Remote engine starter

[tchfall15]

I am looking at purchasing a remote engine starter. I have looked at the Toyota, viper, drone, and compustar and some of the threads about remote engine starters. I have a 2013 4Runner limited with smart key. I am not looking to carry an additional fob. The Toyota one seems to be a pain since it shuts down. I like the idea of a smart start on your phone. But I find it pointless to pay a monthly feee for that. So far I am leaning towards the compustar t11 pro. Is it possible to not lose the smart key feature for lock and unlock without having to carry the original fob with me? Any other suggestions or input? Thank you!

 

[Jhalko]

The biggest downside to the factory remote start isn't that the car turns off when you open a door, that is a minor inconvenience. The relatively short range is more the shortcoming.

Maybe some of the links below will be helpful as well:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...tarter-alarm-start-thread-one-has-videos.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/159450-toyota-oem-remote-start-turns-truck-off.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/215739-aftermarket-remote-start-what-expect.html

 

[NRANDALL]

For what it's worth i have the compustar remote start module hooked up to my factory fob (click 3 times to start), and the Drone module installed with the iphone app. I just have the base package (~$50/year) and i can say it is worth every penny. It's really nice being able to start the car from anywhere. I use it daily to start the car from ranges not possible with the stock remote or even an aftermarket one.

 

[flyrv9]

Are you going to install this yourself? If not, then whichever system you pick - be sure the install folks know what they are doing. Look at some of their work before they touch your vehicle. How did they tap into the wiring? Did they butcher wiring harnesses doing so? Are other wires damaged? Will your warranty be affected by non Toyota aftermarket intervention. Will they provide you a schematic of the install and how they did it. Is the system you pick legal in your state - is your insurance co. ok with that? The last thing you want is electrical problems related to this install later down the road.

 

[jerad]

Are you going to install this yourself? If not, then whichever system you pick - be sure the install folks know what they are doing. Look at some of their work before they touch your vehicle. How did they tap into the wiring? Did they butcher wiring harnesses doing so? Are other wires damaged? Will your warranty be affected by non Toyota aftermarket intervention. Will they provide you a schematic of the install and how they did it. Is the system you pick legal in your state - is your insurance co. ok with that? The last thing you want is electrical problems related to this install later down the road.

This is what has me nervous about an aftermarket install. I'm thinking about doing one of the viper systems that uses a cellular signal. The starting from any distance and 2 way communication would be nice. I can live with it not starting if I'm outside of cellular range.

 

[Friggin Idiot]

This is what has me nervous about an aftermarket install.

I'd suggest you don't go to any shop. Use the dealer locator function on the remote start manufacturer's website. That way you're sure to get an installer the company stands behind instead of just a reseller who also installs.

 

[DannyLlama]

I'd suggest you don't go to any shop. Use the dealer locator function on the remote start manufacturer's website. That way you're sure to get an installer the company stands behind instead of just a reseller who also installs.

That's good advise. Common advise as well, wouldn't have thought of lol

I had some stuff installed at best buy 10 years ago on another car. 2 years later my dash lit up like a christmas tree. Have had a bad taste with electrical installs since than.

I would also suggest to find a forum member that knows their shit and offer them some parts for exchange. Someone whose worked on their own car enough will know more than any installer out there

 

[WakeDreams]

I am looking at purchasing a remote engine starter. I have looked at the Toyota, viper, drone, and compustar and some of the threads about remote engine starters. I have a 2013 4Runner limited with smart key. I am not looking to carry an additional fob. The Toyota one seems to be a pain since it shuts down. I like the idea of a smart start on your phone. But I find it pointless to pay a monthly feee for that. So far I am leaning towards the compustar t11 pro. Is it possible to not lose the smart key feature for lock and unlock without having to carry the original fob with me? Any other suggestions or input? Thank you!

I have the Viper on mine and it's done more than I ever expected. It has started as far away as 500 yards and the lights flick to show you it is responding. The key fab issue was a hesitation for me, but it simply replaced the old one and I went with the standard (no key fab) key I got when I bought the truck. It runs for 20 min on the lowest setting, doesn't turn off when you open the door, will turn off without the key in the ignition and hit the brake but can be engaged to run when you pull up in front of a store and want it to remain running and take the key out with you. It hasn't let me down yet in any way. My wife has the OEM on her Rav and its son to be replaced with a Viper. No yearly costs, $350 installed by the Geek Squad at Best buy with a life time warranty. Just my two cents..

 

[Colt0208]

For what it's worth i have the compustar remote start module hooked up to my factory fob (click 3 times to start), and the Drone module installed with the iphone app. I just have the base package (~$50/year) and i can say it is worth every penny. It's really nice being able to start the car from anywhere. I use it daily to start the car from ranges not possible with the stock remote or even an aftermarket one.

