Lawmen

Well, I finally decided to get it done. I had the iDataLink module installed in my 2008 ES350. The shop that installed it is Westminster Speed and Sound in Westminster, MD. http://www.wssdriveeasy.com/ The shop was clean, the crew was friendly and professional. The install took about 2:45, as estimated, and cost me $324 total out the door (orig est. $300). The product works excellently as described. I touch "lock, lock, lock" on the Lexus smart key and the car beeps four times and cranks up. All smart key functions continue to work as normal. When I open any door, the car shuts off. The iDataLink module fits up under the dash above the driver's left shin.

If you're looking for an aftermarket remote start for your 2008 Lexus, I recommend the iDataLink. If you're in the DC/MD/Northern VA area, I recommend Westminster Speed and Sound.

codejd

Which one did you go with?

Thanks.

Lawmen

I had the iDataLink installed. See my posts of 4/08/13 (post #31) and 2/21/13 (post #24) in this thread.

codejd

Yeah I saw those but was only curious as to which series you purchased as it seems there are several that work with Toyota/Lexus.

These four look like they work.

Thanks.

wheinsky

From what I could figure out. You will need the ADS-AL CA (can be found on amazon for $50-60) Then you either need to spend another ~$40.00 for a USB cable to program the module for your car or find a local authorized shop to do the install/programming for you.

It doesn't look too bad to install. I plan on ordering the module and cable from amazon and installing it myself.

codejd

That's what I needed to know, thanks!

Lawmen

codejd, now I understand your post. . . sorry 'bout that. Wheinsky is correct. . . the product is the ADS-AL CA.

codejd

Yeah, I thought we just weren't speaking the same language.

In your post #31 you say the install took just under 3 hours and cost you $324, yet wheinsky eludes to (and shows) that you can pick up the module for less than $60. I've glanced over the install .PDF and although I'm no techie, i just question how it could possibly have taken that long.

Lawmen

I don't think I could have done it faster. I had some good interactions with the folks at WSS and evaluate them as trustworthy experts. I considered doing the install myself, but decided to have someone with specific experience do it. My installation would probably have been cheaper, but, to me, the risk of causing an electrical problem wasn't worth the potential savings. I assign significant value to having an experienced technician and a warranty.

If you or wheinsky do the install yourself, it would be a good service to the readers of this forum to hear how it went.

Respectfully,

Lawmen

crashman

Lawman,
I'm over here in Baltimore and bought my 2012 es from Len Stoler Lexus, so I'm not that far from Westminster Speed and Sound. My question is hows that going to affect your warranty?

jcat_350

Mods voiding warranty is a MYTH! Get that out of your head ASAP!

If there was a failure that you needed warranty work for, they have to prove by FEDERAL law, that your modification caused the failure. If you put in a remote start, and they can prove that it fried the ECU, then fine. But if you install a remote start and your radiator blows a hole in it, they have to fix it BY LAW.

As to the previous question about install time, it's probably because they've never done an install on an ES350 and there was a learning curve. Unfortunately, the customer usually has to pay for that learning curve.

mlacomb

Not if they want my business again, they don't. But that's just my thinking; there are plenty of other places that could do it for a reasonable sum.

Lawmen

crashman,

The fact is, regardless of assurances, laws, etc., we won't know how my dealer will react to a problem until I have one. Same with WSS. Could I end up with an electrical problem, a bunch of finger-pointing, and no satisfactory resolution? Sure. All I have to go on for now are the reassuring comments made by the dealer and the vendor. My dealer has not disappointed me yet, and WSS seems like a trustworthy shop. I assessed the risk as acceptable.

Your dealer undoubtedly has a vendor they work with to do aftermarket mods of this nature. You could see if the dealer could have that vendor install the idatalink at the dealer and confirm that the install would carry the Lexus service warranty. My dealer offered that deal, but WSS quote was $300 less than the other vendor's.

ShogunSTL

I am debating whether I want one. Was gonna try to get the dealer to do it when I bought it, but mine was a trade in and they weren't a lexus dealer so they were pretty hesitant to do anything to it.

lipappy

I decided to wait until the warranty expires and then to install it. It would just be way too easy, if something goes wrong, to blame it on the remote starter having been installed. I'm still disappointed my 2012 ES didn't come with one or that it wasn't an option, particularly with this grueling winter. But come 2016 I will be a much happier (and warmer) camper!