2016+ LX Remote Starter Options (1 Viewer)

[andyp]

 

[Dunbar]

Any of you guys with aftermarket remote starts get around Toyota's feature that kills the engine when you open the door? As seen in other threads it's incredibly stupid for the engine to shut off when they could have used the brake pedal to kill the engine if you don't have the key fob.

I'm looking at the Drone Mobile unit. Got a quote from Car Toys to install the Drone Mobile alarm with remote start and the fancy fob with a screen. $974.20. I think I would rather install it myself so there is no hacking of wires etc. I want to know exactly where it ties in and insure a sano job, so that means DIY.

Anyone compare the Drone to 12 Volt, Viper, Compustar, Python etc. I have a Viper in my Excursion and have been happy with it but it is older tech now and I'd rather not carry 2 fobs. I have the Lexus key card purchased from another friendly MUDDer. With Drone I can either use the OE key fobs, the key card, or the Drone remote. The drone remote with the screen shows much quicker if a door is opened or window broken rather than waiting on the cell system to send a text. It also starts from much farther away, like 3 miles, vs line of sight ~40' for the OE fob.

Edit: I realize that Drone is only part of the quoted system, the rest is Compustar. I managed to answer some of my questions by repeated searching and reading about Compustar features. I'm probably stuck with having it installed by a Pro dealer because of the programming needed. Local CarToys looks like a better option than Best Buy. I can probably tip the installer to show me all the connections and component locations before wrapping everything back up. I'm probably stuck with having to re-start after getting in, which sucks, but at least it will be cool. I want to be able to set the run time and monitor the inside temp so my dog can hang while I eat etc.

 

[jrmudder92]

Any of you guys with aftermarket remote starts get around Toyota's feature that kills the engine when you open the door? As seen in other threads it's incredibly stupid for the engine to shut off when they could have used the brake pedal to kill the engine if you don't have the key fob.

I'm looking at the Drone Mobile unit. Got a quote from Car Toys to install the Drone Mobile alarm with remote start and the fancy fob with a screen. $974.20. I think I would rather install it myself so there is no hacking of wires etc. I want to know exactly where it ties in and insure a sano job, so that means DIY.

Anyone compare the Drone to 12 Volt, Viper, Compustar, Python etc. I have a Viper in my Excursion and have been happy with it but it is older tech now and I'd rather not carry 2 fobs. I have the Lexus key card purchased from another friendly MUDDer. With Drone I can either use the OE key fobs, the key card, or the Drone remote. The drone remote with the screen shows much quicker if a door is opened or window broken rather than waiting on the cell system to send a text. It also starts from much farther away, like 3 miles, vs line of sight ~40' for the OE fob.

Edit: I realize that Drone is only part of the quoted system, the rest is Compustar. I managed to answer some of my questions by repeated searching and reading about Compustar features. I'm probably stuck with having it installed by a Pro dealer because of the programming needed. Local CarToys looks like a better option than Best Buy. I can probably tip the installer to show me all the connections and component locations before wrapping everything back up. I'm probably stuck with having to re-start after getting in, which sucks, but at least it will be cool. I want to be able to set the run time and monitor the inside temp so my dog can hang while I eat etc.

I will say Bestbuy did mine. But it’s a guy I’ve know for years and truly trust him. You can catch them on sale some times for $299-$399 installed. As you’ve figured out compustar is the “same” as drone. I’ve run compustar on many of my vehicles and never had an issue. Will say the app is great. The fact I can track my truck if it where ever to get stolen. Also I get an alert every time it turns on and off. Can do everything from the app. Also the watch app is cool too nicely laid out. and Can tell Siri to unlock or start the truck.

 

[networkhobo]

I just finished installing the 12 Volt Solutions kit and cell add-on in my 2011 LX today and it went super smooth. Took about an hour but I was taking my time. The cell setup was very smooth. Thanks for the recommendations. I would have never known about it had I not searched the forum.

I will add that the Drone app looks a lot smoother

 

[andyp]

I just finished installing the 12 Volt Solutions kit and cell add-on in my 2011 LX today and it went super smooth. Took about an hour but I was taking my time. The cell setup was very smooth. Thanks for the recommendations. I would have never known about it had I not searched the forum.

I will add that the Drone app looks a lot smoother

Cell worth it? Thinking about adding it on.

