Hi Everyone-

I'm interested in buying a new xD and I've got a question regarding the optional remote engine start. I read on one review that after the car has been remotely started, the car shuts down when you unlock it. Then, when you get in, you have to start it up again.

Here's the quote - " the world's most awkward remote engine start system (unlocking the doors shuts off the engine, so once you get in you have to start it back up again)"

and the website - http://cars.about.com/od/scion/fr/ag_08scionxd.htm

Does anyone know if this is true?

Thanks in advance,
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Actually I don't know anything about that! It might be possible that a dealer around you has one with that option already on it, but I kinda doubt it. Nothing against About.com but.. I prefer ConsumerReports or personal experience :D

I haven't seen anyone on this forum say they have remote start, if they did I'm sure they would be bragging :) Try scion.com to see what they say or stop by the dealer and ask about it. Maybe they'll have one on the xB 2 that closely or exactly matches whats on the xD.

Hey, thanks for the reply.

Yeah, it sounds like I may have to head down to the dealership since no one seems to have that option around here. I looked all over the Scion website but they don't mention any details about the remote start.

When I find out how it really works, I'll post the information.

I'm pretty close to pullin' the trigger on a new Magnetic Gray xD with TRD wheel package and nav...

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Where are you located in AZ?

Where are you located in AZ?

Chandler.

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I have verified that the remote start works this way:

1. remotely start your car (car is now running w/doors locked)
2. when you get to your car, you unlock it, car turns off
3. get in, start car back up

Apparently all the Toyotas as well as the Scions work this way. Supposed to be some kind of "safety feature".

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ok when you put a remote start this is how it works. if they program it to the factory keyless entry then you press lock,unlock,lock and the car will start by it self within 2 secs cause for the 1st sec you'll hear the fuel pumps starting up then the motor. the doors will remain locked until you press the unlock button when your next to the car, that way no idiot will try to bust a quick get in and go. after you press the unlock the driver door will open and 2 times it will open all doors like the basic keyless entry. hop in the car and put the key in the ACC mode and just step on the brake and the car won't turn off which means it's working correctly. once you step on the brake it disables the system so it won't shut off the next time you press the brake. now to leave it running you have to program it like if it was a turbo timer where you can take out the key, lock the doors and walk away knowing that your car will shut off within the time it was programmed.

I have verified that the remote start works this way:

1. remotely start your car (car is now running w/doors locked)
2. when you get to your car, you unlock it, car turns off
3. get in, start car back up

Apparently all the Toyotas as well as the Scions work this way. Supposed to be some kind of "safety feature".

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1. is correct.
2. is incorrect.
3. is incorrect as well, read post before this one which i just put.

Thanks for some solid first-hand information.

I posted what was told to me at the dealership (after the guy went and asked two other guys). I guess I should know better than to think the salesmen know anything about the cars they sell!

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yeah i install alarms for dealers and the salesman usually come to me first cause they want to make sure they know what there talking about before they offer it cause what if they tell you yeah the remote start comes with an alarm (not true but you can do both or either one of choice if you want). so customers will then start to complain afterwards and it just creates a big mess. i haven't done a xD yet but a co-worker did and it seemed to work fine and the customer was really happy cause it's something to show off to friends you know.

We have the Scion Remote Start on our company car (2008 xB) which works the same way the Scion Remote Start would work on the xD, and it shuts off when hitting the unlock buttons to get in, (just like AcidDrop stated, so that nobody can just jump in your car and take off with it)-

As for it being the most awkward system, well- maybe so, but its purpose is not so that you can start the car from a distance, jump in and take off-- its purpose is so that when its cold (or hot) you can turn off the car with the heater or A/C on, and then when you hit the remote start, the car is warmed up or cooled down for you when you get in- but you will need to actually manually start the car when getting in.... and it works the same with Toyotas-

Has anyone installed an "aftermarket" remote starter yet? Hopefully it will not suffer the stupidity of the factory auto starter.

We have the Scion Remote Start on our company car (2008 xB) which works the same way the Scion Remote Start would work on the xD, and it shuts off when hitting the unlock buttons to get in, (just like AcidDrop stated, so that nobody can just jump in your car and take off with it)-

As for it being the most awkward system, well- maybe so, but its purpose is not so that you can start the car from a distance, jump in and take off-- its purpose is so that when its cold (or hot) you can turn off the car with the heater or A/C on, and then when you hit the remote start, the car is warmed up or cooled down for you when you get in- but you will need to actually manually start the car when getting in.... and it works the same with Toyotas-

Exactly - your description of the function is exactly correct. And its been really cold the last couple mornings and I have wished with great fervor that I had purchased a remote start as the car would have been nice and toasty when I got in.

