DIY Remote Start

Iowa4Runner

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After a quick search, I couldn't find any threads on simple DIY remote starters. If you're willing to hide a key under the dash, it doesn't seem that hard to make something that would work with the factory keyless remote. Why pay hundreds of dollars when $25 and a couple weekends should to the trick? Has anyone done this yet?
 
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okay, I'll bite... There are a few issues with the remote starts... 1) If not done correctly, your vehicle can start on it's own without you pressing a button, which, if your vehicle is in a garage under your house, can pose a lethal risk - most people are not willing to accept that responsibility. 2) If not done correctly your vehicle can shut off while you are driving (someone had that happen on a professionally installed system). - nice to have the reassurance that the company who installed it will pay for the towing and all subsequent repairs to make the system work. 3) Having a key nicely located inside the vehicle will make it easier for someone to illegally borrow your vehicle, especially if the timers are not setup to shut off the vehicle automatically. 4) Any modification may void the factory warranty in the areas you were making changes. It's nice to have a nother company assume responsbility for those modifications.

Sometimes, installing the systems and fighting the factory installed security/electronics is more time consuming than just taking it to someone to have them do it. Mostly, it's a matter of choice. If you feel comfortable with all of the risks, go for it.
 
boston_kevin said:
okay, I'll bite... There are a few issues with the remote starts... 1) If not done correctly, your vehicle can start on it's own without you pressing a button, which, if your vehicle is in a garage under your house, can pose a lethal risk - most people are not willing to accept that responsibility. 2) If not done correctly your vehicle can shut off while you are driving (someone had that happen on a professionally installed system). - nice to have the reassurance that the company who installed it will pay for the towing and all subsequent repairs to make the system work. 3) Having a key nicely located inside the vehicle will make it easier for someone to illegally borrow your vehicle, especially if the timers are not setup to shut off the vehicle automatically. 4) Any modification may void the factory warranty in the areas you were making changes. It's nice to have a nother company assume responsbility for those modifications.

Sometimes, installing the systems and fighting the factory installed security/electronics is more time consuming than just taking it to someone to have them do it. Mostly, it's a matter of choice. If you feel comfortable with all of the risks, go for it.

You bring up several good points, most of which I've considered. My problem with getting a professionally installed system is that I don't trust the workmanship of the average installer and I'm not sure how willing these companies really are to accept liability and pay for repairs should something go wrong. I also like the idea of having complete control of the operating parameters such as how the factory remote interacts with the starter, how long the engine can run before it times out, and what disables the remote starter once you're in the vehicle.

I've done a fair amount of testing with the 4Runner's systems and have a solid design in progress. Whether or not it will be as good as a professionally installed system, that's hard to say...
 
I'm not sure how many people are following this thread but I thought I conclude it with the confirmation that my DIY remote starter is installed and working nicely. The factory keyless entry remote starts the engine, which will shut off after 15 minutes unless the ignition key is turned. The two places I need the remote start feature are low theft risk, so I just leave a key in the ignition and lock the doors if I want to enable remote starting.

The bottom line is that DIY starters are not rocket science, but will require more than a couple relays to get the job done. As with my MPG display calibrator, I used the trusty PIC12F683 microcontroller for the brains of the operation.
 
Congrats! Could we see some pics or a video?
When I saw this thread, I have no clue about anything on a DIY Remote Start or where to even start :)
 
ptung07 said:
Congrats! Could we see some pics or a video?
When I saw this thread, I have no clue about anything on a DIY Remote Start or where to even start :)

I don't think I can post a video, but I'll post the schematic and a picture of the assembled circuit. I'm considering having a real printed circuit board made up and putting it in a smaller enclosure. The breadboard and moster huge Radio Shack enclosure add a significant cheese factor.
 
Starter Circuit-
 

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    starter circuit.jpg
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You need to do a write up on this Iowa. I'm sure it will come in handy for some other DIYselfers out there. Hell, I may even consider doing this myself one day

:biggrin2:

Berry nice work btw.
 
Thanks for the compliments...

I'm not sure what constitutes a legitimate write-up, but I'll briefly describe the design and installation. Before I begin I
 

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