Remote Start compatible with Smart Key?

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Remote Start compatible with Smart Key?

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Remote Start compatible with Smart Key? - 2/11/2008 9:35:18 AM

lurchbird

Posts: 6
Joined: 2/4/2008
Status: offline

New member with new 08 Camry XLE. It never dawned on me that a remote starter would make my Smart Key system a waste. The dealer just installed an Audiovox/Pursuit remote starter. When I lock and alarm with the Pursuit, the Smart Key does not unlock the door. OK, this is my first car alarm, but it would seem to me that having the car's Smart Key would turn off the alarm and allow me to open the door. Somehow the two systems should be able to integrate?

So I put the system on Valet mode (effectively disabling the alarm) and lock the car outside with the handle and Smart Key in my pocket. I can then unlock and lock as I normally would with the Smart Key. Except when I start the car with the Remote Starter, the car can only be unlocked with the Pursuit, even though it was not locked by Pursuit and the display on the key-fob shows unlocked.

Now even more maddening, when the car is running from remote start, there is no way to get in the car and start moving without first shutting off the engine. Why? Well, to use the Smart Key starter you have to put your foot on the brake. This shuts off the engine on Remote Start. Pressing the Smart Key dashboard button to switch into "Ignition On" without touching the brake also turns the engine off. Grrr...

Any other ideas? I'm ready to have the dealer remove it.
Thanks.
Mark

Post #: 1

RE: Remote Start compatible with Smart Key? - 2/12/2008 9:34:22 AM

lurchbird

Posts: 6
Joined: 2/4/2008
Status: offline

*update from dealer*
my salesman asked other salesmen if the remote starter they installed is compatible with the Smart Key, and they all said "yes". So it seems as though they need some training. My salesman then asked the porter in the service area about this setup. He figured this guy has keys in and out of his hands all day long (pretty smart idea to ask the porter). The porter said that he hasn't seen a setup that works well with the Smart Key. The sales manager called me and said that they would take the system out and refund my money if I wasn't satisfied. I stated that I was willing to speak with the installer (the dealer sent it out to a third party) to discuss the setup first, but that I would most likely take him up on the offer if I didn't like the installer's answers. Later last evening I got a call from the service department for a follow-up, asking me if I was happy with my service visit (I guess the departments don't talk to each other). I told the gal that I was having issues with the remote starter install and was working with sales. She offered up to me that she has heard of many issues of compatibility with the Smart Key system! ARGH! That is what gets me the most, that a dealer is willing to sell a system that they *should* know is not compatible, rather than just going for the extra sell.

Anyway, I'll post another response after I talk to the installer.
Mark

(in reply to lurchbird)

Post #: 2

RE: Remote Start compatible with Smart Key? - 2/12/2008 3:24:24 PM

lurchbird

Posts: 6
Joined: 2/4/2008
Status: offline

*second dealer update*
dealer spoke to installer's lead tech guy, who confirmed that the system they installed is not compatible with Toyota's Smart Key system. So I am taking the car back tomorrow to get the remote start un-installed. I hope my experience will help others in doing their homework in the future before getting a remote starter system installed. Maybe someday someone will design a system that works with Toyota's and has decent range. Does Viper have one that works? If someone knows of a compatible system, please let me know.

Thanks.
Mark

(in reply to lurchbird)

Post #: 3