We bought our 2019 Highlander new. The sales guy told us it didn’t have remote start but said he could have it installed. It worked fine after that. Now, we’re thinking of upgrading to the Viper System to remotely start it with an app. When I called to get a quote, they asked if the remote start was factory or aftermarket. They said the model should have come with factory remote start. How can I tell if it’s factory or aftermarket?
Does pressing the lock, lock, lock and holding the lock button for 3 seconds work? Do you have a second fob with 3 buttons for long-range remote start? Those features aren’t necessarily ‘factory’ but could have been installed at the dealership. Do you have Toyota services? If not, do you have an SOS button? If you do, then it’s probably not factory remote start.
@Tory
I’m not sure if they had a factory system on that model. Toyota did offer a dealer-installed option. You’ll know if you have it because there’s usually a sticker on the driver side window showing it’s installed.
@Dax
I don’t think they did. I asked for remote start when I got my 2019 Highlander, and they only offered the aftermarket option. The dealership forgot to install it the day I picked up the car.
@Tory
Does the remote start option (lock, lock, lock & hold for 3 seconds) also work with the 2019 Highlander Hybrid?
Sal said:
@Tory
Does the remote start option (lock, lock, lock & hold for 3 seconds) also work with the 2019 Highlander Hybrid?
If it’s installed, yes.
On the 3rd gen Highlanders, the factory OEM remote start module is installed behind the glove box above the kick panel. It’s attached to a special mounting bracket. You may have to remove a small panel under the glove box to see it. Aftermarket units are usually installed behind the dash near the steering wheel, without a bracket, just held in with zip ties or Velcro.