Remote start

Anyone using a remote start system?

 

i've got it, i wouldn't own a vehicle without one anymore.

 

Autos only ?

 

More info please.....

Do you have a full toyota alarm or only keyless entry?

What remote start do you have?

Links?

 

I've got the full Toyota Alarm. Just had the AutoMate remote start installed. Know a guy that installs for local dealers and he did my last two trucks an 03 Ram and now my 08 TRD Sport.Wouldn't do without one in cold a__ Cleveland. The same guy also installed on my wife's 01 Avalon and now her 06 Highlander both of which have the full Toyota Alarm.

 

I would have to ask the installer. I retain the key but he told me to lose the gray valet key. I think it must activate the factory alarm which he has to by-pass.Never had any issues with any of the installs that he has done for us.

 

What is with the chip you all are talking about?

 

i installed the viper 791 (remote start, keyless, two way). I had to use the black box (Directed part #556U) where u leave the key. But I extended the wiring to fit behind my rear seats, so It's almost impossible to find.

 

The keys that came with your truck have a computer chip built into them. Truck won't start with a key that does not have that chip (also means you have to get any extra keys cut at the dealership, and there are only so many to be had for your particular vehicle). The flashing car-shaped light under the radio on the dash is an indication that the engine imobilizer is turned on. Only your key with the chip for your truck will turn off the engine imobilizer and allow you to start the vehicle. Its an anti-theft thing.

 

Do the new (05+) tacomas have a valet key? I don't have one.

And even if I did.... wouldn't they still have the chip in it cuz the valet would need to start & drive the vehicle?

I guess I'm somewhat confused. Any valet key I've ever had for other vehicles would start the vehicle (and allow them to drive it) but wouldn't allow them to open locked gloveboxes or locked center consoles & such. Which - I don't have any of those either (and I thought I bought a fully loaded truck?)

 

Put one in my 08 DC TRD Sport about a month ago.

Went with Valet 561R from:

http://www.autotechs.com/

They have a good selection.

The 561R was fairly cheap and has good enough range for me. The 561T is even cheaper and uses your factory remote fob which might be tempting, but the range is limited and you'll have to unlock the door with your key since factory remote doesn't work when ignition on.

You need an immobilizer bypass for newer vehicles like the Tacoma.
I went with a "keyless" XK05 with PKT2 firmware for Toyota (from autotechs.com). Why would you bother leaving your valet key nowadays with these data override transponders? Visit here to learn more:

http://www.bypasskit.com/categories.aspx?catid=15


RS works like a charm. Installation took many hours but with the help of this forum for a wiring diagram you should be on your way. Wiring is the same for all the newer Taco's:

http://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_topics.asp~FID~3

With the Tacoma I needed to get an extra Bosch relay for the secondary starter wire. Some RS have enough relays in them to handle all the wires or you buy a RS with a relay satellite.

Saved hundreds of dollars doing it myself. Installers here wanted at least $500.
If you're uncomfortable doing any wiring or are afraid of removing a few covers, you'll have to pay an installer the big bucks.

Hope this helps.

 

Thanks dsds - that is basically how the installer who did mine explained it. I was incorrect above my wife has the AutoMate and I was going to have same installed on mine but went with Valet 562T so we wouldn't be mixing up remotes. Guess I got lucky mine was $268 tax included and install was 2 hrs. Dealership cost would have been $375 + tax. Range is great 500 / 600 feet.

 

Hi soetaco. I think that is a fair price for an install.

This was my first RS and there was quite a high learning curve. I've done a few alarms in the past so that helped. Now I could do another Tacoma in a couple of hours like the pros. I'm putting in another 561R into the wife's CR-V. The hardest part is learning how to take all the covers off to access the wiring.


*** To readers looking to buy a RS, note that warranty coverage will only apply if you pay an authorized RS dealer to do the install. I'm pretty sure this applies to any of the DEI (directed electronics) products which covers Viper, Python, Clifford, Valet, Hornet,Avital, Ready Remote, Autocommand, Astroflex, Automate, Autostart, and Merlin (whew!).

Cheers!