Viper remote starts

Looking at getting a remote starter for my 2018 Tundra. Do you all like the Viper brand, I’ve heard most like them, but I’m open to other brands. I know there are a few models with different options, looking for recommendations on what works for you/ what features you’ve gotta have/ what bugs you about your setup...if any
Thanks!
Drew

 

I didn't get remote start at time as it wasn't in the budget, I regret it, wish I got it, I have tilt sensor, glass breaking sensor, back up battery with extra siren (paid extra on side to hide it well) in case main is clipped

 

Lots of different options but I have had viper in all my cars. No issues hear. It’s fully customizable to ur needs also.

 

I had viper remote start for my last two trucks. I currently have one with a two way lcd screen. Added a back up batter and glass break sensor. You can add an app enabled feature but it sucked when I had it. Lots of bugs and lousy connection. Only feature I liked was the GPS where it tracks your vehicle. Most important is to get a reputable installer.

 

I did the group by from James using the Fortin Evo One and the Carlink (CL6) phone app. Plug n play set up and works perfectly.

 

I have a Viper alarm / remote start with 2 way LCD fob. I love it. The range is incredible.

 

I had one for 10 years in my trucks. Never had a problem.

I got another brand now but the guys that install it didn't sell viper any more

 

I had a Viper one way on my old 2011 Tundra and it worked well.

Now on my 2016 Tundra I just had the install shop remove the Compustar CS4905S-KIT with T-Harness
due to issues with the doors randomly not locking or unlocking and sending it back to compustar/firstech
for testing.

Its still covered under warranty so not sure if Im going to get the same unit or go a different route.

 

Check out 12 Volt Solutions as well, it's all plug and play. Top quality stuff.
https://www.12volt.solutions/

 

i have had Viper in the past, I've always used VIPER, never had any issues with them. No reason why it wouldn't do what you need it to do.

 

I have a Viper on my 2018 with the gps enabled where you can start it ,unlock/lock the doors from anywhere. Love it !

 

I just took advantage of the group buy and I am very impressed and loving the product. James answered my questions and sent me a link to the install video which made it easy. You cant go wrong with this unit love it.

 

I should have pulled the one in my ‘03 (SST) and saved it for the newer truck. The range on that WAS incredible.
The range on the Viper 5305 I bought stinks. Supposed to be 400’, I’m very lucky if I get 1/2 that.

 

I have a viper brand with remote start. It works excellently. I bought it used and the rechargable battery in the fob wouldn't keep a charge. I found a replacement battery on ebay for about $10 and replaced it myself as a new fob was $110! Works perfectly. Holds charge for weeks and starts up every time.

 

Compustar kits are reputable. I have the 2WG15R-FM remote start and I can start my truck from nearly a mile away inside of a building. The 2-way remote feedback is crucial, you HAVE to get that. Also FWIW, I have dropped this remote dozens of times on accident and it hasn't failed.

 

I have had the viper remote start since 2015, I was really unhappy with it for a long time, particularly the cellular based smart start. Sometimes my truck is parked several miles away at work. The cellular connectivity was important to me, and it was awful. Later, as they discontinued old 2G cellular service, Directed offered an upgrade to an LTE module and upgrading to the LTE unit has completely addressed all my gripes. The truck responds the instant you press the button on your phone its pretty incredible. It always has service and has not missed a command yet, was not the case before with the 2G transmitter.

I use the cheap 1 way transmitters on my key chain they have been dependable too. no issues, sufficient range.

 

Used Viper in 2 Jeeps had issues all of them in some form or fashion (Issue might have been the Jeep ). Went with Fortin in the Tundra and it was a SIMPLE install hour-ish taking my time.

I actually ended up ripping out the viper in the Jeep we still have an installing the same Fortin. It works 99% perfect since the last firmware update. For some reason the latest firmware causes the alarm on the jeep to go off if the doors are locked and it's remote started. On the Tundra the alarm goes off after the remote start times out. Both prob just need another firmware update or config change.

 

Wonder if that is related with carriers turning down/off their legacy networks with the upgrades to 4G LTE.

 

yes it was during that whole debacle. the thing was parked in the middle of a big city and had no service, drove me nuts.

 

Here it is now 10/9 and still no support from the installer/company or Compustar/Firstech. After several support contacts with Dan and Demar
I still have not received any authorization for a replacement unit and T-Harness, even thought It is still covered under manuf warranty.

Looks like a phone call is in order today instead of using their trouble ticket form and email.

Based on this - i might suggest Viper or some other brand.

