A Useless Rant

A "downgraded" to a 2nd gen about a year ago mostly because I despise all the nonsense tech that's crept into cars. Up till now, I've been very happy with my decision, but oh boy was I disappointed this morning!

It's 15F outside right now, which understandably isn't "that cold" for many of you... but mind you, I live in Dallas, TX! This is wicked cold for me. I decided to go start my truck 20 minutes before leaving for work so I can at least have the heater running (yes, I know this isn't ideal for motor longevity but IDGAF). Since I live in an apartment, leaving my truck running and unlocked was NOT an option (honestly, even locked it's a bit of a risk but one I'm willing to take). My plan was to start it, use a spare key fob to lock the doors, let it run, and then use the spare fob to gain entry again when I'm ready to go ... buuuttttt NnOoOoOoO!!!!! Toyota engineers decided they were smarter than me and implemented an interlock that doesn't let you use the key fob while it's running! This is exactly the kind of crap I was trying to escape (and mostly have) by downgrading to a 2nd gen. I just can't stand it when engineers get overly specific about HOW their product should be used and don't allow you to deviate as you see fit. Now I'm about to go outside and freeze my ass off till my truck heats up!

 

Rant aside, anyone know of any workarounds?

 

Idk, but driving around with a smashed window is way colder than waiting for the heat to warm up half a mile down the road

 

You could try using the switch on the door and then closing it, but it's entirely possible that it will just unlock when you close it. You'd also have to use the key to unlock the door to get it, because it won't listen to the FOB when it's running.

Just for perspective, I would guess the FOB not working with it running is a safety/legal issue. With the key in the ignition and the FOB in the pocket people could lock/unlock the truck in motion and have their idiot child/passenger playing with the door handle fall out of a vehicle at speed. If that happened you know there's be some ambulance chasing lawyer that would take the case and try to sue for the engineers not making it idiot-proof enough for their clients lack of brain cells. Instead of getting mad at the folks that have to practice CYA, focus on the assholes that want to sue for everything in the hopes of getting a free lunch.

 

After you start it, lock the door handle manually with spare key?

 

my situation... can't lock yourself out... Toyota idiot proofs their vehicles... you cannot leave your keys in the ignition... exit the vehicle... and push the lock door button... it will unlock itself... i did this a few times until i realized what was happening... double stupid me... don't ask me about the Ford... use my AAA spare plastic cut key all the time...

 

Based on the complaints that I see on here for Toyota's remote start, they'd love the way my Ferd F150 remote start works. There's no subscription for it, it stays locked when running, doesn't shut off when entering the truck, and after it's been started I can exit the truck with the FOB and lock the door behind me using the handle button. Even for all that, I still wish I had kept my 2019 Tundra.

 

Take the door lock fuse out and lock it with the spare key from the outside.

Almost all Tacoma's and Tundras from this era have the feature that stops you from locking yourself out of a running truck.

 

Most all newer vehicles are designed so you cannot lock the doors with the keys in the switch. For most people this is a very good idea. But there is a work around. I'm not sure how you do it on a Tacoma but there is a way to program the truck to do so. I have a lot of cop friends who are canine officers who have their vehicles modified so they lock doors and keep the engine running with their dogs inside.

 

He lives in Houston there is a really good chance this is never an issue for him again. Coming from someplace cold just deal with the 3 minutes of cold and quit worrying about it.

 

Wow, remember when people had to start an engine before driving in the last century?

 

Yup. Better to just start it up, clear the windows, and then drive gentle. It'll get up to temp faster which is better for the engine and for comfort.

 

Just add a remote starter

You’ll certainly use it more in the summer heat, but it would solve this problem too

 

I put a Start X remote start in my wife's 4 runner. I paid around 200 for it and it took about 30 minutes to install. Decent product my only complaint would be the range but it's about the same as my Tacoma factory remote start.

 

A remote start will solve all of your issues in both the winter and the summer and you wont even have to go outside to get it started up.

 

I used to do this on my 2001 Tundra, I could hit the door lock and then hold the handle open as I shut the door and it would lock. Might try that?

 

I would just get in and drive it as if it was summer. That’s what I do and I life in upstate NY. One disclosure. I have been accused not being the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I don’t know it that would apply in this situation.

 

I don't know of any car that the key fob will work when the car is running. It is a safety feature. Even aftermarket alarm fobs don't work for lock/unlock while the engine is running unless you have an integrated remote start and then only to unlock if the key is not in the ignition.

 

Get the 12v remote start system. 45min install and golden.