Command Start

[tomhalv]

Picked up my new 2010 prius a few days ago, IV white with solar package (one mile on it) and it also had the remote start installed at port, but after you start it with the remote the engine will shut off after a couple of minutes, called toyota and they said that is normal with the prius, think I should of saved my money and not ordered the remote start. In the winter it is nice to enter a warm cab but with the prius that will not happen with the engine off.

[flex]

Hmm, thanks for all the info....the dealership sold me on a third party remote car starter (a Viper, I think) because they said that the Toyota one is very basic. The advantage of the third party remote is that it is a 2-way starter...if I push the start button, it will start and radio back to the fob. If I am indoors and can't see my vehicle, I will know it has started. As far as I know, the Toyota OEM is very basic and doesn't do this.....I was excited the dealership would put in a third party starter for the same price, but now I am having doubts.....

[RodJo]

Originally Posted by tomhalv

Picked up my new 2010 prius a few days ago, IV white with solar package (one mile on it) and it also had the remote start installed at port, but after you start it with the remote the engine will shut off after a couple of minutes, called toyota and they said that is normal with the prius, think I should of saved my money and not ordered the remote start. In the winter it is nice to enter a warm cab but with the prius that will not happen with the engine off.

Hmmmm. It should run for 10 minutes after being remote started, which should be enough time to heat up the interior. And I believe you can do it twice, for a total of 20 minutes. If instead you are using the solar ventilation thing, that would shut off after 3 minutes.

[HTMLSpinnr]

Not sure I really comprehend the purpose of remote start on a Solar equipped Prius - that combination already has remote A/C for the summer. Only additional benefit would be a warm cabin in the winter.

For grins, I tried remote A/C to see if the electric PTC heaters would do "something" (it was an abnormally cool 43°F in Phoenix this morning) - nothing. Ah well...

[tomhalv]

Originally Posted by RodJo

Hmmmm. It should run for 10 minutes after being remote started, which should be enough time to heat up the interior. And I believe you can do it twice, for a total of 20 minutes. If instead you are using the solar ventilation thing, that would shut off after 3 minutes.

All of the instruction that come with the remote starter say that the engine will stay running for 10 minutes but on my 2010 factory (Port) installed remote starter the engine will only stay on for about one minute then will shut off. I call Toyota and they told me that nothing is wrong with it. They said that is normal for the Prius model. Not real happy with spending that kind of money for a remote start and then it shuts off after a minute to save gas.

[RodJo]

Originally Posted by tomhalv

All of the instruction that come with the remote starter say that the engine will stay running for 10 minutes but on my 2010 factory (Port) installed remote starter the engine will only stay on for about one minute then will shut off. I call Toyota and they told me that nothing is wrong with it. They said that is normal for the Prius model. Not real happy with spending that kind of money for a remote start and then it shuts off after a minute to save gas.

Then you must have a defective unit. I just tested mine and it turns the car on for 10 minutes, then shuts down. Complain to the dealer and document everything for your state's lemon law.

[tomhalv]

Originally Posted by RodJo

Then you must have a defective unit. I just tested mine and it turns the car on for 10 minutes, then shuts down. Complain to the dealer and document everything for your state's lemon law.

Is your prius a 2010 model? I might have to call my dealer to see what they say.

[Jabber]

Couple of things:

1) The Toyota remote start has limitations as to the distance it can be started. The aftermarket companies (Viper is one) will work up to 1/4 mile away with remote feedack. That is the one I personally own on my car.

2) The Toyota one should run for 10 minutes and shut off. Anything less is a defective unit.

3) Aftermarket ones are just as good relating to quality assuming you get a name brand.

4) Aftermarket ones will usually cost you another key to get around the security system. There is a work around being offered in the next 1-2 months though.

[RobH]

Originally Posted by tomhalv

All of the instruction that come with the remote starter say that the engine will stay running for 10 minutes but on my 2010 factory (Port) installed remote starter the engine will only stay on for about one minute then will shut off. I call Toyota and they told me that nothing is wrong with it. They said that is normal for the Prius model. Not real happy with spending that kind of money for a remote start and then it shuts off after a minute to save gas.

The purpose of the remote start is to operate the heating or cooling system. The engine only runs when necessary to warm up the engine or recharge the traction battery. So the 10 minute specification really refers to Ready mode, not engine operating mode.

The only reason I can think of where anyone would want to operate the engine for a full 10 minutes is a mechanic working on the engine. In normal usage, you want the engine to turn off whenever it isn't needed. Anything less would just be primitive.

Normal operation.

[RodJo]

Originally Posted by RobH

The purpose of the remote start is to operate the heating or cooling system. The engine only runs when necessary to warm up the engine or recharge the traction battery. So the 10 minute specification really refers to Ready mode, not engine operating mode.

The only reason I can think of where anyone would want to operate the engine for a full 10 minutes is a mechanic working on the engine. In normal usage, you want the engine to turn off whenever it isn't needed. Anything less would just be primitive.

Normal operation.

I might not have read tomhalv's posts closely enough, so I will also clarify that the "engine" does not run continuously. The hybrid system is on (Ready mode I guess) for 10 minutes to run the heater or AC and the engine itself only runs for brief periods to keep the traction battery charged. There is no reason to run the engine for 10 minutes straight with a Prius.