Have a question about remote start. Recently picked up this beautiful, low mileage 2017 LS460 and trying to figure how to activate remote start function. On my ES350 that I had before it was activated through the Lexus Enform service. Once activated I was able to start it from my phone or by pressing lock button on the key fob 3 times. Now, since 3G is dead there's no way to get connected to the Lexus Enform services. Is there any other way to activate remote start function, just so it can be used from the original key fob? Appreciate any info.

 

There does not seem to be an OEM alternative to Lexus Enform but aftermarket.

 

The 2016 and 2017 LS460 models are what I call Orphans of Lexus. They discontinued Enform and we effectively lost the ability to remote start our vehicles and, as far as I can gather, there is NO aftermarket solution. Lexus married the 3G technology and there are not solutions offers for High Value vehicles which are less than 6 years old. Sad day for Long time lexus lovers !!!

 

Is there a suitable aftermarket for the 2017 LS460? I looked high and low - no luck!!!

 

Well, there are some aftermarket solutions. There are several brands selling complete sets compatible with these cars (Viper https://www.viper.com/car/remotestart/, 12 Volt solutions https://www.12volt.solutions/collections/remote-start and such) but I was trying to figure how to activate OEM system without using Enform. Thing is, it doesn't require Enform to work, it only needs it for activation. For example my 2016 ES350 has similar setup. When I bough it remote start didn't worked but once I activated Enform remote start started to work from the phone and from the key fob. When 3G went offline and Enform stopped working I lost my phone connectivity but I was still able to start it from the key fob by pressing "lock" button 3 times. This whole disaster with 3G shutdown does suck greatly and it is an image loss for Lexus (some other manufacturers have OEM retrofit solution already) but I think Lexus has something in works on the background though. Most likely they just don't want to announce anything due to the continuing chip shortage and other issues (whatever they could be).

 

I have the remote start from 12volt. I really like it. It’s easy to install and only took 20 min.

it uses the OEM kept fob where you press the lock button 3x and it starts. The car does shut down after you open the door and you need to restart the car like normal once in.

thx

 

Do you know of any install steps for 12Volt? OBD and light connectors are pretty straight forward, but I am not sure how to get to the BCM connector.
thanks

 

Why would you want to remote start your Lexus? Is that something only seen in the USA? Just trying to understand. Plus it is not offered in Europe

 

Much of the US has
Hot summer and cold winters. Remote start allows heater or air conditioner to make cabin comfortable before entry. Is it necessary? No, but the northern states can see temperatures in the winter extremely cold.