Remote Start Question (using Remotes To Unlock Doors)

Gibbie · January 7, 2006

I chose to get a remote start from my local Lexus dealer and was willing to pay a premium so that I wouldn't have to deal with finger pointing if something went wrong. The system they installed, Audiovox AS-9055T does not provide the ability to open the locks by remote. I need to first kill the engine and then use the original RX remotes. I can neither open the doors or the back hatch after the car has been started remotely. This is cumbersome and my previous system (on another car) did not work this way. I had replacement remotes but they gave me full access to locking / unlocking the doors as well as opening the hatch. The dealer claims the need to kill the engine is necessary to not compromise the RX security system. I explained that I still needed to insert the key in the ignition before I could take the car out of park (the engine dies if the brake pedal is pressed without the key in the ignitiion as expected). I can also manually open the doors by using the key lock on the door handle. I've talked to many people with not only Lexus cars but Audi's, Volvo's, Infiniti's, and BMW's. None have to kill the engine before using the remotes to unlock the doors. I assume those vehcles have similr security systems. I also talked to several aftermarket installers and all say that they can install remote start without compromising the security system and allow for remote unlocking of the doors.

I suspect the dealer is giving me the usual mumbo jumbo but wanted to check with all of you before I have them remove the system and look elsewhere for a remote start.

Thanks,

Alex

katzjamr · January 7, 2006

i am curious, what is the main advantage for remote start in your opinion. is it to preheat the car in your cold climate?

SKperformance · January 7, 2006

Audio vox is a bottom of the barrel electronics maker , i can't believe they would install anything from them at a dealership other than to increase revenues.

I doubt the dealer installed it but had a mobile company come and install it for about $80 and charged you about $400.

Gibbie · January 9, 2006

i am curious, what is the main advantage for remote start in your opinion. is it to preheat the car in your cold climate?

Yes, it is to preheat the car in winter and precool the car in summer.

Audio vox is a bottom of the barrel electronics maker , i can't believe they would install anything from them at a dealership other than to increase revenues.

I doubt the dealer installed it but had a mobile company come and install it for about $80 and charged you about $400.

The dealer had a third party company come in and install it. I have no complaint about the quality of install or the starter itself other than the inability to remotely unlock the doors.

This same model is offered by two seperate Lexus dealerships in the area. My previous car had a Valet (DEI) starter that I had no problem with for 5 years. What is your experience with the Audiovox model that you feel makes it a poor choice?

stonecutter · January 10, 2006

What is your experience with the Audiovox model that you feel makes it a poor choice?

Audiovox has been making low end to mid range car stereo systems for years. That could be a contributor to the less than stellar impression some has regarding Audiovox.

SKperformance · January 10, 2006

Audiovox,Koss and a few others is the kia/daewoo of the electronics market.

When a company in modern day makes radios that still use a string as part of its frequency amplitude adjustment they are really being cheap in making parts.

Quality is pretty much cornered in the Auto alarm market by DEI who makes Viper and a few years ago bought the number 1 designed alarm maker Clifford .

Gibbie · January 10, 2006

Thanks for the replies.

The dealer has agreed to upgrade the system to one that includes remote unlocking / locking for no charge. It is still an Audiovox product so I'll have to take my chances.

I'll post any issues I have with the system as a service to others that may be considering a remote starter.