Hi all, with 3G support ending killing the Enform app I had read a few articles about there being an option to use remote start with the key fob. Is this an OEM option and if so does anyone have any experience with it or the install of it?

 

We bought a CPO 17 Rx350 that came with a 3 month trial of Enform. The fob only worked for remote start while the subscription was active. I’ve seen some reports that it continued to work for others but that wasn’t the case for me.

 

It would be nice to be able to remote start without a monthly/yearly subscription.
I've had a few other vehicles over the years that didn't require any if the option was
on the car to begin with. They were not Lexus but didn't have the price of one either.

 

I see there's some talk of an OEM unit but nothing I can find that includes part#'s etc...

The count of models affected by terminating services on 3G seems to be 90% of the cars made from 2019 and earlier.

 

I have been using 12volt.solutions remote start on my 2016 RC300 awd F-sport.
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with 12volt.solutions at all and there may be other companies that have something similar.
I got tired of paying for a subscription for Lexus Enform when all I wanted was a remote start for the cold winter months.
I have had this setup for two years and the system works well.
When I want to start my car I depress the Lock button on my stock key fob three times and the car starts up.
The engine stays running for about 10 or 15 minutes and then automatically shuts off.
Also the engine still shuts down when you open the door, just the way it does with the Lexus Enform.
Installing it was pretty straightforward it came with good instructions.
Personally the car should have had remote start as standard for a 50K plus car. But I guess we can't complain BMW charges a subscription for heated seats now!!

 

The only vehicles affected are all models except GX from 2017MY and prior, and GX from 2018MY and prior.

 

I may be interested in the basic 12volt.solutions remote starter kit. Did you have to remove the OEM Remote Starter harness in order for it to work? What happens when you disconnect the car battery, will you have to reset / reinitialize the controller again?

 

So I don't remember every detail because it has been a few years since I installed it. But I didn't have to leave any stock wire harness disconnected. This 12volt.solutions remote start if I remember correctly connected in between a harness I2C bus.
I do remember that after the installation I had to press a button on the controller and watch the LED to program it.
They had a video that I watched before and during the installation that made the process reasonably easy.
I also don't remember disconnecting the battery.

 

I have the 12v remote starter for my rcf, wife's nx, and for my ct200h. Technically the ct I made it myself but it uses the same module that pretty much ALL remote start kits use. Directed Db3 module. These normally go for $80, you can buy a T-Harness for around $20. Tape 3 wires into the t-harness from the directed module and you now have a plug and play remote start module.

It takes 30 seconds to program and you don't have to do anything with any stock wiring or remove anything. Uses OEM fobs and 3 clicks of the lock button and the car starts. You can pay the $300 for the prebuilt kids like 12v solution or do what I said above and make your own for $100. The directed module tells you exactly which wires to tap. On the CT, it was the parking lights, and two other wires right on the bmc harness. Super easy.

-Nigel

 

I only see mention of the DI DB3 module as a door lock module, is it pushing a signal to the starter as part of the "override" its capable of? It also seems to be a generic module so how did you find the leads to tap on our cars to turn it into a 3 click lock remote start?

 

To be honest I don't know but this is it:
Directed DB3 Databus All Interface Module Connects a security/remote start system to your vehicle's databus at Crutchfield





This was my kit for my CT.

Three wires to tap on the BCM connector.



In the manual for the module, I had to tap 3 wires on my CT200h. Parking lights and then two other wires BTX/BRX. I'm fairly certain these are going to be almost pretty standard on ANY Lexus that's new... When I looked at my RCF remote start, it's three wires, my wife's NX, it's three wires. My ct200h, 3 wires. It's all the same thing. They use a T-harness and then everything is plug and play. Then you hold the button on the db3 until it's red, turn the car one twice and it's programmed to do remote start. Super easy to do. Literally a 30 second program/sync.

-Nigel