Wiper blade defroster and remote starters

R

Roof Shingles

New member
Hi folks,

Glad to be part of a community that loves the 4Runner. We just got our first. A preowned 2015 SR5 with only 25,000 kilometers (15,500 miles). Loving this thing.

I've got a question... I plan to get a remote starter. I have a key starter so I won't have to deal with that engine shutting off thing to unlock the doors. My truck also comes with a wiper blade defroster. Can the remote starter be setup so that it also turns this blade defroster on? Can this be a separate button on the remote?

I'm getting the starter installed in a few days by some detailing/sound guys, and I could ask them, but i can't help thinking that they are just looking to install something as cheaply and quickly as possible and will tell me anything to do that. So I'm asking you folks instead. My mechanic referred me to these guys and I saw some of their work so they look good.

Anything else I should know about remote starters? And models I should avoid?

Thanks!
RS
 
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Roof Shingles said:
Hi folks,

Glad to be part of a community that loves the 4Runner. We just got our first. A preowned 2015 SR5 with only 25,000 kilometers (15,500 miles). Loving this thing.

I've got a question... I plan to get a remote starter. I have a key starter so I won't have to deal with that engine shutting off thing to unlock the doors. My truck also comes with a wiper blade defroster. Can the remote starter be setup so that it also turns this blade defroster on? Can this be a separate button on the remote?

I'm getting the starter installed in a few days by some detailing/sound guys, and I could ask them, but i can't help thinking that they are just looking to install something as cheaply and quickly as possible and will tell me anything to do that. So I'm asking you folks instead. My mechanic referred me to these guys and I saw some of their work so they look good.

Anything else I should know about remote starters? And models I should avoid?

Thanks!
RS
Click to expand...

If asked this question before and from everything I've read and asked there really isn't one "turn key" solution. It would have to be a complete custom set up to achieve that. If you find an aftermarket alarm system that CAN do it please share lol
 
This is an installer option, usually $20+ to add in devices to a system that is capable.
I can't speak for whatever system you're going with, but some of the CompuStar systems have an interior temp sensor. I had my installer include both the rear defroster and wiper warmers during install. They automatically come on if remote start is used AND internal temp is below 41F. I find this wonderful because after running for 7-10 minutes most everything on has melted enough to wipe off easily instead of scraping. It doesn't usually do anything for frost because the interior temp won't get low enough on a single overnight to trip them on. Check with your installer to see if this is an option with your planned system or if you would have to get a more complicated remote start control unit (electronic brain) in order to make it work.
 
Friggin Idiot said:
This is an installer option, usually $20+ to add in devices to a system that is capable.
I can't speak for whatever system you're going with, but some of the CompuStar systems have an interior temp sensor. I had my installer include both the rear defroster and wiper warmers during install. They automatically come on if remote start is used AND internal temp is below 41F. I find this wonderful because after running for 7-10 minutes most everything on has melted enough to wipe off easily instead of scraping. It doesn't usually do anything for frost because the interior temp won't get low enough on a single overnight to trip them on. Check with your installer to see if this is an option with your planned system or if you would have to get a more complicated remote start control unit (electronic brain) in order to make it work.
Click to expand...

Hey thanks for the reply Friggin Idiot.

I chatted with the guy that was gonna do my install, and it became apparent that he was gonna try messing around with the amperage and wiring to get the defrosters (rear and wiper) to get working. I didn't like the sound of that; I don't want him experimenting with my truck. So I talked to a few other shops. I found one shop that is asking $730 (Canadian dollars) with a two way remote (sends a message back to the remote saying that it was turned on) and it uses a Viper 4706 brain. Found another dude that explained your setup exactly with a one way remote using a CompuStar brain. This guy wants $540 (CAN). That includes $80 to install the bits to turn on the rear and wiper defrosters (you mentioned this would cost $40). So sounds like they're both taking me for a ride. Granted, I'm talking Canadian dollars. That $540 Canadian is about $410 US dollars... so is that fair?

EDIT: I forgot to mention that all those prices include parts, labour, and taxes (which is 13% where I am).
 
