lesz

That is what I thought, too. For the Amazon listings that I see, they say that a paid Carista subscription or other software is needed.

When the Carista app first became available several years ago, purchasing the app came with a lifetime subscription to use it. A year or so ago, Carista changed that so that, now, to use the app, you either need to buy a one week or yearly subscription. Those who bought the app before that change can still use their app without paying for additional subscriptions, but, for those buying the app now, fault codes can be read without a subscription, but, to be able to use the app to change personalized settings, a paid subscription is required.

I could be mistaken and could be missing something, but, if I am, perhaps, Bob or someone else can point us toward how to be able to change personalized settings without paying for Carista, using Techstream, or using some other software.

jollick

I was an early adopter to Carista and was fortunate to get it with the lifetime subscription. I also purchased their OBDII adaptor.

mcomer

Another reason to use the fob deactivation feature (hold lock and then press unlock twice/watch for the light to flash 4X's)
is to enable you to lock the fob inside the car. If you are planning an activity that is not "key friendly" such as swimming,
jogging, kayaking and wish to take only the waterproof, lightweight and not $300 mechanical key...slip the key out, lock
the car by pressing the inner door lock switch and hide the deactivated fob under a floor mat. When you return you just
unlock the drivers door, press any button on the fob to wake it up and off you go! The reason to lock using the door switch
is if you lock using the fob before deactivating it you will have set the alarm...when you reenter the car using the mechanical
key the alarm will go off.

bc6152

Les and Jollick: I bought the app and adapter way back when with the lifetime free subscription. I didn't know that they now charged monthly for the app. You guys are correct...

mrBillFL

This should be a sticky!

NdYAG

Another one - holding the MODE button on the steering wheel works as play/pause (or mute/unmute if listening to radio) .

chromedome

Wait, US cars don't have a little button next to the mirror adjustment controller that lets you fold/unfold the side mirrors? It's become a habit of mine to press the folding button when parked and I also use it when squeezing through narrow spaces. I'd love to try Carista just to get auto folding mirrors.

Mike728

Nope, just the manual method.

chromedome

So you have to get out of the car and fold the mirrors by hand? Say it ain't so... I'm also surprised you don't get headlight washers, I thought those came together with factory HIDs.

Mike728

Yes and I'm glad we don't have the headlight washers. I had them on a prior vehicle and thought they did more harm than good.

chromedome

There's nothing magical with what Carista does, it just issues OBD commands to set certain options. Presumably those commands are the same as what Techstream uses. You could probably do the same with a Bluetooth terminal app connected to the OBD dongle, provided you knew what the commands were. Some hacking is in order...

hisstojay

I like the way you did not deviate from the purpose and focus of this post

mcmike522

I don't bother deactivating the keyfob transmitter to leave in vehicle. Just:
1. pull out the mechanical key
2. leave the transmitter in the vehicle
3. Lock the door using the mechanical key - the red light on the right side of the radio is on solid so I think the alarm is set
4. then later when I get back from running, unlock with the mechanical key

GraceGirl

Hi I drive a 2014 Lexus ES 350 with 60,000 miles and the car remote does not work, door just beeps and flashes, have to use key to enter, this sucks.....I can open any other door fine only drivers door not opening, I hear sound like unlocks but nothing happens, just flashes more when I pull handle. anyone know anything about this, I'm not impressed with all the bells and whistle when they don't work, anyone know anything I'd gladly appreciate

L3XUSFAN

Are you saying you have to put the key into the lock and then manually turn it to get into the drivers door?
If so then most likely the door lock actuator has gone bad and needs to be replaced. If the fob was bad then the lights and the other doors would not work.