We have the Scion Remote Start on our company car (2008 xB) which works the same way the Scion Remote Start would work on the xD, and it shuts off when hitting the unlock buttons to get in, (just like AcidDrop stated, so that nobody can just jump in your car and take off with it)-

As for it being the most awkward system, well- maybe so, but its purpose is not so that you can start the car from a distance, jump in and take off-- its purpose is so that when its cold (or hot) you can turn off the car with the heater or A/C on, and then when you hit the remote start, the car is warmed up or cooled down for you when you get in- but you will need to actually manually start the car when getting in.... and it works the same with Toyotas-only thing is that we program them for the car to stay running for even when you press the unlock if not to shut it off within 10 mins if you don't hop in cause it'll already be warm by that time and you'll be wasting gas. i got the same module with me for my car, just that i've been laggin it but i'm going to see if i have time this weekend. btw my module is an audiovox remote start module, scion doesn't make them but if you got it done through the dealer then i could be the same as to what i have.

I bought an aftermarket for my '06 xB and it was wonderful--would run until you hit the brake or tried to put in D. you could also lock and unlock one or all the doors. Called Scion 1.866.707.2466 to have one installed in my '08 xB, and they said it only starts the car, once you lock or unlock it will turn off and there is no bypass to install. So then you must get in and re-start the enging. Rough on starters????????? not a good remote. Remote starts have been around too long and most are better than this.

That is really retarded. Acidrain, that i believe is the way a remote start should work. Hit unlock get in your car and put the key in the ignition and then take off. If the key is not in the ignition and you hit the brakes the car shuts off. No one will be able to steal your car cause they won't even be able to get it in gear. No biggie. Thats how the remote starts on the Lexus' work.
I was considering getting one, but if i have to turn off and on the car again, its not really worth my while.

I bought an aftermarket for my '06 xB and it was wonderful--would run until you hit the brake or tried to put in D. you could also lock and unlock one or all the doors. Called Scion 1.866.707.2466 to have one installed in my '08 xB, and they said it only starts the car, once you lock or unlock it will turn off and there is no bypass to install. So then you must get in and re-start the enging. Rough on starters????????? not a good remote. Remote starts have been around too long and most are better than this.

Which one did you have installed? How long is the range?

That is really retarded. Acidrain, that i believe is the way a remote start should work. Hit unlock get in your car and put the key in the ignition and then take off. If the key is not in the ignition and you hit the brakes the car shuts off. No one will be able to steal your car cause they won't even be able to get it in gear. No biggie. Thats how the remote starts on the Lexus' work.
I was considering getting one, but if i have to turn off and on the car again, its not really worth my while.it's Aciddrop, and yes that is how it has always worked. and why would you remove your key once you put it in the ignition??? you leave it in and still turn it and then drive off.

I have a 2008 xB and just installed the OEM Scion Remote Engine Starter. After installing this I can confirm that when you unlock the door with the remote or the key in the door the engine shuts off. The engine also shuts off if you insert the key in the ignition, press the brake pedal, or pull the hood release. I am a mobile electronics installer and have installed many remote start systems, none of which shut the engine off when you unlock the doors! This is by far the worst investment I have ever made. What is the point of starting the engine remotely if you have to start it again when you get in?
Remote start is supposed to start the engine and allow you to open the door and insert the key to drive away. Security is not a concern because the system shuts off the engine if the brake is pressed before the key is inserted and turned to the "on" position. What was Toyota/Scion thinking?

i did aftermkt (viper 5900) been installing for years, but never had one myself...now i understand why ppl get them haha took about 4 hours total really fun to work on i seriously need to take pics of my LED looks cool i will one day...

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Get the aftermarket ones. I got the viper 2-ways on my bigger cars/trucks to get them warmed up before I get to them. I didn't get one for my xd because they warmed up fairly fast.

This is how mines work.
1 - Press auxilary button on remote, Engine will start up. (Got it to run 4 minutes before shutting off with no activity, and alarm still on.)

2 - Disarm vehicle with remote. (Engine still at idle)

3 - Insert key and turn to on. (Engine still at idle)

4 - Step on the brakes (wait for beep) and at this point, your in control of your vehicle.

Safety features.
1 - When my 8 minutes are up without any activity, It will shutoff and vehicle still armed.

2 - After you disarm the vehicle and someone jumps in before you and tries to drive away, they can't because the key is not in the ignition and once they step on the brakes to put in gear, the vehicle will shut down. At this point, you can do one of three things. 1) press the panic button on the remote to set the alarm off, 2) yell like hell to get someone to help you or 3) beat the crap out of the person (Disclaimer: I do not approve of option 3. LOL)






IMO, I think I made a right decision in not ordering the OEM remote start. After reading what you have to go through (car shuts down after disarming and have to restart, that sux).

I think Clifford alarms are the same way as the vipers also, not sure.

Good luck guys, hope I had something to give.

Aloha


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I bought an aftermarket for my '06 xB and it was wonderful--would run until you hit the brake or tried to put in D. you could also lock and unlock one or all the doors. Called Scion 1.866.707.2466 to have one installed in my '08 xB, and they said it only starts the car, once you lock or unlock it will turn off and there is no bypass to install. So then you must get in and re-start the enging. Rough on starters????????? not a good remote. Remote starts have been around too long and most are better than this.

