Remote start, what is the benefit?

[NoDak]

An alternative that might work for cold weather people is a block heater. Plug the car in overnight, and it keeps the engine at a reasonable temperature. When you start it in the morning it's easier on the engine, and you should have heat in just a minute or two, so you don't have to idle as long to defrost the windows. Not idling as long will help your MPG, and the cost of electricity to run it is low, like a few dollars a month if you put it on a timer to run for 4 hours before you leave in the morning. It's really easy to install on Toyota's aluminum engines since they have a hole that it slides into.

this would be the best scenario. but as usual this doesn't always works out when you live in very cold states with -20F or colder.

biggest issue I see is that outside of your home, not all businesses/work locations have outlets to plug in a block heater. at work there is limited plug ins so its first come first serve.

 

[Oeconomia]

An alternative that might work for cold weather people is a block heater. Plug the car in overnight, and it keeps the engine at a reasonable temperature. When you start it in the morning it's easier on the engine, and you should have heat in just a minute or two, so you don't have to idle as long to defrost the windows. Not idling as long will help your MPG, and the cost of electricity to run it is low, like a few dollars a month if you put it on a timer to run for 4 hours before you leave in the morning. It's really easy to install on Toyota's aluminum engines since they have a hole that it slides into.

I had the block heater included in my out the door deal when I bought the 4runner. I wouldn't live where I do without one.

But like [MENTION=1032]NoDak[/MENTION] said above. It is really hard finding them at retail locations, and some employers don't accommodate for them either. And even with the block heater plugged in, it can still take 10-15 minutes at full speed down the highway for my vehicle to reach even 32 degrees inside (freezing) when it is -20 F or lower outside.

 

[NoDak]

@Oeconomia did you ever see a 2004 silver 4runner sport v8 with the oem fake push bar on the front bumper in Bottineau?

if you did, that was my old 04 that I traded in and someone bought up in Bottineau. if I remember correctly it was the only 4runner north of Bismarck with that setup.

it was a special order out of billion Toyota in SD.

 

[Oeconomia]

@Oeconomia did you ever see a 2004 silver 4runner sport v8 with the oem fake push bar on the front bumper in Bottineau?

if you did, that was my old 04 that I traded in and someone bought up in Bottineau. if I remember correctly it was the only 4runner north of Bismarck with that setup.

it was a special order out of billion Toyota in SD.

Saw one in Westhope. But not sure its the same one.

 

[Logan714]

Benefit in Phoenix for a remote start is so you don't melt after having your car sit outside all day when it's 115F or more. Loved the one I had installed on my camry. I'll probably get one put in my 4runner now that I have a kid.

 

[Clark]

Is this a 5th gen thing? My factory remote start doesn't shut off when i unlock the doors.

Factory option on the 5th gen starts vehicle, but when you unlock to enter it shuts off the engine as a safety/anti-theft feature I suppose. It takes all of 5 seconds to put the key in and restart but I find it annoying enough, not to mention added wear on the starter, etc that I just don't use it.

 

[Peyto]

Added this to my build thread.

Another note I put in my build. You need to have a competent installer. Had some issues at first. They set something so I actually had to unlock the vehicle to use the start or the alarm would go off. Took it back and they have it set to the "lock" now. So I press the lock for 2 seconds, then the start for 2 seconds, and it starts without setting off the alarm.

Also, because the 4runner doesnt have an electronic release for the rear hatch, you will not get the "truck" button to work for anything.

This is solid advice. I'm having the same issue with my compustar remote start, so make sure the shop you use won't leave you hanging if something goes wrong. Also, when they're showing you the truck after the install make sure you lock the doors then test the starter. I just tested it with the doors unlocked and everything was fine.

 

[drsus]

pre cooling or pre heating the car .... huge plus in areas where you need to.

i take my trucks to death valley (120+) and utah/colorado (-20 sometimes) and crawling into a warm or cool truck makes ALL the difference in the world.

by far one of the most underrated features in cars now days....for those that live around weather.

But GM has it best. with their app you can you can start the car, find your car, lock and unlock the car from wherever you are... by wherever, i mean wherever. you can pre cool your car thats been sitting in 105 degree for 4 days at the outdoor airport garage just with the wifi in your flight when you feel your close enough to landing... yes, this is something i do.

i didn't get the OEM toyota remote because i knew it had very limited range and functionality, of the money I'm thinking about getting the viper system so that i can do similar stuff on the 4runner.

http://www.viper.com/SmartStart/

 

[uood8]

pre cooling or pre heating the car .... huge plus in areas where you need to.

i take my trucks to death valley (120+) and utah/colorado (-20 sometimes) and crawling into a warm or cool truck makes ALL the difference in the world.

by far one of the most underrated features in cars now days....for those that live around weather.

But GM has it best. with their app you can you can start the car, find your car, lock and unlock the car from wherever you are... by wherever, i mean wherever. you can pre cool your car thats been sitting in 105 degree for 4 days at the outdoor airport garage just with the wifi in your flight when you feel your close enough to landing... yes, this is something i do.

i didn't get the OEM toyota remote because i knew it had very limited range and functionality, of the money I'm thinking about getting the viper system so that i can do similar stuff on the 4runner.

Viper SmartStart

Viper Smart start is using 2g GSM signal that will be phased out by 2017, they are suppose to be coming out with new units that will use cdma/3g by spring of 2015.

 

[drsus]

Viper Smart start is using 2g GSM signal that will be phased out by 2017, they are suppose to be coming out with new units that will use cdma/3g by spring of 2015.

Ah! Good to know thank u

 

[uood8]

Ah! Good to know thank u

NP...compustar drone runs on verizon where viper is att based. so that may help as far as cell coverage for your area goes and what unit to choose.