ES - 6th Gen (2013-2018) Discussion topics related to 2013+ ES models

Remote Starter Range

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Old 03-29-13, 08:36 AM
  #16  
txes
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I've started my wife's LaCrosse from 26 miles away, but I pay dearly for the privilige of using OnStar's iPhone app.

Range on starting the car using the key fob is probably about 25'. The remote start is not an add-on. Came
as a feature.

John
Old 04-23-13, 11:38 AM
  #17  
batwings
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First post here.

I had to chime in on this to say that the range of the factory installed remote start is completely unacceptable. It is useless as it is now. I am working with my dealer to see if any improvements can be made and, if not, look into having them install the RES+ accessory (at no charge) and have remote start capability via the smartphone app. Has anyone else tried this?
Old 04-23-13, 11:52 AM
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Originally Posted by batwings
look into having them install the RES+ accessory (at no charge) and have remote start capability via the smartphone app.
That would be great, if only it was compatible with our cars.
Old 04-23-13, 03:12 PM
  #19  
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Apparently almost everyone that has a factory remote start agrees that the accessory has poor range and is not up to Lexus standards. I'm quite sure that there are many that would like to have one of these, including myself, but don't know where to turn to find the best alternative. My question to those of you that have an aftermarket system that works very well, what can you recommend? I would add that most of us are aware that an additional key fob would be required.
Old 04-23-13, 04:05 PM
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Curious to know what everybody's expectations are as far as range on an aftermarket remote start system.

John
Old 04-23-13, 05:57 PM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by txes
Curious to know what everybody's expectations are as far as range on an aftermarket remote start system.

John
More than the 10 feet we get now. I never would have purchased it if it wasn't already included. I miss my Viper Smart Start I had installed in my previous vehicle. You could start the car from the train 10 miles away.
Old 04-23-13, 07:20 PM
  #22  
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Originally Posted by txes
Curious to know what everybody's expectations are as far as range on an aftermarket remote start system.

John
Well my wife's Acura has an aftermarket RS that was installed 10 years ago. I can't remember what brand it is, but the car starts from 40-50' distance. I'd be happy with a 20-30' range on my 350.
Old 10-27-13, 08:53 AM
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Originally Posted by Mike728
More than the 10 feet we get now. I never would have purchased it if it wasn't already included. I miss my Viper Smart Start I had installed in my previous vehicle. You could start the car from the train 10 miles away.
Own 2011 GS350 and want to put a aftermarket starter, I know Lexus starters suck because I have one in my RX350. Its a certified vehicle and wonder if I buy a non lexus starter will it affect the warranty
Old 10-27-13, 10:53 AM
  #24  
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Originally Posted by puffy51
Own 2011 GS350 and want to put a aftermarket starter, I know Lexus starters suck because I have one in my RX350. Its a certified vehicle and wonder if I buy a non lexus starter will it affect the warranty
They will probably void the warranty on anything electrical, but not the whole car.
Old 10-27-13, 04:38 PM
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I thought that I read in some Lexus document (but I can't find it now) that the range of the remote engine starter was supposed to be 80 feet. I've never tried mine except when standing right next to the car. In fact, I would not have chosen to have the remote starter, except that the car that was otherwise equipped the way I wanted it had it, and I've only started the car remotely once, and that was just to test to see if it worked. When I have time, I'll have to check to see just how far away I can be and still have it work.

I notice, on the Lexus website, that it does say that RES+ is available on the 2014 ES. It lists a price of $799. To me, paying $799 and then still having to pay an annual subscription fee seems more than a bit much.
Old 10-27-13, 05:39 PM
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Originally Posted by lesz
I notice, on the Lexus website, that it does say that RES+ is available on the 2014 ES. It lists a price of $799. To me, paying $799 and then still having to pay an annual subscription fee seems more than a bit much.
I would love to hear some experiences on the RES+. Sounds like a celluar device. Anyone know what the subscription fee is?
Old 10-27-13, 05:55 PM
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Originally Posted by gnm313
I would love to hear some experiences on the RES+. Sounds like a celluar device. Anyone know what the subscription fee is?
The subscription for RES+ is $72 per year.

Also, after my previous post, I went outside to test the range of my remote starter. It started the car when I was about 100 feet from it. That is the furthest distance from which I tried. So, I'm not sure how much further it would have worked. When I tested it, there were no obstructions between me and the car. I also don't know what difference obstructions would make with regard to reducing the range.
Old 10-27-13, 06:41 PM
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"Ok,this may sound silly but I've read if you place the remote under your chin and press the button,your body helps extend the range."

What you need to do is put the remote against your cheek or chin (the area below your tongue), open your mouth and, while facing your car, press the remote. It will indeed extend the range significantly. I learned this trick years ago from a salesman that sold me a car where the remote had limited range, much like the ES300h. It definitely works!

Last edited by ElliotB; 11-05-13 at 04:40 AM.
Old 10-28-13, 06:52 PM
  #29  
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Originally Posted by ElliotB
"Ok,this may sound silly but I've read if you place the remote under your chin and press the button,your body helps extend the range."

What you need to do is put the remote against your cheek, open your mouth and, while facing your car, press the remote. It will indeed extend the range significantly. I learned this trick years ago from a salesman that sold me a car where the remote had limited range, much like the ES300h. It definitely works!
WOW! I found that if one takes 3 steps to the right, 3 steps to the left, one step back, close your eyes, the range improves considerably... Ridiculous from a worldwide major manufacturer of vehicles. Open your mouth? I don't think so...
Old 10-29-13, 05:04 AM
  #30  
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Originally Posted by lesz
I notice, on the Lexus website, that it does say that RES+ is available on the 2014 ES. It lists a price of $799. To me, paying $799 and then still having to pay an annual subscription fee seems more than a bit much.
I would have gladly paid that, vs. wasting $499 for something that's completely worthless. The app has a lot of cool features, too.


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