Command Start

[flex]

Hi,
I bought my Prius on July 20 and paid for a remote car starter.

The dealership couldn't install it at that time because they tell me they are waiting for Toyota to make an override chip for remote car starter devices.

I still haven't heard...I e-mailed and they are still waiting for this override chip.

Anyone else have a remote car starter installed on their 2010 Prius, or are we all waiting for this override chip??

[royrose]

Originally Posted by flex

Hi,
I bought my Prius on July 20 and paid for a remote car starter.

The dealership couldn't install it at that time because they tell me they are waiting for Toyota to make an override chip for remote car starter devices.

I still haven't heard...I e-mailed and they are still waiting for this override chip.

Anyone else have a remote car starter installed on their 2010 Prius, or are we all waiting for this override chip??

I have remote start, was port installed in Portland, Oregon. Several other forum members have it also. I don't know what your dealer is talking about. Did you pay for a Toyota OEM remote start or an aftermarket one?

[HTMLSpinnr]

My advice: Don't let anyone talk you into any aftermarket alarm/remote starter. My dad was "sold" on the former, and continues to have "compatibility" problems (i.e. shock sensor delay too quick - closing the trunk sets off the alarm, beeping of horn when locking, etc.). I can't imagine how a remote start would function w/o being able to communicate with the Authorization ECU (or it's equivalent), which the Toyota remote-start system is capable of doing.


Toyota OEM may be more expensive, but you can rest assured that it will work as advertised, and usually with a direct in-line plug-in harness specifically for the Prius (no wire tapping/cutting). Downside of the Toyota remote start is the engine does stop once you unlock/open the door - however this isn't a bad thing IMHO from a security perspective.

[RodJo]

I took delivery of my Prius on Saturday. Like many others, I have a working remote start. Mine was port installed as I requested, but I know the dealer also installs them (with a mark-up). It sounds like your dealer is planning to either install a non-toyota remote starter (what did you pay?) or enjoy the extra cash.

[Blind Guy]

...It sounds like your dealer is planning to either install a non-toyota remote starter...
* You called your starter system Command Start, the Toyota start system is called "Remote Engine Start", check with your dealer to see what is the exact name of your system.

The Toyota "Remote Engine Start" is the ONLY starter system compatible with your existing Key Fob, and other system will have a second Key Fob you'll have to have in conjunction with your Toyota Fob.

David (aka Blind Guy)

[RodJo]

Originally Posted by Blind Guy

...It sounds like your dealer is planning to either install a non-toyota remote starter...
* You called your starter system Command Start, the Toyota start system is called "Remote Engine Start", check with your dealer to see what is the exact name of your system.

The Toyota "Remote Engine Start" is the ONLY starter system compatible with your existing Key Fob, and other system will have a second Key Fob you'll have to have in conjunction with your Toyota Fob.

David (aka Blind Guy)

Oh yeah, it turns out that there is an after-market remote starter called "Command Start" so I'm guessing the OP will be waiting a while.

[mjv]

I'm getting my 5,000 mile checkup at the dealer this Saturday and I'm also waiting on the Toyota remote start. I looked at an aftermarket option, but it would require using one of my key fobs, so I'm willing to wait as I don't want to be minus a fob if something happens to my primary one.

[anniea]

What's the purpose of remote start? I'm not even aware that it exists--what's the advantage of starting the car before you get in? And then, according to a post below, you still have to restart when you get into the car? Why not just start when you're ready to drive?

[royrose]

Originally Posted by anniea

What's the purpose of remote start? I'm not even aware that it exists--what's the advantage of starting the car before you get in? And then, according to a post below, you still have to restart when you get into the car? Why not just start when you're ready to drive?

It will run the heat or air conditioning to heat up or cool down the interior, nice on a very hot or cold day.

[pitterchi]

I had my Toyota Remote Start installed after I bought my 2010. Sounds like they sold you an aftermarket remote start. I made sure that it said "Toyota Remote Start" when I got that "We owe you" paper from the dealership. One of the biggest advantages to having the Toyota remote start is that you won't have to carry multiple remotes/keys. But, the aftermarket ones usually have a much farther range (like 3-4x further, sometimes).

I got it because I like to walk into a warm car in the winter and a cool car in the summer. Yes it wastes gas... but I'm not one of those hyper milers. Yes you do have to restart when you get in the car but its not that big of a deal for me. I'm really happy with remote start.