UPDATE 1/15/13 : I Built my own DIY Prius remote start kit, easy two wire install, module. Less than $275 See this other post for the 2010-2012 remote start kit. Called around and got quotes of $350 to $550 for remote start with OEM fob. --------------------------------------------------------- UPDATE: May 25, 12. Got it done in New Jersey for $275. I am very happy with the results. Anyone interested in NJ just PM me for mechanic's info. Remote Start, after market module - Notes: 1.) On Toyota fob - To start I press lock, lock and hold down the lock button. 2.) The lights, turn signals, hazards blink a few times for 15 sec to let you know it's remote starting. 3.) Car runs for 15mins to 60mins (push to start cars all run a set time) then I have to use the start sequence again for another 15mins. 4.) Car shuts off when the door opens or I hit the fob unlock button. 5.) Range is limited to my OEM Toyota fob. 6.) I use it mainly from inside the house to the driveway on cold mornings. 7.) Works great.
I've been thinking about the remote start for awhile. I have been going back and forth since last year. First I got some quotes and they were very expensive from the local shops, than I looked at doing it myself. A while back I was socializing the idea and a friend at work recommended a local person in Northern NJ who does installs. He's done gen III's and said it works. So I told him if he does a good job I could review his work. I want to help the person out because he's my co-workers friend but maybe not at full price. My only requirement is no 2nd key fob and start the car in the driveway during winter. At work, the car is in a covered parking structure so there's never ice on the windshield. I should of been more clear on my original post. I'll find out more this weekend. Thx.
Well there is no loss of a keyfob when done properly. Compustar remote start paired with an ADS blade module is the easiest/cleanest way. Get the cheapest remote kit of you don't care about distance and trigger it to start from 3 presses of the lock button. All Toyota PTS cars do not allow takeover. The car will shut off when you open the door and will require you to restart the car when you get in. You can also add the OE remote start, which is a VERY EASY install but it requires access to a Toyota laptop for programming. Any questions let me know. This is what I do for a living.
Got it done. Works great and it stays on for 15min before it shuts off. No extra key fob just use the Toyota OEM fob. Flashers indicate the car is starting. To Start Car: Press LOCK two times and hold button down on third press. All SKS fob functionality works exactly the same as before. Anyone interested in an install PM me for mechanic info in North NJ $275. Thx.
I don't live anywhere near NJ, but would be interested in what system was used. That's a heck of a deal!
The mechanic works on a few different type of remote starts. Just google remote start bypass and he uses the high end ones. He's using my car as a test case on different modules to get the configurations correct and wiring down. That's why he dropped the price. The easier/quicker the install for him the better he can offer the service. He needs the business because he's a one man garage. I mentioned he should build custom Prius kits and have them sold but I'm not sure if he is open to that because he could not warranty the install if it was installed wrong.
Thread necro here, but with just cause. Shortly after Hurricane Sandy, I got a hold of Nick and he installed the remote start on my wife's 2010 Prius. There was an initial hang-up with the flashing, but we got it resolved after a software update. The product works just as rrg described, and it suits our needs well. I would highly recommend Nick if you are in the NJ/NY metropolitan area. He is conscientious and detailed with his work. I'm pretty picky about who works on my car, and he was very accomodating. Thanks to rrg for the initial reference. Overall, this is a great product at a great price. Much better than walking around with an extra fob.
Yaozer, I've had it installed for 9 months with no problems. The only draw back is the fact you need to get used to the timing of hitting the fob button "lock, lock and hold down lock" sequence. Which is no big deal because the Toyota OEM remote start acts the same way. I suspect this setup is using the same internal systems as the OEM setup because of how they both behave the same. My only recommendation is to replace the key fob battery when you get a chance. The better battery strength gives it the best chance of getting the sequence timing right and help it get better distances, IMO. thx.
Made the mistake of getting the Toyota remote start. It has no range. It is problematic starting the car on cold, frosted over windshield mornings from my front door looking directly at the car about 100 feet away. Got a quote of $650 for installing the Compustar/MobileDrone system.the mechanic did tell me that he could install a good remote start for $300 if I didn't want the MobileDrone.
$650 for a drone mobile setup?!? Less than $200 in parts and an hour of your time and you could install the SmartStart yourself. Only three wires. Would be less than 100 if you want a remote starter with your OEM FOB only. Nexus 5
Hi all! First post! I also joined the club with a remote starter install, the DBALL unit and harness purchased from amazon. Install was pretty simple, 3 wires and the OBDII connection and whammo - it starts! No more cold cars for me in New Hampshire. A couple words of wisdom though... - I can confirm this unit works on a 2013 Prius with a trim level of 4 without any modifications to the instructions as posted. The yellow wire as suggested for the parking lights works perfectly. - I elected to solder the 3 wires onto the existing harness rather than use a tap. I disconnected the negative battery terminal first, and stripped the wires in place using a razor blade. There's no chance of a poor connection this way, and there was plenty of room for me to get in there even with big hands... - I used a wire tie to bundle the unit together with the spare wire, and tucked it between the body support and computer as others have done, great place whomever ID'd that to begin with! - If the hood, hatch or a door is open, the remote starter won't work. So don't get frustrated like I did... My hood was open since I removed the driver's left knee kick panel and switch panel (meaning I removed the hood latch system too which popped it open at first), so all I was getting was a long beep when I tried to lock it. - There were a number of people who said they saw seven flashes when their unit wasn't starting the car - I saw that too when the rear hatch was open. I'd suggest checking to make sure every door and hood/boot lid is closed. - If you elect to disconnect the battery post, write down any settings and presets your wife has setup in the car to not give away that you just tore apart your very new to you Prius. <grin>. All in all, a very easy install, and took me abut 45 minutes as I was very careful and had never taken anything apart in this car before. I then washed and waxed the car. I'm far from a beginner with cars, but I'd expect this could be done by a novice without issue at all. Thanks - and glad to be part of the Hybrid club! Jay
