Purpose: The goal of this project is to get the Scion remote start feature to work properly. Currently when using remote start, the engine is shut down when unlocking the doors (by remote or with the key) as well as when the key is inserted. I hope to be able to bypass the engine shutdown features when the doors are unlocked and key is inserted into the ignition. For security and safety reasons I do not want to bypass the shutdown feature for pressing the brake pedal or opening the hood.

Background: I have experiencing installing mobile electronics, but not much experience modifying or customizing them. I have installed the Scion remote start system in my 2008 xB. I am hoping others who have the Scion remote start system will collaborate with me on this project to achieve a workable solution.

 

I spent a few minutes trying out some things to see what I am up against.

First I wanted to see how the system would react if the key feature was bypassed (temporarily). I unplugged the two wire harness on the key cylinder that sends a ground signal when the key is inserted. I then started the engine with the remote start. I inserted the key and it stayed running. I then turned the key to the on position. When I pressed the brake, the engine stayed running. HOWEVER, when trying to remote start again, the system would not function. I had to re-initialize the remote start system.

Next I wanted to see how the system reacted to unhooking the "wire-to-wire" (w2w) connectors used during installation.
I unplugged the 14 pin w2w connectors (steps 9-10 in installation instructions) and plugged back in the oem connector. The remote start system did not function. I tested this wire with a voltmeter and found it to be constant + power. I reconnected the w2w connectors.
I unplugged the 18 pin w2w connectors (steps 11-12) and plugged back in the oem connector. The remote start system did not function. I found this wire to be constant - ground. I reconnected the w2w connectors.
I unplugged the 20 pin w2w connectors (steps 17-18) and plugged back in the oem connector. The remote start system cranked the engine, but immediately shut off. I found this wire to be + power when the engine is running. I reconnected the w2w connectors.

This is as far as I got. Not much progress, and somewhat discouraging results with the temporary key bypass. I plan to spend a little time each weekend either researching or tinkering to see if I can make any progress.

I hope to see others take an interest as well and offer some suggestions and or collaborative work.

 

For reference, I am including a link to the installation instructions for the Remote Engine Start from Sparks Toyota's website in PDF format.

http://www.trdsparks.com/install/PT398-52080inst.pdf

 

Oh wow, I never knew the scion remote start system did that. I'm glad i decided to go with an aftermarket alarm with remote start rather than the factory stuff!

 

so, what about window rollups? up and down from remote? has anyone done that yet?

 

I am upset about the scion remote start system too. I payed to have the dealer install it and when I found out that it would shut down when you unlocked it I was ____ed off. I asked the dealer about is and they said that there is nothing you can do about it.. so if you can figure it out that would be great.

 

I can't even get the engine to stay running. Lets figure that part out before we try adding new features!

 

I will keep working on it, but I am hoping others will join in the fun and offer some suggestions and assistance. I could use some help figuring out some of the technical details.

 

I asked my local toy dealer and they said they can do a toyota remote start that has a box that uses the valet key and it stays running as you enter the car. They said the key has a chip in it and its needed to put the car in drive without the engine turning off. 500 bucks is alot through for that feature. I do have 2 key fobs, but seems no alarm or auto lock if I leave my car unlocked. Is it suppose to have the same features as the other scion rke alarm systems?

 

The xB does not have a chip in the key. Also, vehicles that do have a chip in the key use the valet key bypass method to allow the vehicle to start, it has nothing to do with the shutdown features. The problem with the xB remote start I am trying to fix is that it shuts down when unlocked and/or the key is inserted.
I am not sure who you talked to at the dealer, but it sounds like they didn't know much about what they were talking about.

 

does the car shutdown if key is used to unlock door?

 

Oh? Glad I did not go for it. One of the biggest mods I did for my xa was the alarm system, Not any, but the scion one. I dreamed about it, how nice to beep my car, lock, unlock the doors and sound the alarm as none of my previous cars did and everyone around me has an rke with engine start. Well, I bought the kit, then wimped out installing it, letting hte dealer do it. Needless to say the performance as far as thieft I did not like. Sure no one stole the car with the alarm, but neither before it was installed. I thought it would sound during a thunder storm, touch or loud rap music. Nope. It only sounded 30 seconds after it armed, meaning it had to sit for 30 seconds first with no doors opened or closed, then the alarm sounded.

I think I will get the same people who tinted my xa to do an alarm with remote start.

 

yes, it shuts down if you unlock it with the remote, the key, or even if you are inside and manually move the lock lever to unlock.

 

hmmmmm

 

Basically what I need to do is find out which wires are responsible for the shutdown signal and how to bypass them.

 

You maybe right, but it may screw something else up. I am sure many who work at scion, toyota both from sales, service and parts read the forms. If it was a simple answer someone would pf posted it or sent you a pm. Thanks for the heads up, thats 500 bucks I would ofregreted spending.

 

you just need to figure out what wire goes to the door unlock and probably ground it.
Does anyone know how to make the horn beep when you arm the car?

 

I FEEL YOUR PAIN.
I complained to Toyota/Scion and requested this be fixed or they could return my $$, as it defeats the purpose. They were quick to respond to the complaint and told me someone should call me with a solution today 5/8/09. Same BS with their headrest monitors. Told them its a simple solution, FIX IT or GIVE ME MY $$ BACK.

I can't hold back on this one.

 

Just want to give everyone the details on the Toyota/Scion complaint that I had regarding this remote start. Toyota told me that this is the way that the alarm and remote start work and were designed. I told them that this was not disclosed and that i would not have purchased this since it sort of defeats the purpose. I also told them that if this is something that Toy/Scion can't fix, I want to return it. I was told that I have that option and may consider it if we don't find a fix soon... Kind of Sucks that we pay for their alarm and have to hack it to make it work. But, everyone out there that have this FACTORY ALARM should file a complaint and make it known.