'07 Camry - Smart Key (push-button start) Question

[Amaxophobic]

After some initial fightiing with the Smart Key / Push-Button Start (SK/PBS) system, I think I've finally mastered it (for the most part). One thing that irritates me is that I can't transition from the on-and-running mode to the accessory mode, without cycling through full power off mode. Why is this an issue? Let me describe a typical scenario.

I'm happily motoring along in my shiny new '07 V6 XLE, safely using the Bluetooth hands-free system to participate on a concall, when the need to write something down or look something up arises. I pull over and park, and accomplish the task. However, this extends to more than five minutes, so I'd like to turn the car off and finish the call, while saving expensive fuel. If I had a normal key, I'd just switch from "on" to "accessory" mode, and keep yapping. However, with the SK/PBS system, I can't do this. If you shut the car off, you lose Bluetooth connectivity (no matter how fast you cycle the button), and the call is interrupted. The manual doesn't address this, nor have I been able to figure out any combination of brake pedal, short- or long-button push, etc. to make this happen.

Any ideas?

Marc

[Avalonman]

Did you contact your local Toyota dealer?
I'm glad to see you getting alon with your camry.

[Amaxophobic]

Hi Avalonman,

My dealer was...not helpful. The 800-331-4331 Toyota number said:

"That's a good question. I don't think it was desgined with that functionality in mind. I don't think they thought of that."

Guess I gotta work around this situation.

Marc

[Cyprex]

The future is here! Calling 1-800 numbers to work our cars!

[Amaxophobic]

I figured it out (accidentally)!!!

Despite not being in the manual, available via the Toyota 800- number, nor in the accumulated wisdom of my dealer's service or sales staffs, I have discovered how to go from "vehicle on and running" to "accessory-1" (radio and windows operational, fan and advanced ignition systems off). Here's how you do it:

• First, stop the vehicle (duh) where you want to be
• Foot on the break
• Leave the car in gear
• Push the vehicle power button

Viola! You've now gone from running state directly to accessory-1 state without encountering off! You can now put your car in Park if you wish.

Yeah baby - take that Toyota! I'm now up-to-speed and dangerous.

Marc

p.s. 4k miles and still loving my '07 V6 XLE.

[my2007machine]

Originally Posted by Amaxophobic

I figured it out (accidentally)!!!

Despite not being in the manual, available via the Toyota 800- number, nor in the accumulated wisdom of my dealer's service or sales staffs, I have discovered how to go from "vehicle on and running" to "accessory-1" (radio and windows operational, fan and advanced ignition systems off). Here's how you do it:

• First, stop the vehicle (duh) where you want to be
• Foot on the break
• Leave the car in gear
• Push the vehicle power button

Viola! You've now gone from running state directly to accessory-1 state without encountering off! You can now put your car in Park if you wish.

Yeah baby - take that Toyota! I'm now up-to-speed and dangerous.

Marc

p.s. 4k miles and still loving my '07 V6 XLE.

Way to go dude, nicely done!

Just remember to put it in park lol

[touringcamry]

I think that's a work around rather than a actual solution. On cars with key ignition, you cannot turn the key to off/lock with the shiter in anything but park. Also, you cannot start the car with the shifter in anything but N or P.

[Joe B]

I just press the button lightly once and dash lights come on and then again lightly for accessory in Park with foot on the brake.