Hello,
​​​​​​Purchased a 2008 400h with 140kms, so far very impressed with the way the vehicle drives, extremely smooth and comfortable ride.

Just had a few questions:

1) Installed an aftermarket remote starter, issue I'm finding is the car keeps running past 20mins. When i contacted the shop, they said it's a hybrid, they run longer by remote starter, even though the manual of the remote said 15mins. He couldn't give me an exact time. Is what he's saying correct, or he's just talking out of his rear?

2) In regards to the auto wipers, do you just keep the lever all the way up and that is auto?

3) Any issues with keeping it outside in -30 degrees celsius?

4) Any recommended adapters that are fairly simple to install to have an auxiliary plug in?

5) Anyway to have the rear trunk open automatically when you click it from outside?

6) Also any tips and tricks or modifications one should do?

Sorry for all the questions, just wanted to get everything asked one shot.

Thanks in advance!

 

1: not sure, can't see why the remote start would operate differently though.
2: top position is off, next down is auto, then slow, then fast. The adjustment **** on the wiper stalk is for adjusting operation when in auto mode.
3: that's pretty cold but I would imagine Toyota tested their vehicles in all conditions. If anything, run a 0w20 oil if you are subjecting it to frequent cold starts at sub zero f.
4: do a search, there are many threads talking about a brand of kit that adds Bluetooth music and or aux input, just can't remember the brand.
5: you can set the trunk button to open the hatch automatically if you have techstream software.
6: good tires if you are in the snow!

 

All doors need to be unlocked in order for the rear hatch to open remotely. Both my Lexus and Sienna work this way. My lock is programmed to open the driver door on the first click and the remaining doors on the second click.

 

1. KNIVO BT is my absolutely favorite Aux BT adapter. Inexpensive, very good hands free quality and you can FFWD/RWND with it too.
2. Both my Highlander Hybrid and wife's RX350 open tailgate when button is pressed and held. Never needed to press twice or else.
3. I am not sure what you mean in question 1. ICE - internal combustion engine - should run until the system is warmed. System, not car. Primarily cat and EVAP. then, unless you are moving faster than 42mph or accelerating exceeding electric motor capacity, ICE should turn off. Is your remote start somehow holding it running? I mean, it will run longer winter time, sure, but summer ti me - very short instance.
4. those car are rolling computers. You want to mod something, mod 97 Civic. Hybrids are very expensive to repair and rather sensitive to "modding".

 

Thanks for the info mnewxcv!

1) The tailgate opens automatically from the button inside and from the remote, but if you physically walk up to the tailgate and press the button, it is a manual open, is that just the way it is?
2) How do plug in the adapter you mention? Its a USB?
3) So I'm used to, you turn on the vehicle with a remote start, the car runs for 15mins and turns off automatically. With my unit, I timed it yesterday, it was running for 20mins, I ended up just turning it off after, didn't want to keep wasting gas. So maybe the mechanic didn't install the timer on it properly. I can't risk one of the kids turns on the vehicle one day with the remote and it stays running the whole night lol.
Thanks for the information on how the system works, I was actually going to ask if there is a good website that really explains how the system works and performs.
4) With mods I meant more along the lines of, my 04 4Runner, everyone said remove this stock carbon filter and you'll experience a bit more go from the vehicle at acceleration, allowed more air. Something along those lines, but yeah you're definitely correct, it's literally a rolling computer, would not touch anything.

Thanks for the information!

 

If you have techstream software you can set the hatch button to power lift the tail gate rather than manually. If you don't know, techstream is the software Toyota dealers use to control and modify basically all the computers in Toyotas and Lexus. Worth noting not everything can be changed, don't expect to change anything too interesting, but you can read and program tpms sensors, turn on or off daytime running lights, adjust the sensitivity of the automatic wipers and headlights, etc. Things that I changed are to have the hatch button be power lift (what we've been talking about), pressing unlock on the remote once opens all doors (instead of having to press it twice) , set the amount of time your headlights stay on when you turn off the car, how long the interior lights stay on after closing a door, and if you want it to fade off or instant off. It will also read all fault codes for all the computers. Techstream software and required cable are usually available as a bootleg kit from Amazon, check out the techstream thread in the sc430 subforum for more info, or just ask.

 

I think the installer is talk out their rear end. I have the compustar starter that shuts off at 15 mins. I would guess you just need to adjust the settings of the unit. See owners manual.

I have added a trailer hitch and auto autostart so far. Cheap bt cigarette for music.