Last edited:
Roof Shingles said:
Hey thanks for the reply Friggin Idiot.

I chatted with the guy that was gonna do my install, and it became apparent that he was gonna try messing around with the amperage and wiring to get the defrosters (rear and wiper) to get working. I didn't like the sound of that; I don't want him experimenting with my truck. So I talked to a few other shops. I found one shop that is asking $730 (Canadian dollars) with a two way remote (sends a message back to the remote saying that it was turned on) and it uses a Viper 4706 brain. Found another dude that explained your setup exactly with a one way remote using a CompuStar brain. This guy wants $540 (CAN). That includes $80 to install the bits to turn on the rear and wiper defrosters (you mentioned this would cost $40). So sounds like they're both taking me for a ride. Granted, I'm talking Canadian dollars. That $540 Canadian is about $410 US dollars... so is that fair?

EDIT: I forgot to mention that all those prices include parts, labour, and taxes (which is 13% where I am).
Click to expand...

Sounds like the CompuStar guy is probably closest, 80CAD works out to about 60USD, and if that's including 13% tax it's really 53USD, so not far off. I would suggest you go for a two-way system since you're paying to install anyway. It's peace of mind that you know the truck started, and you're not walking out to a cold one (especially that far north). I went for the fancy remote, which drives the price up more than adding options. But I like that I can see how much time is remaining on the countdown timer, and can check the status of the truck. That part is up to you.
I went CompuStar. I've heard other people go Viper. In forums you'll probably hear people swear by both. But with the options you'd like, and the moron you've already met, I'd strongly suggest you go to the CompuStar or Viper website, and use one of their certified installers. It will probably cost a little more, but it will be worth it. Most people that have problems with a remote start system the problem really was the install, and not the actual system. A poorly installed system can cause some real headaches later on.
 
Friggin Idiot said:
Sounds like the CompuStar guy is probably closest, 80CAD works out to about 60USD, and if that's including 13% tax it's really 53USD, so not far off. I would suggest you go for a two-way system since you're paying to install anyway. It's peace of mind that you know the truck started, and you're not walking out to a cold one (especially that far north). I went for the fancy remote, which drives the price up more than adding options. But I like that I can see how much time is remaining on the countdown timer, and can check the status of the truck. That part is up to you.
I went CompuStar. I've heard other people go Viper. In forums you'll probably hear people swear by both. But with the options you'd like, and the moron you've already met, I'd strongly suggest you go to the CompuStar or Viper website, and use one of their certified installers. It will probably cost a little more, but it will be worth it. Most people that have problems with a remote start system the problem really was the install, and not the actual system. A poorly installed system can cause some real headaches later on.
Click to expand...

Thanks again for the input.

Regarding the 2 way starter... I can see how the confirmation that the car turned on is a good thing. The two way starter is an extra $113 (with taxes), and now its starting to get a little too expensive. Initially I was planning to spend about 300-400... and I'm already into the 500s. So I'll probably go with the one way starter.

How consistent is the starter at starting the vehicle the first time?

Also... Suppose I go with the 1 way remote... and I hit the start button a few times to be sure that it started... will the car shut off if I send it the start signal and it is already started? Like is it a toggle, or does it turn the car on and ignore subsequent start commands?

Thanks again!
 
Roof Shingles said:
Thanks again for the input.

Regarding the 2 way starter... I can see how the confirmation that the car turned on is a good thing. The two way starter is an extra $113 (with taxes), and now its starting to get a little too expensive. Initially I was planning to spend about 300-400... and I'm already into the 500s. So I'll probably go with the one way starter.

How consistent is the starter at starting the vehicle the first time?

Also... Suppose I go with the 1 way remote... and I hit the start button a few times to be sure that it started... will the car shut off if I send it the start signal and it is already started? Like is it a toggle, or does it turn the car on and ignore subsequent start commands?

Thanks again!
Click to expand...

