Remote start

[toyota2]

i am thinking about picking up a 2013 sr5 for my wife and one thing she would like to have this time is a remote starter. I have been to the dealer and we are getting close to making a deal but they quoted me $600 to put the starter on and that seems crazy. I looked up the kit on trdparts4u.com and it is like $350. So I ask is this something I can put on myself and can it even be put on this 4runner. It states that it is "For automatic transmission vehicles without RKE" but this 4runner has remote keyless entry with a key not push button starting.

Here is a link to the kit. Remote Engine Start PT398-89120

Thanks for your help and thanks for reading

 

[Jeremy556]

Yes. You will have to pull a lot of interior trim panels, but it is not difficult.

 

[DannyLlama]

I hear aftermarket remote start might even be better idea.

 

[4runner10]

I'd definitely go aftermarket. Have you heard the Toyota remote start turns off when you open the driver door? It's like a safety kill, where aftermarket systems use the brake. So if you press the brake, it turns off (therefore someone can't shift out of park and drive away!). If it really does turn off when you open the door, that's a ton of unnecessary starts (you'd have to confirm that, but I remember hearing about it).

I've got the Viper 5501 on my 2010 SR5. You can even add Smart Start and start it/ lock it/ unlock it from anywhere via cell phone. I don't have that feature, but I do have rear window up/ down on remote, comfort close on locking, rear defrost, etc. They're not cheap if you have them installed tho. Expect to spend at least $500 for a good setup!

 

[DannyLlama]

I'd definitely go aftermarket. Have you heard the Toyota remote start turns off when you open the driver door? It's like a safety kill, where aftermarket systems use the brake. So if you press the brake, it turns off (therefore someone can't shift out of park and drive away!). If it really does turn off when you open the door, that's a ton of unnecessary starts (you'd have to confirm that, but I remember hearing about it).

I've got the Viper 5501 on my 2010 SR5. You can even add Smart Start and start it/ lock it/ unlock it from anywhere via cell phone. I don't have that feature, but I do have rear window up/ down on remote, comfort close on locking, rear defrost, etc. They're not cheap if you have them installed tho. Expect to spend at least $500 for a good setup!

Can you use the Viper Remote Start but at the same time keep the factory alarm/FOB key-less entry/push start?

 

[Okki]

I hear aftermarket remote start might even be better idea.

Not if your name is Joneseyyy! .... any remote starter needs to tie into the ECU and in his case it resulted in frequent misfires and all sorts of fun that took a couple of months to figure out and some dealer time while at the FJ Summit.

I would stick with the Toyota version and preferably with a factory/port installed unit. The dealer will not be happy because they will have to order/find the vehicle, but I've never cared much. I rather wait a 8 weeks for what I want that get something that is "close" or messed with by what may be questionable experience at a dealer.

Just my 2 cents.

Okki

 

[DannyLlama]

Just my 2 cents.

Okki

Careful, you might start running out of those if you keep giving your pennies away :cheers:

 

[4runner10]

Can you use the Viper Remote Start but at the same time keep the factory alarm/FOB key-less entry/push start?

The keyless fob and factory alarm still work with the remote start (it arms and disarms when you lock/ unlock). I haven't checked whether the factory remote will unlock the car or not when it's running (on my 2001, the keyless entry system was disabled while the engine is running) but I always use my Viper remote.

Regarding the push-button start, systems now can handle that option. Even pit stop mode still works I hear (cold day, running into the bank or something, leave the truck running and take your key with you and lock it).

Not if your name is Joneseyyy! .... any remote starter needs to tie into the ECU and in his case it resulted in frequent misfires and all sorts of fun that took a couple of months to figure out and some dealer time while at the FJ Summit.

Okki

I thought all the remote starter and bypass module do is trick the truck into thinking the key is in the ignition. What requires it to tie into the ECU?

 

[eddiebx]

According to the install guide for the factory remote start unit, I think you need techstream to do the initial programming after hooking it up, so that's one thing to keep in mind if you plan to DIY the factory unit.

If it was me, I'd personally go the aftermarket route and install either a DEI DBALL or Flashlogic FLCAN (for the transponder bypass and alarm features integration) and a remote start alarm of your choice (Viper 5704 is a popular choice). DEI and Flashlogic both have the appropriate firmware to fully integrate with the 5th generation 4runners that have the 80 bit transponder key (G stamp on the key stem).

