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remote starter

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by kroupa, Jan 18, 2015.

  1. kroupa

    kroupa New Member

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    my Toyota factory remote starter installed by the dealership doesn't start the car when it 9 degrees
    or colder. as soon as it starts it shuts down right away. if its warmer than that it works fine. the dealership
    says i need a new remote starter but i think they are just trying to rip me off. i talked a different place that
    installs remote starters and the said it just might need to be re-programmed but he won't do it he says
    go back to a dealership. has anyone ever had this same problem?
     
    #1 kroupa, Jan 18, 2015
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i agree, dealership is trying to rip you. how often is it below 10 degrees? try the toyota customer service line.
     
    #2 bisco, Jan 18, 2015
  3. kroupa

    kroupa New Member

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    i live in Wisconsin so it can get below 10 at any given time.
     
    #3 kroupa, Jan 18, 2015
  4. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    It is well known that the OEM R.ES. will not work under the 10 degrees mark.
    The problem is in withing the hardware but I do not know if there is a fix for it
     
    #4 mrbigh, Jan 19, 2015
  5. RRxing

    RRxing Senior Member

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    Same issue here. No known fix.
     
    #5 RRxing, Jan 19, 2015
  6. KennyGS

    KennyGS Senior Member

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    I didn't know. o_O

    It would be interesting to know the reason for 10F being the magic number.
     
    #6 KennyGS, Jan 19, 2015
  7. harleyjs

    harleyjs Junior Member

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    I have the factory remote start and it starts even at -10 below on my 2011 prius.
     
    #7 harleyjs, Jan 19, 2015
  8. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    What we can assume is internal parts grade that were improper specified for the RES specifications.
    I do not believe that Toyota ever made this components, must be an outsourced vendor for them.
     
    #8 mrbigh, Jan 19, 2015
  9. GregP507

    GregP507 Senior Member

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    I never heard of a "Toyota" remote starter, but my dealer installed a Compustar Pro 2-Way 901 and I've had nothing but great performance from it. it's the top of the line starter, loaded with features, and works up to a mile away. An added benefit is that it lets me lock the doors while the car is running, something not possible otherwise.

    When I was talking to various dealers around the city, most of them offered to install a remote starter if I were to purchase a car. One exception was Volkswagon; the salesman scolded me for suggesting it, saying it was a dangerous liability, and if I had one installed, it would void the warranty. I may never set foot in another Volkswagen dealership in my lifetime.
     
    #9 GregP507, Jan 19, 2015
  10. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    We know already of other brands and how well they work. This thread questions is for the OEM R.E.S. equipment.
     
    #10 mrbigh, Jan 19, 2015
  11. smokiejoe

    smokiejoe Member

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    Had the same issue in my 2011 Four. Factory Remote Starter installed by Dealer when New. $500.
    Would not start below +12F which was a major bummer.
    Toyota won't admit fault, but maybe if you can claim a Warranty issue, you could get it removed or get the main unit swapped out a few times until you find work that works at a lower temperature. Toyota's manual states -22F is the cutoff point, but there must be a problem with the temperature sensor in the main unit usually installed above the drivers feet area.
    If I had to do it over again, I would probably get an after market remote.
     
    #11 smokiejoe, Jan 19, 2015
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