Honestly I've only had a couple times where the vehicle didn't start, all but one of which reception was questionable. Remember that the distances quoted are open terrain line of sight only. Adding buildings, sales racks, and all the EM interference between you and the truck will shorten that range. That said, you'd probably still be fine with a 1-way system, just know you'll have to learn the limits of its range.
Smashing the remote start button repeatedly may send the same command from the remote repeatedly. But the chip inside the truck will likely interpret it differently each time.
for example, Received START -> IF OFF, THEN START. IF ON, THEN STOP.
With mine you have to hold to start, and if you hold it again it shuts off. So repeatedly sending the start signal isn't likely to help.
 
Roof Shingles said:
Ha I just saw this last night. I've emailed Steve but or reply yet. I installed a sat radio in my Altima some years back and it was a lot of fun.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Having installed a non CANBUS alarm system in the past with 765234756423 wires to decipher and connect, I can tell you, this one was a walk in the park. I think it might have been 6 wires total.
 
Gonna go with my local guy. Getting the G9 two way remote and it'll turn on the rear and front defrosters when it's below freezing. Paying more than I wanted to spend, but why get only half the features? I figure Ill pay a bit more to not have regrets. Install is happening on the 26th. I so excite!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
Friggin Idiot said:
This is an installer option, usually $20+ to add in devices to a system that is capable.
I can't speak for whatever system you're going with, but some of the CompuStar systems have an interior temp sensor. I had my installer include both the rear defroster and wiper warmers during install. They automatically come on if remote start is used AND internal temp is below 41F. I find this wonderful because after running for 7-10 minutes most everything on has melted enough to wipe off easily instead of scraping. It doesn't usually do anything for frost because the interior temp won't get low enough on a single overnight to trip them on. Check with your installer to see if this is an option with your planned system or if you would have to get a more complicated remote start control unit (electronic brain) in order to make it work.
Click to expand...

I was just talking to Steve about this the other day. Im thinking about giving this a shot when i do mine.
 
bofa said:
I was just talking to Steve about this the other day. Im thinking about giving this a shot when i do mine.
Click to expand...



When I talked to steve he wasn't sure which wire would get the wiper defroster started, and I'm not keen on testing it out. That's really the only reason I decided to go with a local shop. Well that and the exchange rate meant I wasn't paying much more for the shop to install it.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
Roof Shingles said:
When I talked to steve he wasn't sure which wire would get the wiper defroster started, and I'm not keen on testing it out. That's really the only reason I decided to go with a local shop. Well that and the exchange rate meant I wasn't paying much more for the shop to install it.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

He said he hasn't done one but knows where they are located. Im willing to give it a shot if I go diy.

There's only 1 non-Best Buy shop nearby that installs them so i still need to get a quote from them and see if it's worth me trying to do it myself.
 
bofa said:
He said he hasn't done one but knows where they are located. Im willing to give it a shot if I go diy.

There's only 1 non-Best Buy shop nearby that installs them so i still need to get a quote from them and see if it's worth me trying to do it myself.
Click to expand...

If you use the dealer locator on CompuStar's site, it does list all the Best Buy locations. But if you check the box for PRO installers and search again, you'll find the guys that will install it and you won't have to worry a thing about it. Those are the type of guys that are worth the money. I ended up going back to the same shop to have them do the alternator swap and big 3 upgrade for wiring to handle the extra amperage, as well as a dash cam setup that was giving me a difficult time. If there's anything to say about quality of work, it's repeat business.
 
Friggin Idiot said:
If you use the dealer locator on CompuStar's site, it does list all the Best Buy locations. But if you check the box for PRO installers and search again, you'll find the guys that will install it and you won't have to worry a thing about it. Those are the type of guys that are worth the money. I ended up going back to the same shop to have them do the alternator swap and big 3 upgrade for wiring to handle the extra amperage, as well as a dash cam setup that was giving me a difficult time. If there's anything to say about quality of work, it's repeat business.
Click to expand...

Thanks - i emailed a "pro" installer today to see what the damage will be but havent heard back yet. I dont mind doing some wiring but im just not sure when id get to it.
 
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