engine remote start to warm things up?

[synergy]

I'm new to the forum; it's a very interesting, and neat place.
I have a 2007 LX470, and I would really like an engine remote start, but I don't know much about them. I recently moved from Florida to Dayton, OH (I'll be here for another year, ugh). I see people using remote starts to pre-heat their engines and their interiors, I think? At least thats what one of my friends told me they do; this would be so nice to do, if this really works. I'd like to be able to start the engine, with the heater/defroster running!, getting the interior warmed up!, and have the seat heater on!; is this possible, or am I dreaming? Anyway, if anyone knows where I can get this done or what brand of stuff I need to look for, please let me know. Thank you!

 

[lhommec13]

Yes it can be done, but you'll want a professional to do it. I had mine installed by an independent shop years ago. The total cost will range from $200-600 depending on how fancy a system you choose. Just take a look at Best Buy for some ideas. I have a Python system, but there are other companies out there like Viper, Avital, DEI, and more. Welcome to MUD btw.

 

[SurfSwitch]

I have a Compustar 4202S I got from Best Buy for $250 installed. The deal will likely resurface as a Black Friday special you can snag online. Just setup an alert on SlickDeals for "remote start" and one will pop up soon.

 

[synergy]

Yes, definitely a pro for the install. I don't do electrical stuff well. Well, ok, not at all.

Ok…so Best Buy, really? Ok, I'll check. Never checked out "slick deals", I'll check them too. Will this unit do all that I want it to? I'm guessing the remote fob will also lock and unlock my doors and I would be able to leave the LX running, lock the doors, all while I run into a store (Starbucks), AND if someone broke into it and tried to drive off, it would shut down? I was told this can be done, I don't really know. Thanks!

 

[SurfSwitch]

Yes, definitely a pro for the install. I don't do electrical stuff well. Well, ok, not at all.

Ok…so Best Buy, really? Ok, I'll check. Never checked out "slick deals", I'll check them too. Will this unit do all that I want it to? I'm guessing the remote fob will also lock and unlock my doors and I would be able to leave the LX running, lock the doors, all while I run into a store (Starbucks), AND if someone broke into it and tried to drive off, it would shut down? I was told this can be done, I don't really know. Thanks!

Yep, that's exactly what mine does. Here's a pic of the remote. It's a 2-way system so it flashes and beeps to confirm the car has actually started. Note, the trunk button doesn't work since it doesn't pop or anything. I'm not certain if that button can be re-mapped to do something like windows down, etc.

 

[SurfSwitch]

This deal is dead, but it got all the way down to $200. I'm still pretty happy with the $250 I paid considering that included install. Labor alone was worth that. Best Buy deal on Slickdeals.

 

[Spike555]

With remote starters you get what you pay for, you want to make sure you get one with "anti grind" and you'll have to make sure you turn your wipers off before you shut the engine off. If they freeze to the glass you'll burn up the wiper motor while you're still laying in bed deciding on how badly you actually need that paycheck.
Have them program the shut off time for 10min.

So basically here is what you'll do when you park for the night, you set everything for what you want in the morning, then when you hit the start button its just like you stuck the key in the ignition.
You can do the same in the summer.
With the heater set to "auto" you won't have to do anything when you park for the night to set it up for the morning.

EDIT:you'll need to give them a key because the keys are chipped.

 

[Jeepster09]

I am not a fan of auto-start systems. Over the years I have seen many cause drivability issues and no start issues when they go bad.
If you get one, if possible have connections done correctly and not "scotch locked" as many lazy installers use. Connections cause a lot of problems after awhile. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. At a minimum also get the wiring diagram/install instructions used for the unit install. These will be most useful if you have issues down the road [because every manufacturer is a little different] and someone trying to fix will need them to assist in removal or repair if something does go wrong.

