Northeast DIY Remote Start / Keyless Entry Workshop - Sunday, October 26

[CTScott]

This coming Sunday, I will be installing a Remote Start / Keyless Entry system in my new 09 LB. Sodium Duck will be joining me from Massachusetts to do his 08 LB as well. I would like to open this up to others who feel like taking a drive to Southbury, CT (exit 15 of I-84) to join us. I am an Electrical Engineer (I design autonomous service robots for a living) and have installed remote starters in many vehicles in the past, so I can offer much assistance to those DIYers who are leery of messing with their Yaris's wiring.

I have a large heated garage (30' x 44'), which can easily fit 6 Yaris LB's.

My intention is to install mine with a camera connected to a projector, so as I connect a wire you follow suit. So, when all is said an done, you will have full water cooler bragging rights on Monday morning.

Ours are both autos, which makes things simple. There are systems for cars with sticks (such as the Ultrastart 1256M), but for safety these require you to do a series of steps when you shut the car off to insure that a remote start will not result in a remote launch. See this link if you are curious: http://www.ultrastarters.com/reservation_mode.html

If you are interested, let me know so we can figure out what your vehicle will require (for example, mine has power locks and the engine immobilizer, so I need a remote starter with keyless entry and a key bypass module (I will be using one that doesn't require sacrificing a key); Sodium Duck's has power locks and no immobilizer, so his simply requires a remote starter with keyless entry).

[Klink10]

Mine is like Sodiums. Very interested in this and thanks for any DIY that you produce. CT is just a bit far for me.

[CTScott]

Mine is like Sodiums. Very interested in this and thanks for any DIY that you produce. CT is just a bit far for me.

That would be a long drive...

Check out DanQ's DIY - It doesn't get any better:
http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9565

[ChinoCharles]

Very cool idea. I hope more people get in on this! If it wasn't so far I would myself.

[CTScott]

Very cool idea. I hope more people get in on this! If it wasn't so far I would myself.

Somebody suggested doing it as a live webcast - Hmmmmm...

[ChinoCharles]

Well, I for one would love to see it recorded. Could you possibly do that?

[CTScott]

Well, I for one would love to see it recorded. Could you possibly do that?

Sure can...

[ChinoCharles]

AWESOME! I would love to see this. I always considered the remote start/keyless/power locks thing over my head and was looking at having a shop install it, but if I can save some money by doing it myself I totally would. You sound like you know what you're talking about. :bow:

[Sodium Duck]

Wahoo, can't wait to get this installed! It's gonna be a good time folks.

I was planning on taking pictures during the install, but if we're going to record it on video -- well that's just about 10,000 times better.

I'll be bringing some beer, too... if that tempts anyone, lol

[xpeteyjtx]

I would come but I live 2 hours and 45 minutes away. Good luck

[Sodium Duck]

bump

[TinyGiant]

can't wait for the video!

[Sodium Duck]

bumpity bump bump bump bump bump -- look at frosty goooooooooooooo.......

come on, you know the song!

[enviri]

wow that's awesome, i wish i can go, but i work sunday :(...unless the build goes on past 8pm lol.

anything for a totally non powered interior car? hahaha. actually im only in the market for alarm, none of those fancy luxury stuffs for me :thumbsup:

[Sodium Duck]

Call out of work sick. Say you have IMplosive diarrhea.

[enviri]

gonna have to pass on that.

[TinyGiant]

this is a great idea

this spring.. how about a lowering sprint install day :) ?

[TinyGiant]

its cool because we could organize a group buy for the items..

I might be intrested next spring in doing a complete dynamat install too that would be sweet

[Sodium Duck]

Sounds like a great idea.

[CTScott]

this is a great idea

this spring.. how about a lowering sprint install day :) ?

Sounds good - By then I might have my lift as well. When I designed and built the addition to my house two years ago, the wife got her master bedroom suite and I got my 1320 sq ft garage with enough space and a high enough ceiling to allow me to add a real lift...

[TinyGiant]

thats sick.

[Sodium Duck]

Holy crap... if you buy a lift then I'm doing a custom exhaust! hahaha, Tiny, did you ever get anywhere with that guy and his pipe bender?

