Aftermarket remote start - what to expect?
- Thread starter dsimonl
- Start date
Friggin Idiot
Senior Member
I had the dealer put on a factory remote start kit when I bought the truck, I regretted that decision.
Factory remote start is handy but at $600 this was entirely too limited. Poor range/bad reception even line of sight to the parking lot from the 3rd floor window <100ft away it wouldn't start 80% of the time. Limited to 10min run time, have to turn off truck to open the damn door, and doesn't turn on rear window defrost. Front defrost will come on if you left it that way, same with heated seats (although they have a safety switch so not to get warm until there's pressure on them I think).
2 years (+- 3 weeks) and 38kmi later the factory brain died and it wouldn't start by remote at all, of course warranty stopped at 36kmi. After paying dealer their diagnostic fee and letting them hold me hostage for 5 hours they told me that Toyota doesn't make the factory unit (Fujitsu), and they are the ones who have to tell the Toyota tech how to troubleshoot it. They thought they had located the bad part, but were only 90% sure of it. The part they wanted to replace was the main remote start ECM, $200 to order, but wasn't available for 3 months (confirmed with other dealers). Found part online, but dealer wanted another 2hrs labor to install if I didn't get the part from them (1hr if I did). They offered to sell me another remote start kit for $400 (+1hr labor) which they could have installed the next day if they kept my truck in pieces over night. New unit only would be covered for 90 days or 1000 miles. Not a pleasant experience.
Went to another dealer paid them 1hr labor to remove the entire factory remote start system. Drove 2 exits down to local CompuStar Dealer, and had them install a Pro T11. I didn't want a cell phone based service since I frequently go to places where it wouldn't work (nearest cell signal is 12 miles away). Paid a few bucks extra to have them wire in the rear defroster and windshield wiper warmer. Total spent on the CompuStar was about $850 incl options and install. Now I have 2 way communication so I know the truck started, stupid long range (have tested it at 1/2mile away through buildings), and a remote with a USB rechargeable battery. I can unlock the truck with it still running, put key in ignition, turn on, tap brakes, and drive off. Run time is user select-able 15, 25, 45, or 60 mins, has a 2 minute alert on the remote that it will turn off, and you can extend the run time from the remote for another cycle if you want. Can also set a certain time for it to start every day (haven't played with this yet because I work different shifts all the time). Coolest feature in winter is the pause feature, with truck running in park, hit remote start button, wait for return chirp, turn key to off and walk away, truck stays running and warm while you duck into post office, grocery store, etc. For those who don't want to carry an extra fob, I dealt with it by ditching the bulky electronic key and have been driving around with the valet style key since the CompuStar install.
In the end DO NOT GO FACTORY!
I looked into Viper systems, but they weren't as feature rich, and were only a little cheaper. CompuStar was the way to go for me and I'm happy with it still 2 months and 3kmi later. I researched the installer and they are highest rated in area, guaranteed work, and they solder connections in, no wire clips to rattle loose bouncing around off road.
CompuStar Pro T11 Most other sites have all the same information. This is the only one I could find that posted the entire manuals to read prior to installation.
Find your CompuStar Dealer
Factory remote start is handy but at $600 this was entirely too limited. Poor range/bad reception even line of sight to the parking lot from the 3rd floor window <100ft away it wouldn't start 80% of the time. Limited to 10min run time, have to turn off truck to open the damn door, and doesn't turn on rear window defrost. Front defrost will come on if you left it that way, same with heated seats (although they have a safety switch so not to get warm until there's pressure on them I think).
2 years (+- 3 weeks) and 38kmi later the factory brain died and it wouldn't start by remote at all, of course warranty stopped at 36kmi. After paying dealer their diagnostic fee and letting them hold me hostage for 5 hours they told me that Toyota doesn't make the factory unit (Fujitsu), and they are the ones who have to tell the Toyota tech how to troubleshoot it. They thought they had located the bad part, but were only 90% sure of it. The part they wanted to replace was the main remote start ECM, $200 to order, but wasn't available for 3 months (confirmed with other dealers). Found part online, but dealer wanted another 2hrs labor to install if I didn't get the part from them (1hr if I did). They offered to sell me another remote start kit for $400 (+1hr labor) which they could have installed the next day if they kept my truck in pieces over night. New unit only would be covered for 90 days or 1000 miles. Not a pleasant experience.
