Am I missing something? Warming up the car outside while keeping it locked...

[nooaah]

Yup, I did exactly what Philosophe suggested in my Gen 2. I find the mechanical key to be a P.I.T.A.

[aapoppa]

Originally Posted by silverfog

Absolutely. In hot summer months I've left my dog in the car, and locked with the key leaving the a/c on -- but with the obvious risk of someone smashing the window to save the dog. In winter I see no such risk.

I've done the same (checking on him frequently) and leave a sign in plain sight on the windshield saying the air is on and the dog is more comfortable than the person on the outside looking in. So far no police, Humane Society, or broken window.

[ToyotaFleetManager]

Originally Posted by Rhino

I am getting a Prius soon and I have given it some thought. If you are worried about the car being stolen, even if you lock the door, couldn't someone with a brick drive off with it?

I think you need something like "the club."

The reason I am not considering a remote starter is that I am worried my kid would start the car in the garage when I am sleeping and kill the whole family. I know I have a CO alarm, the thought is still scary. I normally don't put the car in the garage. But if I do, or we are visiting a vacation home (just a hypo, I am not that rich) it just seems like the remote starter is a hazard.

I've never owned one so maybe it is not a concern. I am ready to be enlightened if anyone can provide me with insight.

The Toyota Factory remote start requires three seperate actions on the remote to start the vehicle. If the transmission is not put in gear after 10 minutes the engine is turned off. You can also turn it off by the remote.

Remote start is designed to warm up or cool down your vehicle before you enter it. It will not run the engine continuously without the driver engaging the transmission.

[Snowbell]

THANK YOU all so much! YOU are MY HEROES!

I tried the mechanical key this morning and it worked like a charm .
You can either leave the FOB part in the car or take it with you_it doesn't matter as long as you have the key.

I generally have to leave for work in the mornings sometime between 5:30 a.m. - 6:00 a.m. and I rarely leave myself enough time to be able to defrost the windows in a cold day. ...and yes, there have been frosty mornings already. So, I will start the car 5 or so minutes before I'm ready leave, finish getting my gear together and by the time I get out to the car, the windows are clear and the car is warm. I'm a happy camper!

Many thanks, again. One of the reasons I totally appreciate Prius Chat is the helpfulness of the members and the great information you would never get from the dealer or even find in the owner's manual!

[Rhino]

I am thinking about the person who do not have remote start. Who starts the engine and locks the door with a physical key.

Couldn't someone open the window with a brick, get in, and drive away?


Thanks you all for the insight on the remote start. I don't have one so it is nice to know. How much is the remote start? Can I add it to a pkg III Prius? Do I ask the dealer? Or does it have to come from the factory with a remote start?

[ToyotaFleetManager]

Remote start is either dealer or port installed. Port installed is usually less expensive. Pricing depends on region or dealer.

Not positive on the new Prius but on other Toyota models once the driver steps on the brake to shift the transmission the engine is cut off and you have to press the start button manually to put the vehicle in gear.

[Bobsprius]

Originally Posted by Rhino

I am thinking about the person who do not have remote start. Who starts the engine and locks the door with a physical key.

Couldn't someone open the window with a brick, get in, and drive away?


Thanks you all for the insight on the remote start. I don't have one so it is nice to know. How much is the remote start? Can I add it to a pkg III Prius? Do I ask the dealer? Or does it have to come from the factory with a remote start?

Rhino,
Read the earlier posts in this article. It sounds like you can open the window and lock the doors etc....take the key with you....

As for the Remote Start, that's a dealer installed Option. I was quoted about 349.00 for the unit plus 100.00 installation. There may be some bargaining room, or you can buy it on PriusChat for less and have the dealer install it...

I just figured it's easier to have the dealer order it, and install it.

Bob

[Rhino]

Originally Posted by Bobsprius

Rhino,
Read the earlier posts in this article. It sounds like you can open the window and lock the doors etc....take the key with you....

Bob,

Thanks. I understand now about remote start and I am very appreciative of all the advice.

Changing topic here. ------------------------------

I am talking now about someone who do NOT have remote start. If they start the car to warm up with the key. Close the door with window open. Lock the car. Close the window. All is fine. OK. The car is warming up WITHOUT remote start.

In this case, remember the remote start is not installed. Can't someone come with a brick, break open a back window, reach in, open the front door, and drive away. Since the remote start is NOT installed, nothing will prevent me from driving away. The alarm won't sound. How long would it take? 15 seconds?

[patsparks]

Originally Posted by MaggieMay

This will be my first winter - how long does it take to warm up, generally?

Thanks!!

About 6 months, it happens in spring generally.

[F8L]

Originally Posted by patsparks

About 6 months, it happens in spring generally.

LMAO!