Toyota Remote Start -- WTF???

[dtt255]

I don't think anyone is arguing that a remote starter is a dumb idea. The OP was making the point, in 2008, that there were systems on the market that figured out the shut-off bug while ensuring safety. My point was that 5 years later Toyota could have fixed this bug on their flagship vehicle.

Imagine someone posted that they wished a $70K+ LC had automatic windows instead of hand cranked windows. Would you reply by pointing out that it's awesome to be able to open windows?

I have the flu, so maybe I am just not understanding. The 'shut off bug' is not a bug. It is intentional. It is so that you don't leave the vehicle on indefinitely. Now you may or may not agree with it...but it's not a bug.

And, IMHO, your attempt at a comparison between a 'optional item' on a vehicle and a standard item on a vehicle is apples and oranges.....

Anyway...most people don't like the cut off...there is no fix for it....maybe it's time for all to move on.... Just my opinion.

 

[5ForFighting]

Agreed...I meant "bug" as in it bugs me. Anyhow, there are people who research prior to buying on this site. Just wanted to let them know not to waste their money on the factory system. Much better to go aftermarket.

 

[brussum]

I have Viper remote starters on both of my other vehicles and tried to install their top of the line system on my TLC. To do so, I would have had to sacrifice one of my key fobs so that the installer could hardwire it into the Viper system in order to fool the LC into thinking the key was in the vehicle. I had no problem doing so, but the installer could never get the Viper system to work properly. They install hundreds, if not thousands, of these systems in Alaska each year, so their skill and competence wasn't an issue. They spent hours on the phone with Viper and Toyota to find work arounds. When all was said and done, the vehicle would still shut off when you opened the door and this is by design. It does it to establish a direct link between the key in your pocket and the ignition system (in case you remote started with another key fob). There were also issues with the doors locking with the integrated key fob remaining in the vehicle. They couldn't get it to work, so I had them remove the Viper system and reverted back to Toyota's system.

In the end, I wanted extended range instead of line of sight, a two-way remote, and a longer run time for those -40F days. I can live with the truck shutting off when the door opens, but those other three functions come with a basic Viper system. IMHO, Toyota simply installed the cheapest system around in their flagship vehicle and that's my biggest gripe. I'm not sure why Toyota couldn't shut off the remote starter system and establish the key link when the driver touched the brake pedal, like other systems. Unfortunately, there seems to be little to do about it and I've moved on. Just be forewarned that, while Viper and the others may have worked out some bugs, installing an aftermarket remote starter may not be as easy as you think.

 

[montanarally]

so the oem remote start is junk. what are the other options? my 2014 did not come with it so im on the hunt for a remote start option

 

[sleeoffroad]

I would rather have oe than aftermarket in terms of integration and wiring but the shutoff when you open the door is stupid.

 

[turboale]

We had a 13 Passat that did the same thing... SOOO annoying! I used to think it was due to lawyers but I am now thinking it is due to first Gen keyless go systems. This was Toyota's first generation of using the push button start correct? Same for Vw...

My wife's Infiniti (they have had push button start since 06) keeps it running. Their kill switch is the gear selector. If you don't push the brake and ignition button before trying to take it out of park it dies. The good news is that it is possible legally, the harder part is the encrypted hand shake with the key. You can't leave a key in the car because you would never be able to lock the truck. That used to work when the radio waves from keys were only for security, now that they open the doors too that is a no go.

Edit:
I'll bet you they didn't want to deal with finding another way to disable the system if getting stolen. Reason being, all previous remote start systems I have used would kill with the brake pedal. Now that you have to use the brake pedal to start the car, this was their lazy ass solution... It seems that they are not alone...

 

[mtnracer]

And yet with all these "security" features in the remote start system, they still allow you to start the truck with a key in your pocket, put the key back in your house while the truck runs and then drive the truck without an issue (no warning that the key is not in the truck).

This was actually a big problem for us when my wife was always switching between her purse and a diaper bag. Now she always has the Lexus "credit card key" in her wallet so she does not accidentally drive somewhere without a key.

My buddies Jeep tells him when there is no key in the vehicle.

