My 4runner came equipped with a Lo-Jack vehicle recovery system (police-assisted homing device + audible alarm). Last year the alarm started acting up, so I had it removed, leaving the homing module in place. Unfortunately, in the process I lost my keyless entry. A 98' Limited with all the bells and whistles, and KEYLESS ENTRY IS NOT EVEN A FACTORY OPTION?! This was confirmed by having my VIN # run at two separate dealerships. Toyota wanted $700 to install keyless entry! So I shopped around a bit and found a great price at Circuit City. Keyless entry + remote start and 2 transmitters for $205 (installed). They even knocked off 10% for having a AAA discount. The remote start should be a godsend this winter in Boston. I forgot how much I missed keyless as well. Anyone else have remote start installed on their vehicles? Any problems thus far?

 

I just got a Viper alarm system installed on my Runner in June & I love it. I haven't had any problems yet.

 

$205? i might have it done friday for that price

 

Do you know the manufacturer of the remote starter? Just curious, a local stereo shop quoted $400 for the same thing. Your price sounds good to me.

 

Python 1400XP (Manufactured by DEI). $200 (+$5 shop fee?) at Circuit City.

 

I run a Commando 870:It's got a 2-way remote, and cool add-ons like being able to configure it to start the vehicle when the temp drops below a certain point. It'll then run for 10 minutes and repeat every 2 hours.


Miscellaneous old threads from the forum:

 

I installed a Viper 550ESP in mine too.
Links for install are in my signature.

 

I have a viper on mine as well. I love the screen that it comes with. Lets you know everything that is going on with the truck. Mine was about $500 installed. But I got a lifetime warranty through tweeter, instead of the 3 yr one bestbuy/circuit city offers.

 

There are several small stereo shops in the Oxnard/Ventura/Simi Valley areas that sell Clifford and Viper alamrs with remote start for $109-129 installed.

 

I don't know about your area but when I was looking in San Diego there were a lot of places with the same deals too but it didn't include the keyless.

 

I just installed a new keyless entry kit in mine about 2 months ago. $35 off ebay. My truck has power nothing (ok, it's got power steering). Took me about 2.5 hours to install, but it was worth it.

Also, check out crutchfield.com. They have all those remote starter kits, and they'll include the necessary wiring harnesses for your vehicle so that there's very little actual wiring to be done. I bet you can do it for less than $150.

 

you have to have power locks in order to instal keyless entry

 

I was told it was a lifetime warranty. I need to look into this!

 

Nope! I've installed this kit with GREAT success:

http://www.commandocaralarms.com/pow...r-lock-kit.asp

It just needs a 12v pulse for open and close. Most alarm systems (and/or remote starter systems) will provide that.

You can also use it "manually" as the solenoids have switches built into them. As the lock pin starts to move (either by pulling/pushing on it or with a key in the tumbler) it will activate the other lock(s).

 

so how does it unlock all four doors .. do you have to run wires to each individual lock?

 

Yeup... You pull the door panel on each door, then install a solenoid that attaches to one of the rods that operate the lock mechanism. Each solenoid in front needs five wires wires (power to the solenoid, one more for the embedded switch and ground), the solenoids for the rear doors need just two (they don't have switches in them).

In most cases you'll find that the doors have a decent ground with the body, so that's usable for the common ground. Four wires from the controller to each front door, and one to each back door will complete the circuit. Apply power to the controller and start adjusting the solenoid position and travel. If you're gonna use it with an alarm or remote starter, then hook that up for lock/unlock and you're good to go with keyless entry.

If you have no wiring in the doors (including speakers) then you'll have to find either an access hole to come out from the body or drill your own. Run the wiring in plastic snake tubing to protect it, and seal the entry/exit with silicone.