Remote start research

[Phrede]

I am about to buy a new '12 and found one with OEM remote start and body moldings that none of the others in the area have. A little internet searching reveals the moldings can be had pre-painted for $55.

A lot of reading has uncovered the engine shutdown issue (door unlock/open after a remote start) and limited range (100' or so) with the OEM remote start. Not to mention the $529 list price.

I've found that a Fortin module available for $79 will solve the problem. They also say that this unit will provide everything needed to do a remote start with the OEM fob (press lock twice) with nothing else needed. The trick is that the option must be enabled in the system firmware which requires a FlashLink Updater 2. The range issue will not be changed. I do not know if there is an additional button on the fob with the OEM system or if it too requires a double press of the lock button. Anybody?

It appears to me the the OEM system is two part. Software turn on and module installation?? Is there really an additional module or is it just a turn on in the software? I wonder if I can negotiate a flash change in the sale of the vehicle? I think I could live with the limited range for the price.

So is fixing the door open --> engine shutdown nuisance worth $80 + installation?

[veliksam]

You need a key ( transponder) override, plus the fortin, plus the installation. I bought the same hardware but can't find anyone brave/experienced enough willing to install it. All the installers in my area only install products they sell.

Sent from my HTC ONE X

[rjj130]

A little of Googling yields the OEM remote start for considerably less than list.

No affiliation to this dealership what so ever, but when I was looking last winter for my 2012, I found this place for $348:

Remote Engine Start PT398-42110

Directions for installation can be found anywhere on the net or produced by a nice parts department at your local Toyota dealership...

[veliksam]

I can get the OEM remote start for $299 shipped, but I don't want OEM

Sent from my HTC ONE X

[rjj130]

Originally Posted by veliksam

I can get the OEM remote start for $299 shipped, but I don't want OEM

Sent from my HTC ONE X

Can I ask what advantages non-OEM has over OEM?

Considering this again w/ winter here.

[kingnba6]

viper 5902. hands down the best system out. i love mine

[Phrede]

OEM = only one thing to carry, less range, engine shuts down when opening the door (unless extra module is added)

I'm searching for a third party that adds range but does not require 2 fobs to be carried

[Dr. Dyno]

Originally Posted by Phrede

I've found that a Fortin module available for $79 will solve the problem. They also say that this unit will provide everything needed to do a remote start with the OEM fob (press lock twice) with nothing else needed. The trick is that the option must be enabled in the system firmware which requires a FlashLink Updater 2. The range issue will not be changed. I do not know if there is an additional button on the fob with the OEM system or if it too requires a double press of the lock button. Anybody?

So as not to add another remote FOB I installed a "press lock twice" module. Bought on eBay pretty cheap & could probably find it in my 840 transaction history if you need me to. I specifically bought one with a 5 minute timer since the standard 10 minute ones use too much gas. (Our Limited has the transponder key but I bypassed that as soon as we bought it by mounting the valet key next to the key switch.)

Was a LOT of work to figure all the wires out and install w/o blowing something (like the main ECM ) out. It does work well except for the limited range and my wife's habit of pushing lock multiple times "just to make sure it's locked." Mounted a summertime defeat switch next to the OBDII port.

Instead of going thru all the work again when I wanted to give one to her brother in Alaska I gladly paid Best Buy Anchorage $300 to install one.

[kingnba6]

Originally Posted by rjj130

Can I ask what advantages non-OEM has over OEM?

Considering this again w/ winter here.

you will get much more features for the same price. with non-oem you have more options to what you want in your system. lets say you want range you will get something like the viper alarm which has a decent range and much better than oem. honestly if i had oem remote start and it turned off the car when i opened the door, i wouldnt use it because im just burning the starter for no reason and also the battery. in most non-oem systems, you wont have that problem

[kingnba6]

Originally Posted by Phrede

OEM = only one thing to carry, less range, engine shuts down when opening the door (unless extra module is added)

I'm searching for a third party that adds range but does not require 2 fobs to be carried

you dont always need 2 fobs to be carried around. im sure if you install a alarm bypass module, you will only need one.