Went to another dealer paid them 1hr labor to remove the entire factory remote start system. Drove 2 exits down to local CompuStar Dealer, and had them install a Pro T11. I didn't want a cell phone based service since I frequently go to places where it wouldn't work (nearest cell signal is 12 miles away). Paid a few bucks extra to have them wire in the rear defroster and windshield wiper warmer. Total spent on the CompuStar was about $850 incl options and install. Now I have 2 way communication so I know the truck started, stupid long range (have tested it at 1/2mile away through buildings), and a remote with a USB rechargeable battery. I can unlock the truck with it still running, put key in ignition, turn on, tap brakes, and drive off. Run time is user select-able 15, 25, 45, or 60 mins, has a 2 minute alert on the remote that it will turn off, and you can extend the run time from the remote for another cycle if you want. Can also set a certain time for it to start every day (haven't played with this yet because I work different shifts all the time). Coolest feature in winter is the pause feature, with truck running in park, hit remote start button, wait for return chirp, turn key to off and walk away, truck stays running and warm while you duck into post office, grocery store, etc. For those who don't want to carry an extra fob, I dealt with it by ditching the bulky electronic key and have been driving around with the valet style key since the CompuStar install.
In the end DO NOT GO FACTORY!
I looked into Viper systems, but they weren't as feature rich, and were only a little cheaper. CompuStar was the way to go for me and I'm happy with it still 2 months and 3kmi later. I researched the installer and they are highest rated in area, guaranteed work, and they solder connections in, no wire clips to rattle loose bouncing around off road.
CompuStar Pro T11 Most other sites have all the same information. This is the only one I could find that posted the entire manuals to read prior to installation.
Find your CompuStar Dealer
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gshadow325
New member
My comments on viper are not nice so I'll save them and tell you why computstar is awesome.
Scenario. Today you say I want only remote start with oem remote. OK great, you get what you want.
Tomorrow, next week, next month, next year etc, you life changes and your requirements change. You need longer range with 2 way and security.
I got you, you will reach out to me or another competent compustar dealer. You can get that system you bought upgraded with out a total remove and reinstall.
You can get two way remote, smart phone, alarm, tilt sensor, impact sensor etc.
Viper, sorry I will need to remove everything and reinstall a new system.
I currently have only 2 viper fan boys left at a huge shop with 8 full time installers that all love viper. Only reason they still fan boys, they didn't install one or use one yet.
Just wait till you get a chance to own a compustar, you will be kicking yourself for not switching earlier. I was a Volvo fan for a long time till I got my first 4 runner. I wished I did it sooner, but soon realized I can't change the past And only can control the future.
Couple of things.
It's only a 20 minute process to yank the oem starter.
I would have spent the money with the installer of the compustar for that. Probably cheaper.
Manual can only tell you so much, but there are many little things not in that old manual printed for firmware version 3.0, we currently on version 3.14.
Only 15,25 or 45 minute run times but you can extend runtime without restarting.
Compustar offers lifetime warranty on the hardware
3 years on the T11. T11 is also water proof, crush proof virtually life proof. You can break it if you tried. I threw mine against a wall in front of a customer and asked the viper fan boy to do the same with his remote. Viper fan declined. Asked same fan to silence his alarm chirps right now from his desk, he couldn't. Asked him to start his car from the pc he was using, he couldn't. Smart start only works on smart phones, drone works on everything you throw at it practically. Asked same fan to do a location search on his vehicle, said his smart start is the non GPS one. Well that's not too smart is it? Says the GPS is not needed plus it was a extra money.
I sold computstar since 2003,fan since 1999. Was drinking the viper kool-aid for a long time till compustar.
I still am a fan, a fan of ripping them out and installing a compustar unit!
Try asking your neighborhood viper dealer this question
I want one way remote start now, can I upgrade to full security remote start with 2 way pager later?
Answer would probably be a no but yes if you want to give me lots of money again!
Ask them about how can I remote start my manual transmission 4 runner with a viper? What if I left it in gear?
List goes on and on and on like the energizer bunny.
Did I tell you compustar brains are update able? Ask you viper dealer that one!
BTW, I don't have to sell compustar, I had a choice to sell what I want and what I liked. That like has turned itself into a deep love and passion. So much so that I once worked for a competitor of compustar as tech support. After one day, I quit. The paperwork wasn't even submitted to human resources yet.
Cobalt Anubis
New member
EZGO Remote Starter
Steve Sze on Facebook, who now works for www.rcauto.works, sold me an EZGO Remote Starter system by Compustar. You can find his posts in the "4RUNNER TOYOTA 4x4" FB group. It works great on my 5th Gen 4runner. My only disappointment is that I waited so long to have it installed. This system as you can see from the video (see the link below) is superior to the factory system and in no way voids your service warranty. I highly recommend the EZGO system. Having a remote starter is great on those cold mornings. The auto lock and unlock triggered by proximity is a premium feature which you can disable by the click of a button. There are a few upgrade options that are also available which is great for parents because you can monitor where the vehicle is at all times, or when the vehicle is started, and so on. AWESOME!!!