 

[Spike555]

I am not a fan of auto-start systems. Over the years I have seen many cause drivability issues and no start issues when they go bad.
If you get one, if possible have connections done correctly and not "scotch locked" as many lazy installers use. Connections cause a lot of problems after awhile. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. At a minimum also get the wiring diagram/install instructions used for the unit install. These will be most useful if you have issues down the road [because every manufacturer is a little different] and someone trying to fix will need them to assist in removal or repair if something does go wrong.

What he said.

My truck came with one, I had it removed.

 

[FxFormat]

I have my remote start wired into my oem key, lock, unlock, hold lock for 2 seconds and it starts. This truck belong to my brother in law and i bought it off him, the remote start is 5 years old now without any starting issues.

Once you have it, hard to go back, esp when it's 0 degrees outside and you need the seat warmers and defrost heat to be on while you're inside finishing up your breakfast.

I try not to idle more than 5 minutes though, burn gas and pollute the air.

 

[synergy]

Thanks for the input all! I'm going to do some more research about all of this. I would really like to get tis done correctly and get one that is safe to use and versatile, dependable, installed well. I suppose it would be prudent to visit a few local shops, including Bet Buy, and see the type of people who work there and get a feel for how they do their jobs. I've found over the years that sometimes the quality depends greatly on the individual doing the work more than the product itself.

 

[planomateo]

If it were me, I'd spend the money getting the undercarriage protected from the salt.

 

[diego355]

We installed them in the shop I work for, they are great for the cold weather but make sure its installed by a professional. Not Best Buy, but someone that knows what they are doing and can give you warranty on that install.
Go for Compustar or Viper, dont even look at other brands.
Range is the most important so get one that is at least 3000-5200 ft.
A 1-way starter means that it just sends one signal to the vehicle, the 2-way starter will display on your remote when the vehicle started.

I have a Compustar 901 in my LX

 

[Sooner08]

I had an auto start on my ‘95 yukon and it was awesome. Have one on my 2010 Denali and installed one on my wife’s ‘07 Camry, so I loved them. However, in a much colder climate a cheaper install option could be an engine block heater. I had one installed on my lx470 when I replaced the radiator and timing belt. $20-$40 for the little heater and then your time to install. I loved having them on the trucks I drove while working in Wyoming in the winter.

Don’t get me wrong, I will eventually get an autostart for my lx470. But it was hard to pass up an engine block heater to help the truck get to temperature quicker in the morning.

 

[DuckLN]

Interesting. I suppose they work with our ignition immobilizer and that you would still need a key that was registered to the ecu to start the car.

 

[lhommec13]

Interesting. I suppose they work with our ignition immobilizer and that you would still need a key that was registered to the ecu to start the car.

Correctomundo

 

[Riviera]

FWIW, "Dedicated" is the parent company of: Viper, Python, Clifford, Avital and some others. The nice thing about Viper/Python "Smart Start" is it will allow you to start the car with your phone, but there is a subscription. My wife has to park in a huge parking ramp and that's the only way it would be worth having. Also, if you used the remote to unlock your car, it HAS to have a better range than the factory keys!

 

[labcab]

Autocorrect might gotten you. Should be “Directed” or DEI. I had a Viper installed in my ‘98 that just recently died. I got 12 years out of it. In retrospect, I’d have one installed with remote start and keyless entry, but not the alarm. I’ve never lived anywhere that I really needed it and it’s just been annoying.

FWIW, "Dedicated" is the parent company of: Viper, Python, Clifford, Avital and some others. The nice thing about Viper/Python "Smart Start" is it will allow you to start the car with your phone, but there is a subscription. My wife has to park in a huge parking ramp and that's the only way it would be worth having. Also, if you used the remote to unlock your car, it HAS to have a better range than the factory keys!

 

[Riviera]

Oops! You are correct, Directed - Car Alarms | Remote Starters | SmartStart | Vehicle Telematics

 

[SurfSwitch]

Still loving my cheap Best Buy installed $250 remote starter.. nice and warm this morning. Do what I did, talk to the installer on the side and give him/her some beer/whiskey/whatever and he'll do a great install. Most of those guys are happy to do work on the side as well. Always helps to have a good relationship with your installers!