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2012+ Camry Factory Remote Start Install Success

26K views 37 replies 20 participants last post by  Hookdriver  
#1 ·
Just an FYI, I was able to program the remote start ECU using techstream 10.10.018 and the generic Mini VCI cable using 2.0.4 firmware. I have been reading that it wasn't possible using a generic cable , but I decided to try it out anyways and I was successfully able to program the RES ECU.

Total Cost of Remote Start Project

(1) PT398-89100-SS Remote Start ECU from ebay $25.00
(1) Ground Wire and pin (had pins left over from a radio harness project) to connect to the 24pin RES harness $0.00 (this is the "V4" cable)
MISC- Soldering Iron, O-Ring Connector, Heat shrink tube

Final Cost: 25.00
 
#3 ·
I also have a question ... if I go ahead and install the Toyota remote start for push button / smart key applications will the car start under normal conditions without registration of Remote start ECU thru techstream until I get my generic techstream updated?

Seems like the installation of remote start may be an all day project if everything goes well.
 
#4 ·
Umm, Ya know a write up with links, proper pics, and descriptive writing would be a great post and addtion to the site for people to research and try for themselves.


Isnt there a DIY section on here? This would be a great addition if a proper writeup was done.
 
#5 ·
you should be ok to install the RES module not programed as long as the "1P RES" harness is not connected. this is the harness by the passenger kick plate that needs to be connected to program. it took me about 1 hour to install the remote starter..all the kick panels have to come off, knee air bag has 3 10mm bolts and has to come off. the glove box has 5 Phillips screws and needs to come off. once everything is out of the way everything is accessible.
 
#14 ·
Not sure but I don't think there is a Toyota remote start for the standard key but I believe it can be done with aftermarket parts if you want to go that way. I would expect that the installation, however, would be much more invasive than with the Smart Key. If I was doing this with a brand new car, I would talk to the dealership and see if they had an option. They may have a relationship with an aftermarket installer for these types of things. In discussions with my dealership, they indicated that they had a recommended aftermarket installer but it seemed any subsequent damage of computer modules was the responsibility of the installer - not the dealership. They did indicate, however, that the recommended installer had a history of standing behind any problems.

Good luck,
Buckaroo
 
#19 ·
The car dealer gave me the name of their aftermarket installer (who also happened to be an authorized compustar dealer) and I contacted them directly. It was the service tech who told me to contact the installer directly cause going thru the dealer would add an additional $100 for the install. I chose the Compustar Prime 901 it has about a 1mile range and my cost was around $500, they offer several different remotes. The longer the range the higher the cost. If you go to the Compustar website you can find their authorized / installers in your area.
I've had mine for over a year and happy with it, I'm surprised with the range I get. Actually started my car from inside the gym locker room, not quite a mile but a pretty good distance.

Other companies like Viper, Avital offer similar devices/range, I chose mine due to good reviews.
 
#20 ·
Hi everyone, I just signed up to clear a mistake that some of you are making here regarding the OEM key model remote starter not existing.
It does exist, and I have it on my 2016 LE. In fact, its available on the website when you build your car. Its called the START+

Why did I get the OEM starter? Reliability, and NO EXTRA REMOTE NEEDED. You simply use your original key (click lock 3 times, hold it the third time) and the car starts. It also comes with a long range remote (apparently up to 800 metres/2600ft) that you can use optionally that also confirms whether the car did turn on through a chime.

That means that every key that has the lock/unlock buttons works as a remote, and you get a long-range remote too.

Reliability regarding third party remote starters is quite poor. They are mostly all made in china with the cheapest possible components, and installation often requires cutting cables. My source for this is myself and many other mechanics I worked with over the years. They dont tend to last for very long and often times the cheaper models dont have a bypass system for when they fail, which prevents you from simply starting your car using your key. My dealer originally installed a third party starter and I was pretty pissed off as I explicitly asked for the OEM. They switched it and now all is good. It's an expensive option (800CAD) but you can probably ask and get a discount on it. I cant imagine it is very hard to install otherwise.

For those with the push button system: You should already have a remote start option. The start+ system for you is just an additional long range remote I believe. Even better, if you have the push button start and auto-climate control, the system has "intelligent heating" so it will automatically turn on your rear defrost and heating system. Yes, I'm jealous
 
#24 · (Edited)
I wonder if this changed in 2017? Dealer told me straight out that I cant get the Toyota branded one.. Now I don't always believe the dealer but seemed to be the consensus here until you chimed in.. Will have to investigate a little further..

When I go to the Toyota site it won't allow me to add the remote start unless I have the 3500 radio upgrade adding the push to start option I assume. Try it for yourself. This was on a 2016 and 2017
 
#32 · (Edited)
So... what's the deal with the non-smart key model? Does the 24 pin connector not exist? (setting aside all software concerns; just looking at hardware first). I'd check it out myself but it's a bit cold outside, hoping someone else has taken a look. I'm wondering if there's a specific reason why this can't work in a non smart-key car, or if it's just because it won't meet some requirements from the factory if installed this way.

Edit: I can confirm the pre-connector for the hood switch is already there on the non-smart key models. Just checked that out myself.

Edit 2: The remote engine starter module is an ECU option for non-smart key in TIS. Obviously I can't connect to it since I don't have one installed, but it's there... next step is to confirm whether the 24 pin plug exists.

Image


Edit 3: Fail! The 24 pin connector is not present! At least now we know for sure.
 
#33 ·
V4 harness

Does anyone have info about the V4 harness in the factory remote start system install? Does this V4 harness only ground the RES module are does the harness have some other purpose? I noticed that the middle of the harness has heat shrink as if there is something installed under the heat shrink.
 
#35 ·
I just installed a fortin system on my 2018 and it was fairly simple if you know how to take your car apart lol. It has key takeover and a long range remote option if you want a better range than OEM remote. I am fairly positive that it would be the same for the 2012.
 
#37 ·
I've read the installation of toyota oem genuine remote engine start PT398-03120 complete kit a few time, thinking it is very possible to spend the $100 on the RES module only, (PT398-89100-SS, 237000-5540) only, and then DIY a ground pin, instead of spending $260 to $300+ for the complete kit. it seem like $200 extra for 1pin grounding harness, RES module mounting bracket, hoodpin and fancy decor sticker, user guides are not really necessary.

2012+ camry se with factory alarm, smart key, the hoodpin has been installed, confirmed by exit vehicle, closed all doors, locked by remote, and the lock icon on center console lights up solid, and then starts flashing after about 30 seconds.

latest gen of camry with smart key options, the 24pin harness should already exist, waiting for toyota RES module to be installed, just need to add the ground pin to 24P RES module harness. so is the diagnostic 1P harness on the passenger side side kick panel for RES registration, standing by waiting for toyota tech stream activation.