Remote Starter Installed
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Remote Starter Installed
Shops that install remote starters cringe as soon as RX300 was mentioned...complicated wiring they would opine. Ultimately, a large shop that had an installer specializing in Lexus, Mercedes and Audi installations was chosen--they clearly seemed to know what they were talking about.
A two-way remote system was sought so that the car would return a signal to the remote confirming that the car actually received the start signal. A Viper unit was chosen as it has a 1500' range, its VERY small with a single button that can start or shutdown the car and unlock the driver door (the Lexus remote automatically deactivates in the Lexus system when the car starts). Total cost, including two, 2-way remotes, key interface, installation, etc., $320. Some systems, especially those by Code Alarm, say they have two remotes, but only one of the remotes is two-way, the other is one-way only. The Viper unit works perfect and they were not joking about the range absent interfering masonry structures. One-way remotes were circa 200.00.
A two-way remote system was sought so that the car would return a signal to the remote confirming that the car actually received the start signal. A Viper unit was chosen as it has a 1500' range, its VERY small with a single button that can start or shutdown the car and unlock the driver door (the Lexus remote automatically deactivates in the Lexus system when the car starts). Total cost, including two, 2-way remotes, key interface, installation, etc., $320. Some systems, especially those by Code Alarm, say they have two remotes, but only one of the remotes is two-way, the other is one-way only. The Viper unit works perfect and they were not joking about the range absent interfering masonry structures. One-way remotes were circa 200.00.
#2
I installed a Compustar CS800s one-way system recently. Only spent about $70 total including the bypass module. Spent way too much time and frustration trying to figure out the door locks. Everything works fine now. I guess you noticed that when you use the remote start, the climate control defaults to 75 degrees upon start up. I hear that there is no fix for that.
#3
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I installed a Compustar CS800s one-way system recently. Only spent about $70 total including the bypass module. Spent way too much time and frustration trying to figure out the door locks. Everything works fine now. I guess you noticed that when you use the remote start, the climate control defaults to 75 degrees upon start up. I hear that there is no fix for that.
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I had a 2-way codealarm installed many moons ago on the RX300 (I think it cost me $700 total). Once they got it working, it worked brilliantly and most of the time, I could start it from afar (even once started it from still in the airplane at the gate when it was in the garage. The installer had trouble with it causing me to take it back to them twice to get it right (they aren't in business any more by the way).
A few months before I sold the car, the remote start shorted out, and I had the local Toyota dealer rip it out - they mentioned how rigged it was with relays and whatever else, and were surprised that it lasted as long as it did.
At any rate, I wanted to mention my experience with the "75" setting on the temp. If I waited until next day or so to remote start the car, it would reset at 75. If i would remote start it the same day (say at lunchtime), it might stay at what it was set at before. Why? I don't know, but I lived with it and got used to it - really ended up not being a big deal.
A few months before I sold the car, the remote start shorted out, and I had the local Toyota dealer rip it out - they mentioned how rigged it was with relays and whatever else, and were surprised that it lasted as long as it did.
At any rate, I wanted to mention my experience with the "75" setting on the temp. If I waited until next day or so to remote start the car, it would reset at 75. If i would remote start it the same day (say at lunchtime), it might stay at what it was set at before. Why? I don't know, but I lived with it and got used to it - really ended up not being a big deal.
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#8
Most(50%-60%) of the people that I know/have known that have installed/had installed, (since remote starting system have been available on the marketplace) these systems unfortunately, have had one issue or another.
Mostly, electrical gremlins or complete failures of the systems themselves! The other 40%-50% of the folks experienced no issues but also, didn't keep their vehicle very long(2-3 yrs). Many systems just aren't compatible with these complicated vehicle systems. Lots of early EFI domestic vehicles/similar vehicles were fine!
When we bought our '01 RX-300 brand new in Buffalo, NY, I asked the dealer about having a remote start system installed in our RX. They advised us against getting one installed. They WOULD NOT do it themselves and they DID NOT have any particular recommendations for any of the local electronic shops either though, all of the local electronic shops sell them. The Lexus dealer reason was:
Too complicated, too many wires to mess with, the aftermarket remote starting systems just aren't compatible with the Lexus' vehicle immobilization system/security system(though, many shops sell remote starting systems/universal). And also the dealer said, feel lucky if you get a good installer and not a butcher!
During our travels, I asked several other Lexus dealers this same question about remote starting systems from Buffalo, Rochester, Tampa, FL, Scottsdale, AZ. All said the same thing as our selling dealer.
TODAY, the aftermarket remote starting systems may[MAY]be more compatible with MORE vehicles security systems and such but, it's hit or miss!
My wife has wanted a starting system in our RX for years but, I won't get one in this vehicle. The RX has always started fine and I don't want anything disrupting this!... The only way I will get a starting system in any vehicle is if it is already factory designed and installed per/vehicle!
Mostly, electrical gremlins or complete failures of the systems themselves! The other 40%-50% of the folks experienced no issues but also, didn't keep their vehicle very long(2-3 yrs). Many systems just aren't compatible with these complicated vehicle systems. Lots of early EFI domestic vehicles/similar vehicles were fine!
