Remote Engine Start -from Toyota

I have it. With winter coming I'll have to review how it works again, but it's something like - Press Lock button on the fob quickly twice. Hold it down one more time for about 3 seconds. Engine starts. Done.

As Paradox mentioned, opening the door will stop the engine. I believe this is a theft deterrent, since my car is parked in the driveway, not in a garage. It will also stop the engine automatically after about ten minutes. Enough time to warm up the interior, especially since I have the heated seats. I just have to remember to set the temperature and leave the heated seat button on the night before.

All in all, it works for me...

 

I have it and have used it. It takes a little practice to get the the timing right when pressing the lock button. A single button would have been better.

I've actually used it more in the summer when running into the market on a hot sunny day. But it does warm up the Prius in the winter and help melt snow/ice off the windshield.

The usual complaint is that if the Prius is running, it will shut off when you open a door. I've never found the effort of pushing the Start button enough of a bother to care about. Much of the time I get to my car after the remote start has cycled off (or I didn't notice it was on), so it doesn't matter anyway. I recommend that you don't even worry about it and just get used to stepping on the brake and pressing Start every time.

 

I use it mostly in the summer to cool the car. It works great. I am so use to getting in the car pressing the brake and then the power button to start I don't think anything about it stopping the engine when I open the door.

 

I am going to have it installed before the snow flies this year. As with others, I figure that I have to get in the car, depress the brake pedal and hit the start button without the remote start in order to get the vehicle moving, so it's no more effort with the remote start.

 

Having owned two aftermarket, one GM, and now they solar roof a/c design, I will offer this about auto start systems: check the aftermarket before you write the check.

One, they can be way cheaper than OEM solutions even with installation.
Two, they are usually better designed, more features, and much longer range.
Downside: additional key fob, may not be Prius compatible.

That the accessory Toyota unit cancels upon the door opening (like my remote a/c) is silly. Theft? The doors should be locked anyway plus the car shouldn't be able to be driven off without the SKS in range (easy software programming).

 

This toyota link says 80 feet. In my real life usage, it is indeed fairly short.

 

It doesn't extend the range, so it would be the same as your remote is now.

 

I just got the remote on my 2010 PRIUS IV. Not impressed with remote start at all. Really have to practice using the two presses and then one long press. Range is super short - 80 feet is generous! The door issue is stupid, but not a big deal. Was going to go aftermarket, but feared the implications on the warranty. Good luck with your install this Friday.

 

Here's my thing -- I have the V with the full-boat keyless access. The car's remote is by itself (I have all my other keys on a separate chain). So, I don't want to increase the bulk of the item needed to operate the vehicle as those remain in my pocket all the time. So, this leaves me two options: go with the factory remote start or go with Viper (I believe) and the Smart-Start. The Viper option alleviates any "range" issues. It's also at least 50% more expensive. Any other option will require the addition of another "remote" to the mix.

 

Anyone have a guess at what the average installed price might be?