CompuStar remote start/control

So I have an appointment on Thursday with Music N Motion in Dublin, CA to get a CompuStar Pro T13 installed.

The cost is way more than I expected because they say I need to also buy some T adapter (which is fine - I know that makes it easier than doing the hard wiring), and also some control box StartIT DC3-LC Remote Start Module to be the "brains" that allows the CompuStar to interface with my car. And then a CompuStar Alarm It Kit (v2) because, they say, the devices cannot work with the OEM alarm system.

I'm feeling a bit upsold and not sure I need all this. At a cost of nearly $1500 including labor, it's not chump change.

Minimum requirements:
1. Remote starter
2. Ability to remotely control the climate system (hence the "brain" module requirement, I infer)

Anything else is nice to have but not required.

I would prefer to have it all otherwise work with the OEM system, including the OEM alarm. But if it can't, I suppose I'd rather replace the alarm with one that will work rather than go without one.

Is anyone here using the CompuStar Pro TC13? A couple of questions:

1. Do I need all this stuff for what I'm looking for?

2. One of the use cases I have in mind is to be able to leave my dog for a little bit in the car with the temperature controlled. Obviously, the car will need to be on for that to work and locked to keep her safe and the car from being driven away. Is this doable, or will the CompuStar system turn off the car after only a couple minutes if the door isn't opened and the ignition not turned on with the key or something?

 

Just fyi...you won't be able to control the climate system with the remote. The AC or heat will come on when you press remote start and it will be on whatever setting you left it on when you last turn the truck off. Example - if you left the AC on fan speed high, then it will resume when you remote start it. But you won't be able to adjust it from the remote.

There should be setting that you can put on timer for the remote start.

 

I could probably live with that, but I am curious. The dealer said the same thing, but said the purpose of adding the StartIT DC3-LC was to enable the ability to remotely control the climate. You're saying even if I add the StartIT DC3-LC, I still can't do it?

 

I have a Compustar system on my truck. Original owner had it installed. It's slick.

It's 2WT11R-SS which is a 2way LCD remote (3mile range) w/ the antenna on the inside by the rearview mirror. It's got a ton of features, and I only use a few. I do love the remote start- use it often here in Arizona to precool the car. By precool- I mean the truck is on and running, w/ the HVAC at whatever setting it was left at when the truck was turned off.

Security wise I'm certain is has shock sensors and glass break.

the only hvac climate related options are a Window mirror defrost add on which i dont have.

 

That is an absurd price. I had Compustar installed on my Tundra with DroneMobile for $450.

 

DC3 module = $120
T-harness=$80
Alarm Kit (siren and shock sensor)=$75
T13 remote and antenna = $230
With these prices in hand, you know how much they are charging you for labor. If you do a little research, it will take you 20 minutes to install because you are using a T-harness (just have to solder 3 wire connections). Good choice on the T13 remote...game changer (walk up to the truck, doors unlock).

 

Interesting. I’m interested to know where you got these prices. My understanding was T13 is only available through CompuStar pro dealers. I would have guessed they’d impose a min and max price on dealers.

here’s what this dealer is charging:

T13 with Drone: $499.99
DC3: $299.99
Alarm Kit: $119.99
T-Harness: didn’t write this one down but I think it was $100
Hourly Labor: $160/hour (San Francisco Bay Area prices are insane). They estimated 4-5 hours labor.

 

Prices are from ebay and Amazon

 

Those prices the dealer are charging you are crazy expensive. T13 are available on ebay all day. 4 hours labor is a joke. T-harness makes it pretty much a plug n play. It is also cheaper to buy everything separate than a bundle deal. For example you would want to buy these three items separate... T13 remote, antenna, and drone mobile from ebay.

 

It's smart to purchase locally from an authorize dealers. Just in case you have an issue with it...it will be easier to get a replacement. Yes, ebay or Amazon may have cheaper prices but what are you going to do if you have an issue? Don't get me wrong, I shop on ebay and amazon also but some things are worth paying a little extra.

That being said...I think $1500 is too high. It should be around $900-1000 installed. I would shop around.

 

Buy this and do it yourself, works with the OEM key and they have very helpful installation videos you can access after purchase. Its 100% plug and play.
https://www.12volt.solutions/produc...remote-start-kit-h-key?variant=32106860445799

 

Google Compustar T13 remote. The comparison is night and day. Plus with 12volt, is just a remote start (no alarm).

 

The truck comes with an alarm from factory. All i needed was a remote start which it sounds like is what the OP wants.

