Issues after installing remote start unit

I bought a remote start for my 2015 SR5 from RemoteStartX off of Amazon. It looked like one of the easier to install. It was very easy to install, takes about 15 min. But when I went to program the unit, you have to start the car, and let it run 15 sec., but the 4runner detected the unit and did not like it so it threw a P1604 Startability Malfunction code, and now it will not stay running. I took the unit out, and put it all back to normal, cleared the codes, but it will start, and then shut down after 1 second, and throw the P1604 code again. If anyone knows what to do, I am open for suggestions. right now it is just a big boat anchor in my garage. If you know what I need to do and want to call me, PM me and I will send you my cell #. I am going to run to the parts store, and will be back in about 20 min. to see if there are any suggestions. thanks

 

Disconnect the battery for ten minutes and try again? Might work…

 

Thanks McSpazatron, actually, I disconnected it when I had to go to the parts store. When I got back I connected it back up and it started. So thanks. I think I will get another remote start, this one pissed me off, so it is out of here.

 

It’s none of my business, but I would ask myself, how bad do I actually need a remote start system on my vehicle?

I’m probably the Debbie downer on this forum when it comes to aftermarket electrical add ons on our vehicles.

From reading many many posts of frustration and despair, it seems to me that aftermarket electrical/electronic modifications on newer vehicles is a risky venture.

 

I installed a 12 Volt Solutions remote start in my 4Runner 2 years ago. It's been perfect and no problems at all. Check those out, plus their customer service is top notch. 100% plug and play. They have install videos too. Love my remote start. On cold days or hot days it gets the heat or AC blasting before I get in.

 

im really not a fan of remote starts. 1st, they are a waste of energy. Vehicles warm up faster when under load. A vehicle should only be idled for about 15 seconds or so, just need the oil coat things. I live in a cold climate area, and have managed for over 40 years with out a remote start, so I believe it’s not worth the potential electrical issues later.

 

I managed 40 years without a remote start also. I can understand not wanting to add electrical add ons. They are a waste of energy.

But I want one, so I bought it. I don't mind doing things to my vehicles, and I understand there can be risks. As for waste of energy, I did not buy a 4runner for it's fuel efficiency.

I just asked the question to see if I could find help with a problem. Wasn't looking for reasons not to install it. But thanks for all your inputs. It is working great now, and I am happy. Have a great day.

 

My apologies for any offense taken, it was not meant to be taken offensively, just adding to the conversation which helps threads stay active for folks to see.
There is also a discussion if letting engines run at idle is even good for them, another conversation a thread like this could go in an automotive thread.

Glad to read that you have it working. And have yourself a great day as well.

 

Got the very same for my Tundra. Works a great! Have had it 3 years now, no issues

 

Toyota logic has a mind of its own

 

I've always been in cold climates. I personally don't like the idea of having an engine "warming up" on cold mornings just sitting idling because it sits there racing at high rpm after a cold start. My preference is to warm up while driving with lower rpm. Just my opinion.

 

I can see how @Spare Parts' comment might be offered, as you didn't really post (that I could see, anyway) a solution, or what you did as a solution between the two posts quoted above. All I could see was "this one pissed me off, it is out of here", then "it is working great now"...

 

My only experience with an aftermarket remote start is the one that someone installed in my son’s Corolla years ago. It failed in such a way that it took the battery, starter, and likely, alternator with it. It did so quietly over about a month. Expensive SOB.

 

I always took the “warming up” the vehicle is not for the engine but warming up the interior and defrosting the windows. Remote start makes it so you don’t have to go out in the cold.

 

honestly, i always saw this as the purpose of remote start.

if it’s 20 degees below 0F, I’ll make my car suffer so I dont have to. Except since I dont have a remote starter, I will freeze a bit to start it, but then it’s back inside until the cabin is warm enough for human habitation.

I think though, I wouldnt like the idea of starting it remotely in those kind of temps. Id want to hear how bad the car complains, and verify that it’s actually on and the hvac is set properly.

 

nailed it

 

My wife is a nurse that gets up at 4:45 am. When it's below 0°F out, she wants her remote start. Letting the 4Runner warm up for 10 mins helps remove exterior ice from the windows and keeps the interior windows clean with the rear defogger.

 

I don't really need to warm the vehicle, but I do need it to keep it cool when I leave my dog inside in the summer.

 

Your handle says “Dallas…”

If you are located in Texas I totally get it. Years ago we were visiting family in San Antonio during 4th of July weekend.

Holy crap it was hot!!!!

I’ve never experienced that level of heat before.

Heat + Humidity = Misery.

 

Does Texas get the humidity that the east coast get? I went out west in June of 2020, and it was warm, but very different from the east coast south heat.

 

Not only hot. I lived there three years. One year it got close to zero and froze my in ground pool (with the pumps running per local pool tech) enough that my 300+ pound friend walked on it.
I saw more freezing rain in those three years than I had seen ten years living in MD. The car doors would be iced over and frozen shut.

Remote start would have been great back then.

Despite all of that, it was a great place to live.

 

I’m not a native Texan but I’m from the Midwest.

To answer your question, Yes, Texas gets a lot of humidity from the gulf. They get some killer thunderstorms.

Just like Oklahoma, they get a lot of ice rather than snow.

I’m so glad I live in the desert now where normal humidity is around 15 percent during the summer month’s.

When I travel to the Midwest now I really notice the humidity.

 

Yes we can get it all in Texas. 0* in February. Been in the 80's so far this December. One year we had an F4 tornado the day after Christmas that killed 9 people. Softball sized hail almost every spring. Can get 110*. August is usually an awful month with 100* and very high humidity.

 

I knew the weather gets nasty in Texas, but I didn’t think about the gulf humidity.