This document describes the Toyota Remote Engine Starter, an accessory designed to allow users to start and stop their vehicle's engine from a distance. The system offers convenience by pre-conditioning the vehicle's interior climate before entry and provides feedback on engine status.

Function Description

The Toyota Remote Engine Starter system is designed to remotely start the vehicle's engine. This allows the user to warm up or cool down the vehicle's interior before entering. The system integrates seamlessly with the vehicle's immobilizer system and is validated to meet Toyota's safety and reliability standards.

The system includes a dedicated accessory remote control (Type A) for long-range engine start/stop operations and engine status feedback. This long-range capability allows users to activate the system from within climate-controlled buildings, even with minimal physical obstructions like glass windows and doors. The feedback feature on the accessory remote control notifies the user of the engine's start and stop conditions through LED indicators and melodies.

Alternatively, the original vehicle key fobs (Type B) can be used for remote engine control by activating a sequence of door lock/unlock signals. However, when using the original key fob, the operational range is limited to that of the vehicle's keyless entry system, and there is no engine status feedback.

Beyond remote engine control, the system can activate the vehicle's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to a preset temperature, ensuring a comfortable cabin upon entry. It can also activate the defogger system for added convenience.

For safety, the Remote Engine Starter is designed to automatically shut off the engine if it detects any attempt to enter or move the vehicle after a remote engine start. This includes situations such as opening any door, unlocking the door manually or via keyless entry (except for panic alarm activation), depressing the brake pedal, moving the shift lever from the "P" position, or opening the hood. The engine will also shut off if the security alarm is triggered (unless it's a panic alarm activated via the vehicle key fob).

The system also incorporates a "Deep Sleep Mode" (Type A) to prevent vehicle battery depletion. If the vehicle has not been operated for 14 or more consecutive days, the Remote Engine Starter system will temporarily disable itself. To reset the system, the user must unlock and lock the door or start the engine with the original vehicle key fob.

The engine has an automatic shutdown timer, which will stop the engine after 10 minutes of runtime following a remote start. The vehicle can be remotely started a second time for an additional 10 minutes, totaling 20 minutes of remote operation. After 20 minutes, the vehicle engine must be started manually to reset the Remote Engine Starter function. Hazard lights will flash once when the engine shuts off, and vehicles equipped with a door lock buzzer will chirp.

Usage Features

Before Leaving Your Vehicle (Conditions for Remote Start): To ensure proper and safe operation of the Remote Engine Starter, the following conditions must be met before leaving the vehicle:

The engine key must be in the OFF position. For non-smart key vehicles, the key should not be inserted in the key cylinder. For smart key vehicles, the engine can be remotely started regardless of whether the driver has a smart key remote inside or outside the vehicle.
The hood must be closed.
The windshield wipers must be OFF.
All doors and the liftgate must be closed and locked.
The brake pedal must NOT be depressed.
The shift lever must be in the "P" (Park) position.
The steering wheel must be locked.
Headlights must be OFF.

Remote Engine Start (Type A - Accessory Remote Control): To remotely start the engine:

Press the engine button (with the engine icon) on the accessory remote control. The LED will light green and blink for 3 seconds.
Within three seconds, press the start button (with the "START+" icon). The LED will light green for 2 seconds, and a melody will sound.
The vehicle's hazard lights will flash for 10 seconds, and the engine will start.
The accessory remote control will provide feedback: the LED will light green for 3 seconds, and a melody will sound, confirming the engine is running.

If the remote engine start fails, the remote control LED will light red, and a melody will sound. This indicates that the vehicle conditions were not met or the wireless signal transmission failed. The user should verify vehicle conditions (as listed above) and attempt to start again.

Remote Engine Start (Type B - Original Vehicle Key Fob): To remotely start the engine:

Press and release the LOCK button on the original vehicle key fob twice within two seconds. The hazard lights will flash each time.
Immediately after, press and hold the LOCK button for three seconds. The hazard lights will flash once when pressed, then again after three seconds.
The engine will start, and the hazard lights will flash for 10 seconds.

