for, especially since the touch-sensor will not work on the Limited when the 4R is running.

Just had a Viper 5901 with remote start installed in my limited this week. One thing to consider before having it done is which transponder bypass to get. I can only speak for certain about the DBALL module (cause that's what I currently have installed)... pretty sure that's what Viper is recommending everyone uses now.

DBALL:
--integration with factory key fob is great. locking via the factory fob arms the alarm, unlocking disarms the alarm. when approaching the vehicle, once in range of the proximity sensor, the viper alarm disarms, and you can open the door using touch sensor unlock. when leaving the vehicle, pressing the touch sensor lock arms the viper alarm. honestly, other than when i want to remote start, i might just carry around the factory fob and leave the viper fob behind.
--the problem with the DBALL unit is that the remote start kinda sucks in that the car shuts off when you open the door. Viper said something about it being a necessary security feature due to the push button start. the logic did not make sense to me at all though, especially considering Gpannu's post on the older Viper alarm in Limited thread that I started. Since the functionality of his system sounds a bit different than mine, both in terms of integration with the factory fob, and how the remote start works, maybe he has the PKALL unit installed. I'm gonna give the shop that installed his alarm a call and try to get to the bottom of it.

Until I get more info, it seems like I might be able to get better remote start functionality by getting the PKALL module installed, but am worried that I'll lose the nice integration with the factory system (fob and touch sensors). Current plan is to give Gpannu's shop a call to see if there's a way to get remote start to function the way it does on his truck using my current set up (DBALL). If i cant, I'll probably still keep the DBALL, cause remote start is only something I'll be using occasionally.