Remote start

[4runner10]

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).

What's the range like on the factory key fob? Do you get any confirmation on the transmitter that the truck has started? If not, the reasons i'd go aftermarket are generally much better range (i can start my truck from deep within factories/ offices), confirmation of start/ vehicle status, and that you don't have to restart the vehicle every time you get in. Toyota makes cars (great cars) and other companies specialize in remote starters (directed for example). Just a thought.

 

[barryhiram]

Another consideration should be remote range. Factory remote start range is the same as your factory remote system. Go outside, test how far away you can lock/unlock the doors, that's going to be the range of the factory remote start. If that's acceptable to you (along with the other issues others have posted), then by all means go factory.

If you require extended range (like me), then you need to go aftermarket. Range can be from 800' to one mile away depending on which one you go with, or add the Smart phone app for unlimited range.

Nothing worst than having to go outside in the cold to remote start your vehicle...............doesn't that defeat the purpose?

There are many quality aftermarket solutions to choose from (as pointed out in other posts), just make sure installer solders all connection. Wire taps/T-taps may be quick and easy to use, but I guarantee they will fail with in six months!!!!! Been there, done that :frusty:

 

[4runner10]

Another consideration should be remote range. Factory remote start range is the same as your factory remote system. Go outside, test how far away you can lock/unlock the doors, that's going to be the range of the factory remote start. If that's acceptable to you (along with the other issues others have posted), then by all means go factory.

If you require extended range (like me), then you need to go aftermarket. Range can be from 800' to one mile away depending on which one you go with, or add the Smart phone app for unlimited range.

Nothing worst than having to go outside in the cold to remote start your vehicle...............doesn't that defeat the purpose?

There are many quality aftermarket solutions to choose from (as pointed out in other posts), just make sure installer solders all connection. Wire taps/T-taps may be quick and easy to use, but I guarantee they will fail with in six months!!!!! Been there, done that :frusty:

Yes, range is really critical and has been largely excluded from the discussion. Installers should solder connections for sure. Around here, some installers will guarantee installation for the life of the vehicle! They are that confident in their connections.

 

[desertred]

I just re-read the owner's manual. The range will be dependent on the battery life in the key fob, which is listed as typically 1-2 years. It also states that the key should not be left within three feet of magnetic generating devices such as mircowaves and cell phones (particularly when recharging). Of course, I've done all of this, and the battery in each of my key fobs is the original (three years old). The LED on the fob still lights when I press the buttons, although not to brightly. Maybe this is a key (pun intended :tongue1: ) reason why my remote start has not worked very well, despite doing the Toyota dance (similar to the YMCA dance) when trying to operate the remote.

 

[bwirtz]

keyfob battery strength probably has an effect. I've noticed that with my factory remote start it will sometimes fail even when the lock and unlock work (marginally). My guess is when you push and hold on the third press, it needs to bet getting that signal to the vehicle uninterrupted for 3-5 seconds. If the keyfob battery is weak and/or you're at the limit of your range you can have trouble starting it.

I've noticed this from inside stores when I look out at the window and see the lights blink when I hit the lock button yet the vehicle won't start. I am assuming that some interference is adding enough "static" that messes it up.

I still miss the aftermarket remote start on my old vehicle but I've gotten used to this one enough to not want to bother with installing something better.

 

[Balcs1]

I have Factory Remote Start

It works fine for me. I think I paid $500 installed prior to driving it off the lot. I use it in the morning on really cold days especially :smow:Just remember to turn on defrost on high and your heated seats when you shut it down at night. It will turn off after a period of time but that works for me. I would have no reason to roll windows down or any other b.s. features. Factory works with the stock key, push the door lock 3 times and hold. Easy and reliable.

 

[trailedition]

It works fine for me. I think I paid $500 installed prior to driving it off the lot. I use it in the morning on really cold days especially :smow:Just remember to turn on defrost on high and your heated seats when you shut it down at night. It will turn off after a period of time but that works for me. I would have no reason to roll windows down or any other b.s. features. Factory works with the stock key, push the door lock 3 times and hold. Easy and reliable.

