Remote starter

That guys not push to start. Turning off with the door opening is a push to start "feature".

 

The OEM keyfob's range for our trucks are so limited its best to pair it with either a long range remote or the cellular add-on.

 

I've seen a video of a workaround but was soon deleted.

 

Are we bordering on tin foil hats here..?

 

It's a liability issue, n2design ain't sharing the secret!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KB-ukCb2Rw8&t=142s&ab_channel=N2Designs,Inc.

 

Jimmy doesn't design but is tech savvy...from the horse's mouth, "This vehicles engine shuts down when remote started and a door is opened up. It shows that we know how to bypass it so if a door IS opened up, it does not shut down. In this case we just left it open for demo purposes. Liability is what prevents any company from implementing this, however, it also shows that we know our way around hacks whereas other companies that sell similar products, do not. From a tech and support stand point, we can back up what we sell, and can create anything if it does not exist."

 

My 22 came with remote start and the first time i ran into this I couldn't believe it. Pretty much makes remote start on hot days useless. Only reason to use it now is for defrost during winter. Wish I could find a work around. Had three vehicles with remote start and this is the only one thats done this.

 

What liability does this open him up to? Only thing I can think of is it requires modifying the car/wiring pretty heavily.

I'm not sure about the stock one but the N2 shuts off when you open the door. Not when it's unlocked.

 

All of my past Tacos had AutoStart installed in them and worked great but then they were all key starting.
I think because of the push start is a different ball game all together. I have gotten use to it shutting off when opening doors but that is ok with me as I allowed enough time for it to heat or coold down my Taco before getting in. I am happy with the distance to start my Taco from the shopping mall parking lot or from my home I can start from anywhere in the house.

 

Would definitely second all of the N2 recommendations especially with the cell phone module (def worth the extra money). I loved that the phone module came with a GPS function which I had wanted if my truck were to ever get stolen or something. The GPS is pretty accurate and can track the truck as long as the battery isn't dead. I'm no means a mechanic but I was able to install it myself. The directions are pretty good and Jimmy provides amazing customer service. I ran into a slight hiccup after the install and he was able to walk me through and fix it.

 

I worked as an installer for 12 years (from senior year of high school until I finished grad school). I had all of the MECP Advanced Certifications, and I did a ton of remote starts and other automation in the days before you could just buy a CAN module to take care of everything using just two wires. In my opinion, the fix is likely fairly simple - you go to the door trigger (or triggers if you want it to work for multiple doors) and use a relay to break the connection from the door trigger to the BCM (or whatever its called these days) whenever the vehicle is remote started but reconnect them when it is not remote started. Even if most of the door trigger system is multiplexed/CAN based, there is going to be a basic on/off switch somewhere in the door/cab (this is where your relay needs to be). It should be simple to accomplish as most remote starts have a low current output that triggers during remote start for use with chip key bypass modules. You then make sure that the brake it wired as the kill switch to shut down remote start. This ensures the door triggers are reconnected before driving as you must press the break to shift out of park. Next issue would be finding out if the vehicle kills upon pressing the brake to end remote start.

 

i do wonder what toyota's idea behind killing the engine when the door is open with a remote start system. the vehicle needs the doors to be locked to start anyway, why not just not allow the vehicle to be unable to shift unless a transponder is present like what other manufacturers do? there are programs out there to imitate transponder frequencies so that smart thieves can drive away in any vehicle they choose.....opppssss

 

That was sooo tits with the app. So i just messaged N2 to add HVAC controls throught the app because my truck has automatic climate control and i forget to set my temps before i exit the vehicle sometimes. just imagine starting up your truck hoping to get the cabin chilled or warm before hopping in and then F#$%#$% complete opposite. Toyota added that feature about 2 months after my only downside suggestion through their app but it hurts paying about $90/year for their app services.

 

Why is it useless on hot days? Just leave the AC on when you park so when you remote start it'll cool it down.

 

Don't think this will work. Mine has glitched twice and didn't die when I opened the door. As soon as I hit the brake it died. It wouldn't restart right away after that either. Had to get out and cycle the locks a few times before it would restart.

That would be nice. My 15 F150 used to auto do that when you remote started. If above a certain temp would auto turn on the AC and if below it would turn on the defrost and heated seats. Was really nice, with my taco I just have to remember to set before I get out.

 

I did try that but by the time you open the door and climb in just about all the cold air is gone and its nearly back to ambient temp.

 

Just a tip for those not aware to extend range of the stock remote (don't laugh, try it, it works).

1. Stick your tongue out and place fob to tongue
2. Click open, start, etc...
*I've done it when in a huge parking lot and not close to truck at night to find car.

YMMV (option is making sure fob is clean). Other body parts not tested.

 

Safety feature. Too many Tacos being stolen.

 

It's not a safety feature. It's just lazy design by Toyota and even they have admitted it's an unnecessary step. Yes, this bugs me more than it should.

 

i don’t think it was lazy design - this was something they intentionally added. It wouldn’t have taken any extra work for them to have it set to stay running if the fob is detected within range. Somebody at Toyota thinks that we need this “feature” to prevent theft or accidents (like a kid jumping in and driving it into someone/something). It’s either someone from the safety team or the legal liability team within Toyota that is responsible for this weird behavior - I don’t think it’s just lazy implementation by the engineers.