Remote Start Module?

[NC237]

Nope on Techstream being able to disable remote start on unlock or door open.

The Toyota remote start is more integrated. It plugs in and talks directly to the ECU. It knows when an unlock or door open command flys across the CAN bus. The Toyota unit talks to the car's systems and tells them to start the car. AFAIK there is no programming beyond activation using Techstream.

3rd party remote starts essentially splice into existing wiring and are effectively connecting wires together to mimic a key/button start. Basically a hot wire if you will.

Some remote starts require a key to be installed along side the remote start unit to bypass the immobilizer. Other units have immobilizer bypass devices that get added as a "key" to the system.

Most remote start systems these days are all made by directed electronics.
Directed - Our Brands

IMO Astrostrart makes a nice simple unit with a remote that is more subtle than most.
I had this one in a previous Toyota and I liked that the remote was small and didn't have a screen.
AstroStart - 2-Way LED Remote Start and Security System

If you want security Viper has a good reputation. But from the looks of things Directed sells the same things under different brands...
So it might not matter anymore.

But as others have said- get a professional. They won't be as careful, but they've been there, done that, and will make short work of it.
My last 3rd party remote start was $350 installed. But that was circa 2004. I imagine prices are higher these days.

Even though the Toyota remote start sucks with a capital S- I still prefer factory over 3rd party if I can help it.
Which is why I have the factory unit and still piss and moan about it.

You can find a directed dealer/installer here:
Directed - Where to Buy

 

[teambell]

Has anyone DIY installation of the remote start module? I just picked up a 2015 w/o remote start and am curious about difficulty. I know it requires Techstream to complete it. More curious about the overall installation time and difficulty. I did download and read the installation instructions.

 

[NC237]

Assume you're talking about the factory unit... Here ya go for 2013-2015 (attached are the instructions I imagine you've seen)

Bear in mind folks on here are going to tell you how the factory unit sucks don't bother yadda yadda yadda... But to each their own. Some like factory vs. after market. I have the factory unit. Hate it, but I prefer factory. It's a personal choice. In any event...

Shop time on it is set at about 2 hours. Actual time the techs take is about 1 hour. The techs are familiar with pulling panels and running the wire harness, plus they usually skip most of the checks at the end. You might choose to skip those checks too. But do install the stickers- any one working on the car will appreciate the heads up. It's never an issue but it's a nice thing to do.

I've not installed the RES module on the LC before but I have pulled those panels off. Pretty easy with painters tape and a pry tool. The airbag is a little unwieldy- trying to hold it while removing screws and connectors and trying not to let the metal brackets scrape/scratch against anything. But other than that it's smooth sailing.

I have installed/removed the RES on an Avalon. It's not too hard and it's the same for all Toyota/Lexus- the difference being the panels pulled and where the module is mounted.

Depending how careful and methodical you are on the installation... I'd say install time would be anywhere from 2hrs - 4 hrs.

Factors of first time installing and how careful one is with pulling panels and installing components. A dealer is all about speed. An owner will likely be more about care, testing, and perhaps looking for opportunities to go beyond the manual with install / wire mgmt.

One tip I'd have is wear gloves when you can - it's really easy to scrape your hand on various metal mounting pieces under the dash.

 

[teambell]

Thanks @NC237, I will be buying the kit and giving it a go in a month or so. I need to get a techstream instance running on my macbook first. I had remote start on my '13 but never realized it could also be used to set the interior HVAC setting in both summer and winter. I also prefer factory and realize some of its shortcomings.

 

[jafo9]

Thanks @NC237 I had remote start on my '13 but never realized it could also be used to set the interior HVAC setting in both summer and winter.

Could you expand on this? I thought it just kicked the HVAC on if you left it running when you turned the car off and it just held the same settings you had it on before you turned the car off.

 

[NC237]

Correct that is all it does... The Toyota VIP RES only kicks on the ignition. The HVAC along with anything else that is tied to the ignition comes on too. Wherever the HVAC was set last is what will happen.

Other manufacturers will add in seat heat/cool and rear/mirror defrost based on temp but Toyota doesn't.

However, the HVAC does do some things automatically when turned on whether it was from remote start or normal start.
i.e. If the HVAC is on auto it will heat or cool as needed. In 2016+ models the seat heat/cool can be set to auto and follow the hvac too.

 

[pjm10626]

Recently bought a 2015 LC and it doesn't have remote start. The used car dealer suggested buying this: 2008-2015 Toyota Land Cruiser Plug & Play Remote Start Kit (Smart Key)
and claimed Toyota uses the same system. I wanted to check here on mud which system is used from Toyota and see some alternatives if available. Does anyone have a part number/link for the factory system?

 

[chipsterguy]

I am sure I am against the grain regarding my opinion on the remote starter operation... but I can see the merits in the Toyota's remote start functionality.

