Remote Starter Question

hey guys....

So the girlfriend and I decided to open one from each other early.... I got her a motorcycle helmet so she can ride with me, and she got me a remote start kit.

Well, she thought it was a remote start kit. It ended up just being an add on kit to extend the range of your remote start system.

Soooooooo she’s going to return it and wants to get me the right thing!

Any opinion on this one?
Looks like it comes with the immobilizer over ride.

https://www.amazon.com/MPC-Complete-Remote-2012-2015-Toyota/dp/B074T1Y66T/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1545613808&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=remote+start+kit+tacoma&dpPl=1&dpID=51WalCEiM+L&ref=plSrch


Thanks guys! And happy holidays.

 

I Christmas wrapped the exact same brand (mic) for my wife the other day. Hers is a 2008 highlander though. Unfortunately I won't know more about it until after Xmas when I go to install it for her! I sure hope lots of people tell you they are great though!

I think it's actually a kit assembled by mpc of various components to take the guess work out of selecting components yourself, so each vehicle kit might be a little different

 

Keep in mind the one pictured you would start from your factory remote. On your vehicle aside from the factory range not being great I believe the fob also doesnt work with the vehicle running so you would start the vehicle and have to unlock the truck manually with the key. Would definitely recommend something with external remotes. We have a nice plug and play for those if you are doing the install yourself but it would be more expensive given the easier install. Just some things to think about!

 

I believe that’s a complete system as a few others here have used that one.

 

That’s a complete system, just not a plug and play unit.

 

I wasn't aware that there was a plug and play for the second gen trucks. I knew there was one for the third gen, but not for our slightly older model.

 

There is no complete p&p for 2nd gen. Only a partial.

 

We didnt forget about you guys! We have a full plug and play for the 11-15 trucks as well.

 

I'm in a 2009 2nd gen. 2nd gen runs from

$90 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma With 4L Right Petrol intake air snorkel kit high performance system compatible kit Replacement black Rotational Molding (2005-2015)

2005-2015 but they had that slight update around 2011/2012 (I think) which I guess is what allowed for the plug and play kit to be workable for those 11-15 models (2.5 gen?).

Anyway I'm not really worried about it. It's the kind of thing I'd get for my wife's highlander, as I have done, but not something I'm really interested in having on my truck... Yet. If I do, I'm obviously not afraid to tackle a non plug and play installation. That would be after heated seats and mirrors if I ever get around to them.

But you just wanted to get your product plug in there anyways, I think good on ya for supporting or trucks though.

 

Let me know how it goes!!

 

Any install threads / videos?

 

There are some up on you tube but none for this specific kit and earlier second gen tacos. I've been watching a few for similar models and kits just to get a general picture. I can take pics when I do my wife's, but that's a highlander. It might be similar or might not.

If anyone wants to buy me a kit for my 2009 tacoma... I'll do a full installation video and write up for your trouble, LOL!

 

Okay, I installed the mpc kit in my wife's highlander. This is not an easy installation, but not at all unattainable. I think it was about 25 connections. It took me about 10 hours total but that included time to test each wire, and I carefully stripped and soldered each connection rather than use crimps or taps. I also don't generally hurry either.

If you can't use a multimeter, this is not for you.
You need to have some basic auto wiring skills to do this.
It helps if you know how to wire a standard relay and how they work and what they do.
It helps if you have a reasonable idea of how the stuff you're wiring into (ignition, starter, locks, and lights) work.
You have to wire into the TX and RX wires at the ignition, and it says not to use crimps, either wire wrap or solder, I'd recommend you solder at least these connections, if nothing else.

Mpc accidentally shipped my kit without a relay and relay harness that was supposed to be included, luckily I keep basic Bosch style relays and harness in my garage. This caused confusion looking at the install info and seeing references to a relay not in the kit.

Mpc includes a "tipsheet" that has a connection guide and color wiring diagram, and a separate wiring sheet. This actually caused more confusion because the connection guide in the tip sheet referenced connections the wiring guide didn't have and vice versa. The color diagram ended up being the most reliable guide.

I ended up having to call them to straighten out these details, but they did help iron out the details and get me going again.

So my rating on Amazon is going to be a three, for the reasons above.

At the end of the day, it's in and it works very well. Good range. I configured it so once the car is started you can just hit the start button again and it will unlock so you don't have to use the key to unlock once started, which is nice.

It connects to the locks because it briefly unlocks the car to tuit off the alarm, starts the car, then relocks it to rearm the alarm while running. So that's how it deals with the alarm.

Programming the key override was uncomplicated. You just put it in program mode, stick your key in, and it pulls the transponder data.

Programming options in the start module is a bit obtuse using a series of button pushes and brake presses, but nothing to complex. It has a series of options you can set to do different things.

If you have any questions please ask.

Buggsy

 

Why not buy a partial plug and play kit?

 

It's a 2008 key start highlander, I didn't see any P&P's for it or I'd have probably gone that route. Like you said the kit was complete (other than what they forgot to put in the box), but definitely not plug and play.

If there is a P&P... don't tell me I really don't want to know at this point

 

Ok, won’t say anything.

 

Okay tell me! Because I looked again and can't find a p&p kit for 2008 highlander with regular key. I can find push to start, and smart key options, and stuff for later years that are plug and play but nothing that says it would have worked for this lander.

If you point out the plug and play, I'm hoping I at least saved a little dough with the kit I used.

 

I can get a partial plug and play. It would only have the plug for ignition. Still would have to tap 8 wires or so.

 

If I ever decide to do my taco, I'll hit you up first.

Buggsy