I forget which one has the bypass for the smart key 4runner...I think the DEI PKALL can handle that but not positive. Aftermarket technology in this department has come a long way and tying an aftermarket alarm into a factory system is pretty simple nowadays.

I know there's horror stories out there for aftermarket alarms, but in my opinion, that's all down to the installation quality. A properly installed aftermarket alarm should operate trouble free on most vehicles.

Good luck with which ever route you go with.

 

[eddiebx]

The keyless fob and factory alarm still work with the remote start (it arms and disarms when you lock/ unlock). I haven't checked whether the factory remote will unlock the car or not when it's running (on my 2001, the keyless entry system was disabled while the engine is running) but I always use my Viper remote.
From my experience the factory lock and unlock buttons on the fob won't work when the car is running via the remote start, you will need to use the viper remote for that. Not sure about the smart key, but I would imagine it not working either...I remember on my old IS if the car is running the smart key lock and unlock function do not work (ie. if you try to press the button on the door handle and/or pull the handle to unlock)
Regarding the push-button start, systems now can handle that option. Even pit stop mode still works I hear (cold day, running into the bank or something, leave the truck running and take your key with you and lock it).
pit stop mode should work with the smart key, but I guess with the smart key you would need to remember to take the extra step of shutting off the smart key by pressing it before leaving even though the car would still be running due to the pit stop mode (similar to people with regular keys and turning it to the off position and taking the key with them ), or else it'll run indefinitely.


I thought all the remote starter and bypass module do is trick the truck into thinking the key is in the ignition. What requires it to tie into the ECU?
There's two ways that the aftermarket bypasses operate, one splices in between the IMO/IMI signal wire and it basically intercepts the signal coming from the key transponder and replicates it to the immobilizer ecu. The other way piggybacks onto the TXCT and CODE wires at the transponder receiver and captures the key code from the transponder, which is later used to send to the immobilizer ECU. Keep in mind most bypasses also need to be connected to the CANBUS signal in order to operate.

Hope that helps clarify things.

 

[Okki]

I thought all the remote starter and bypass module do is trick the truck into thinking the key is in the ignition. What requires it to tie into the ECU?

Not the alarms/remote start expert here but here's Joneseyyy's thread on the subject:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/114596-misfire-5.html#post1160959
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/114596-misfire-6.html#post1161912

Okki

 

[NrthEast4]

I had the oem remote start put in my 2010 LE with keyless entry a few weeks ago for $500 even. It certainly isn't the best system since the vehicle shuts down when you open he doors but I didn't want two remotes. I looked hard a doing my own install but buying he part for $350 plus $90 to have he vehicle flashed with tech stream didn't seem quite worth it to save $60...and after watching the mechanic take my truck apart I'm very glad I let him do it. One dealer quoted me $800 and another told me the part wasn't made for my vehicle...shop around!

 

[trailedition]

I have a Trail and ordered the remote start for around $300-$350.00 and it is FANTASTIC, the only thing I don't like is that once it is started twice before getting in then you need to get in and start it in order to have it start again via remote system. I know this is a strange thing to say however if any of you have a female partner/wife/ girlfriend you will know they are not usually ready when we are, so when you say hunny (honey) are you ready and they say yes then you would start the vehicle and it will run for several minutes (I have never counted) and then it will shut down. So then you restart it again and it runs for a while then shuts down. Then if she is still too slow you can't start it via remote. Now this being said in most cases the first start is enough to keep it warm enough for when you finally leave but if not you do have the option of the second start. I have found that it will start from a very long ways away. Don't forget to have your dealer activate your remote windows down option which is very nice in the warm summer months to allow the heat to escape before you enter the vehicle. The remote start can also be used to cool the vehicle if needed in the summer. Also be sure to know that you can also close or open all windows via the key in the drivers door except for the rear window, if you want the rear window down you need to use the rear key slot. This is done by holding the key in the lock or unlock position. PM Me for any other questions on this matter. With regard to the remote start feature be sure for warming to leave your heat and fan settings on high and your venting system on Defrost or defog to clear the windows before you get in, also be sure in the winter if there is snow or ice possible make sure your wipers are set to the off position to protect the wiper motor.

