2003 4runner - remote starter wont work and causing other key to not work

[ldlnewton]

purchased 2003 4 runner in 2003, had remote starter installed by dealer.

Intermittently have had problems where the remote starter doesnt work this spring and summer.

In late september, this occurred more often, adding another complexity where the car wouldn't even start with the key when the remote didnt work.

I brought the car to dealer but they couldnt find a problem, since the starter worked for them every time.

Now what I am finding is that this is happening all the time. I try the remote, car doesnt start. I try again...no start. I then put the key in ignition, car wont start...nothing. I actually have to sit in car for 5-10 minutes, then eventually the car will start with the remote starter only.

I did change the battery in device recently and that seemed to fix the problem for 3 days or so.

Any ideas? I hate to bring it back to the shop with no guarantee that they can find and fix the problem.

Thank you. Any help would be appreciated.

L

[ponchonutty]

No, it sounds like a bad remote start or faulty install. Dealers usually like to find the cheapest place on the block to install the cheapest of remote starters.

What brand of RS is it?

[ldlnewton]

Originally Posted by ponchonutty

No, it sounds like a bad remote start or faulty install. Dealers usually like to find the cheapest place on the block to install the cheapest of remote starters.

What brand of RS is it?

Hello, sorry it took me a while to find out what the brand was. The dealer tells me it is an "Automate" remote starter? I bought the car in Feb 2003 and had the remote starter installed in Dec 2003, and have only recently (last 6 months) started having this problem. What I have noticed is that if I doubleclick the appropriate button from outside the vehicle too many times, the car wont start for at least 5-10 minutes with or without the regular key. I have to use the remote start only.

This past week, I have been able to start the car with the regular key--but I haven't been using the remote key for doors or start at all. I did replace the battery in the remote key--thinking that maybe that was the problem.

[ponchonutty]

hmmm, that unit is a decent unit but the problem may be the key's themselves. See, DEI, who makes Automate, doesn't have good bypasses for your car. So, they have to put a key in a box under the dash. That could be constantly sending a signal or something???