Can you school me on this? I have been looking for a remote start option that does not add a bulky extra transmitter, and running it off of the factory key fob is interesting!

 

[rainmn]

Can you school me on this? I have been looking for a remote start option that does not add a bulky extra transmitter, and running it off of the factory key fob is interesting!

The issue with using your factory key fob is the range, unless you add an option to use your phone as well. Typical range of an OEM fob usually isn't far enough to add a whole lot of value for a remote starter.

I really didn't want to add another fob either, but eventually decided I'd rather the extra fob than to use my phone and pay a fee. I also wanted a 2-way system, and couldn't be happier with the Compustar unit I installed. Range is up to a mile, the display always tell me if the truck is locked / unlocked / running / inside temp of the truck, etc.

One of these days I'll get to the dealer for a new key with no built in fob.

 

[jbjones85]

[MENTION=130513]rainmn[/MENTION] which Compustar system did you go with? I am looking at doing this as well but have had a hard time making up my mind.

The issue with using your factory key fob is the range, unless you add an option to use your phone as well. Typical range of an OEM fob usually isn't far enough to add a whole lot of value for a remote starter.

I really didn't want to add another fob either, but eventually decided I'd rather the extra fob than to use my phone and pay a fee. I also wanted a 2-way system, and couldn't be happier with the Compustar unit I installed. Range is up to a mile, the display always tell me if the truck is locked / unlocked / running / inside temp of the truck, etc.

One of these days I'll get to the dealer for a new key with no built in fob.

 

[rainmn]

[MENTION=130513]rainmn[/MENTION] which Compustar system did you go with? I am looking at doing this as well but have had a hard time making up my mind.

The remote is the Prime 901. Not sure what model the actual brain is - I bought it all from gshadow325 here in the forum and installed it myself.

He is a great guy to deal with, if you're interested in doing the work yourself. He can provide you with all the wiring info you need, harness up the system, etc.

 

[Colt0208]

The issue with using your factory key fob is the range, unless you add an option to use your phone as well. Typical range of an OEM fob usually isn't far enough to add a whole lot of value for a remote starter.

I really didn't want to add another fob either, but eventually decided I'd rather the extra fob than to use my phone and pay a fee. I also wanted a 2-way system, and couldn't be happier with the Compustar unit I installed. Range is up to a mile, the display always tell me if the truck is locked / unlocked / running / inside temp of the truck, etc.

One of these days I'll get to the dealer for a new key with no built in fob.

Awesome man! You are dead on about the range too... I am going to look into the fob version too... Did you install it yourself or have a dealer do it?

 

[rainmn]

Awesome man! You are dead on about the range too... I am going to look into the fob version too... Did you install it yourself or have a dealer do it?

Did it myself. Full disclosure though, I'm not necessarily the right person to ask whether or not it was difficult. I was an installer for several years way back in college, so I've probably installed a couple hundred remote starters in my life. A lot has changed since then (20+ years ago), but at least some of that experience is still applicable.

 

[jbjones85]

[MENTION=130513]rainmn[/MENTION] --- Thanks.

 

[MayorBloom]

OP,

I have the Compustar Prime/Drone (FYI Compustar makes Drone). I purchased the cheapest compustar remote, RF-1BAM. It is an 800 feet one way remote. I can easily upgrade to another compustar remote if I wanted, say if I wanted a 2 way. It's basically just buying another remote.

The good: I do have the 3 year paid drone app on my phone and I can remote start from my factory keyfob by clicking the lock button 3 times. The truck does not shut off when you open the door.

The Bad: If you use the remote start you will have to use the key to open the door, at least with my install (I did not do it) or you have to use either the compustar remote or drone app. Your factory fob will not unlock the 4runner.

All in all, I love the app and never carry the compustar remote.

 

[Voyager2013]

Which model of Viper do you have? Did Geek Squad do a clean professional job?

I have the Viper on mine and it's done more than I ever expected. It has started as far away as 500 yards and the lights flick to show you it is responding. The key fab issue was a hesitation for me, but it simply replaced the old one and I went with the standard (no key fab) key I got when I bought the truck. It runs for 20 min on the lowest setting, doesn't turn off when you open the door, will turn off without the key in the ignition and hit the brake but can be engaged to run when you pull up in front of a store and want it to remain running and take the key out with you. It hasn't let me down yet in any way. My wife has the OEM on her Rav and its son to be replaced with a Viper. No yearly costs, $350 installed by the Geek Squad at Best buy with a life time warranty. Just my two cents..

 

[grumpy514]

Which model of Viper do you have? Did Geek Squad do a clean professional job?

How much of a pain in the ass is the install of the Drone Mobile? I have a 2014 4Runner that came with a factory remote start. Is it fairly straight forward to tap into that with the Drone Mobile setup?