 

[Bob Laublaw]

I have a Trail and ordered the remote start for around $300-$350.00 and it is FANTASTIC, the only thing I don't like is that once it is started twice before getting in then you need to get in and start it in order to have it start again via remote system. I know this is a strange thing to say however if any of you have a female partner/wife/ girlfriend you will know they are not usually ready when we are, so when you say hunny (honey) are you ready and they say yes then you would start the vehicle and it will run for several minutes (I have never counted) and then it will shut down. So then you restart it again and it runs for a while then shuts down. Then if she is still too slow you can't start it via remote. Now this being said in most cases the first start is enough to keep it warm enough for when you finally leave but if not you do have the option of the second start. I have found that it will start from a very long ways away. Don't forget to have your dealer activate your remote windows down option which is very nice in the warm summer months to allow the heat to escape before you enter the vehicle. The remote start can also be used to cool the vehicle if needed in the summer. Also be sure to know that you can also close or open all windows via the key in the drivers door except for the rear window, if you want the rear window down you need to use the rear key slot. This is done by holding the key in the lock or unlock position. PM Me for any other questions on this matter. With regard to the remote start feature be sure for warming to leave your heat and fan settings on high and your venting system on Defrost or defog to clear the windows before you get in, also be sure in the winter if there is snow or ice possible make sure your wipers are set to the off position to protect the wiper motor.

That's how my Avalanche is. Drives me bonkers....For the same reasons you're complaining about. Wife has no concept of "ready to go". To her it means "within an hour or so...maybe two".

 

[toyota2]

Thanks for the responses, now I'm not sure what to do. I would like to have it but having my new car taken apart to have this put in is something I'm not sure I want to do. I don't know this is something to think about, the dealer quoted me $600 to install it I'm not sure it is worth it. That almost buy the new rims I have been looking at.

Thanks

 

[trailedition]

I see you say not sure what to do, if you live in an area that get snow or even frost as we sometimes do here in Canada (although not often) then it can be great to have. For my way of thinking it was well worth the few dollars spent, but make sure your dealer does not over charge you for it. let them know you will be glad to let them do the work for a fair price Should be less than in Canada as or labour rates and wages are generally much higher. Call other dealers to see how much for an installed price and go to who ever has the best deal. The advantage of Toyota system is it must work with the car and will be under full warranty for at least 3 years or mileage.

 

[psiems]

Thanks for the responses, now I'm not sure what to do. I would like to have it but having my new car taken apart to have this put in is something I'm not sure I want to do. I don't know this is something to think about, the dealer quoted me $600 to install it I'm not sure it is worth it. That almost buy the new rims I have been looking at.

Thanks

I looked into the factory remote start for my 2012 and decided to go aftermarket. I went with the Code Alarm extended range remote start/alarm. It essentially cost the same as the factory, but does so much more. Unless you are very tech savvy, I would have it installed by a professional installer. A person that does this for a living and has been in the business for several years. You can find good installers at small independent dealers, not the big box stores. I love my system. Hope this helps! Take care.

 

[psiems]

I looked into the factory remote start for my 2012 and decided to go aftermarket. I went with the Code Alarm extended range remote start/alarm. It essentially cost the same as the factory, but does so much more. Unless you are very tech savvy, I would have it installed by a professional installer. A person that does this for a living and has been in the business for several years. You can find good installers at small independent dealers, not the big box stores. I love my system. Hope this helps! Take care.

Forgot to add the pic...

 

[desertred]

Has Toyota modified the manner in which the remote functions? I have the Toyota factory remote start on my 2010 SR5, and it has been the biggest disappointment for me. I never use it, no matter how cold it is. I have never been able to get the timing sequence down between key fob presses to where I can get the engine to start. The aggravation on trying to get the remote start to function is worse that going out and starting the engine in sub-freezing temps. This is the one system on my T4R where I reluctantly have to say, Toyota - FAIL. I would advise going with an aftermarket remote starter.

 

[trailedition]

Fixed for sur

Has Toyota modified the manner in which the remote functions? I have the Toyota factory remote start on my 2010 SR5, and it has been the biggest disappointment for me. I never use it, no matter how cold it is. I have never been able to get the timing sequence down between key fob presses to where I can get the engine to start. The aggravation on trying to get the remote start to function is worse that going out and starting the engine in sub-freezing temps. This is the one system on my T4R where I reluctantly have to say, Toyota - FAIL. I would advise going with an aftermarket remote starter.

In my 5th Gen factory remote start I push the lock button twice and hold the lock button on the third for more than either 3 or 5 seconds and it starts every time. I am not sure how long I just make sure to hold it plenty long like 5-10 seconds and it has never failed me. So I would say it is fixed and I have been very happy with it so far and this is my first remote start and my first winter. I have liked it so much I am certain I have used it more than I should as my wife and I like a warm car (Don't we all).