Adding remote start
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4funrunner
New member
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.
Jeremy556
New member
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.
I think it took me about 3 hours to install.
flyinhawaiian01
New member
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! :thumb3:
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! :thumb3:
rigtec
New member
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!
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Diver Deuce
New member
You did, wife got me one for xmas. I still haven't had it installed.
concrete_boots
New member
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.
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.
ic0517
New member
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.
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.
flyinhawaiian01
New member
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!
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!
gm350reratliff
New member
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.
rigtec
New member
'Your explanation'...
[MENTION=32290]gm350reratliff[/MENTION], 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
[MENTION=32290]gm350reratliff[/MENTION], 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!
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!
