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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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...