[TinyGiant]

he was just here i might be able to talk to him tomorrow .. i'll see i see him every friday and will be workin with him alot in the next couple weeks..i'll see where he is on that.. maybe we can do one up for me a get a design and have him whip out a bunch of them and come up with a nice cheap price :)

[Sodium Duck]

Shazam!

[Sodium Duck]

Last chance folks. If anyone wants to hop a ride down with me, PM me!

[CTScott]

The workshop worked out excellent. Although we only did two cars this first run, it went well and was an awesome learning experience. We learned much about the differences or lack thereof between the 08 and 09 and found a couple of interesting idiosyncrasies with remote start and keyless entry on the Yaris. I will be editing the video and posting it as well as a photo based DIY. In the meantime here are some of the interesting things we ran into:

1. The infamous issue with not being able to unlock the doors with the remote after locking using the switch on the driver's door - We thought we were 100% done with Sodium Duck's car and went to grab a quick dinner. Exiting the restaurant,
as we approached the car he hit the unlock button and the doors would not unlock. After a bit of circuit tracing we found that the recommended door unlock wire was incorrect. See this thread for a complete explanation:
http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9827&page=2

2. A tach signal that is not a good tach signal - After wiring Sodium's he hit the start button on the remote and the car would start for about two seconds, and then die. The diagnostic indicator for his Valet system indicated that it was not seeing a proper tach input. We put an oscilloscope on the recommended tach wire (the light green wire on the OBDII connector) and found that the signal was a sawtooth wave. We checked the tach wire (red wire next to the green wire) going to the TPMS module (located behind the glove box) and found it to be a nice square wave. After moving the tach wire from the OBDII connector to the TPMS connector all was well. When we installed my Ultrastart starter in my 09 we initially tried the OBDII connector to see if the Ultrastart could use the sawtooth wave, and it too was not happy, so on mine we moved the tach input to the TPMS as well.

3. Default output polarity - I ordered the Ultrastart 1280XR-Pro primarily because it has the most rugged key fobs that I have seen (cast metal, rather than chincy plastic like some others). The Ultrastart module wanted to flash the parking lights with a positive output and the easily accessible parking light wire on the column is negative polarity, so I had to add an external relay to invert the signal. So, to keep things simple with the install, before buying a module, verify that the door and parking light outputs can be negative polarity without requiring external relays. Sodium’s Valet module had jumper selectable polarity for the lights, which kept things simple and clean with his. (The Ultrastart turned out to have menu selectable polarity for the lights, but the documentation on it was buried in the convoluted programming instructions, which we didn't run into until we had already added the relay to reverse polarity...)

4. Ease of configuration - Along with verifying that a module supports the correct polarity, check the configuration directions (all brands of remote starters have their manuals online, so you can check them before buying) to make sure that they are not ridiculously complicated. The Valet module was quite simple to configure. The Quickstart module has the most convoluted programming instructions that I have ever seen on a remote starting system.

[Klink10]

Outstanding...and thanks.

[Sodium Duck]

This was a great learning experience for me. I hope the videos and pictures we took will help others out, too. I'm a novice when it comes to wiring -- I can do car stereos easy, but this is a lot more in depth, getting into the real guts of the car.

It was a lot of fun -- what's the next workshop gonna be on Scott? hahaha

[CTScott]

Scott i'm a bit confused about your step 2, wouldn't switching the wires create interference with the TPMS signal? or are they the same amplitude? are you saying you are tapping the output of the TPMS module ?


We switched the wire for the starter module from the OBD connector to the TPMS connector, or as you said, tapped the output (or actually input to) of the TPMS module, instead of the OBD.

In doing some TPMS research a couple weeks ago I found that there is a tach and a vehicle speed input to the TPMS module, so once we saw the tach signal of the OBD on the scope, we then scoped the TPMS input and saw that it was a nice clean square wave with its frequency directly proportional to the RPM.

[Sodium Duck]

Yea, it was cool to see on the scope. The tach wire in the OBDII connector wasn't good on both our cars. But as Scott said, the TPMS input has a great tach wire. This is where we went, behind the lower passenger side glovebox. Bad cell phone pics ensue!

The purple wire there is on the good tach wire in the TPMS.