 

[networkhobo]

Cell worth it? Thinking about adding it on.

It is a must for me. I have to be in the corner of our kitchen nearest the carport to get within fob range. And at the office I am no where near fob range.

The app is very responsive. So far so good.

 

[BlackMammoth]

Can someone post the complete part number for the DroneMobile system that works with 2016+ LC? My local Best Buy says they aren't compatible...

Thanks in advance.

 

[S.CarolinaFZJ80]

Interested in Drone too.

The Toyota remote start is ridiculous, open the door and the car shuts off!?!?! Wtf!

It defeats the purpose of a remote start

 

[Dunbar]

Unfortunately, it's internal to the Toyota ECU and the aftermarket systems can't get around it. I'm getting it anyway.

Interested in Drone too.

The Toyota remote start is ridiculous, open the door and the car shuts off!?!?! Wtf!

It defeats the purpose of a remote start

 

[Dunbar]

Find a different installer. My local CarToys has the Compustar T13 on back order so I'm buying it online and they will program it with my VIN before shipping. Drone is compatible.

Can someone post the complete part number for the DroneMobile system that works with 2016+ LC? My local Best Buy says they aren't compatible...

Thanks in advance.

 

[S.CarolinaFZJ80]

So all of these aftermarket systems mentioned here are ham-strung with the door open shutoff issue?

 

[katit]

Was there a change since 2016? Sorry for hijacking, I am awaiting my 21 LX and I was under impression it has factory remote start with smart phone and subscription(at least 1 year). Or was it an option? Or added recently? Just trying to understand what is not good about OE

 

[Dunbar]

So all of these aftermarket systems mentioned here are ham-strung with the door open shutoff issue?

Yes they are. But they are light years ahead of the factory systems. 3 mile range with fob, 2 way communication, so you know it started and that it has not been broke into. Add Drone or other cell module and your phone does all the functions from anywhere you have a signal. And see the temperature inside your car. Program it to keep a certain temp and it will run the engine as needed to keep fido alive.

 

[S.CarolinaFZJ80]

Can't you just unplug the door switch to trick the system that the door is still closed? I know you'd lose the courtesy lights when you open the door and the auto shutoff headlights but that's not a big deal for me

 

[Dunbar]

That would be an upgrade. I have not figured out how to turn off the damn auto on dome lights. Kids all sleeping on a road trip and that damn light comes onwhen I stop for gas. I had to wire in an override switchin my Excursion to deal with that. I also would like the headlights to turn off immediately.

I will test your theory when I install my remote start.

Can't you just unplug the door switch to trick the system that the door is still closed? I know you'd lose the courtesy lights when you open the door and the auto shutoff headlights but that's not a big deal for me

 

[S.CarolinaFZJ80]

The door light off in your scenario is an easy one. Just push in the door button on the overhead console. That will stop the light coming on when you open the door.

 

[andyp]

It is a must for me. I have to be in the corner of our kitchen nearest the carport to get within fob range. And at the office I am no where near fob range.

The app is very responsive. So far so good.

I’m convinced. Just ordered the add on. It going to be a pain to install?

 

[networkhobo]

I’m convinced. Just ordered the add on. It going to be a pain to install?

It is too easy. They will send you the cellular modem with a small harness to connect it to the remote start box. Once you plug it in you wait for the green and red light to stop flashing. Then you setup the app using the serial number off the modem. Mine came with two extra stickers containing the serial number and IMEI so it was easy to see and I stuck it in my manual so it is easy to find. The how-to video in the support portal is spot on.

 

[andyp]

It is too easy. They will send you the cellular modem with a small harness to connect it to the remote start box. Once you plug it in you wait for the green and red light to stop flashing. Then you setup the app using the serial number off the modem. Mine came with two extra stickers containing the serial number and IMEI so it was easy to see and I stuck it in my manual so it is easy to find. The how-to video in the support portal is spot on.

Perfect. The kit was only $170 today, so I said why the hell not.

 

[katit]

Was there a change since 2016? Sorry for hijacking, I am awaiting my 21 LX and I was under impression it has factory remote start with smart phone and subscription(at least 1 year). Or was it an option? Or added recently? Just trying to understand what is not good about OE

Will try to ask differently. Whats wrong with factory equipped remote start via Lexus app?