1st Gen Remote Start/Entry Options (2004 Taco)

I tried to search the threads already and apologize if I missed the (good) answer. There were some on point topics, but largely they applied to gen 2 of 3 Tacos instead. Sooooo...apologies out of the way for being a noob here, I am the proud new owner of a 2004 Taco that doesn't have a key fob. I thought perhaps I could kill two birds with one stone and get one unit that would take care of both entry and auto start. Suggestions from people with 1st Generation Tacos would be most appreciated. From what research I have already undertaken it seems like the options are limited at best. Apparently everyone else has plenty of options so stop bragging, lol.
Order of importance for the unit:
1.) Compatibility
2.) Performance
3.) Ease of installation
4.) Cost

 

Would suggest going to your local installer to see what is available.

 

That is a thought. I am still hoping that someone here has some first hand knowledge though.

 

I had the Viper remote start and entry installed by best buy in 2014; has held up well. Only things i would change is the mercury kill switch that was a best buy option instead of the hood pin kill switch...when ever I park on a steep hill the truck won't start if the bed is facing downhill. I wish I would have spent more money to get a system that featured an alarm as well. Range is good if you have line of sight but with walls it is about 30 yards or less. If I can see my truck I can start from somewhere around 100 yards.

Compatibility: everything works as intended although sometimes the auto unlock/lock features of the tacoma mess with the remote function. I might have to press unlock then lock to get the doors locked. interior and exterior lights function well with Viper interface.

Performance: see above, have yet to need to replace remote batteries and still on original remote

Ease of install: I looked at doing it myself but I am willing to admit I would have been in over my head messing with all that wiring; left it with Best Buy and got it back the same day. Install was free with purchase or fairly cheap if I remember correctly.

Cost: Picked up at Christmas time for around 200 including install but that was 3 years ago. The one that looks similar is the 4105vb and is $319 on best buy website with install included.


Best of luck with purchase

 

r45d - Thank you for the thoughtful and comprehensive response. I'll put the Viper series at the top of the list.

 

I got this installed at my local car audio/alarm shop since I really dislike working with wiring. Plus, I've never wired the remote start system so I figured it would be best to leave it to the pros:

https://www.viper.com/car/securityr...er-lcd-2-way-security-and-remote-start-system

1.) Compatibility - Don't see any issues here since our 1st gen Tacomas aren't the most technologically advanced vehicles. Power windows, door locks, cruise control and that's about it. Seeing as your truck is a DC it's equipped with an auto trans, no issues hooking up the remote start as well. The remote start can be "rigged" to work with manual transmissions but it's not recommended...this has probably changed since I did research years ago for my manual transmission car back then.

2.) Performance - Very responsive, really good range and pages me as it should when the alarm goes off. I don't really need much other than being able to lock/unlock the truck. I use the remote start first thing in the morning and not much else during the day after that. You can "lock" the key fob so you don't accidentally start/unlock/disarm the truck. This took some time to get used to since you have to unlock the fob first before sending the start or unlock command to the truck. Key fob battery is rechargeable, so I never have to change it. Our Accord has an older Clifford alarm with remote start as well. The key fob on that uses an "AAA" battery which get's changed fairly frequently.

3.) Ease of installation - Paid a shop to do it.

4.) Cost - I think I paid around $450-$500 for the unit and installation.

 

Also just because it doesn't have the fob doesn't mean you don't already have the keyless entry system. Pull the kick panel on the driver's side and see if you have the oem system, previous owner could've just lost the key fob

 

Good call!

 

i also need to do this, thanks for the information

 

Thanks synergy10 & RedManRocket. I appreciate the tips. I will check for the OEM system. A friend of mine has a spare fob and it sounds like maybe I can just get his reprogrammed and forgo the remote start.

 

Yep, and I used the Audiovox AS9234, it's made to add remote start to factory keyless entry systems. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that you have the oem unit.

I actually didnt have factory keyless entry, but I wired it the same way as my aftermarket keyless entry

 

I need to do this to. What am I looking for when I pull the driver’s kick panel?

 

A unit, it should say rs3000 or rs3200 o believe

 

If you have it its located right here.

 

Unit looks like this

 

It is possible to add a push button to start and shut off on a 2004 Toyota Tacoma pre runner extended cab v6 3.4l? I hate when my key gets stuck and I have to play with it to get it out.

 

I have a viper also on a 96 tacoma 3.4 its nice when it starts. You cant use during the summer cause it is evidently set up for cold weather to make it crank longer. So in the summer when its hot it cranks to long and the truck will start and you can still hear the starter engaged for a bit after its running.
I dont use when its warm out , cause i dont want to replace another starter. As for the winter if its really cold outside it doesnt start all the time cause it wont crank long enough. Id say its 50/50.

Im sure theres a better grade of starter for these older trucks, its not the one that i have. Keep this in mind ask the questions. Mine was purchased and installed by a radio ,starter dealer and paid 350.

 

Yeah I do have viper on my 2015 mazda 3 and is good so far.
But I am looking is for a push button to start/stop.
I want to avoid using my key in the ignition.