The biggest reason to go with the oem option is so it's covered under warranty. If you are diy'ing it, then there is no warranty and there is no point of getting an oem one. You can get an aftermarket one cheaper with more options, and much better range.

 

I installed one myself and it's pretty straight forward. It does need to be programmed/activated using TIS. The instruction manual will guide you through every steps.

Manual

 

Where can I find the manual on line?

 

Thanks speedys4 for that info. That's what I figured since everything looks to be plug and play. I wonder if the dealer will charge me for programming the remote start since I did all the leg work. I'll ask next time I visit the dealer.

 

I'm pretty sure the dealer will want some type of compensation. You can actually purchase the techstream cable/software online. We're not suppose to post any link but they're all over amazon.

 

I plan to install the OEM one also, as it's my impression that the aftermarket ones require monthly subscription fees. Is that right?

I plan to buy the OEM device and Techstream program & cable via Amazon. Why are links not permitted in this forum?

 

I think the monthly fee only applies if you want to set up your phone to be used in conjuction with the remote start/alarm. I was thinking aftermarket but don't want to lose one of the fobs or carry two remotes. I know they can start the vehicle from a few miles but I don't need that. My HL sleeps in the garage and at work I can see it from my window and it's not that far. My main reason is that is all plug and play vs cutting/soldering wires and trying to decipher what goes to what. I like to KISS. Not sure why links are not permitted.

 

Forum rules #16

16. There will be no posts or threads containing a direct link to Toyota Factory Service Manuals. All threads regarding any copyrighted Toyota material (ie., Entune) will be deleted, and Forum Administrators/Moderators reserve the right to determine what material is copyrighted or not. First offense will result in a warning, second a temporary ban, third a permanent ban. Click here to read more about this policy, particularly if you consider it unfair. Links to pirated software of any kind will not be tolerated either.

 

Oh yeah, I had forgot about the second remote. That's a non-starter for me. Since Amazon links aren't a problem for parts etc, here's the OEM one I will be buying: http://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Toyot...sr_1_34?ie=UTF8&qid=1435526849&sr=8-34&keywords=remote+starters+for+cars+toyota

 

I'm looking at eBay, Amazon, and AliExpress to see who has the best price.

 

There is a thread on here where one of the members figured out a way around having 2 remotes. It is not plug and play, but definitely doable.

 

It looks like I'm ready to order the OEM remote start. Going through Amazon and buying from Daytona Toyota Storefront for $299 - $15 (Discover card 5% credit) with $0 shipping and Amazon return policy. Hope those who are done it are right that it's relatively easy!

 

That's awesome!! Make sure to take notes so you can create a step by step for the rest of us. Hope everything goes well for you.

Let us know the outcome.

 

Dayton Toyota shipped it yesterday. I will post a complete install tale with pictures. Stay tuned!

Update: Ordered last Friday received today Monday. And shipping was free!

 

I just read through the install instructions from the link in post #3 . They are remarkably complete. At this point I'm only confused over the "V4 Harness Installation" on page 16 as I have no idea what this means:

V4 ONLY
NOTE: If V2 (GBS) is installed in
the vehicle, skip to page 19 for
V4/V2 Add-On (steps n-ad).

Google knew! GBS is Glass Breakage Sensor and I'm assuming that's only installed if the alarm package is.

Quick tip before ordering: confirm your car has the hood switch already installed or you need to order that also. Lock the car and look at the security light center dash: Security LED Turns ON solid for 30 Seconds then starts blinking - your car has the hood switch. Security LED starts blinking Immediately - you need to buy the hood switch kit : PT398-03121 for Vehicles without Factory Alarm.

 

For those who have installed the OEM Remote Start or the tech experts: the instruction call for disconnecting the battery. Is this really necessary for a plug-in device like this? (Trying to avoid a bunch of re-programming of settings.)

Update: One person who installed it successfully PM'd me and said he didn't unhook the battery, so I think it will be unnecessary.

 

I installed the remote start module today. Took about an hour. Could not get it to register via TechStream. The message I'm getting is shown below, and the odd thing is that it registers a fail even before the hood is closed. The first part of the registration process also shown below, the handshake, did work. Any ideas?

There was one left over connector from the harness and now I'm wondering if I plugged in the right 8-pin connector. The one I did use had foam over it that had to be removed. Was that a hint that it was not the right one?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

I think I had the same issue where it would failed during the 30 seconds countdown to close the hood.

I noticed that it would fail only 5-6 secs into the countdown. So what I end up doing is closing the hood within a few secs into the countdown. I had to do it a few times since I couldn't move that fast .. lol. A 2nd person would be ideal in this situation. Hope that solves your problem

 

I think I had the same issue where it would failed during the 30 seconds countdown to close the hood.

I noticed that it would fail only 5-6 secs into the countdown. So what I end up doing is closing the hood within the a few secs into the countdown. I had to do it a few times since I can't move that fast .. lol. A 2nd person would be ideal in this situation. Hope that solves your problem

Thank you very much!!! That was exactly it! I was leisurely closing the hood in maybe 15 seconds and it was only after I watched it once and it showed a failure at 5-10 seconds did I think something else was seriously wrong. Who would have thought the program timer is wrong!

The wife is very happy too as she wasn't very pleased with a $299 failure, despite my innocent in the matter. I will post a complete install with pictures later so others can avoid this "feature"!

 

Secondcar...any luck on the install guide. I am thinking about doing the addon and any help would be appreciated.

Thank you.


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

Secondcar...any luck on the install guide. I am thinking about doing the addon and any help would be appreciated.

I've been pre-occupied with a cut phone line and when they buried a new one they cut the internet cable, so have been diverted from more fun stuff, but will try to get it done this weekend unless a meteor hits the place.

 

Self-installing the Remote Start kit

The Toyota instructions for installing Remote Start are very good. I have added comments and pictures to their PDF that might make a self-install a little easier and less intimidating. I think most people could do it in about an hour, not including a trip to the dealer if they are doing the device registration. Comments, corrections and additions welcome!

 

@SecondCar
Thank you for spending the time on this, You've saved a lot of people time and few extra grey hairs :lol:

 

This OEM kit is getting crushed on Amazon in the reviews. Does the car really shut off after you open the door? That seems to be a real head scratcher. For $300 and another $100+ to have the deal activate you'd think you were getting a decent product. I get the hate for having a 2nd fob, but there's gotta be a better way.

 

I can tell you the Ford remote start does this too.

 

I remember that if you open the door the engine cuts...or something like that, ridiculous enough to get an aftermarket unit. I think its an insurance safety issue. Same BS with the Entune. These things are creeping up further and further making cars and some features a pain to deal with. Get a quality aftermarket, and have it installed by a reputable or large name installer, but at least get one with the full features.