Remote Start on a Manual

I had one installed in my last Tacoma with a manual transmission. You had to go through a short process before exiting the vehicle or it wouldn't work. You had to leave it in neutral with parking brake on. When you take the key out, the truck stays running for a bit. After you get out it shuts it down and locks the doors automatically. Now the remote start is ready to be used. If you unlock the doors for any reason, the remote wouldn't work. That way it's ensuring that nobody put it in gear or released the parking brake.
They're more common than you think, there are a couple manufacturers who make remote starters for manual trucks.. You just have to find an accessory shop that installs those types. The dealership wouldn't install one for me, either would the first 2 car electronics shops I called. The owner of the third shop I tried actually owned a manual Taco and said it wasn't a problem at all. Best mod I ever did to that truck.

Edit: Carrisma in Lowell, MA was the shop, if anybody's local.

 

I don’t know about the remote start feature but I’ve driven my 1st gen MT for 20 years since new and maybe I am just a belt and suspenders kind of guy, but I always leave it in gear AND use the parking brake. I’ve actually worn out several brake cables from using the brake frequently as opposed to “under using” as some have stated here but I have never had any problems with starting related to leaving it in gear.

Personally I wouldn’t use a remote start because I don’t like the idea of my truck running at relatively low rpm (yes I know the IAC ups the revs at cold idle) for an extended period of time just to get the cabin warm. I don’t really want to let it idle for more than about 30 secs to a few minutes because I want to build oil pressure to lubricate everything sufficiently and that isn’t done as well at low rpm’s. I admit however that this may just be paranoia on my part as the Toyota engineers were pretty smart about ensuring thorough lubrication for longevity but like I said, I am a belt AND suspenders kind of guy so YMMV.

Just my $.02.

 

If you wire it up and include the neutral safety switch in the remote start logic, then your biggest concern is parking brake failure, which isn’t a big deal if your parking brake is regularly used.

 

I’ve often wondered about engaging the ac amplifier to add a high idle function. It’s better to warm up an engine with a load, but a high idle helps.

 

Sometimes I'll turn on my AC or heater when I first start but that only increases my engine RPM by a couple hundred at most. I'm not sure if that builds enough oil pressure to matter. I know on the old VW type 4 engines after they are rebuilt one recommendation is to hold 2000 rpm to build sufficient oil pressure for break in. Obviously, that's a way different beast and we're not talking break in after a rebuild here, the 2.4L Tacoma is a very different and far more modern engine, etc. but the point is pressure is proportional (to some extent) to RPM. I just don't know enough to know if 900 rpm (vs ~700 idle) makes much difference. You make a good point though. It probably can't hurt I just don't know if it will be better.

 

It definitely can be done, even if you accidentally start it in gear, the parking break stalls it right away anyhow; try taking off in 1st gear with your brake up, soon as you release the clutch she stalls. I think the unsafest combination is 1. no parking break, 2. in neutral, 3. remote start. However, if you're going to leave it in both neutral and no parking break you don't belong in a manual, but it doesn't sound like you're this type of person lol

 

I was reading about these: https://www.n2designsinc.com/produc...a-plug-and-play-remote-start-kit-h-key-manual

 

I have one in my 2008 Mazda 3 5 speed. Professionally installed. You have to leave it in neutral, engage parking break and you can't touch the clutch/break or you interrupt the sequence. You turn the key in the ignition to off and pull it out. The vehicle is still running at this point. When the last door is shut it will take 15 seconds and it locks all the doors and shuts off. If this sequence is interrupted at any time as in oops, forgot somethin in the car and you unlock the door or something it will disengage the auto start feature. It's ok if your parking break is in good condition. The way the 1st gen parking break works I wouldn't trust it unless you carry a rock with you or something to keep it from rolling. It is nice to have though for sure. I also have a 99 subaru outback 5 speed and a local shop can do it for $700.

 

Whatever you do I hope you check your brake frequently. I’ve seen cars start rolling randomly hours after parking.

 

If its your truck and if its only you driving it and you have no teenagers and small children then go for it.

 

I've installed a few remote starts in manual transmission vehicles. There is a process you need to do before getting out of the car (engine running, parking brake on, etc.). You get out of the car, lock it (engine still running) and the remote start will shut the truck off. If you open the door for any reason, you will need to redo the process. The ones I've installed were from Directed (Viper).

 

Ditto, Talk to a CompuStar installer.

 

Care to stand in front of the truck while we test this theory?
I think your giving the 1st gen parking brake design more credit than it deserves.

 

Hahaha, same here. Had a Manual Scion TC that I put a remote start in and bypassed the safety's. Was good for 6 years then one morning car crashed into the corner of the house. Luckily the house is brick so no damage, but the car's headlight, bumper and fender weren't as lucky. There is a price for stupidity

This is the kit I have in my truck along with the cell Module. Been working great for the last 2 years!