When we bought our '01 RX-300 brand new in Buffalo, NY, I asked the dealer about having a remote start system installed in our RX. They advised us against getting one installed. They WOULD NOT do it themselves and they DID NOT have any particular recommendations for any of the local electronic shops either though, all of the local electronic shops sell them. The Lexus dealer reason was:
Too complicated, too many wires to mess with, the aftermarket remote starting systems just aren't compatible with the Lexus' vehicle immobilization system/security system(though, many shops sell remote starting systems/universal). And also the dealer said, feel lucky if you get a good installer and not a butcher!
During our travels, I asked several other Lexus dealers this same question about remote starting systems from Buffalo, Rochester, Tampa, FL, Scottsdale, AZ. All said the same thing as our selling dealer.
TODAY, the aftermarket remote starting systems may[MAY]be more compatible with MORE vehicles security systems and such but, it's hit or miss!
My wife has wanted a starting system in our RX for years but, I won't get one in this vehicle. The RX has always started fine and I don't want anything disrupting this!... The only way I will get a starting system in any vehicle is if it is already factory designed and installed per/vehicle!
Last edited by CharBaby; 09-26-14 at 05:06 AM.
#9
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...When we bought our '01 RX-300 brand new in Buffalo, NY, I asked the dealer about having a remote start system installed...They advised us against getting one installed....Too complicated, too many wires to mess with... also the dealer said, feel lucky if you get a good installer and not a butcher!...
In our Michigan winters, I am sooo looking forward to being able to start the car remotely before departure into the frigidness. I think the transmission will like it better too.
#10
Most(50%-60%) of the people that I know/have known that have installed/had installed, (since remote starting system have been available on the marketplace) these systems unfortunately, have had one issue or another.
Mostly, electrical gremlins or complete failures of the systems themselves! The other 40%-50% of the folks experienced no issues but also, didn't keep their vehicle very long(2-3 yrs). Many systems just aren't compatible with these complicated vehicle systems. Lots of early EFI domestic vehicles/similar vehicles were fine!
When we bought our '01 RX-300 brand new in Buffalo, NY, I asked the dealer about having a remote start system installed in our RX. They advised us against getting one installed. They WOULD NOT do it themselves and they DID NOT have any particular recommendations for any of the local electronic shops either though, all of the local electronic shops sell them. The Lexus dealer reason was:
Too complicated, too many wires to mess with, the aftermarket remote starting systems just aren't compatible with the Lexus' vehicle immobilization system/security system(though, many shops sell remote starting systems/universal). And also the dealer said, feel lucky if you get a good installer and not a butcher!
During our travels, I asked several other Lexus dealers this same question about remote starting systems from Buffalo, Rochester, Tampa, FL, Scottsdale, AZ. All said the same thing as our selling dealer.
TODAY, the aftermarket remote starting systems may[MAY]be more compatible with MORE vehicles security systems and such but, it's hit or miss!
My wife has wanted a starting system in our RX for years but, I won't get one in this vehicle. The RX has always started fine and I don't want anything disrupting this!... The only way I will get a starting system in any vehicle is if it is already factory designed and installed per/vehicle!
Mostly, electrical gremlins or complete failures of the systems themselves! The other 40%-50% of the folks experienced no issues but also, didn't keep their vehicle very long(2-3 yrs). Many systems just aren't compatible with these complicated vehicle systems. Lots of early EFI domestic vehicles/similar vehicles were fine!
When we bought our '01 RX-300 brand new in Buffalo, NY, I asked the dealer about having a remote start system installed in our RX. They advised us against getting one installed. They WOULD NOT do it themselves and they DID NOT have any particular recommendations for any of the local electronic shops either though, all of the local electronic shops sell them. The Lexus dealer reason was:
Too complicated, too many wires to mess with, the aftermarket remote starting systems just aren't compatible with the Lexus' vehicle immobilization system/security system(though, many shops sell remote starting systems/universal). And also the dealer said, feel lucky if you get a good installer and not a butcher!
During our travels, I asked several other Lexus dealers this same question about remote starting systems from Buffalo, Rochester, Tampa, FL, Scottsdale, AZ. All said the same thing as our selling dealer.
TODAY, the aftermarket remote starting systems may[MAY]be more compatible with MORE vehicles security systems and such but, it's hit or miss!
My wife has wanted a starting system in our RX for years but, I won't get one in this vehicle. The RX has always started fine and I don't want anything disrupting this!... The only way I will get a starting system in any vehicle is if it is already factory designed and installed per/vehicle!
#11
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Living in central Texas, obviously I do not appreciate the importance of remote starter
Just remember, if you have unexplained problems after the instal, first thing you do is unhook it.
Lexus goes through a lot of trouble in providing hold downs and tension reliefs and vibration suppression. Many installers do note 'waste' their time and create problems down the road.
Salim
Just remember, if you have unexplained problems after the instal, first thing you do is unhook it.
Lexus goes through a lot of trouble in providing hold downs and tension reliefs and vibration suppression. Many installers do note 'waste' their time and create problems down the road.
Salim
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melski415
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02-20-12 07:51 PM