Why the Auto-Start?
- Thread starter ALLEGRO
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Loki_4Runner
New member
Just a WAG, but...
1. I'd imagine that one type of starter isn't much more expensive to produce than another type of starter.
2. Making one type of starter is almost always going to be cheaper than making two types of starters that are equally expensive to make in a given volume. Economies of scale and all that.
3. Lexus-class (MB, BMW, etc) vehiclea have push-button starters.
4. Lexus-class buyers want something akin to push-button starters in their vehicles because their buddies have them.
5. Toyota wants to sell lots of Lexii.
6. To sell lots of Lexii, Toyota needs to include a push-button compatible starter.
7. If point 2 is true, then Toyota designed their starter to go in the Lexus... and it's just cheaper to put the Lexus starter in the 4Runner than to build another, "cheaper" starter.
8. Instead of having a push-button (which is probably an expensive system that is DEFINITELY prone to having problems), Toyota just used a traditional key to activate the starter.
Like I said, just a WAG.
1. I'd imagine that one type of starter isn't much more expensive to produce than another type of starter.
2. Making one type of starter is almost always going to be cheaper than making two types of starters that are equally expensive to make in a given volume. Economies of scale and all that.
3. Lexus-class (MB, BMW, etc) vehiclea have push-button starters.
4. Lexus-class buyers want something akin to push-button starters in their vehicles because their buddies have them.
5. Toyota wants to sell lots of Lexii.
6. To sell lots of Lexii, Toyota needs to include a push-button compatible starter.
7. If point 2 is true, then Toyota designed their starter to go in the Lexus... and it's just cheaper to put the Lexus starter in the 4Runner than to build another, "cheaper" starter.
8. Instead of having a push-button (which is probably an expensive system that is DEFINITELY prone to having problems), Toyota just used a traditional key to activate the starter.
Like I said, just a WAG.
It's an awesome feature!!
Uneek's 2005 Tacoma has the same motor but doesn't have that feature.
Don't understand why...just like how I don't undestand why the Tacoma & FJC has the S/C, but 4Runner does not.
My 2007 Camry doesn't have this feature either, but the 2007 Sienna & 2007 RX350 does.
Uneek's 2005 Tacoma has the same motor but doesn't have that feature.
Don't understand why...just like how I don't undestand why the Tacoma & FJC has the S/C, but 4Runner does not.
My 2007 Camry doesn't have this feature either, but the 2007 Sienna & 2007 RX350 does.
Atlanta_man
New member
Could it be the location of the starter (buried deep) makes it very costly to replace and the auto start extends it's life ?
Its not like it is an expensive feature to develop. The parts for it are already in place on almost all modern engines, but the parts are there for different reasons such as engine monitoring. Engines have sensors that measure the speed of the flywheel typically by measuring how fast the teeth on the edge of it go by a light sensor. This can also tell if the engine itself is running under its own power or being turned by the starter. When you turn the key in newer cars, it does not complete an analog circuit to the starter solenoid, it goes through a digital circuit. On our 4Runners this digital circuit just puts a hold on the solenoid until the computer knows that the engine is running. Maybe I made it sound complicated, but trust me, its just a matter of adding software in MOST cases.
But ultimately, it helps prolong starter life. And if you have the V8 like me, you do NOT want to have to replace that beast. Everything on top of the engine (manifold, throttle body, etc.) all has to come off. So yeah, I want long life out of that thing.
But ultimately, it helps prolong starter life. And if you have the V8 like me, you do NOT want to have to replace that beast. Everything on top of the engine (manifold, throttle body, etc.) all has to come off. So yeah, I want long life out of that thing.
paraordnance
New member
I LOVE it! 
aaronfro17
New member
Ive grown so accustomed to the feature that I consciously make myself hold the key to start everytime I crank something other than the 4R. My gf has gotten a couple of good laughs from me applying the 4R starting technique to her Mustang!
riceandpho
Elite Member
i like this key sense starter. Makes the starter last longer i bet. Since the car starts the starter knows to shut off and not keep going, also i try starting the truck after it was all started, it had no grind sound or any affect to kill the starter.if this 4th gen runner did not have this, 3rd gen people tend to keep it in the start mode very long after the engine has started.
Methodical
New member
I think it's more a matter of "why not".
EVERYONE has ground a starter at some point. We know its horrible and it sounds like it. 4runners can't emit that wonderful sound.
also, it does an excellent job of extreme cold starts. I did one at -40, without my block heater plugged in (oops)... and it cranked for a good 6 seconds (very slowly) and only let up when it should have. The system works well.
By the time my car had started, I was at my front door!!
EVERYONE has ground a starter at some point. We know its horrible and it sounds like it. 4runners can't emit that wonderful sound.
also, it does an excellent job of extreme cold starts. I did one at -40, without my block heater plugged in (oops)... and it cranked for a good 6 seconds (very slowly) and only let up when it should have. The system works well.
By the time my car had started, I was at my front door!!
Mark86
Super Moderator
When you go into a car without it, you will learn to appreciate it! Whenever I drive a car without it, I forget and the car stalls out when I don't hold the key. Then people look at you and it gets embarrassing. I also like not having to worry about grinding the starter. There were a few times at a gas station that I forgot that the truck was running and turned the key- phew!
Whenever I drive a car without it, I forget and the car stalls out when I don't hold the key. Then people look at you and it gets embarrassing. I also like not having to worry about grinding the starter. There were a few times at a gas station that I forgot that the truck was running and turned the key- phew!
Fuzion
New member
Mark86 said:When you go into a car without it, you will learn to appreciate it!
:bigok:
I never start other cars on the 1st shot