(1) Stops when you open the door. If you have this vehicle in an urban environment, this will limit theft of the vehicle. Or, of you have kids, this will limit their ability to run into the garage door! Basically, it limits unauthorized use. The vehicle is secure while remote start is in operation. Remember, this vehicle is designed as a global vehicle, and there are parts of the world where these security aspects are necessary.

(2) Shuts off after 15 minutes. This I think is logical. In most climates, this is sufficient to warm the vehicle/engine to operating temps. There are outliers, for sure. AK, MN, Parts of frozen Canada. It also limits accidental activation, including in enclosed environments, and the potential for high levels of CO accumulation.

(3) Range of operation. I do not seem to have this problem for my use cases. I can operate from most rooms in my house facing my driveway, where the vehicle is parked. Wondering if replacing the batteries in the remote can fix this? Or, if the port installed remote start requires a separate antenna that was not properly installed?

All in all, it seems like a conservative design for operation of the remote starter. There is thoughtfulness in the design.

 

[bjorn240]

(3) Range of operation. I do not seem to have this problem for my use cases. I can operate from most rooms in my house facing my driveway, where the vehicle is parked. Wondering if replacing the batteries in the remote can fix this? Or, if the port installed remote start requires a separate antenna that was not properly installed?

All in all, it seems like a conservative design for operation of the remote starter. There is thoughtfulness in the design.

I agree that it's pretty thoughtful, but I would vastly prefer an app-driven/cell-enabled remote starter. My fobs seem to have good range - maybe 150 meters line of sight. My use case is I often commute via car and train. It would be amazing to be able to start the car while sitting three miles away on the train, and let it warm up for 10 minutes. As it is, it's not even worth starting it remotely, because by the time I am in range, I'm 15 seconds away from the car. I think the same would be true for thousands of owners who work in tall buildings and/or park in a garage or lot a few hundred yards away.

 

[M1911]

My 17 has the remote start installed. Can I just say, it's the most disappointing remote start I've ever had. Difficult to use, have to be very close for the fob to activate it, and the dang thing stops the engine as soon as you open the door! I understand that is a safety feature, but IMHO this combination of issues renders the remote start completely useless.

I use it all the time. It doesn't bother me at all that the engine stops when I open the door. Here in cold New England, I use the remote start to warm up the interior of my car on a cold morning or to warm it up to start melting off snow/ice/frost. It works just fine. Is it a bit of a pain to press the lock button three times and hold? Meh. It sure beats going outside into the subzero early morning temps.

Whinging about the remote starter seems to be the very definition of a first world problem

 

[Sinister]

I use it all the time. It doesn't bother me at all that the engine stops when I open the door. Here in cold New England, I use the remote start to warm up the interior of my car on a cold morning or to warm it up to start melting off snow/ice/frost. It works just fine. Is it a bit of a pain to press the lock button three times and hold? Meh. It sure beats going outside into the subzero early morning temps.

Whinging about the remote starter seems to be the very definition of a first world problem

We are gunna need it sat night into Sunday morning for sure. I’m in your neck of the woods, Milford MA now. Sunday is Gunna suck, but yes the auto start will be a big help.

 

[M1911]

We are gunna need it sat night into Sunday morning for sure. I’m in your neck of the woods, Milford MA now. Sunday is Gunna suck, but yes the auto start will be a big help.

Indeed. I'm not looking forward to this one. I had arthroscopic knee surgery on Monday, so I'm hobbling around. Fortunately, my plow guy is very reliable and I've already asked him to shovel the walk for me for the next couple weeks.

 

[40Man]

I am sure I am against the grain regarding my opinion on the remote starter operation... but I can see the merits in the Toyota's remote start functionality.

(1) Stops when you open the door. If you have this vehicle in an urban environment, this will limit theft of the vehicle. Or, of you have kids, this will limit their ability to run into the garage door! Basically, it limits unauthorized use. The vehicle is secure while remote start is in operation. Remember, this vehicle is designed as a global vehicle, and there are parts of the world where these security aspects are necessary.

(2) Shuts off after 15 minutes. This I think is logical. In most climates, this is sufficient to warm the vehicle/engine to operating temps. There are outliers, for sure. AK, MN, Parts of frozen Canada. It also limits accidental activation, including in enclosed environments, and the potential for high levels of CO accumulation.

(3) Range of operation. I do not seem to have this problem for my use cases. I can operate from most rooms in my house facing my driveway, where the vehicle is parked. Wondering if replacing the batteries in the remote can fix this? Or, if the port installed remote start requires a separate antenna that was not properly installed?

All in all, it seems like a conservative design for operation of the remote starter. There is thoughtfulness in the design.

(1) Stops when you open door. The security feature could still be met if the LC shuts off when there is an attempt to open the vehicle without the Key FOB in range. Same protection without shutting off the car for the owner getting in to drive it.

 

[Frogg420]

Were you able to add the pdf info. I want to do it for my wife's 14 lx570