 

I understand but for the same price ...Compustar with T13 remote wins hands down. If you have a older vehicle, the T13 remote is a game changer. You walk up to your trunk and the door or doors unlock (optional). You can program it to passive arm and lock as well. T13 also tells you if your vehicle is broken in to or if someone is jacking up you truck trying to steal you wheels. The system is pretty much plug n play like 12volt.

 

Yeah I get it. With 12volt you're mostly paying for the ease of of use, most all remote start companies use some type form of product from Flashlogic or similar and you're just paying for the wiring harness and instructions for your vehicle which Ill say is top notch from 12volt. I personally just wanted something simple that worked with the OEM key to warm the truck up in the winter time.

 

Joe, if you like proximity unlock like most of the newer vehicles today, the T13 works awesome. The alarm alerts on the T13 remote is a big plus as well. The Compustar system is just as easy to install like 12volt. I only solder 2 or 3 connections and the rest is plug n play. One big difference is with Compustar, you need to flash bunch of options to the module you want...like how long you want remote start and the different options to select on how you want the alarm system to behave.

 

Yeah I didn't want any of that. Just 3 click remote start, simple and easy. I understand you like your system and it works well for you but for a simple 100% plug and play remote start that works with the OEM fob the 12volt is a great solution. If you want lots of bells and whistles then obviously the compustar is a great system for that.

 

Not exactly. I wanted the remote start. But I also want (actually, need) the ability to ensure my climate system starts with it using its most recent settings, or can be remotely started. Can I do that with 12 volt?

 

All remote start systems will work if you leave your A/C on after you turn off your truck. I am not sure on the auto temperature system on the higher end Tundras. Maybe someone with that A/C systems with remote start can chime in.

 

Also Compustar has this function if the temperature in your truck reaches a certain set temperature, the truck will remote start by itself. This will be useful to OP.

 

I wouldn't be leaving my pet in there when it is on remote start. They all have an auto shut off time so it won't run forever. So if your auto shut off is 10 min but for some reason your truck decides to shit the bed right after you walk in, your pooch could be in a greenhouse for 9 min. Stuff gets real hot real fast in the summer...not worth it.

 

If you have the climate control system and remote start you would have to have the Auto temp set to what you want and on so when the remote start starts the truck it will come on.

After 15 minutes the truck will shut off. When it shuts off your remote will beep, I just start again if I need to for my girls (dogs).

Remote start, alarm and long distance antenna reach (awesome) is what I needed.

 

Yes if you leave the climate control on auto it will be on what ever you left it at and heat or cool the truck when you remote start. As far as dogs go, I regularly leave my dogs in the truck and what I do is keep a spare key in the glove box. Ill start the truck with the spare key, lock all the doors, get out and you have to lock the drivers door with the key, if you try to lock it from the inside the door will automatically unlock.

 

any chance you can tell me what the time options are for how long it keeps the remote start going? I’d like to know before buying but I’m not finding that level of detail in any of the product descriptions and I’m having a hard time finding it in manual I found online.

 

Mine will run for 20 minutes and turn off. It has a countdown on the screen.

 

I recently had the T5 installed in my 2018 Tundra Limited. Same system (DC3, Drone unit) with the single button T5 instead of the T13. Remote start can be set to run in 5 minute increments up to 35 minutes by the dealer, just tell them what you’d like. You can also do it yourself if you download the WeblinkRS app on iOS or Android and purchase the adaptor cable listed. (Be careful though, as using the wrong settings can damage your unit or vehicle.) To get an idea of all the available programming options, look at the DC3 master guide here: https://lockdownsecurity.forumbee.c...ocument_20170017_140048_FT-DC3MasterGuide.pdf

I have used various CompuStar systems on all of my trucks from my 2000 Tundra onward. The T5 (and T13) are the best of the bunch by far. I would absolutely recommend them if you want a reliable system. Like you, I use it to cool/heat my dog when traveling, as well as pre-heating the truck in the winter (we had a nice snap of -46°F last winter). With the better remote and the ability to use Drone and check on the temp and engine status anywhere, I feel confident in leaving him in there.

 

Perfect. Thanks so much.

 

I have a 2015 SR with G key, can someone tell me which t harness is needed?

 

Anyone have this installed on their 3rd gen? Dealer just said the firmware won’t allow it to disarm the alarm with factory key when I unlock. I’d need to unlock the doors with oem key then use compustar remote to disarm alarm… he showed me the firmware update and sure enough it’s not an option at the moment according to the compustar diagram. Just think it’s unusual trucks been out a few years already

 

I can’t speak for third gen’s. But for whatever it’s worth, I have a few regrets on buying this system. Given the alternatives, it’s better than not having it at all. But I’m not entirely happy with the reliability.