Just wondering if anyone has had an auto start system installed in their es350. I don't want to disable the keyless entry feature with an aftermarket system. Lexus dealer wants $795 dollars for their system. Any thoughts or info will be very helpful.Thanks!

 

Seems the push button start is a problem with remote start systems. Priced out a new Lincoln MKS and if get their version of the push button start in their Ultimate option package, you cannot get their factory installed remote start system.

 

I had mine installed before I got the car as part of the deal, I did not pay a penny extra for it but its too late for you now.

Trust me when I say this- your dealer is NOT installing this himself. They contract a outside company to install them. They tried to pull that $795 extra on me stuff, I told them I know they are using the lowest priced guy they could find and that its probably not even costing them $200.

Check locally for the best car stereo shop or locksmith who has been around a long time, they are all using the same equipment anyhow but its how well they install it, its all plug and play now anyhow they are not hard wiring this into your vehicle.

The only bad thing- you will have to carry another remote and the car will not unlock itself when you walk up to it. You will push the unlock button, then get in the car as usuall and drive off. I want to edit this- the car will not unlock itself ONLY while its in auto start, every other time its business as usuall.

When you do get it dont do like my wife does, she gets in the car and sorts herself out, when she goes to drive off the car shuts itself off- the cure for that is once you get in the car within 20 seconds or so step on the brake pedal, then you can sit in the car all you want before rolling off.

I would never own a car without remote start again!

 

Thanks robF350! I have had remote start for 10 years on my honda accord and could not wait to get it for the es. The installer told me he could have integrated the start feature into the unlock button of the original key fob, but the car would be running and OPEN(no way) and the range would be about 70 feet. I went with a small seperate remote and have 1/4 mile range. So now I have to push a button to unlock the doors, but the steering wheel is warm when I get in at 5:45am!! Remember to replace the remote batteries once a year so you will not decrease your effective range. I have proven that if you hold the remote under your chin you will double your range. I am a glazier(commercial window installer)and from the 30th floor of the building I am working on I can see my car. With the remote under my chin my car will start just hold the button a little longer to compensate for distance.

 

RubyRed,

Would you mind sharing some details? What brand/type remote start did you buy? Did Lexus or an independent install it? About how much did it cost? Sounds like you're happy with it - right?

Thanks much!

 

From everything I've read or heard, letting a car idle until it is completely warmed up is one of the worst things you can do to your car.

 

so is getting in your car when its 20 degrees out and driving it!

and it sure beats having to take a ice scraper to the windows

I have had remote start on my vehicles since they came out with it, my last Lexus had it and in the 10 years I owned that car it never had a single issue.

 

I went with avital alarm systems.It is just remote start because The factory alarm system is excellent. Installed for $599.00. Dealer wanted $850.00 and could not tell me the manufacturer of the system.There was a remote transmitter with a LCD screen that showed you if a door,trunk or hood was open as well as indicating if the car was running, but it was bulky so I opted for the small thin 3 button remote(glad I did) to save some pocket room! I will always have remote start in every vehicle I own and recomend it to everyone with a car!!!!!

 

Lexucan........If a cold engine is started and left to warm up at idle that is the BEST thing you can do. Allow the oil to pump through the motor under Zero load. Also the transmission pumps fluid around at Zero load. If you get in a car start it, wait 10seconds put it in gear and drive you force the engine/trans to warm up under LOADED conditions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Loaded=weight of vehicle multiplied by the amount of accelleration

 

It's not the worst thing you can do to a modern, fuel injected car. If your car is carbureted that is a different story. But since you are here and commenting on a Lexus I would say you are not talking about a car more than 20 years old.

All you do when letting your Lexus warm up is allowing the inside to get comfy, waste gas, increase pollution and make yourself late for your dental appointment. Get in, start the engine and drive away slowly. The car will warm up properly. Just don't abuse it until it is up to normal operating temperature since other components of the car are still cold and you can cause some abnormal wear. If it is bitterly cold, like 10 degrees and if it will make you feel better wait 10 seconds to let the oil thin out a bit; but the engine warms up more quickly and efficiently under load.

How many modern engine failures have you heard of being attributed to 'not letting the engine warm up'?

 

My point exactly. I'm not suggesting you should get in, start the car, and take off like a bat out of hell right away, and especially not in very cold weather. But letting the car idle for long periods of time does it no good at all. A 30 second warm-up is sufficient and as you said, the engine will warm up more quickly and efficiently under load. Idling for long periods of time produces (in addition to more pollution) carbon deposits that will eventually affect the performance of the engine.
In cold weather, my usual routine takes about 30-40 seconds: get in and start the car, get out and scrape the windshield, get back in and drive away.
Within 1-2 minutes the heater comes on and the car is almost up to normal operating temperature. I haven't lost any fingers or toes to frostbite yet.

 

Where did you read that, on the box your remote-starter came in?

 

Ya, but the leather makes me **** cold until the heaters kick in

 

Hi rubyred08
where did you get your remote starter installed. when i call the lexus dealer here in detroit , they said that not only do they not install it, they would strongly recommend not to get one as it would disqualify the car for the warranty. any suggestions where i can get it installed
thanks