Remote Start

Does anyone know if there is a remote start system that will start the truck once the cabin temperature exceeds a preset level? I like to take my German Shepherd with me everywhere I go. In the summer, if I desire it’s too hot for him, I just leave the truck running. But I would be nice to have an automatic system to make sure he doesn’t get too hot.

 

Toyota dealer in Winnipeg Manitoba told me they were coming out with them around end of June for Tacoma and there was something I believe he said about temperature control. Look it up on Toyota sight it is called Start Plus and they are around $500.00 canadian plus installation and taxes.

 

I googled Toyota Remote Plus and it appears to be just an extended range remote start that will shut off after 10 minutes. What I am seeking is something that would automatically start up and cool the the vehicle down as needed. Since the truck heats up so fast in the summer sun it may make sense to just leave the vehicle on.

 

Don’t think such a thing exists...and most remote starts are timed to 10-20 minutes run time. You can get a smart one or smart add on that lets you use your phone regardless of distance..that’s what I have from 12volt solutions.

 

The starters I sell can be programmed up to 30 min, but most people choose 20 min. Adding a long range remote is beneficial if wanting to start from your office or else where. But if you are looking to use it to keep your car running while the dog is in there the 3x should more than sufficient.

 

Unless you got the remote start through the smart phone then you would be able to start it from anywhere and cool your dog off. But a little expensive.

 

Sorry for the last reply like a dumb dumb i didn't read the other guys threads first.

 

It can turn a car on for if the vehicle reaches a certain temperature inside? How do you set what temperature threshold on the viper? I didn’t know they had built in thermometers...so if the vehicle doesn’t reach the desired cabin temperature, does it keep running? Does it turn off after the preset run time then start the car again? What if you forgot to leave the AC or Heater in the vehicle on the pre desired temp? I highly doubt the viper ties into the AC circuit to be able to turn on or off the AC or heating on its own either. Please do provide the link for the unit where you saw this possible. “Pretty sure” isn’t quite the same as “it does”...I’m not being sarcastic, I’m actually curious, and interested!

 

Viper does offer automatic starting via temperature and/or battery voltage thresholds. It's not what you want however. It has never and will never be advertised as something that you should trust to keep a life safe.

As for remote starting and not having to restart the engine after opening the door on a Toyota/Lexus push button start car -- it's not impossible, but it might cost you more than you're willing to pay in terms of money and/or tradeoffs.

 

Im in Houston so it getting hotter by the day and just walking to the car you will break a sweat and then to sit in a hot car for it to cool down...ya

i plan on getting the remote start but on the fence with the phone add on... the price is a little on the high side. BUt is it worth the $400+ ?

 

You can always get a 3x starter and add the cell option onlater.

 

phone app is totally worth it... during winter time and during summer time! lets you turn on your truck WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE PLANET (as long as you have internet connection) lol

 

Thanks...also just a thought....do you think the app can be programmed with google assistant so google can start the truck via 'ok google start engine?

and can app be on used on the smart watches ?

now that be awesome!

 

i know on apple watches, the 12volt solution app doesnt work.. im not sure about samsung or any android watches though..

 

You'd have to say "Ok/Hey Google, start my car with [app name]". I'm not sure for other manufacturers, but at least for Viper SmartStart and some OEMs, this is how it works.

 

What alarm is that I want that

 

ComputStart T11. Pay for it but overall with time worth it.
Cdn owner as well.
No cell service where I work so phone app wouldn’t add benefit

 

12volt solution. look it up here in Tacoma World and youll find great reviews (including mine)..

 

YES! ABSOLUTELY! If a dealer ever had this option, it would cost at least that much of not more. But they don’t. I also had the Lexus app that came from them on my ‘16 ES and the renewal per year for the app was $367!!! Outrages! The 12volt smart add on is free first year then $29 each year there after or you could do 5 years for $59. You decide after the first free year. All these work the same, I think one thing people over look is renewal costs for the app, keep in mind these costs help cover costs of the cell signal that these modules connect to. Because it’s not only Wi-Fi, your phone can be on 3G/LTE and still connect to the vehicle anywhere in the world. Great for those that want to check that the car is locked from afar for peace of mind.

Agreed.

Not sure...phone app is good enough for me.

Yup! And great customer service. Quick and attentive.

 

Not sure why everyone thinks all these companies make remote starts. The Kbvoodoo is just a repackaged Directed electronic kit. Directed is the company who makes Viper. The 12 volt solution kit looks to be a directed kit also. There are only like 3 companies who actually have an engineered security bypass solution for the security system. (Directed, idatalink, Fortin) While there are plenty of companies who make generic remote starts they all require one these interfaces in order to work.

The 2 main players in the remote start industry are Directed (viper) and Compustar. Compustar works close with ADS (idatalink). Most companies have got bought out over the years. Audiovoxx would probably be the next player.

There is no full plug and play solution for a regular key Tacoma. I’ve heard people talk about toyota offering one now. Not sure if they do, I can find out. I installed remote starts for almost 15 years, working for autogroups in dealerships for several of those years. For the push buttons idatalink offered a kit, so you can used any compustar product with it. Pretty sure directed and Fortin offer one too.


A few units have the ability to start when the vehicle hits a certain tempature. Both the compustar and viper units are capable. Compustar you need to add a thermistor that plugs into the unit and change some settings on the unit. Not sure how the directed units work, probably similar.

As far as the units shutting down when the door opens, it’s all to do with the engineering of the vehicle and counter engineering of the modules for the remote start. Idatalink worked around this in the older toyota push buttons, but nothing on the newer ones. Nissan push buttons and a few other manufactures they have take over procedures where the vehicle will stay running upon getting in.

As for the units that connect to your phone, they are an add on module. Made by the makers of the remote start companies. They connect to the remote start and give it a signal to start. They are basically like a cellphone and run off a cellular companies network. The subscription fee covers that. Just like you pay a monthly bill for your cellphone. Those units need to be connected to the wireless network in order to function. The app is just an app used to control the device from your phone. You can also log in from a computer to use them. But the vehicle must be in range of the cellular network in order for it to work (same applies to your cellphone if using that to start it). They usually run on ATT or Verizon networks in the US