Installing a Remote Start System

Here is what you need to buy:

1. Remote starter kit. I got an RS-82 from Bulldog Security. I recommend getting the TOY-4 "Remote Starter T-Harness" along with the starter because it saves some time by tapping into 5 wires that you otherwise would need to cut and splice into.

2. Immobilizer bypass box. A transponder ignition key (properly programmed) sits in this box. A small loop antenna fits around the ignition key cylinder. Each time the remote starter is activated it turns on the bypass box, making the Sienna's computer think the correct key has been inserted. Bulldog Security sells a part# 791 bypass module. However, I bought an Xpresskit TBXKEY that I found on eBay.

Once you've got your hardware on order, stop by your local Toyota Dealer to get a transponder key programmed for your Sienna. You do not have to have the key "cut" in order for it to do the job. (I did not want to leave a key in my Sienna that someone could actually use to drive away with the vehicle.) In my case, the dealer used an old "scrap" key that they happened to have on hand from someone else's Sienna. I paid $50.

Once you have all of your hardware in hand, and have read the manuals, you are ready to begin the installation. Follow the directions in the two manuals for installing the systems. To gain access to the Sienna's wires you will need to remove the plastic "clam shell" from the steering column. There are two phillips head screws just to the left and right of the steering wheel that need to be removed along with two bolts with 10mm heads. Once these are removed, the switch panel can be detached and the clam shell can be popped open.

In addition to the connections that are made via the T-Harness, there are a three connections that you will need to make via trim-and-splice:

1. Brake wire: Find the wire near the brake pedal that goes to +12V when the brake pedal is pressed.

2. Parking lights: Find the wire coming off the light switch in the steering column that goes to ground when you switch on the parking lights. This is a green wire with black stripe.

3. Alarm system disarm: Find the wire that goes to ground when the key is turned clockwise in the driver's door lock. See attached JPG

Initially, I tried using the Key Sense wire to disarm the alarm. This is a blue wire with black stripe coming from the ignition switch. Information that I read on-line indicated that pulling this signal low would disarm the alarm without unlocking the doors. Unfortunately, this was not true. This wire does not disarm the alarm. Once the alarm was armed (30 seconds after locking the doors) as soon as I pressed the "start" button on the remote start key fob the alarm system started beeping. There may be some other wire in the steering column harness that will disarm the system, but I can tell you for sure it's not the blue/black one. If you find the right wire, please let me know.

So, my remote start system is now working properly. The only drawback is that when I press the "start" button the driver's door unlocks. Apparently by design, once the car starts the Toyota key fobs do not function to lock/unlock. So, if I remotely start the car there is no way to lock it back up remotely. (Something to consider if you feel like remote starting the car in a "shady" neighborhood.) Of course, nobody's going anywhere in your remotely-stated car unless they have an ignition key to unlock the steering and gearshift. So, maybe not too big of a deal.