Remote Start Recommendations

https://youtu.be/079TrJEl6k8 figured it all out!!

 

this is what I'll be getting come income tax time. www.idatastart.com This is the system my local Toyota dealer uses.

 

DEI SmartStart or EVO-Start? Two different things.

See my signature for the DEI SmartStart installation with a

$59 DBALL2 Databus All Combo Bypass Module

DBALL2 based remote start.

 

Drone!

 

You may have some installation issues that aren't related to your T11 itself, but rather how it was hooked up. I just had one installed in my 2017 last week and mine does not have the symptoms that you have listed. In fact, it works great and my only issue is that it's going to take ages to figure out all of the features on this system.

 

I installed evo start.. i troubledshooted all the problems possible... I had loose connection and bare wire exposed. Starts like a dream now.

 

I want to start by admitting that I have not installed nor do I have any experience in prior vehicles with a remote start system. Obviously, like everyone I think, I would like for my truck to remote start with factory fob, have ability to use app on phone from anywhere with cell service, and have smooth handover and not cut off when the door is unlocked with the fob and opened.

Question: has anyone tried locking a fob in the truck manually with the other fob's key in the driver key slot of the handle? Then using the fob (the one not in the truck obviously) to remote start? Does it work, engine still cut off when opening the door? I hope if someone sees this and hasn't try it that they do so and report back with your system specifics! I know it's a bit more trouble than some may be willing to take but for me, I'd like to avoid the additional starts needed when using remote start. There's no way I guess to prove that starting the truck twice every morning will necessarily result in premature component wear and tear, but it seems intuitive to me to think that it could.

Thanks

 

@RNtaco so here's the big problem with the idea of leaving a fob in the truck, even if it would lock; anyone smashing a window and getting inside the truck gets to drive it off. Zero security. And once they find where the fob is hidden they're golden.

As to the additional starts, I understand what you're thinking, but let me ask this question in return: do you normally think about starter wear when you start the truck to move it in/out of the garage for some reason, or when you make five stops running errands on your way home from work, or driving out to lunch instead of brown bagging it?

What I'm getting is this; think through how many times you currently start the truck every week, month, year. How big a jump is another twenty starts a month for 3-4 (or whatever, you don't list your location) months per year? 5% more? 10% more?

If indeed you do end up replacing the starter a year earlier than otherwise (and I've yet to replace one before 150k miles) how does that cost compare to the value of getting into a warm truck on cold mornings? We pay for convenience and comfort in other things, why would this be different?

Just some food for thought.

 

You bring up some excellent points. For the record: I'm in Atlanta too, Marietta specifically (hint for guy with fob locked in his truck, haha) Not really though. Anyway, I may just pull the trigger and get a good system that has an app feature. I do plan to be traveling for work soon and would like the have the added convenience of the "on star"/GM mobile capabilities. I've read this entire thread so I plan to research the models listed here obviously. Thanks for the perspective regarding starter wear. Makes sense.

 

@RNtaco I've been pretty happy with the app features of my SmartStart add on to my

$59 DBALL2 Databus All Combo Bypass Module

DBALL2 remote start. See my signature for DIY installs if you haven't yet read my writeups.

Honestly part of the reason for the SmartStart is to be able to scratch that "did I remember to lock my truck?" itch when I'm far away. Reliability from the phone app is good, my only gripe is the watch app. It also allows you to actively query the truck status to verify it's locked. I didn't feel the need to spring for the higher level GPS version. Installation would be the same though.

Feel free to ping me if you have any questions. I'm probably not too far from you.

 

I spent some time researching and have decided to go the professional install route. Called many shops and found one that I think will do the best job.

I have a M/T so it was a little difficult to get the right stuff.

Originally, I wanted only the remote starter with the OE key programmed. Then I thought, doesn't hurt to add the alarm system, get a little discount with insurance. Finally, I thought, fuck, go all out and add the Drone mobile.

Here's the kit - https://www.dronemobile.com/products/rsd-3as/
going with blade bypass so it's less cabling work and dismantling - http://www.idatalink.com/product/product/product_id/4

I will ask the shop to take install pics. It will get installed on Saturday. I'll share once it's done.

The shop is also installing "springs" on the shift points as a grounding mechanism. If the vehicle is in gear and I activate the remote start, it will cancel the start since it's grounded.

They will program the OE key to press the E button 3x and have the additional benefit of no limit range of the Drone Mobile + GPS.

 

the only sucky part of drone mobile, if you have more than 1 vehicle on the account (I have 4) the app on each individual phone doesn't retain the vehicle you used last. it remembers the last vehicle used per the account.

ie: if I use my 4runner to remote start and then my son starts his camry, when I go back into the app it remembers the camry as the last vehicle not when I started the 4runner.

my installer started installing Rockford fosgate remote starts that are like the dronemobile but without all the added features, bare bones cellphone remote starts.

cost is way cheaper than dronemobile if you don't need the fancy features.

1 Year included free at purchase
1 Year Renewal - $29 USD
2 Year Renewal - $49 USD
3 Year Renewal - $59 USD

compared to dronemobile :

30 days included

basic plan -- premium plan

$5.99 USD/month -- $11.99 USD/month

1-Year Prepaid
$49.99 USD/1-Year -- $119.99 USD/1-Year

2-Years Prepaid
$89.99 USD/2-Years -- $219.99 USD/2-Years

3-Years Prepaid --
$119.99 USD/3-Years -- $299.99 USD/3-Years

 

I had my 2015 Tacoma back in the shop for the 4-5th time because my Pro T11 system only gets 1/4 mile range. They are claiming that its a "coating" on the windshield that is preventing the range... anyone with this system have this issue in their Tacoma??

 

I haven't done a range test with my T11 but that sounds like a bit of a cop out. Sure, the 3-mile range is the farthest it can go under optimal conditions but they can't expect that it won't be installed behind a windshield...

 

@rhallmcp That one's easy enough to test / debunk. Position the truck / yourself so the windshield isn't in the signal path.

I'd also ask them why the Tacoma isn't on this list of vehicles known to have a metallized layer in the windshield: https://ezpassmaineturnpike.com/EZPass/Page.do?id=extTags

In other worlds, they're bullshitting you.

 

have the fob touching under your chin or touching your temple when you push the button

 

for the amount of money you spent on the T11 system you could have had a drone mobile installed and $120 - 3 yr basic service for cheaper probably.

then you wouldn't have to worry about range

 

I start mine from the shower every morning. You don't wanna know where I put the fob.

 

well if the fob vibrates, I have a pretty good idea where it prob goes

lol

 

Good thing it doesn't, I'd never get out of there.