[CTScott]

why would they be clipping the OBD tach output and not the tpms? i have an OBDII scanner hooked up to my laptop and my RPMs are clearly visible without any problems unless thy are using a diffrent output

I have to trace the feed on the OBD connector with the EWD's to see where it is coming from, but I suspect that it is a raw analog feed, whereas the feed to the TPMS is from the ECU to the TPMS ECU, so it is a nice digital signal.

As for looking at RPM with OBDII; You are actually getting the RPM as data, so your OBDII scanner doesn't use the wire we had issues with. OBDII scanners just use the K and or L data lines and +12V and ground off of the connector. There are many other pins on the connector that may or may not be used on any given car.

[CTScott]

cool thanks for clarifying , i really need an oscilloscope , my old one died on me. what are you using ? i used to have the HP5400D 100MHz BW, 2 ports

After looking at the EWD's I realized that there is a tach wire at the OBD connector, but it is not the light green wire as specified by the remote starter manufacturers - It is actually the Beige wire at pin 9 of the connector, as shown in the photo below.

I just scoped it to verify. I have a Tektronix TDS2024B which is a 4 channel, 200MHz, color LCD DSO.

http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo163/ctscott329/TachWire.jpg

[diamy22]

im looking for a remote starter myself... Any suggestions in which one should i get?

[CTScott]

im looking for a remote starter myself... Any suggestions in which one should i get?

Although there were a few wacky things with the configuration of the UltraStart, I am really impressed with its range. I park my car in the garage at night, so my primary usage is coming out of stores or coming out of the gym. The Ultrastart has the farthest range on any i've installed (I've used bulldog, CrimeStoppers and Viper ones on past vehicles).

As you shop, the main things to look at are desired range and installation ease. Check the installation documentation (which seems to be available on all of the manufacturer's websites) to be sure that parking light flash is configurable for negative (-), so you don't have to add an additional relay to reverse polarity. Also, if you go with one that is keyless entry as well make sure that the door lock / unlock are also configurable for negative polarity.

Are you planning on self-installing?

[Chupacabra]

Scott,
Awesome....too bad I wasn't on the boards or even driving a Yaris when you provided this invitation....Super cool! Maybe we can catch up for some other "cool" event!

[CTScott]

Scott,
Awesome....too bad I wasn't on the boards or even driving a Yaris when you provided this invitation....Super cool! Maybe we can catch up for some other "cool" event!

Definitely. Sodium wants to do one for adding cruise control, and I'm seriously thinking we need to do one for sunroofs.

[diamy22]

Although there were a few wacky things with the configuration of the UltraStart, I am really impressed with its range. I park my car in the garage at night, so my primary usage is coming out of stores or coming out of the gym. The Ultrastart has the farthest range on any i've installed (I've used bulldog, CrimeStoppers and Viper ones on past vehicles).

As you shop, the main things to look at are desired range and installation ease. Check the installation documentation (which seems to be available on all of the manufacturer's websites) to be sure that parking light flash is configurable for negative (-), so you don't have to add an additional relay to reverse polarity. Also, if you go with one that is keyless entry as well make sure that the door lock / unlock are also configurable for negative polarity.

Are you planning on self-installing?

Well my boyfriend works at a toyota dealership n he was plannin to self installed it.is it worth doin it urself or should he have it installed? My car doesn't have any power locks or windows nothing .most remote starters come w keyless entry.thanks for replying....

[CTScott]

Well my boyfriend works at a toyota dealership n he was plannin to self installed it.is it worth doin it urself or should he have it installed? My car doesn't have any power locks or windows nothing .most remote starters come w keyless entry.thanks for replying....

If you just want remote start and don't want to spend the money for a kit that adds power windows and locks, then the install is really simple. The Bulldog RS82-I is an example of one that is remote start only and is under $50. If your car has the engine immobilizer (which you can tell if it does, if it has the flashing red light on the left side of the dash, visible from outside of the car) then you also need a transponder key bypass module. The Fortin Keybypass-ALL is the one I used and it was about $50.

https://www.directwholesale.net/secure/images/Large_28022_RS822.jpg


I documented the install, but haven't gotten around to posting it yet. I will post it soon, and your boyfriend can take a look and decide if he wants to try it. The Yaris is probably one of the easiest cars to install one on, considering that only three screws need to be removed and all wires are easily accessible.