Remote Engine Stop (Type A - Accessory Remote Control): To remotely stop the engine:

Press the engine button (with the engine icon) on the accessory remote control. The LED will light green and blink for 3 seconds.
Within three seconds, press the stop button (with the "STOP" icon). The LED will light green for 2 seconds, and a melody will sound.
The accessory remote control will provide feedback: the LED will light green for 3 seconds, and a melody will sound, confirming the engine has stopped. Note: There will be no buzzer or flashing hazard lights on the vehicle when the engine stops using this method. The engine cannot be stopped remotely if it was started with the ignition key or push start button.

Remote Engine Stop (Type B - Original Vehicle Key Fob): There are two methods to remotely shut off the vehicle engine:

Method 1 (Unlocks vehicle): Press the UNLOCK button once on the original vehicle key fob. The engine stops, and the hazard lights flash twice. The vehicle will remain unlocked for 30 seconds and then automatically relock if no doors are opened.
Method 2 (Keeps vehicle locked): Press and hold the LOCK button on the original vehicle key fob for two or more seconds. The engine stops, and the hazard lights flash once. All doors will remain locked. For vehicles with a door lock buzzer, the buzzer will chirp every time the lights flash.

HVAC and Defogger Control:

Vehicles with Automatic HVAC System: In most models, the Remote Engine Starter can activate HVAC controls. Auto mode setting is recommended for optimal temperature pre-conditioning. The system can also activate front and rear defogger systems based on outside temperature. Users can program the system to activate HVAC in AUTO mode by contacting their Toyota dealer.
Vehicles with Manual HVAC System: The Remote Engine Starter will maintain the HVAC pre-settings while the engine runs in remote start mode. Users should preset these settings before exiting the vehicle for best results.
Vehicles with Heated and Ventilated Seats: For vehicles equipped with these features, they can also be set before leaving the vehicle to provide additional comfort when the engine is remotely started.

Operational Range: The unobstructed range for the accessory remote control (Type A) is approximately 800 meters (2,600 feet). For the original vehicle key fob (Type B), the unobstructed range is approximately 24 meters (80 feet). Actual range may vary due to physical and electrical obstructions (walls, trees, other vehicles), terrain, battery power, and radio-frequency interference. Optimal performance with the accessory remote control is achieved by holding it vertically.

Maintenance Features

Accessory Remote Control - Battery Replacement: The accessory remote control (Type A) uses two coin-type lithium batteries (Model CR2032).

Using a small Phillips jeweler's screwdriver, remove the screw and then the battery cover.
Remove the two old batteries.
Insert two new batteries with the (+) mark facing up.
Attach the battery cover and tighten the screw.
After replacement, press the engine button to ensure the green LED flashes, confirming proper operation. Note: Always replace with two new batteries. Wipe batteries with a dry cloth before replacement to prevent poor contact. Do not damage the hook on the rear surface when removing the battery cover.

Low Battery Power Indicator (Type A): If the accessory remote control battery is low, pressing the engine button will cause the battery LED to flash red or stay solid red, and a declining melody will sound.

Flashing Red: Operation is possible, but range and success rate may be affected. Battery replacement is recommended soon.
Solid Red: Operation may not be possible. Immediate battery replacement is recommended.
No Light (Off) with No Melody: Operation is not possible. Replace the battery. Note: The battery LED does not turn on or flash when the battery power level is normal. Temporary voltage drops in cold conditions or continuous use may cause the LED to turn on, which is not considered a malfunction.

Troubleshooting Information (Type A): If the engine does not start using the accessory remote control:

Remote control held horizontally: Hold the accessory remote control vertically for optimal antenna signal transmission.
LED on or flashing: Wait until the LED is off and previous wireless signal transmission/reception is complete before attempting to start again.
Location issues: Move to a different location, especially if there is radio interference or reflection. Avoid locations with many obstacles and try to find a clear line of sight to the vehicle.
Deep Sleep Mode: If the vehicle has not been started for 14 days or more, reset the system by unlocking and locking the door or starting the engine with the original vehicle key fob.
Weak engine cranking: Check the vehicle battery power. If low, replace the vehicle battery.
Battery power low in remote control: Replace the batteries in the accessory remote control.
If none of the above resolves the issue, consult your Toyota dealer.

Toyota START+ - Operation (Secondary Features)

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