Which one did you have installed? How long is the range?

auto mate remote start--will start about 25 yards away

It's not like when you get in the car after a remote start, you don't have to put the key in the ignition and push it to start.

There's not any extra effort, lost time or anything, and if you're complaining about losing gas, you're probably not the type to have your car running without you in it, ever.

It's a smart security feature.

Toyota thinks about these things.

I was going to get OEM but after reading that it shuts off when door is unlocked/opened..I said screw that.

I bought Viper 5701. Its 2-way remote like the 5900 minus the LCD screen and the battery lasts longer. 5701 works on both manual and auto tranny. Install is easier in terms of wiring.

Excuse the ignorance and sorry for bumping old threads but - Is remote start available/legal on a xD with manual transmission? When I went in they said that Scion will not do it on MTs but didn't give a reason.

Excuse the ignorance and sorry for bumping old threads but - Is remote start available/legal on a xD with manual transmission? When I went in they said that Scion will not do it on MTs but didn't give a reason.

I think some remote starters cannot be installed on manual transmissions, because it could be possible to start the car when it is in gear and the emergency brake is not engaged, and so on.

But there are also remote starters for manual cars that have safety checks for that kind of thing. Maybe someone knows if you can get one from Scion or Toyota but I might also recommend calling a few dealerships in your area to see if any of them can hook one up to a manual.

I was going to get OEM but after reading that it shuts off when door is unlocked/opened..I said screw that.

I bought Viper 5701. Its 2-way remote like the 5900 minus the LCD screen and the battery lasts longer. 5701 works on both manual and auto tranny. Install is easier in terms of wiring.

i put several on some cars already its way awesome! i was debating if i wanted to go with the 5701 or 5900 i just went with the longer range but i still like the 5701.

to answer the question for manny trans, newer alarms including the 5701 can be used but u have to "prime" the alarms which is a certain sequence before u leave the car so it will be ready to remote start after u prime it

I think some remote starters cannot be installed on manual transmissions, because it could be possible to start the car when it is in gear and the emergency brake is not engaged, and so on.

But there are also remote starters for manual cars that have safety checks for that kind of thing. Maybe someone knows if you can get one from Scion or Toyota but I might also recommend calling a few dealerships in your area to see if any of them can hook one up to a manual.

I've never been in a car that will start up if the clutch isn't engaged. I just stopped by the dealership today and forgot to ask... dur I'm a tard, I'll just give service a call.

i installed my AutoPage Rs1000 in my xD... its a manual as well.. all i did was bypass the clutch, i don't need to press the clutch to start anymore... everytime i get out of my car, i apply the parking brake (i hooked up the safety wire, if the brake isn't applied it won't remote start), and i purposely check to make sure it is in neutral by wiggling the shifter, but i always parked in neutral to begin with in any manual transmission car i have every driven or owned.

i installed my AutoPage Rs1000 in my xD... its a manual as well.. all i did was bypass the clutch, i don't need to press the clutch to start anymore... everytime i get out of my car, i apply the parking brake (i hooked up the safety wire, if the brake isn't applied it won't remote start), and i purposely check to make sure it is in neutral by wiggling the shifter, but i always parked in neutral to begin with in any manual transmission car i have every driven or owned.


How long did it take you? How much did the thing cost?

i got it locally by one of club sponsors for 250... took me bout 2 hours to install, only because i had to search for the rear hatch dome wire... would take me shorter time the next one I do. Overall it was an easy install.. wasn't bad from any other car i have done in the past 12 years

rear hatch dome wire? what? Why would you need that for a remote start?

i put in an Alarm/remote starter, i needed that wire for the trunk trigger....

as for the clutch.. all i did to bypass it was take a wire and jump the 2 wires at the clutch switch by the firewall.

Are the instructions that come with it easy to comprehend?

pretty much... i do suggest to get a good wire diagram for wire locations on the xD, I found all the wires myself, but had to search the internet for the hatch trigger wire

The xD is a fairly new car, is there even a wiring diagram out there that isn't exclusive to dealer shops?

http://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp~TID~106665

there is a complete diagram....

as for the door triggers, i found it easy to grab the main dome light wire which is found at the fuse block right behind the little compartment to the left of the steering column

and omit the immobilizer, the xD does not have one, non of them do

they don't list what the lock and unlock wires are, but i know you can grab them in the kick panel at the plugs coming from the door, test from keyhole switch (not panel switch)

the parking light, brake light, hatch trigger, lock and unlock all can be got in the lower kick panel

Do not get 12v from the ignition switch, get 12v from the thick white wire going into the fuse block.

Dome light fuse for doors, genius :) Thanks for all the help, I'll look into this in about 2 weeks

Viper make a alarm with remote start for manuals now. It is the 5901 and it is great. I had it on my mustang I just sold. It is just like the 5900 but has 2 remotes and the 2 way one is rechageable