Review: Astrostart 1105 remote starter system
06-21-01, 07:50 AM
#1
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I have an Astroflex (the company) Astrostart 1105 remote starter system on my 430. Installed, it cost ~$400. Thus far, I have been very pleased with it. I've been using if for about two weeks.
It has an advertised range of 1400 feet. While I have not tested it at extreme distances, the remote works well for shorter distances (500-700 feet) with relatively unobstructed line of sight (i.e. large parking lots, driveway and garage from inside house). In one instance, I couldn't start the car from inside an elevator in a parking garage a few floors removed from the car.
The system has a timing feature which starts the car every 2, 4, 8, or 18 minutes on a regular basis. This is useful if you leave your car exposed for a long time (i.e. airport) in colder weather.
The system replaces all functionality of the Lexus FOB (remote door/trunk lock/unlock, panic button, etc.) EXCEPT for the feature to lower all the windows and open the moonroof at the same time. You still need to use the Lexus key to do this.
In order to drive the car after remote starting it, you still must insert the Lexus key into the ignition and turn it to the "On" position. This prevents any nearby person from hopping into your remote started vehicle and merrily driving away.
The remote defroster, auto door locking while engine running, horn sound start indication and protection against starter grind can be wired into the system during installation.
For anyone considering a remote starter, I recommend the Astrostart. They have a good reputation in the industry (from talking to the dealer and a couple of independent installers).
You can find more information at www.astroflex.com (when the site is up - for some reason it wasn't working at the time of this post).
It has an advertised range of 1400 feet. While I have not tested it at extreme distances, the remote works well for shorter distances (500-700 feet) with relatively unobstructed line of sight (i.e. large parking lots, driveway and garage from inside house). In one instance, I couldn't start the car from inside an elevator in a parking garage a few floors removed from the car.
The system has a timing feature which starts the car every 2, 4, 8, or 18 minutes on a regular basis. This is useful if you leave your car exposed for a long time (i.e. airport) in colder weather.
The system replaces all functionality of the Lexus FOB (remote door/trunk lock/unlock, panic button, etc.) EXCEPT for the feature to lower all the windows and open the moonroof at the same time. You still need to use the Lexus key to do this.
In order to drive the car after remote starting it, you still must insert the Lexus key into the ignition and turn it to the "On" position. This prevents any nearby person from hopping into your remote started vehicle and merrily driving away.
The remote defroster, auto door locking while engine running, horn sound start indication and protection against starter grind can be wired into the system during installation.
For anyone considering a remote starter, I recommend the Astrostart. They have a good reputation in the industry (from talking to the dealer and a couple of independent installers).
You can find more information at www.astroflex.com (when the site is up - for some reason it wasn't working at the time of this post).
06-21-01, 08:44 AM
#2
Lexus Champion
sounds good but what about that specail chip each lexus needs? did they plant one in the car, because thats what they said they had to do... and then its just like any car and can be eaisily stolen....
06-21-01, 09:17 AM
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A transponder is planted in the car. When the remote starter is activated, it works with this transponder so the proper rolling code is sent to the engine control computer.
06-21-01, 11:38 AM
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It's no less secure than the original Lexus FOB.
In essence, the remote starter along with the additional transponder performs the security functionality of the Lexus FOB. Activating the remote starter causes a rolling code to be sent from the transponder to the engine control computer to enable the ignition and fuel injection - the exact same thing the Lexus FOB does.
You also need the original Lexus key to drive the vehicle. Touching the brake without the key in the ignition turns off the car.
In essence, the remote starter along with the additional transponder performs the security functionality of the Lexus FOB. Activating the remote starter causes a rolling code to be sent from the transponder to the engine control computer to enable the ignition and fuel injection - the exact same thing the Lexus FOB does.
You also need the original Lexus key to drive the vehicle. Touching the brake without the key in the ignition turns off the car.
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