Remote Starter

[Bouncnb]

Not sure if this is the right area, but anyway. Those of you here with remote starter installed on your 4Runner, what do you have. Are you satisfied with it? Was is designed to go with the T4R factory theft deterrent system? Then there is the whole ignition key, with the little chip embedded in it. Any help and suggestions would be greatly helpful.

B.

 

[atomic punk]

This is the correct forum, yes...

Alot of us have the Viper (forget the model #, 601 maybe?), but it includes the remote starter and 2 way transmitting. 2 years and I haven't had any problems with it. (knock knock). $550 installed at Tweeter here in Mass. Search under Viper.

You might get some replies here, but also use the search function and you'll find that alot of people swear by their brand make/model. Clifford comes to mind as a great name brand.

 

[nserpa9248]

I have a python 990 (same as viper 5900, made my the same company)

I think it works amazing.

Ive seen other systems that are two way, paging, spread-spectrum, and LCD screen that are not as easy to use, reliable, and as well built.

No matter what you are getting, directed makes GREAT STUFF! (re-enforcing atomic punk's post).

You can get a directed unit at tweeter (which just claimed bankrupcy IIRC), circuit city, best buy, and some small mom and pop shops with higher end gear.

What year is your 4Runner?
And do you know if you have a chip key?

Also, if your looking into remote starters, look at security systems too. If you do look into security, look at getting some extras, they offer things such as battery backup, extra sirens, tilt sensors, motion sensors, audio sensors, etc.

 

[Bouncnb]

Thanks for the replies. I have an 04 Sport. So do I need to get a completely different "alarm system" or do the ones from Viper, Python, or Clifford offer a direct plug and play with the factory system?

 

[nserpa9248]

as far as i know, there isnt a direct "plug and play" option for these vehicles (some BMW's actually had a security module that some aftermarket companys made modules for, but not toyota)

Like i said, a cirucit city, best buy, tweeter, w/e can do it (just make sure the shop is reliable, and talk to an installer before the install to make sure that the particular person knows what they are doing)

Also, if the installer makes you uncomfortable and your worried that its gonna get messed up, ask for a different installer, or go somewhere else.

 

[TimelessR1]

Why would you really want a Direct plug and play alarm system? If this was the case a thief could easily unplug it, and be off with your nice 4 runner! Most alarms are pretty good. Especialy if you go with a brand made by DEI (Direct Electronics Inc) They prety much make almost 70% of the alarms out there now. I personally have always used ComputStar. But the real imprtant question you should be asking is..if anybody knows of a great installer in your area b/c its the installer that can make or break the alarm!

Put it this way...if you buy a $1000 alarm and the installer installs it right under the dashboard with all the alarm wires in view, that alarm is useless when a theif breaks in. Now..if you bought a $100 alarm, and the installer mounted the brain under the passenders front seeat and ran extension wires all the way through the truck and tapped in to some behind the glove box and a few under the driver dash but concealed everything in the factory wiring loom, a thief would have a much hard time trying to figure out how to shut your alarm off!

Also, I would suggest having your installer install at least one "hidden" fuel pump cut off. This way when you park in a not so secure or protected area , you can flip that switch and even if a theif disabled your alarm, they would have to find this hidden switch to actually be able to drive away with it.

 

[atomic punk]

I know from experience that you want to buy your alarm/starter from a company that offers a lifetime warranty on parts and labor on their products at ANY authorized installer, not just where you bought it. DEI is a great example.

All the bells and whistles in the world are nice, but it totally depends on how "secure" you really want your vehicle to be. Ask yourself this question first: are you worried about theives stealing what's IN your T4R, or stealing your T4R? The answer will help determine to what extent you should shell out mo'money for your extra switches, sensors, bells and whistles.

The fuel pump switch is a good theft deterrent, even more so than a starter disable. But keep in mind that a pissed off theif will likely ruin your vehicle if he can't take it with him. 'seen it before, and it's not pretty. The owner wished that the theives just took it... it would've been much easier in the long run.

 

[tarheeltp17]

Let me say first of all that I am an installer...

**cheers!**

No really I am, and I never place a brain under a passenger seat and route wires randomly through the vehicle. Would I? Sure! But not with that $100 you paid to have it installed. On the other hand, I don't just stuff it up under the dash to where the theif can just pull it down. Professional installers like myself will find a decent not easily accessible panel to hide the alarm behind. BUT any real theif can still find any hidden brain within a matter of seconds. If you want your security system to be in the competition class, you gotta pay for it.

DEI Alarms and Audiovox alarms are made in the same building. Both are quality products... just stay away from those cheesy alarms like bulldog.

DEI and Audiovox also offer lifetime warranty on parts with the exception of some of the remotes due to washing machines, etc...

Most reputable shops will offer lifetime on labor but won't cover things like shipping the unit to the company for repair...generally a minimal fee like $10.

You can also do remote start using your factor keyless remote... but the security system on your T4R isn't going to be quite as good as aftermarket. Just remember that you can only do so much to protect your vehicle. If someone really wants it or whats in it, they'll get it.

 

[ProMed]

You can also do remote start using your factor keyless remote... but the security system on your T4R isn't going to be quite as good as aftermarket.

Thanks for the informative reply. How much would this cost for me to have done at your shop tarheel? Also, around how long would it take?

 

[tarheeltp17]

It would run you about $125 in parts (remote starter + bypass module) and another $100 in labor. It takes about an hour.... well for me anyway.

Here are some things concerning remote start using factory keyless entry remote....

You will press your lock button 3 times to activate the remote start...

Your remote start will only work as far as your keyless entry....

Some keyless remotes are disabled when the car is running... so if you remote start your car you may have to insert your key to unlock...

Other than that its awesome stuff! The module is a Valet 561R and does remote start and keyless entry, but you won't be using keyless if you use your factory remote. I'm located in the Charlotte/Lake Norman area.

 

[DevineT4R]

Not sure if this is the right area, but anyway. Those of you here with remote starter installed on your 4Runner, what do you have. Are you satisfied with it? Was is designed to go with the T4R factory theft deterrent system? Then there is the whole ignition key, with the little chip embedded in it. Any help and suggestions would be greatly helpful.

B.

If youre interested I do have a like new condition Compustar Remote Start Alarm 2W900FM-AS w/ the DEI bypass module for $275 Shipped OBO. Let me know. I only used it for less than a year and then sold the T4R for a 335i.