PSA: Another aftermarket Remote starter/Alarm start thread. This one has videos

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Lol, no. In my opinion, Compustar offers a much higher quality product.

9 times out of 10 if someone is having alarm/remote start system issues, it can probably be traced back to a crappy install. However, I fell victim to a rash of defective DEI stuff back in the day. Could the same thing happen to Compustar? Absolutely but I haven't seen anything defective from them yet.

I couldnt agree more.

Thank You for offering your "experienced installer" opinion, Ron.

Now I'm truely intrigued why [MENTION=134386]jetblack3s[/MENTION] Jay, feels so strongly for one brand over another?
 
Another satisfied customer! I emailed Steve on the 18th with questions about the remote start I wanted for my wife's 4Runner. Just the basic, use the key Lock function 3x and call it a day. I received a shipping notice about an hour later and had it on my doorstep today, the 22nd.

I am super pleased, it was a very straight forward install and I got to buy more tools in the process - namely a good solder iron! Made the process so much simpler. I took my time and checked and double checked and triple checked all connections before splicing into the wires. Taped and zip tied everything up, connected the battery, and first time go - 3 taps on the Lock button and she started right up. Big highlight too - the engine stays running when I open the door! If I step on the brake the engine dies, but as long as I get the key in the ignition and switch it ON first, the engine stays running. Booyah!!

Highly recommend - maybe a 3 beer job.
 
Another satisfied customer! I emailed Steve on the 18th with questions about the remote start I wanted for my wife's 4Runner. Just the basic, use the key Lock function 3x and call it a day. I received a shipping notice about an hour later and had it on my doorstep today, the 22nd.

I am super pleased, it was a very straight forward install and I got to buy more tools in the process - namely a good solder iron! Made the process so much simpler. I took my time and checked and double checked and triple checked all connections before splicing into the wires. Taped and zip tied everything up, connected the battery, and first time go - 3 taps on the Lock button and she started right up. Big highlight too - the engine stays running when I open the door! If I step on the brake the engine dies, but as long as I get the key in the ignition and switch it ON first, the engine stays running. Booyah!!

Highly recommend - maybe a 3 beer job.

thanks for the support. sorry i missed your call. kids said i fell asleep on the sofa @ 830 and they turned off my phone! Just woke up at 415 and heard your voice mail. I glad you got it installed and working!

Next one is going to take 6 beers. You will be done installing it in 1 and relaxing and enjoying the rest
 
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Considering compustar instead of the dealer option because of the range limitations, but not many non-best buy installers here. Not sure im up to tackling this one on my own.

Any updates on the fortin module for the limited?
 
Considering compustar instead of the dealer option because of the range limitations, but not many non-best buy installers here. Not sure im up to tackling this one on my own.

Any updates on the fortin module for the limited?

Fortin says in the install guide it's only for a 2010, I personally have not attempted this install. I do have a 15 limited to do today too and I did not bring the Fortin unit with me. I'm not comfortable with sending out a unit blindly and say have at it, good luck. Not the way i like to do things.i know I will be installing a unit in the limited that makes it shut down though. And can help with that.
 
I have spoken to Steve on the phone about all the above concerns. I am planning to do the install myself, and although I have a ton of experience, I am still leery. Steve assures me that that it will not be a problem, and that he has notes along with install instructions that will make it easy. I will order soon, and attempt.. Crossing fingers.

Im about to get one from Steve too, a little nervous since its my first time messing around with all these colorful wires! :D
 
Im about to get one from Steve too, a little nervous since its my first time messing around with all these colorful wires! :D

nothing to be nervous about, only thing holding you back is yourself! I'm here for all the support you will need! Just a phone call or text away!!
 
nothing to be nervous about, only thing holding you back is yourself! I'm here for all the support you will need! Just a phone call or text away!!

I could use your help. I've got some questions before I get started. Can you check your email and give me your number so we can talk real quick.

Thanks.
 
updated first post with new information on functionality!

thanks everyone for your support!

