Replacing the stupid factory Remote Start

It's so dumb that it shuts off when you go to get in the truck, and I also hate the hazards flashing. I would like to explore my options for an aftermarket system.

First, though, will the installer be able to completely remove the existing factory system? I don't want any remnants leftover interfering with the new system.

Next, any recommendations for ones that you like?

 

+1 viper. my buddy swears by his and I have seen it..I always get surprised when I talk to him outside and the truck starts on its own.. (gen2 rock warrrior)

 

Okay but how about removing the factory remote start? Is it a module or something someplace? I would think it needs to be removed completely, no?

 

Compustar. That's what many dealers install and I have it. It's simple, works perfectly.

 

+1 on the viper, I have this and love it. If you get the GPS unit you can track you car (or wife, gf, etc) anywhere!!!

I got mine installed at Best Buy and they just left the factory unit in. As long as you dont switch back n forth from the factory to the viper it won't hurt anything. They wanted more in labor to rip the old one out so I just left it.

 

I had a Viper system installed and I highly recommend it. Check for a preferred dealer in your area, they can install it and guarantee both the unit and the installation. https://www.viper.com/wheretobuy/

 

I'm thinking about getting the remote start as well. About how much are they installed?

 

Wondering the same thing, also for those with the Viper system, which one did you go with? They have the option of 1 way or 2 way communication, and also "entry level", "basic", and "value".

 

I went with the low end unit based on price. It has both alarm and remote start functions, and has a 1/4 mile range. The higher end units have a one mile range, and the top line unit links to your cell phone and has unlimited range. Mine was $300 including installation and a lifetime warranty on both the hardware and the installation. If you're in the Dallas/Ft Worth area, I recommend Bonnie and Clyde in Dallas. http://bncstereo.com/

 

I had Viper on my last truck. The 2 way communication is nice. The LCD screen on the fob tells you things like inside vehicle temperature, shows the countdown timer (mine would run for 12 minutes on remote start, but you could hit the button to extend it), and if the alarm is setoff, which sensor it is.

 

Thinking the basic 1/4 mile 1 way communication one will work for me as my goal is just to start it up while I'm getting ready for work as well as in the mornings during hunting season while I'm waking up and getting my stuff together. I'm assuming you already need to have your A/C knobs on the correct positions before you hit the start button for it to heat or cool down the car once activated?

How does it work when you get in the truck and its already on? Do you just insert the key and turn and let go as usual?

 

I just bought my truck and I was wondering if I was doing something wrong. Wow, pretty stupid that the car has to stop before I get in? I kinda like starting my truck first with the idea it gets a proper warmup. I'm not mechanically inclined so.... "what is a good proper amount of time to let a car run before you put it into gear?" Thanks!

 

Yes, you have to set the AC/Heat before you get out of the truck. When you get in the truck, turn the key on before you hit the brake to put it in gear, and away you go. There's also a "pit stop mode" that lets you take the key out and leave the engine running, exit the truck, and lock it, for those quick trips into the store.

 

I bought mine through Best Buy who matched Amazon. Usually they offer free installation if you purchase through them but I think I paid like 50 bucks since they price matched. I went with the 2 way with GPS module and paid like 400 for everything. That included an upgraded LCD 2 way remote

 

I have a setting on my main remote that shuts the engine off if it runs for more than 3 minutes after turning it on via remote start. There have been times when I start it up in the morning and then get sidetracked... 10 mins and .9 MPGs later lol

 

The installer can set the Viper alarms for different times. Mine's set, I believe, for 20 minutes.

 

20 mins is a long time lol. I can set it through my remote and have it at 3 mins

 

True, but I'm old and slow.

 

Hmmm my local installer quoted me $500 for the basic 1/4 mile Viper Remote start that doesnt even have security or any of the extra features. Does that sound right?

Said something about it requiring a special interface for the Tundra?

 

Toyota's do require an extra module, but that's still $200 higher than I paid. Is your local guy one of the preferred installers? Here's what I have. https://www.viper.com/car/securityr...-level-1-way-security-and-remote-start-system

 

Yep it was actually the only preffered installer on that list and someone who specializes in car audio and security...but it also mentioned bestbuy as someone who could do it so I stopped by there and everything out the door was only $329. Needless to say I booked an appointment for monday.

 

I guess I can see where a guy who does nothing but install those systems time could be more valuable than some electronic guy from bestbuy who is gonna be there anyway whether they have installs scheduled or not. Bestbuy probably doesnt mark it up for the install that way they can actually move the product since they probably dont sell too many of them. Supposably a 3.5 hour job. Those 3.5 hours plus the system probably cost the other guy much more than $329 if he does a lot of audio business as well.

 

Another Viper fan, installed mine with Pop and Lock tailgate locks and all works flawlessly.

 

Thinking ahead, it should make for a good time the first time I stay inside the house a minute while my g/f goes out to get in the truck and I start it up right as she walks around the bed past the muffler. Should setup a camera or something lol.

 

Lol. One of our friends has a 5 year old and he thinks he has magic powers over the truck. When he waves his hand like magician I press the remote start in my pocket. He thinks its the coolest thing ever lol

 

You can make your own "Vader Kid" commercial. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ja3Rg0N1BWo