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Remote Starter failed to start? too cold?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Savantster, Jan 5, 2011.

  1. ag_abhishekgupta

    ag_abhishekgupta Junior Member

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    IV
    I have the same problem, the remote starter does not start the car in cold weather (16F). I made a video proof of this issue. Interesting observation I made was the car would start with push button or with the remote starter while seated inside the car.
    Has anyone figured out a solution?
     
  2. is0ld0ut

    is0ld0ut Junior Member

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    Its been below zero here the last week or so. My Prius with the VIP remote start is doing the exact same thing. It shuts off after running for about a second. Manually starting the car works just fine.
    Did anyone find a solution?
     
  3. smokiejoe

    smokiejoe Member

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    *Bump*
    Same issue here.... Toyota OEM VIP Remote Starter wouldn't start car at 0 deg F this morning. Bummer. Wonder if there is any work around or easy fix using Techstream.
     
  4. ag_abhishekgupta

    ag_abhishekgupta Junior Member

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    I'm still having this issue. Has anyone found a solution. I'm going to the dealer for this issue to be looked at.

    My guess is it's the remote start control module - it's not revving the engine long enough for it to get going on its own.
     
  5. ag_abhishekgupta

    ag_abhishekgupta Junior Member

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    Oh by the way, I also have the original Toyota VIP Remote Engine Starter. Part# PT398-47091 .
     
  6. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    As a note, my wife's 2011 also has a remote start but an aftermarket one, made by Audiovox.
    It doesn't have any problems and we had, in Long Island NY, temperatures drops to -5 Fahrenheit.
    In short, blame the manufacturer of the equipment.
     
  7. smokiejoe

    smokiejoe Member

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    I believe there is an issue with the Remote Start Module like "ag" says. Toyota manual says remote start will stop functioning at -22F, but its seems some units are not functioning below +15F. Maybe the units are not calibrated correctly. Also in the Tundra forums this is discussed by some folks in Canada. They were able to get a Winter mode setup to have the Remote start function to -22F.
     
  8. ny_rob

    ny_rob Senior Member

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    In our Honda CRV- we had to have the (Viper brand) remote start "crank time" increased an additional second for cold winter starts.... it still takes 2 attempts in frigid weather. After 2 fails it won't attempt a restart again.
    Wonder if the Prius OEM unit needs additional crank time in near zero temps?
     
  9. RRxing

    RRxing Senior Member

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    Well, shut my mouth.... I had the exact same non-start problem this past week with temps down to the single digits. Toyota OEM remote start unit. Temps are heading back up so no sense bringing it to the dealer. If anyone has the answer please post it here. Thanks.
     
  10. ag_abhishekgupta

    ag_abhishekgupta Junior Member

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    IV
    My issue is resolved. Had the dealer replace the ECU on the Toyota VIP remote starter. I've tested it twice thus far when outside temperature was 7F.
     
  11. RRxing

    RRxing Senior Member

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    Thanks for the update. Did the dealer charge you?
     
  12. MisterLas

    MisterLas Junior Member

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    +1, having this issue on my 2010 with factory remote starter. Trying to get the dealer to look at it, but they are just telling me "it's normal" and they even agree with my argument "that defeats the purpose of having a remote start if I have to walk outside to start it because it is 'too cold'". Will post any updates I receive, but not holding my breath.