*****************
This is a big edit i should have did a while ago. Now the factory remote will be able to control the truck while it is started. So 3 clicks on the lock button and the truck will start. when you ready to get in, it will not shut down like the factory will when it is remote started. You can use the factory remote while it is remote started now. No more need for the EZ-Go. Real easy install now.

I dont want to sound dense, but does that include the smart key in the LE? If so, that's awesome!
 
I dont want to sound dense, but does that include the smart key in the LE? If so, that's awesome!

With the limited, it will shut down after you open the door if it is remote started. The install is super super simple. Much easier than factory system, and about 1/3 the price. Comparing apples to apples. I now have that documented too.
 
With the limited, it will shut down after you open the door if it is remote started. The install is super super simple. Much easier than factory system, and about 1/3 the price. Comparing apples to apples. I now have that documented too.

Damn, was hoping that was worked out.
 
Damn, was hoping that was worked out.

In the Compustar world. It is going to HIGHLY unlikely that they will ever allow this alternative method to work. it is not secure method.

I thought about doing this with my Lexus thats push to start.

So if i mimic the start sequence by sending a start command to the brake pedal to simulate pressing the brake. then another start command to show the push button pressed. i still would need to show the smart key RFID code. So that means the smart key would need to be present inside the vehicle upon startup.

Compustar transmits the immobilizer code to the vehicle via data, not the RFID from the smart key. thus the need to re validate the smart key RFID unpon entry. since the bladed keys do not have a RFID they just have a immobilizer inside the key head, the bladed "keyed" portion will validate a successful take over. if you dont have a key, you can turn the tumbler. if you step on the brake in a "keyed" car, it will shut the remote start down and revert to whatever position the key is in. if it didnt have the proper key inserted and turned to the on position, it will turn off. this will not allow the vehicle to be driven away.

All that being said, now onto the "other solution". Other solution keeps the vehicle running with the immobilizer code and never re validates the RFID code thus eliminating a secondary security feature inherent in all smart key applications.

This solution is more complex. required the imi line to be interrupted, door locks to be hardwired in, tach would need to be a hard wire connection and not thru data, brake hardwired int, igition 1 and 2, accesory, start wire and parking lights. it takes the install to the next level of difficulty like 3 notches. oh yeah and then there is the added fun of connecting all the wires from the Fortin unit to the compustar or what ever brand you choose to use that supports the Fortin protocol. Then lets hope it works, because i'll probably be like 2000 miles away from you!

As long as you know this [MENTION=80047]bofa[/MENTION] i'm ready when you are :)
 
In the Compustar world. It is going to HIGHLY unlikely that they will ever allow this alternative method to work. it is not secure method.

I thought about doing this with my Lexus thats push to start.

So if i mimic the start sequence by sending a start command to the brake pedal to simulate pressing the brake. then another start command to show the push button pressed. i still would need to show the smart key RFID code. So that means the smart key would need to be present inside the vehicle upon startup.

Compustar transmits the immobilizer code to the vehicle via data, not the RFID from the smart key. thus the need to re validate the smart key RFID unpon entry. since the bladed keys do not have a RFID they just have a immobilizer inside the key head, the bladed "keyed" portion will validate a successful take over. if you dont have a key, you can turn the tumbler. if you step on the brake in a "keyed" car, it will shut the remote start down and revert to whatever position the key is in. if it didnt have the proper key inserted and turned to the on position, it will turn off. this will not allow the vehicle to be driven away.

All that being said, now onto the "other solution". Other solution keeps the vehicle running with the immobilizer code and never re validates the RFID code thus eliminating a secondary security feature inherent in all smart key applications.

This solution is more complex. required the imi line to be interrupted, door locks to be hardwired in, tach would need to be a hard wire connection and not thru data, brake hardwired int, igition 1 and 2, accesory, start wire and parking lights. it takes the install to the next level of difficulty like 3 notches. oh yeah and then there is the added fun of connecting all the wires from the Fortin unit to the compustar or what ever brand you choose to use that supports the Fortin protocol. Then lets hope it works, because i'll probably be like 2000 miles away from you!

