Remote Starter
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,067
Likes: 456
From: Pennsylvania
Remote Starter
I am thinking about putting a remote starter in my "new to me" 2006 RX. But I worry about it messing up the complex remote/security system. Anyone done this? Pitfalls? Products to avoid or to be recommended?
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 771
Likes: 3
From: CA
I did see some integrated system and uses a DEI bypass module ( you will need to put your valet key in there ) You can then remote start your car from your master key
pushing the unlock button 3 times.
this is the remote start module
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Lexus...9357QQtcZphoto
Bypass module
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...AQ:MOTORS:1123
If you email the seller, he will give you a deal of $109 + shipping.
I wanted to do this package but have not purchase the parts to do it yet because I have way too much work to do with my 4 months old baby, maybe later down the road.
pushing the unlock button 3 times.
this is the remote start module
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Lexus...9357QQtcZphoto
Bypass module
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...AQ:MOTORS:1123
If you email the seller, he will give you a deal of $109 + shipping.
I wanted to do this package but have not purchase the parts to do it yet because I have way too much work to do with my 4 months old baby, maybe later down the road.
CL Community Team
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,868
Likes: 394
From: Ohio
My dealer's service manager, who has always given me good advice, strongly advised against an aftermarket remote starter; many of the ones he has seen installed played havoc with the very complex electronics in the car, including exterior and interior lights, radio, etc. He was a strong advocate for a factory installed, Lexus approved system, which is available on the '10 RX for the first time.
I would love to have one, but I followed his advice and am going without. Eventually I will get a '10 or an '11, and I can wait.
I would love to have one, but I followed his advice and am going without. Eventually I will get a '10 or an '11, and I can wait.
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 771
Likes: 3
From: CA
My dealer's service manager, who has always given me good advice, strongly advised against an aftermarket remote starter; many of the ones he has seen installed played havoc with the very complex electronics in the car, including exterior and interior lights, radio, etc. He was a strong advocate for a factory installed, Lexus approved system, which is available on the '10 RX for the first time.
I would love to have one, but I followed his advice and am going without. Eventually I will get a '10 or an '11, and I can wait.
I would love to have one, but I followed his advice and am going without. Eventually I will get a '10 or an '11, and I can wait.
CL Community Team
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,868
Likes: 394
From: Ohio
It's "not helpful" that the new remote start shuts off the engine when you open the door, but the remote start has, by that time, served its purpose by warming up the car on a cold morning. This is probably necessary to a higher level of anti-theft security, but since you have the real key in your pocket, a restart of a warm engine only entails pushing a big white button for one second, something I could live with.
Adding complex aftermarket electronics to an electronically complex car, and keeping a permanent key chip in the vicinity of the ignition, thereby removing a major level of anti-theft protection, is more than I am willing to do for a few remote starts, which is why I welcome the new factory system.
Adding complex aftermarket electronics to an electronically complex car, and keeping a permanent key chip in the vicinity of the ignition, thereby removing a major level of anti-theft protection, is more than I am willing to do for a few remote starts, which is why I welcome the new factory system.
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,067
Likes: 456
From: Pennsylvania
Ok, I had an Audiovox remote starter installed by an aftermarket place recommended by my dealer. I did have to give up the valet key, as you guys pointed out. It works great, however and I am very satisfied. Range is about 1500 feet...about 5 football fields. You have to insert the key into the door (to unlock) and into the ignition when you get to the pre-started car. Not a big deal. This is gonna be great on hot summer days and esp on freezing winter evenings (sitting out all day at my wife's work).
Lead Lap
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 604
Likes: 1
From: PA
Just be advised that there is sufficient evidence that extended idle times, such as when a remote starter is used to warm up the engine, can actually reduce engine life. It is generally suggested that optimum engine life can be obtained by starting the vehicle, letting it idle for 30 seconds or so and then driving off. Of course, keeping the rpms reduced until normal operating temperatures also helps.
Trending Topics
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Lead Lap
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 604
Likes: 1
From: PA
I can only handle one wife and she barely listens to me on car stuff.
Don't bother with the add-on starters that use the factory remote (pressing unlock 3 times, etc.), they won't work well on the RX. As mentioned, you'll lose your keyless entry ability because the car won't respond to the keyfob once started. Use a full standalone system with its own remotes.
Also, there are different bypass modules that don't require a key to be left in, I used one when I installed my starter.
Also, there are different bypass modules that don't require a key to be left in, I used one when I installed my starter.
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 771
Likes: 3
From: CA
No you don't lose the ability of keyless entry. This is just an option without having to invest lots of money on installing a complete alarm systems. The parts for an alarm system is not expensive but the labor to do it right, is not.
When you have aftermarket alarm install, the factory immobilizer also gets disable.
Yes, you do. Once started, the RX won't respond to the factory remote. You have to unlock the doors manually. I know because I tried to use an add-on starter. Everything worked except that, so I wound up having to get the extra parts to convert my add-on starter to a full starter/entry system. This is a common problem with a lot of the newer vehicles, not just the Lexus. You don't have to install a complete alarm system, just a keyless/remote starter. The OEM RX alarm is activated and deactivated by the door locks, so you can keep it active.
Driver
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 199
Likes: 6
From: Illinois
The dealer installed an Audiovox remote starter when I bought my RX. I paid a premium but didn't want any potential issues if something went wrong (one stop). The original version required me to stop the engine to enter the vehicle. Not very convenient. I had them upgrade the system (same price) to a full remote key fob that allows me to remotely unlock the doors while the engine is running. The factory key fob still works as long as the car hasn't been started via the remote. When I start the car remotely I use the Audiovox fob to open the doors (same as OEM - one push opens driver door, two pushes opens all doors, and another button to open the rear hatch). I also went with the option that allows me to start the car via an 800#. I've had no problems and would go with the same system if I had to do it all over again. And the installer did not need to use the valet key. The engine stops if I press the brake pedal if I don't insert the key into the ignition first.