[diamy22]

If you just want remote start and don't want to spend the money for a kit that adds power windows and locks, then the install is really simple. The Bulldog RS82-I is an example of one that is remote start only and is under $50. If your car has the engine immobilizer (which you can tell if it does, if it has the flashing red light on the left side of the dash, visible from outside of the car) then you also need a transponder key bypass module. The Fortin Keybypass-ALL is the one I used and it was about $50.

https://www.directwholesale.net/secure/images/Large_28022_RS822.jpg


I documented the install, but haven't gotten around to posting it yet. I will post it soon, and your boyfriend can take a look and decide if he wants to try it. The Yaris is probably one of the easiest cars to install one on, considering that only three screws need to be removed and all wires are easily accessible.



thats sound very good n very simple wich is what we are looking for. Can u let me know when you post the installed so we can take a look at it.thanks alot for the help......:w00t:

[lita_g]

I was just revisiting this post and I see the video is not up yet :frown:. Scott, have you noticed anything you don't care for with this unit? I just got my $160 refund from the dealership so I can get me a keyless entry unit now, I don't think I need remote starter (I live in FL and I don't need to warm up my car like up north), is there any remote keyless/alarm system that you guys could recommend? any model in particular? I heard that Viper is pretty good but not sure really which one to pick.

Thanks :smile:

[CTScott]

I was just revisiting this post and I see the video is not up yet :frown:. Scott, have you noticed anything you don't care for with this unit? I just got my $160 refund from the dealership so I can get me a keyless entry unit now, I don't think I need remote starter (I live in FL and I don't need to warm up my car like up north), is there any remote keyless/alarm system that you guys could recommend? any model in particular? I heard that Viper is pretty good but not sure really which one to pick.

Thanks :smile:

The video portion of the install guide is a bust, as we didn't have enough lighting when we were filming. (Or, maybe I just need to do another one and set up the studio lights.) I will be posting the photo based one soon though.

With the UltraStart brand, the only thing I didn't like was the convoluted configuration. The range blows away anything that I have installed before. As someone mentioned in another thread, any of the DEI brand products (Viper, Hornet, Clifford, Python, etc.) are all excellent.

I actually use my remote start more in the summer than in the winter. It's mighty nice to cool the car down before you get in it.

[lita_g]

Sorry to hear about the video, but pics will help tons. I found the unit you got for around $70 on ebay with free shipping, that's not bad at all, if I buy it for that then I should have enough to buy a Christmas present or two, hehe.

[CTScott]

Sorry to hear about the video, but pics will help tons. I found the unit you got for around $70 on ebay with free shipping, that's not bad at all, if I buy it for that then I should have enough to buy a Christmas present or two, hehe.

Check out Lessco - I bought my Ultrastart PRO 1280-DXR from them for $59. They also carry quite a few other brands, including Viper:


http://www.lesscoelectronics.com/category_s/268.htm

[Sodium Duck]

Just fixed my tach wire today. Much better, works like a charm, and only took 3 minutes.

Mucho thanks Scott!

[Pitt Yaris]

are the kits the same for remote start/keyless entry if you have auto door locks than if you have manual door locks? i have nothing powered, and would like power locks at least.

[Sodium Duck]

You have to buy a kit to convert your locks to power. Search, been discussed in depth before, and I believe there was even a DIY on it.

[Pitt Yaris]

yea, just debating what the best *no failure* kit is out there for under 100 bucks. *auto 4 door locks*

[Sodium Duck]

Ummm, stealing? lol

[Pitt Yaris]

Ummm, stealing? lol

so most *good* power lock kits are over 100 bucks? wish i lived more northeast so i could come to one of these workshops.

[Sodium Duck]

http://www.a1electric.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AEOS&Product_Code=W02C

That will at least get you power locks. As for keyless entry, add on some more. Do a search, this topic has been covered many times before.

[screenprintr]

Found this older post.

Someone mentioned a video. Do you still have the Video?

A keyless Entry with remote start is $80 from Advance Auto. If I had a video to watch I could install it myself.

At least I'm telling myself I could.

[CTScott]

Found this older post.

Someone mentioned a video. Do you still have the Video?

A keyless Entry with remote start is $80 from Advance Auto. If I had a video to watch I could install it myself.

At least I'm telling myself I could.

Back when we did that we did take some video, but it got a bit tedious, so I ended up just putting together a document instead:

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24860