12 Volt Solutions Vs Start-X Remote Start, (for Tundra Platnium/1794)

I have a 2018 Tundra Platinum and I recently installed the Start-X (Purchased from Amazon) but I was curious what people's experience are for 12 Volt Solutions.

It appears that the Start-X works but has some conflicts with the Platinum / 1974 high tier truck features. I'm not certain if Limited have these feature too but I would love to hear some feedback.

Problems with Start-X interfering and conflicting with truck's features
1. Auto tilt mirror when backing up (if you toggle and select L/R on your mirror)
2. Auto seat memory to restore on start-up
3. Scan tool no longer can scan for faults (unless I bypass and go straight back without the start-x unit)

I emailed 12 Volts but they never directly answered my concerns. They just said "Remove the physical factory remote start and our unit will work perfect with the unit." but I don't even have a factory remote LOL! I guess they did not READ the entire email.

Can anyone share what their experiences are for Platinum and 1794 with 12 Volt solutions? If it works better, I won't mind swapping out the remote start. If it doesn't restore the auto tilt or auto seat then there's no sense in paying more for 12 volt solutions remote start.

Thanks.

 

I have a 2019 1794 package with a Start-X remote starter. I installed myself and it's been working great for 6 months or so.

I'm not quite sure what all your concerns are but I'll try.

1. My reverse auto tilt mirrors work just as factory. I love the tilt when parking and can turn them off when backing a trailer or something.
2. I have two memory seat settings(mine & wife's) and they work perfect. I turned off the "seat exit" setting, when you turn the key off and it backs up the seat and moves the steering wheel up. I'm not sure if the starter will mess with that if you're using it.
3. ODB plug? The Start-x does tap into the OBD plug and I haven't found that it messes with any function of plugging a scan tool in but to my memory I've only plugged in a tire scan tool. I can't give you a 100% about this. It'd be really easy to unplug the Start-X, scan the truck and re-plug the starter again.

hope this all help.

 

Mine is an SR5 with StartX and I've not had any issue with the obd2 port connecting to my scanner. Used it several times. Fwiw.

 

Thanks for the response .
#1 my mirror no longer tils after the install.
#2 when using remote start, the seat doesn't move forward, steering wheel doesn't tilt down. Only when I use the key or if I reboot start it I have to press the L1.
#3 not that big of a deal but it is easy just to unplug the startx.

 

Phabej, just to be sure, your L/R mirror toggle switch isn’t in the middle position when shifting into Reverse, correct? The middle position disables the auto down-tilt function.

 

Phabej, Do you or do you know anyone with TechStream? those are all options to turn on and off in your CPU. I wonder if the were reset for some reason.

 

No I always leave my switch to the right or to the left. I know the middle disables it. But either right or left doesn't work after the install. Not sure why.

I don't have tecgstream but I have carista which should to be able to load those options. I will take a look.

 

I’ve had a start-x since 2019 in my truck and it has never not worked.

Range is limited to the factory remote, and it does cycle the door lock a lot. (Three locks to activate it, unlock (truck starts), lock, unlock to enter vehicle.

I’ve even swapped the battery out twice in it’s lifetime and it stay programmed.

 

Okay. I reset the mirror. It appears to work now but not the memory seat or steering wheel that automatically adjusts. It was somehow selected to user select it and not standard.



But this doesn't work for steering wheel option.

 

I went investigating and found that the steering wheel function is disabled. I turned off the "easy exit seat" but kept the steering wheel part. If I press my memory button the steering wheel will drop maybe a 1/4" and when I turn the truck off it will rise 1/4". It doesn't automatically move with the auto start though. Clearly I've never noticed this.

 

Yeah, same here. I have turned off my exist seat exit too, kind of a bummer but I guess better the factory start that kills the engine when you open the door.

I don't think there's a way to turn off the auto steering wheel drop down and raise.

 

Good afternoon. I have the 12 Volt solutions in my 2018 1794. It has worked flawlessly except for needing an update from the mfg. My sideview mirrors work as advertised. When I get in the truck. I hit my memory 1 button and the steering wheel, sideview mirrors, and seat all return to my settings. I hope this answers your question.

 

Hi. Thanks for the response. I was hoping that it would automatically position the seat in the same way that you use the key to start the vehicle. But it doesn't.

Based on your response, it seems like it does not automatically move the steering wheel or seat when you insert in the key to the on position after remote starting and you have to press the button on the door, is that correct?

If so,, then the two systems behave the same. I know I can manually press the l1 l2 setting but I don't want to do that. I think there's a limitation to using the remote start in general.. I was hoping to have the seat and steering wheel auto adjust just like when I insert the key to the on position. But I don't think it detects it because the vehicle is already running.

 

Good morning. That is correct. It will not reposition the seat and steering wheel. To me, it's become part of my routine when I get in the truck to hit the button. I can't speak for other remote systems. But the 12 Volt app system has saved me on more than one occasion, as far as being able to remotely start/unlock my truck from anywhere. The main problem with the factory system. Once you open the door, the truck shuts off. That's double duty on the starter. The starters for our trucks are not cheap and not easy to change. Choose wisely, my friend.

 

Ok update. I just got an update from Start-X. So I guess it's a "Toyota" thing that makes it hard to get to. So I would expect both systems (start-x and 12 volt solutions) not able to get to these features.



Feb 3, 2026, 09:55 EST

Hello,

After reviewing with engineering, it does not appear that these are features that we retained as these models are hard to get into.

If you are unhappy with the operation of the kit, please return it via Amazon.


Thanks.

 

I had the 12v system as well. I contacted them about the memory settings and they said you have to hit the button every time you use the remote start.

In researching some trouble shooting with the cell module, I feel they are the same systems, just with a different "sellers" label on them. Kinda like GE and Maytag.

 

It's a unique issue to the 2018 model year w/ this trim and features that most plug and play systems won't fully work with.

I have an aftermarket remote start, Compustar that was already installed on the truck when I got it. It works fantastic and the seat, steering wheel and mirrors retain all memory and tilt functions.

 

Damn 2.75 gens!

 

well. its like 2018 only, so 2019-2021 might be okay?

 

Cool, good to know. Do you also use the OEM key in three click?

 

Let me update this- after paying close attention to the process.
use Compustar to remote start and turn on the truck, unlock truck and get in, seat is fully back and reclinded in "easy exit seat" and steering wheel is up out of the way and retracted. It seems to be 50/50 if the seat will automatically adjust when I start the truck- insert key and turn 2 clicks it will remain on and I can press the brake. Seems that some of the time I will have to press the Seat Memory 1, sometimes I dont.

 

Interesting, that would drive me even more crazy if it's inconsistent . I guess I wouldn't mind pushing that button except it's not illuminated! So it's hard to see the bottoms when it's dark.

 

Update, okay so I found a way to "turn off" the tilt&Telesco!

Using my Launch X431 Bidirectional Elite Series scan tool I bought on Amazon (to perform alcohol density reset), I am able to get into the BCM and turn off the tilt & telescopic option! No need to use techstream.




turn this off! No more auto tilt/return function as I don't care for it anyways.