I have to date had good starting with a distance of 200-300 feet which has always been enough I can stretch it if I need to by using the steel part of the key to the chin trick from farther away. Don't need it often but it works well, many people don't know about it and sometimes it has been nice to use for the extra distance or if I am quite a distance inside a glass walled building so I can see it. Just a note for this poster the windows down is a factory installed already available and in place on all 5th Gen 4Runners it just needs to be set by your dealer at no charge.

 

[4runner10]

It works fine for me. I think I paid $500 installed prior to driving it off the lot. I use it in the morning on really cold days especially :smow:Just remember to turn on defrost on high and your heated seats when you shut it down at night. It will turn off after a period of time but that works for me. I would have no reason to roll windows down or any other b.s. features. Factory works with the stock key, push the door lock 3 times and hold. Easy and reliable.

I love dropping the windows and cracking the sunroof in the summer. Only did 1 pocket transmit by accident with the stock fob, but the truck was wide open when I left work. Thank god wallet and iPod we're safe!

B.S. features, eh? Like rear glass up/ down by remote, timer start automatically before work, 5000 ft range? That sorta b.s.? I really love that my viper remote closes all windows and sunroof when I lock it.

I think the real b.s. feature is the Toyota remote starter killing the engine before you can drive off! What were they thinking?

 

[desertred]

I just re-read the owner's manual. The range will be dependent on the battery life in the key fob, which is listed as typically 1-2 years. It also states that the key should not be left within three feet of magnetic generating devices such as mircowaves and cell phones (particularly when recharging). Of course, I've done all of this, and the battery in each of my key fobs is the original (three years old). The LED on the fob still lights when I press the buttons, although not to brightly. Maybe this is a key (pun intended :tongue1: ) reason why my remote start has not worked very well, despite doing the Toyota dance (similar to the YMCA dance) when trying to operate the remote.

Just following up on my earlier post. After swapping the battery, the range of my key fob increased a good amount, and the remote start worked just fine. Even without the dance.

 

[Balcs1]

I Fart Remote Starts, Who gives a Damn!

I love dropping the windows and cracking the sunroof in the summer. Only did 1 pocket transmit by accident with the stock fob, but the truck was wide open when I left work. Thank god wallet and iPod we're safe!

B.S. features, eh? Like rear glass up/ down by remote, timer start automatically before work, 5000 ft range? That sorta b.s.? I really love that my viper remote closes all windows and sunroof when I lock it.

I think the real b.s. feature is the Toyota remote starter killing the engine before you can drive off! What were they thinking?

That's Right, I don't need those bs features and really don't care about rolling the windows down on an early morning start when it's 25 degrees out and snowing. That stuff is overkill as far as I am concerned. I care about the bigger picture. Like Elk Hunting in September! In the summer months I walk right past my 4Runner, climb abord my Killer Red and Black Aprilia Tuono Street bike that is parked next to my 30ft Toy Hauler and Dodge Cummins 4x4 that tows it and that is parked next to my wifes 2012 Sequoia Platinum that is hooked up to my Wells Cargo that has my Yamaha YZ450 and my WR450 in it along with my 4x4 Yamaha Grizzly 700 quad and ready to head to the Motocross Track. Finally when I get home I Drive my trick golf cart over to my shop, load up my full suspension mountain Bike on the back of the 4Runner and head to the Tree Farm and crank out some single track. On the way back from that I might hit the remote start while loading up the Norco Fluid 3 with Fox Shox. Finally I will arive home to my Nice house on 5 Acres and relax with my Trophy wife. BTW, Zero Payments on all of it. I Envy you and your sweet remote start with all those bs features. Hows the monthly payments treating you? SUCK IT! Nut Sack! :flipoff:

 

[4runner10]