As long as you know this [MENTION=80047]bofa[/MENTION] i'm ready when you are :)

You make it sound so tempting! :D

Is it not possible to use the push button signal to validate the RFID without requiring a restart? Thats how the factory remote start works on the smart key from Jeep.
 
You make it sound so tempting! :D

Is it not possible to use the push button signal to validate the RFID without requiring a restart? Thats how the factory remote start works on the smart key from Jeep.

I'm going to quote a colleague since he says it best, so you can understand fully why compustar will not go that route with toyota/lexus.

"'Secure Takeover' utilizes multiple vehicle conditions to ensure that the vehicle can only be driven by an authorized user.

The module typically monitors the running condition of the vehicle,the circuit inputs controlling the vehicle when remote started, and vehicle status indicators like door, brake, VSS, and neutral safety status, the combinations vary by vehicle make and model, based upon the circuit data available on the vehicle data bus.

For ADS modules, the takeover process begins as the user approaches the vehicle, at the moment they unlock the doors. The unlock data tells our module that the owner of the vehicle has approached the vehicle and intends to enter. The module then starts the takeover timer, typically 45 seconds, during which the user is expected to open the door for entry, close the door to secure their entry, and step on the brake to begin the drive process and shift into gear. The last step varies by vehicle model, some are brake press, some require button presses, and others require shift activity or specific delays. The takeover procedure provided in the installation guide should be referenced for each vehicle, to ensure that any specific procedures are followed.

If the unlock data 'authorizes' taking possession of the vehicle, is is used because the person holding the keys is most likely the owner of the vehicle or someone allowed to drive it, and if you have keys to a car... what else do you do, but drive it. :)

The door activity is used to confirm intent, and watches for all door activity, not just the driver door. If a door other than the driver door is opened, the module has the ability to send shutdown signals, to ensure that an unauthorized person is not able to sneak into a passenger door and drive away. Imagine the vehicle owner unlocks the doors as they approach the vehicle, and someone is hiding on the passenger side of the running vehicle, just waiting for the doors to unlock so that could steal the car... uh, nope. :)

Door activity is also monitored 'in sequence', meaning that is has to be sen AFTER unlock, but BEFORE brake press, or whatever finalization is required by the particular vehicle. Door activity before unlock would result in a forced shutdown, and by the same token, brake input BEFORE door activity would do the same... :)

Takeover is only allowed if all the required inputs and conditions are met, unlock, door, brake, button, shift, and in some vehicles... the vehicle will not stay running if the OEM fob is not in the vehicle. Notice I said 'some' vehicles... most PTS vehicles do not require that the fob be present once the takeover has been completed, they might notice that the fob is not there, at which time they would usually trigger a warning that the key was not detected, but not much more than that. :(

Start a typical PTS vehicle and throw the keys on the bench, then drive it... maybe a message in the dash, or a blinking light, or possibly an annoying buzzer, but that's it. You can drive as long as you like, with no problems other than not being able to restart the vehicle if you shut it down. That behavior is mandated by the federal government, and common across all vehicle manufacturers, to ensure that the vehicle can be safely driven in the event that someone was to lose their key while driving, by leaving the key in a purse or backpack on the roof of the car, or something else like that.

That's part of the reason that our takeover procedures involve the number of conditions and sequence that they do, to safeguard against unauthorized possession, and maintain vehicle security in lieu of the way that they are designed to operate, and the potential security loopholes of that operation."
 
Just to make sure i follow, so youre saying that that sequence of checks doesnt exist for toyota/lexus, so going aftermarket would either remove what security is in place or would be insanely cost-prohibitive?

I guess worst case is we burn the starter out prematurely with a double start.
 
Just to make sure i follow, so youre saying that that sequence of checks doesnt exist for toyota/lexus, so going aftermarket would either remove what security is in place or would be insanely cost-prohibitive?

I guess worst case is we burn the starter out prematurely with a double start.

correct, it would remove that security of checks. As we can see, its not impossible, but at what level of security. We cant burn the starter out with a double start because its push to start. it will never double engage.
 
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