UPDATE: got a call last evening from Firstech/Compustar - they are sending me a new 2 way and T-Harness. Sent me a return auth and a shipping label.

Now to find another installer in my area. Not going back to BB.

 

My dad, boss and myself all have Vipers with no issues. Both my dads and boss' were installed at the dealer and they recommended viper.

 

I used to install alarms: what's your budget? What remote range are you looking for? Do you want an alarm combo as well with it? Extra safety features? Do you want to be able to control it through an app (requires a subscription)

Depending on what all you want, this can be anywhere from $150-$1000 installed as additional modules start adding up. As someone mentioned before me, aftermarket alarms with 2 way remotes carry a price tag and so do replacement remotes. I personally went through about 3 remotes in 6 years from dropping keys here and there. $$$

Also, if there's a will there's a way. I had top of the line Viper with 2 way, backup battery, glass break sensor, tilt sensor, 2 piezo sirens inside the cab. I happened to park outside the 2 way range 1 night visiting a friend at an apartment. Thieves broke in. It doesn't take but a couple of minutes to break in and steal a stereo/amps/sub. They knew what they were doing as they pried the hood latch first to disconnect the battery. Sure I had a backup battery for the alarm, but it still takes 2 minutes or less to smash and grab.

I didn't bother with aftermarket alarm after that. My current truck has a Fortin remote start that uses factory fob to start the truck by hitting lock 3 times.

If you are looking for remote start only, find a plug and play. Viper is not. If you want to go alarm/remote start combo, let me know what all you want but more importantly, you want to find a shop that solders wires, uses split loom and/or tapes the wires to make it look like a factory installation (this will be the hardest part)

 

have the 2-way Compustar, got it on sale with free install from Best Buy for about $200. Love it.

 

I have always used Viper myself, and I did have the app (smart start) in my last Tacoma, but I ditched it for the same issues in reliability.

I have a 4806V in my Tundra with the 2-way LED remote and I love it. The fob is still pretty small and I get the 2-way feedback. I've always gone to the 4105 as a simple staple, looks like that was replaced with the 4606. Leve that they have the valet takeover option and the temp-based trigger activation.

 

I have had nothing but problems with my Viper 5706 on my 2018. Gotta contact my installer to get it fixed again. Attempt #5

 

What issues have you been having with it?

 

Only just problems with the remote start. It works for several months and then out of nowhere it will stop working.

Installed on my 2018 Limited in Nov 2017. This was before Viper had officially supported the Tundra so the installer programmed it for a Sequoia since those were supported for the H key.
Had to take it back 2 days later because the remote start would set off the factory alarm, so they had to program the start sequence to unlock/lock/start.
After that it worked well for several months.
Then when I tried to remote start I would get errors for 'trunk open' so I took it back and they could not find any problems, but just unplugging it and plugging the power back in fixed it and remote start worked again.
After several months of working, I would get the same remote start problems. It would either say 'remote start error' or 'trunk open'
Again, they unplugged it and plugged it back in and it worked.
After several months, again the problem with the remote start errors.
At this point, the installer said there was a newer firmware with support for the Tundra, so they flashed that.
It worked again for several months and then I would get 'remote start error'
I took it back again and the installer said he talked to Viper and there was a fix for the 2018 Tundras. They have to program it and change the setting to turn off the tachometer data from reading it through the computer/bus and instead wire the tachometer up to an analog connection. (That's what I was told?)
After that it worked again for several months.
Started getting the 'remote start error' again.
This time, I just tried it on my own - I opened the hood and closed it and magically the remote start worked again!
Worked for a few months and then gave the 'remote start error' so again I opened/closed the hood and now it works again.

No idea why the error comes up. No idea why just opening and closing the hood fixes it (even with the engine off)
I gave the info to my installer on how opening/closing the hood fixes the problem for now. I'm sure it will come back with the error again in a few months.

 

Wow - that's some crazy stuff, sorry you've had so much trouble but at least you've found a work-around. I installed my 4806V myself in my 2018 limited back in July. The only issue I have is the factory alarm going off during R-start. I haven't found the time to get back in the dash and reprogram for unlock/start/lock, so I just unlock it before I start it.

It almost sounds like the neutral safety switch is wired to the hood pin in some way. Do you know what kind of bypass was installed? I'm using a DB3 and the 4806 is set up for direct-connect.

 

This seems odd. I had mine installed in 2017 and there was no mention of the Tundra not being supported. It's been working fine ever since. You might want to track down a different authorized installer and get them to check things over.

 

I believe it's using the DB3 bypass.