Diver Deuce
New member
So my wife bought me a basic remote starter for Christmas (Merry Christmas btw) does anyone know if I need a bypass or anything? I've got a 2011 TE w/o push to start.
Just a quick reality check, have you ever installed a remote start in a newish vehicle before? Any previous alarm/remote start installation experience?
I say this only because I used to own a car audio/alarm shop, and installing a remote start into a 4 runner, with all its ecu management of EVERYTHING electrical, this is NOT for a novice to do, and I don't think Compustar warranties any of their equipment unless its installed by an authorized installer in their network (I could be wrong about this, but this is not uncommon, ie., Clifford systems doesn't even give you an installation manual with their system).
Also, just the fact that the cs800s is an entry level system, it will require you to tie into the stock alarm system, and there's a hell of a lot of wires you will need to tap into! However, if you feel comfortable in doing this, and you have a good working knowledge of all the things that need to be tapped/disabled/modified, here's your wiring for a 2012 4 runner:
2012 toyota 4runner remote start
I don't believe there are any extra modules you need for doing remote start with the 4 runner, and I didn't see any extra stuff on Compustar's website either.
Good luck and take LOTS of photos of the installation! Last one I did took 2 days and I was glad I took a couple photos, as I had to refer back to them a year later when I had an issue with one wire that wasn't quite crimped very well!
[MENTION=118444]flyinhawaiian01[/MENTION] is the OEM remote start module the same level of intensive install? i had figured it was a box with a harness that just clips in line with other wires since its OEM, its the one i wanted.
[MENTION=118444]flyinhawaiian01[/MENTION] is the OEM remote start module the same level of intensive install? i had figured it was a box with a harness that just clips in line with other wires since its OEM, its the one i wanted.
if it says best buy, add another $200-$300 to that installed price.
they find ways to add stuff to jack up the price to over $500![]()
if it says best buy, add another $200-$300 to that installed price.
they find ways to add stuff to jack up the price to over $500![]()
are there any aftermarket remote starts that will keep the engine running even after you unlock/open the door.
if there was an aftermarket one where i could get in and just turn the key to run and be on my way without the engine shutting down, id go that rout.
pretty jealous of my dads truck that can do that from the factory, standard.


It could be, and most likely is since its a dealer-installed option. Not baggin' on any toyota techs here, but a full-on remote start system would not be something they would be qualified to install, considering it would need to be warrantied and serviced by a Toyota tech, just not something they'd do unless it was a simple plug-n-play.
Here's a link with some info about the Toyota VIP remote start system:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/207786-toyota-remote-start-port-installed-option.html
Looks like [MENTION=78273]Jeremy556[/MENTION] had the stock remote start done in that thread, he'd be better to answer your questions than I.
Personally, if I do get a remote start, I'll do a complete aftermarket alarm/remote start system and just disable the whole stock alarm system in my SR5. And I'd also want a complete 2 way system, that allows me to monitor my vehicle when I'm not within range of the alarm siren. It also lets me know if the engine is actually running or not when I do a remote start.
I'm one of those guys that believe you should "do it right the first time", and if I can't afford to do it right the first time, then wait till I can. I've found myself hating decisions where I've done that and ended up spending even more money to replace it months, and sometimes weeks, later.:twitch:
The Toyota VIP remote start is generally a port or dealer installed option. Any Toyota tech is more than qualified to install it. It is all plug and play wire harnesses and modules, just requires dash dis-assembly and access to real Techstream to re-program the immobilizer.