Toyota VIP remote engine start stopped working

[pitstain]

Hi all,

I did alot of searching and can't find any instances of this on the forums or web.

I have a 2016 4Runner TRDP and recently tried my remote start which worked fine during the summer but now does not work. I do the three click and hold and the hazards flash a few times but then the vehicle does not start.

The only longshot idea i have beside the module just went bad is that I have installed front and rear LED turn signal bulbs with the correct double resistor mod for the front.

Any input is appreciated and I am dropping the truck off monday evening at the local dealership.

Thank you in advance.

 

[philsey]

You don't say the time elapsed between the LEDs and the RS failure... but if this were my problem I'd reverse the mod before doing anything else, especially including taking it to the dealer.

A very high percentage of issues (to me anyway) seem to be related to changes made to stock vehicles.

Even if de-modifying doesn't fix it, it removes the strong likelyhood that the dealer will blame it. Once he sees you've modded anything electrical, he'll blame that, count on it.

 

[<<<<]

I don't see how LED bulbs would cause an issue but test it anyway. Put original bulbs back in and try to start again. GL

 

[<<<<]

I had some issues with turn signal LED bulbs which blink Amber but glow White in my other car. These LED's just stopped working and I had no parking lights for a while before catching it. From then on I put LED's inside vehicle only where there is no safety concern.

 

[philsey]

I don't see how LED bulbs would cause an issue but test it anyway. Put original bulbs back in and try to start again. GL

I didn't even imply they would ... just that it removes the dealer from blaming the problem on them.

However, the first rule in troubleshooting is look at what you fixed/changed last.

 

[Friggin Idiot]

In the event that reversing your mod doesn't fix your problem, here's some info from someone who went through similar at the beginning of this year.

1) The system IS covered under manufacturer 3 year / 36kmi warranty if it was installed by the dealer at/prior to vehicle purchase. If it was purchased and installed after vehicle purchase, then the accessories warranty of 12mos / 12kmi applies.

2) The Toyota VIP Remote start isn't made by Toyota, it's made by another company, Toyota can only do a very limited troubleshooting on it. They then have to call the manufacturer tech to troubleshoot any problem.

3) It must be confirmed by the manufacturer there is an issue before Toyota techs are allow to replace anything.

4) Replacement modules were backordered 2+ months last I heard (Mar 16). However, instead of waiting on a replacement part, the customer could elect to purchase a full installation kit to obtain the required parts, for ~$399. The main remote start computer module itself costs ~$300.

ADVICE: If Toyota warranty won't cover the system replacement/repair have them remove the entire remote start system. Don't pay them a thing. Then go get a quality aftermarket system installed by a professional installer.
Toyota's system is very limited: one way communication, short range, must turn off before entering vehicle, does not function with accessories such as rear defrost and windshield heater (electric element).
A well done aftermarket system properly installed should run you $500-900 installed depending on options. I suggest one of the cell phone based remote starts. Although if you occasionally/frequently travel to places with no cell reception and plan on using the remote start there select something else. I went with CompuStar T11 Pro system, very capable and had the installed put the options for rear defrost and windshield heat into the system (auto activate when interior temp <41F). It has other great features too, but the system is up to you. Two way communication is important so that you know the vehicle started if you're not line of sight (inside store/mall, 2 miles away on a trail, etc.). I've been extremely happy with my aftermarket system, enough that I wish I hadn't wasted the money on the factory system (which failed 1200mi out of warranty for me).

 

[pitstain]

Thanks for the input guys.

The LEDs were in and working normally with the remote start for about two months, at the end of the summer i stopped using the RS since temps were cooler, then a week or so ago it was a frosty morning when i went to use it and no dice.

I have a very good relationship with the local dealer so I hope they do not nitpick, i saw one case where simply resetting the negative battery terminal fixed it but I hesitate doing so as it may clear recent info from the ECU and other modules.

Thanks, i'll post up with what happens.

 

[pitstain]

Well just dropped it off, swapping turn signals made no difference.

They think it just lost its programming or a connector came loose.

My loaner Taco TRD sport is nowhere near as sweet as the 4runner.....but at least it ain't a damn Prius.

 

[pitstain]

So they had it for a couple of days, ended up pulling out the entire dash and found a loose 3amp fuse holder, and one harness plug not connected they said shook loose as well (likely wasn't clipped in all the way from the factory), they also replaced my battery on a less than 4 month old truck.

Total was like $800 in warranty labor plus the price of the battery. My cost was agreeably $0.

remote start works perfect and zero squeaks or rattles even after dismantling the dash.

Toyota would not be eating that much labor if they severed better coffee at the factory in Japan maybe....

very happy.

 

[Theomoji]

I have the same issue with my 2014 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium

Man $800 is more than a whole new remote start system replacement at any autoshop other than dealers. I kind of just want to fix it. Any ideas?