I'm thinking about buying and installing a remote starter for Christmas for my SO. She works in hospitals and travels to 3-4 hospitals per day. She is not a MN native so I would like here to be able to start her car from inside the hospital so that it is warm when she gets there.

I found this one on ebay-
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180309583275&_trksid=p2759.l1259
The box and site claim over 5000 meters working distance. Most others I have found claim 1000ft or maybe half a mile. Now I realize 5000+ meters would be in an unobstructed open space, but that is over 3 miles! I figure I would need a half mile through the building in order for the signal to reach her car.

The things I like about it are that it communicates back to let you know the signal has been received, the long range, and not too bad of a price. She has a Toyota Avalon if that makes any difference.

Anyone bought one of these newer FM transmitting remote starters and can clue me in to the actual range??

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__________________
2009 ML320 Bluetec
1985 300CD
1981 300TD

Past Mercedes
1979 300TD
1982 300TD
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon
1998 E430
1984 300SD
1980 300SD

Does the Avalon have a chipped key as part of the factory anti-theft system? If it does, such a system usually requires additional hardware and cost to allow the car to remote start and still retain the antitheft feature when needed.

I have had three remote starters installed on three vehicles, two of which have chipped keys. My advice: Unless you are damn good at installing electronic equipment in a car and have access to the wiring schematic/color codes for the Avalon, farm this job out to a pro. Be prepared to dig down a little deeper into your pocket.

Paul, that is good advice.

It is a 98 Avalon. I'm pretty sure it does not have a chipped key, but I'm not sure. I'll check it out later.

I was planning on buying this as well-
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390013221067&ih=026&category=50554&ssPageName=STOREROMOBOX:CUST
It has pictures and wiring diagrams. I can get around a car pretty well. I'll do some investigative work to make sure I don't need additional hardware.

__________________
2009 ML320 Bluetec
1985 300CD
1981 300TD

Past Mercedes
1979 300TD
1982 300TD
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon
1998 E430
1984 300SD
1980 300SD

They are really nice to have in the winter. We have one on the little C220 and the 190E. They are both Vipers, and I installed them both. I think the viper is advertised to have something like a 1500 ft range, but I am lucky if it breaks 100 feet.... I could have probablly changed where I put the antenna, but it works when I am in the house, and that OK with me.


The paging feature is really nice to have. It will page you if something happens to the car, and it will also page you when its been locked or unlocked. The C220 also has remote window operation, and that is really nice to have during the summer.

__________________
-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

iwrock,
Thanks for the input. So you have the paging? It only starts at 100ft, but you get a page at longer range?

__________________
2009 ML320 Bluetec
1985 300CD
1981 300TD

Past Mercedes
1979 300TD
1982 300TD
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon
1998 E430
1984 300SD
1980 300SD

I asked the seller about the range. He stated in an area with lots of blockages (buildings) I should see about a 3000m range. That is almost 2 miles. I am going to get it and we'll see how well the range works.

I haven't looked at her key yet to see if it is chipped. Anyway I can definitively tell if it is chipped or not?

I did some research and not all 98's are chipped. It appears to be an option. Read below-
" For increased vehicle theft protection, the Avalon can be equipped with a newly designed engine immobilizer system, which prevents the engine from starting unless the correct key is placed in the ignition. The new system uses a transponder in which a pre-programmed identification code is transmitted from a transponder chip to an antenna coil. When the key is inserted in the lock cylinder, the chip instructs the antenna coil to supply electromagnetic energy, enabling the key-chip to transmit a key-code signal. If the identification code is transmitted from the chip matches the code stored in the key computer memory, the transponder computer de-activates the immobilizer system, allowing the vehicle to start. "

I found this on ebay as well to use to bypass the chip if it turns out I need one.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Scytek-Remote-Start-Chip-Key-Transponder-Bypass-Module_W0QQitemZ350134058416QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCar_Alarms_Security?hash=item350134058416&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

__________________
2009 ML320 Bluetec
1985 300CD
1981 300TD

Past Mercedes
1979 300TD
1982 300TD
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon
1998 E430
1984 300SD
1980 300SD

Do you have a spare or valet key that is 100% metal? The chip is usually hidden in the plastic head of a key. A few older systems, such as early versions of GM's VATS, have a resistor that is visible on the shank of the key.

Thanks Paul. She doesn't have a spare key. I went out and started her car for her this morning so I got a good look. The key does have a plastic head. There were no visible signs of a chip but I am not sure. She even mentioned to me today about getting a car starter and getting an extra key. I took that oppurtunity to grap the keys and start the car.

Perhaps I could call the Toyota dealer? I suppose I would need a VIN for that, but perhaps they could shed some light on what to look for in case of a chip.

__________________
2009 ML320 Bluetec
1985 300CD
1981 300TD

Past Mercedes
1979 300TD
1982 300TD
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon
1998 E430
1984 300SD
1980 300SD