Start-X Car Remote Starter Kit for Toyota RAV4 (2019, 2020, 2021)

First, I have hardly any experience working on cars and I was able to install this thing. It’s basically plug and play but there is a little more to it. It’s important to both read the instructions and watch the video. The kit comes with a QR code that will direct the installer to online written instructions on how to program the module after the initial wiring is complete. Those written instructions have another QR code that directs the installer to a video on how to plug in the wiring. The first thing the installer needs to do is plug in the wiring—that’s why the video is important. The video shows the wiring process step by step. Then the installer needs to look at the written instructions. They show how to program the remote start module and get the thing working. The instructions fail to show the installer how to fasten the module with the provided zip ties and also how to put the paneling back in place. That wasn’t hard to figure out on my own but the manufacturer writing the instructions needs to remember most readers have average to below-average intelligence. It would have been better if the manufacturer of this product had provided both step-by-step written installation instructions which cover every step on the process including opening the paneling, wiring, programming and putting everything back in place—-AND a step-by-step video which also covers every step of installation and cleanup. Instead, the manufacturer leaves it up to the reader to figure out what to do with two different sets of instructions that also fail to include how to piece everything back together. I was able to install this thing by myself in 30 minutes. It really isn’t hard. That’s why I gave this 5 stars even though the instructions needed some work. I can now remote start my car on cold days from the warmth of my house and I love that convenience. To me, it was worth not paying someone to install it for me and I’m happy about the overall value in that aspect.

The package: Good kit. (Only things not included are regular Philips head screwdriver and an assistant with small hands) The process: Wire assembly feels quite sturdy and well made. May be a little daunting when you first see it, but it really only plugs in one way. Their video (here in the product page and on Youtube) makes the wiring process MUCH clearer. Simply queue it up on your phone, play a step, pause, do it, continue. Setting the little control box is easy as well. The printed instructions are very clear on what you have to do. Final thoughts: The whole thing took me about 30 minutes. Honestly, 20 of those minutes was just me fumbling with the plastic trim and trying to fit my hands inside the spaces behind the metal bars. All worth it to be able to warm up the car as I get dressed for work at 5AM. I've had it for just under 3 weeks now and the past week has been a bit chilly. Since it uses the original key fob, there's no indication that I pressed it right. I do have to watch for the car's lights through security cameras. I don't mind it. Love that it's designed AND manufactured in North America, especially since I'm part of North American manufacturing. Definitely recommending Start-X.

Great product Easy install. Best answer for remote start if you don’t want to pay Toyota for the remote start subscription

Easy to install and worked perfectly. The instructional video was easy to follow. It took maybe 30 minutes, start to finish. I recommend watching the video all the way through before you start. I disassembled more of the panels than needed based on installations I've done in other vehicles. I'm happy with this product and my wife is ecstatic!

To my knowledge, all 2019 Rav 4's have remote start built in by default, but to access it you need to pay a monthly subscription to Toyota. Screw that! This costs less than the subscription would cost you in a year and is a one-time purchase. Installation is simple, but can be difficult if you have bigger hands (like me), and the instructions are kind of eh. The manufacturer has installation videos online that mostly cover it, but seemingly completely gloss over the black box that needs to be programmed. The instructions are clear enough for that, it's easy. Do note that mine had an extra connector on it labeled "hybrid" that was left unused. Now the fun part- you REALLY need to make sure the plugs are plugged in all the way and snapped into place, and then you need to triple check it. I managed to leave the plugs a little loose (so little you couldn't even see) and the car was FREAKING out when I tried to start it. Strobing lights, tons of random noises, and it wouldn't start at all. It scared me when I couldn't find anybody else having the same experience. Turns out it just needed to be plugged in further (I really thought I had it all the way in). More recently, the car started not detecting when the driver's door opens, and wouldn't turn the headlights off when I turned the car off. I checked and sure enough, the plug worked its way noticeably loose. I pushed it back in and there was a tactile snapping into place, so either I left it too loose again (which I find hard to believe after the initial issues) or a bump knocked it loose. Either way it's worth mentioning, and it only took 10 seconds to fix. Overall this is a no-brainer if you want remote start.

Works as described super easy install

Pretty easy and straightforward installation. The space under the dash is pretty tight if you have larger hands, but the harness fits perfectly in there. Kit comes with everything you need to install and should take less than an hour to get everything done. I would highly recommend this remote starter kit (I have one on my 4Runner too).

Easy-ish to install, it's not complicated but if you have big hands like me then getting to the plugs and getting the T harnesses plugged in is going to cost you some cut up hands, but it's pretty straightforward. The programming was easy enough that I got it right the first time. If I had to complain about anything it would be that the timing of the 3 lock button presses needs to be just right, but that's not a big deal. There's a video on YouTube showing how to take the steering column paneling off and how to do the T harnesses and the programming instructions will also tell you how/when to plug the other end of the harness into the module itself. All you need is a Phillips screwdriver and maybe a 10mm socket to further remove the paneling but mostly just a screwdriver and the supplied panel pry tool. The kit also talks about some "extra options" and includes a hood button, I'm not even sure what models would need that but I didn't on my 2021.

The remote starter works perfectly as described. It took about 30-45 mins to install. I did it by myself following the instructions given in the product manual and also had to watch some you tube videos for a better clarity to remove some panels. No wire cutting, just plug and play. To start the engine remotely, you need to press the lock button three times. However, when you approach the car and open the door, the engine shuts off. I’ve heard this is a safety feature designed to prevent theft. However, I'm yet to figure out how to turn off the engine remotely. Thank you for making this great product. My dealer said, they have no OEM option for a remote starter for this make, model and year. - Rav4 XLE 2021 - Push Start

I've had my eye on this since last winter and finally decided to get it for my Rav4. Super straightforward and got it installed in about 40 mins. The instructions it comes with are not the most user friendly but there were lots of youtube videos I found of others installing this that were easy to follow along to. As others mentioned - the hardest part is getting your hands in to unplug the current cables and plug in the Start-X cables (awkward positioning unless you pull apart more paneling) But its up and running and works like a charm, can't wait to put it to the test when the cold weather hits!

To say a child could install this is an understatement, I’m not as mechanically inclined as I would like to be, but this was one of the easiest installs I’ve ever done. Just make sure you order the correct one and watch the video on the Amazon page, connect the wires and you’re good to go. This took me maybe 30 minutes. Turns on by clicking lock three times and turns off by clicking lock three times.

Works great. Wasn’t that hard to install, except pretty cramped quarters, only lost a small amount of skin. Scratches only. If you’re a bit mechanically inclined, you can install yourself. YouTube video really helped.

It's easy to install. Yeah, reaching the connectors in the back can be a bit awkward, but nothing dramatic. Where the drama starts is when you need to program the unit so that it recognizes your vehicle. All good, blue LED steady, plug in all other connectors, and then push the start button twice. Vehicle is supposed to start - but it doesn't. Dash display says "Ignition On", but nothing happens. Blue LED flashes, as documentation states, and when you push the start button one more time it all shuts down. This is what the instructions don't tell you. After you have done the process above, and shut it all down, leave the vehicle and lock the doors. Stand back, push lock 3 times, and your vehicle will start. Man, I was ready to send an email to the help email address, and then remembered when I bought this how people complained about poor documentation. While some might think this is a negative and doesn't deserve 5 stars, it does. Compared to the older remote start systems with a separate fob and the installer needing to do the old "twisty wire, black tape" thing, this remote starter is magic.