 

[Desert Nomad]

With the 200 you do get a beep 3 times if a door is closed and the key isn't present inside

 

[CT3]

So glad I saw this thread before simply buying the remote starter! I was seriously considering adding it before we get into the winter months here and that would have been such a waste based on what I'm reading above... Forum: 1, Toyota: 0

 

[M1911]

So glad I saw this thread before simply buying the remote starter! I was seriously considering adding it before we get into the winter months here and that would have been such a waste based on what I'm reading above... Forum: 1, Toyota: 0

I've got it. I think it's great. It works from inside my house to the truck in the driveway, so this winter it will be warm when I get in. Yes, it will turn off when I get in. So what? All I have to do to get it restarted is to push the button. No, it won't work while in the parking garage at work. But for me, the main issue is at home, when a cold night has frosted the windows.

 

[CT3]

I'm downtown without direct line of sight, so even interfacing an aftermarket unit won't work for me. I'm not prepared to splice in a 2 way system only to have the issues with locking/unlocking and ultimately having to lose my second key. The OEM may be perfect for what you need but it won't work for my application

 

[Like2Detail]

I would rather have oe than aftermarket in terms of integration and wiring but the shutoff when you open the door is stupid.

I've heard that because of our smart key system even the aftermarket options do the same thing. One the door is opened the LC sees what it thinks is the second key and shuts off anyway.

I just had an aftermarket system installed for a client that purchased a 2015 Prius and it shuts off at door open just like OE.


Sent from my iPhone

 

[Sinister]

So glad I saw this thread before simply buying the remote starter! I was seriously considering adding it before we get into the winter months here and that would have been such a waste based on what I'm reading above... Forum: 1, Toyota: 0

FWIW, i dont think its a waste at all. 10 min is a fine amount of time to defrost/warm up the seats/or cool off depending on the season, and let the engine idol come down and warm up. You can always hit it again for another 10 min, but 10 min has been fine for me. The shutting off thing is foolish but how hard is it to get in close the door and hit the start button again. I agree i wish it didnt work like that, but a warm or cooled off car that shut off after 10 min or re-entering the car is better then nothing at all I feel.

 

[CT3]

FWIW, i dont think its a waste at all. 10 min is a fine amount of time to defrost/warm up the seats/or cool off depending on the season, and let the engine idol come down and warm up. You can always hit it again for another 10 min, but 10 min has been fine for me. The shutting off thing is foolish but how hard is it to get in close the door and hit the start button again. I agree i wish it didnt work like that, but a warm or cooled off car that shut off after 10 min or re-entering the car is better then nothing at all I feel.

It's definitely an improvement over a frozen car. The winter can be a pain in the ass if the car needs to thaw before being able to use it haha

I just think for an OEM accessory there should be better functionality than that. $500 is not an in consequential sum for a product that doesn't work like I want it to

 

[doanlaw]

While on the subject, can anyone who installed the Toyota OEM remote starter later confirm whether they had to purchase the "remote start key fob" too as well, or are the original factory key fobs programmable to do the job? Thanks!

 

[gaijin]

While on the subject, can anyone who installed the Toyota OEM remote starter later confirm whether they had to purchase the "remote start key fob" too as well, or are the original factory key fobs programmable to do the job? Thanks!

There is no modification necessary to the key fob - the stock fob does the trick.

HTH

 

[doanlaw]

Thanks, you just saved me a 100 bucks!

 

[Archtaan]

My 2010 SRT8 Challenger has remote start and it is a keyless pushbutton system with nearly the exact same features as my LC. You can remote start it, open the door, sit down and drive off as long as you have the key in your pocket. If you dont have the key, it will shutoff when the brake is pressed or if RPM's go over a certain number. This feature started with Dodge in 08.

 

[DuckLN]

My wifes 2016 highlander has oem remote start that has a mandatory engine shut off before you can drive the car. Rediculous in my opinion because now to utilize the feature you have to commit to double the number of engine starts. Anyway she is waiting patiently on an override of some kind or a jail break fix.

 

[Chocolate]

The remote start system is worthless, even more so than the pimp my ride screens. I just start the vehicle manually to let it warm up briefly on cold starts. No need to put extra wear on the starter motor.