That's Right, I don't need those bs features and really don't care about rolling the windows down on an early morning start when it's 25 degrees out and snowing. That stuff is overkill as far as I am concerned. I care about the bigger picture. Like Elk Hunting in September! In the summer months I walk right past my 4Runner, climb abord my Killer Red and Black Aprilia Tuono Street bike that is parked next to my 30ft Toy Hauler and Dodge Cummins 4x4 that tows it and that is parked next to my wifes 2012 Sequoia Platinum that is hooked up to my Wells Cargo that has my Yamaha YZ450 and my WR450 in it along with my 4x4 Yamaha Grizzly 700 quad and ready to head to the Motocross Track. Finally when I get home I Drive my trick golf cart over to my shop, load up my full suspension mountain Bike on the back of the 4Runner and head to the Tree Farm and crank out some single track. On the way back from that I might hit the remote start while loading up the Norco Fluid 3 with Fox Shox. Finally I will arive home to my Nice house on 5 Acres and relax with my Trophy wife. BTW, Zero Payments on all of it. I Envy you and your sweet remote start with all those bs features. Hows the monthly payments treating you? SUCK IT! Nut Sack!

All of a sudden it's a cock measuring contest? LOL

I really don't mind car payments as I use the capital that would have otherwise been tied up in the car to invest which more than covers the interest rate (knock on wood!). The OP asked a question about remote start, and he may as well know all his options and just because you don't value them doesn't mean someone else won't. Different climates may affect the features that one considers important.

Are you this arrogant in person? Geez man, chill out!

 

[Balcs1]

Dude, I was laughing my ass off while typing that

All of a sudden it's a cock measuring contest? LOL

I really don't mind car payments as I use the capital that would have otherwise been tied up in the car to invest which more than covers the interest rate (knock on wood!). The OP asked a question about remote start, and he may as well know all his options and just because you don't value them doesn't mean someone else won't. Different climates may affect the features that one considers important.

Are you this arrogant in person? Geez man, chill out!

I just wanted to see how you would react to that :wow: It's all fun and games for me on this site. We are all on the same side, just gotta mix it up sometimes. I hope I didn't freak you out too much. :becky:

 

[ONS]

Balcs easy bro lol

 

[Lolrax]

Go aftermarket because the OEM one has no range

 

[barryhiram]

Balcs1, does placing key against deer "nut sack" increase remote range more than your chin? :behindsofa:

Hmm, never thought to try that :lol:

 

[eddiebx]

Go aftermarket because the OEM one has no range

Go OEM because aftermarket requires more remotes

Never ending battle here, just pick whatever suits your needs best is what I say :cheers:

 

[4runner10]

Go OEM because aftermarket requires more remotes

Never ending battle here, just pick whatever suits your needs best is what I say :cheers:

Yeah, the OP will likely have a good idea of the pros/ cons of the various options at this point.

I will point out, however, that he's looking at a SR5 where the key doubles as the remote (no smart key). So I suppose although technically he has two fobs, one is really the key.

I always liked the key from my 3rd gen (same as the current valet keys) because it's skinnier in my pocket, so my keychain has the Viper fob and the valet key on it.

 

[toyota2]

Thanks to all for the input on this. At this point I am not going to have to worry about the remote start. The local Toyota dealer here does not care if they actually sell cars or not. So my search for a new T4R continues. I just have to find a dealer that actually wants to sell me one.

Thanks again and sorry it took me so long to chime back in!

 

[runnaz]

I debated the aftermarket and OEM remote starts. I went ahead with the OEM so the dealer would install it. I talked them down to their cost which is only $250 and said I would pay cash for it when I picked up the vehicle, I didn't want it part of my financing. When I picked it up the remote start was installed and they didn't ask me for a dime. It is a pain in the butt having it shut off when unlocking the doors, but oh well. I'd rather have one remote. Shop around and if a dealer tells you it can't be put on the 4R, tell them to do some research.

 

[Batang.Gapo]

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).

Same thing here, I have only positive experience with factory remote start. I've been using it for the last two winter season.