{EZGO Remote VIDEO} https://www.flickr.com/photos/129154214@N04/15630448983/in/photostream/
UPDATE:
The drone app is about $50 a year which allows for remote starts from your smart phone. That's less than a dollar a day for exceptional convenience.
Steve Sze on Facebook, who now works for www.rcauto.works, sold me an EZGO Remote Starter system by Compustar. You can find his posts in the "4RUNNER TOYOTA 4x4" FB group. It works great on my 5th Gen 4runner. My only disappointment is that I waited so long to have it installed. This system as you can see from the video (see the link below) is superior to the factory system and in no way voids your service warranty. I highly recommend the EZGO system. Having a remote starter is great on those cold mornings. The auto lock and unlock triggered by proximity is a premium feature which you can disable by the click of a button. There are a few upgrade options that are also available which is great for parents because you can monitor where the vehicle is at all times, or when the vehicle is started, and so on. AWESOME!!!
{EZGO Remote VIDEO} https://www.flickr.com/photos/129154214@N04/15630448983/in/photostream/
UPDATE:
The drone app is about $50 a year which allows for remote starts from your smart phone. That's less than a dollar a day for exceptional convenience.
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Math?
itsdchz
New member
I'm pretty sure the Steve you are referencing is the Steve who posted just before you, and who we are all referencing.. [MENTION=93434]gshadow325[/MENTION]
I think....
Cobalt Anubis
New member
I think you know I meant less than a $1 a day.
Cobalt Anubis
New member
I don't typically converse directly with anyone on T4R.org so I am unable to respond to your inquiry. If its the same guy, I am giving him a thumbs up.
mattr
New member
From everything I've looked into on this the smart key makes the installation a ripe pain. I would make sure they're aware that you have a limited with the smart key before they commit to it, if they don't take at least a few minutes to make sure they know what that means I wouldn't trust them with my wiring harness.
itsdchz
New member
My wife's highlander has the smart key, with keyless touch entry, and Steve has reassured us that this does NOT affect the usability, and EZGO would NOT be needed for this configuration.
gshadow325
New member
Lee is correct on the highlander.
On limited smart key 4 runners there are 2 ways.
One will shut it down when the door opens
One will have take over, I personally have not done it this way yet. I have the hardware to do it. Just never the opportunity.
Just did lexus gx460 2015 with shut down method only because it was a last minute thing and I didn't bring the other piece of hardware that would allow for take over with me on my last trip to Philadelphia. Did 6 cars in a. 48 hour period. Not including the 16 rental cars I flew in for.
On limited smart key 4 runners there are 2 ways.
One will shut it down when the door opens
One will have take over, I personally have not done it this way yet. I have the hardware to do it. Just never the opportunity.
Just did lexus gx460 2015 with shut down method only because it was a last minute thing and I didn't bring the other piece of hardware that would allow for take over with me on my last trip to Philadelphia. Did 6 cars in a. 48 hour period. Not including the 16 rental cars I flew in for.
gshadow325
New member
BTW, I glad a few of the guys I sent systems to chimed in. I really do appreciate the kind words. Their opinions and experiences are their own. Unsolicited and honest.
Thank you.
Thank you.
gshadow325
New member
Another 2 systems PRE-Wired up and getting ready to be sent out.
Thanks again guys. I'll be available for support.
<a href="http://s216.photobucket.com/user/gshadow325/media/Toyota%204Runner%202003/20160405_195939_zpsqc10zxbn.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc132/gshadow325/Toyota%204Runner%202003/20160405_195939_zpsqc10zxbn.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20160405_195939_zpsqc10zxbn.jpg"/></a>
Thanks again guys. I'll be available for support.
<a href="http://s216.photobucket.com/user/gshadow325/media/Toyota%204Runner%202003/20160405_195939_zpsqc10zxbn.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc132/gshadow325/Toyota%204Runner%202003/20160405_195939_zpsqc10zxbn.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20160405_195939_zpsqc10zxbn.jpg"/></a>
gshadow325
New member
i think you got some stuff confused.
-smart start is the smart phone module.
-run time is programmed by your dealer for 3, 12 or 25 minutes
-you got a additional 2 way remote to control the vehicle, thus allowing for temp sensor.
gshadow325
New member
OK, I didn't get the email yet.
itsdchz
New member
Resent to your Verizon and gmail
Originally sent only to gmail
Verizon got kicked back
I sent original to gmail on 3.29
gshadow325
New member
Got it, my verizon email is gone. Only Gmail is good.
Ricomondo
New member
Whats confusing? what I have is the Viper 5706V remote start which is expandable to include the smart start app. I di misspeak by saying I have the "smart start" which is the module/app, but other than that, everything is correct.
The remote was configured to go 25 mins, and it has the temp sensor?
And as stated earlier, If I get the extra module, I can use the app.
