Toyota Highlander Hybrid engine does not turn on when remote started (for heater)

Question

I bought the remote start to allow the temperature to correct (A/C or heater) prior to getting in as I think most people buy it for. I got everything installed and programmed but when the vehicle turns on, its as if it stays in hybrid mode (or accessory, I can`t tell) and the motor doesn`t engage to allow the vehicle to heat up. If I start the vehicle normally, the motor comes on right away. Everything else works fine. I even tried leaving it for a while to see if it would finally engage but it didn`t.

Answer 1

If the engine is not turning on, the Ready Mode indicator should be on if the vehicle is actually started. Is the ready mode light on at all?

Comments

I had to jump start the truck this morning. I guess that proves it is only turning the vehicle onto accessory.

I called tech support today and was told my firmware is likely not correct and should be updated to 4.79. I will need to verify that when I get home and look into how to do that on the cheap as I bought the unit already flashed for my vehicle from a seller on ebay.

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Was my next mention. The 79.09 firmware has an update for Hybrid vehicles not actually starting. I'll ask to get this cleared out on the website and in the install guide for future updates.

 

If you leave us the 12 digit service number written on the back of the EVO, we can check if the unit was actually updated.

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Just got home. The service number is 001A06 248524. Just verified and it is only at 79.05 so I will need to get that sorted out with the company I bought it from (I`m in Ottawa, they`re in Tuscon, Arizona).

Also, would there be any benefit is sticking with 79.09 instead of going straight to 79.10 as "recommended" by Fortin?

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Always use the latest firmware as they include all past firmwares and fixes.

 

I don't know if it may be cheaper and less of wait time, but there are many installation shops in Ottawa that may be able to help you get your module flashed. They may charge a minor fee though, but it would save having to ship your EVO back and forth. And it promotes local business :)

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If you have a list somewhere, could you tell me a few shops in Ottawa that I could contact? I think that route is the best.

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We only have a list of the distributors they buy from since we are the manufacturer.

 

But.....

This place may be able to help. I recommend you call first.

http://www.langloissoundperformance.com/

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Thank you.
I know we've had a lot of back and forth on this and I appreciate your time Robert but I spoke with the seller I bought it from who raised a good point... my unit has 79.05 on it. The two more recent updates are only from the last 3 weeks. My vehicle is a 2008, so by saying I need to update to the latest version, the understanding is that, until recently, you product was not useable for my vehicle...

I know thats not the case, but what would be the reason why the 79.05 firmware released a few months ago was not compatible with the 2008 Highlander hybrid and now it is? Is there a possibility of another cause to blame? The unit itself maybe?

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Hi Sean,

When the EVO does the VIN check, some "older"  Hybrid vehicles were not recognized as Hybrid. There could be two identical vehicles side by side, one works fine, the other doesn't.

Your specific problem was fixed when we had 2009 Camry Hybrid d0 the same thing. Vehicle wouldn't actually start up.

Firmware releases with a short description of what was changed can be found here along with there release dates:

http://ifar.ca/en/products/evo-series/evo-all/firmware.html

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I know we've had a lot of back and forth on this and I appreciate your time Robert but I spoke with the seller I bought it from who raised a good point... my unit has 79.05 on it. The two more recent updates are only from the last 3 weeks. My vehicle is a 2008, so by saying I need to update to the latest version, the understanding is that, until recently, you product was not useable for my vehicle...

This type of installation was not available until the release of Toyota/Lexus firmwares. 79.[XX]. This very simple installation has the firmware to thank for it since the vehicle is pretty much controlled through CAN-Bus. The EVO-ALL has been compatible since 2008 but only offered transponder bypass and some Can-Bus features up until 1.5 years ago.

 

Back in 2008 lets say. The installation was a completely different ball game and a remote starter would have needed to be installed. Stand Alone was non existent.

Take a look at the install that used to be done:

http://ifar.ca/en/download/3625/preview.html

 

Now, in 2013 (well actually 2012), we found a new way to start these vehicles because of some changes on the Toyota/Lexus platform.

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Since more and more vehicles now actually run through a data network, engineering can replicate the start sequence through the vehicles network. Installations become simpler but rely on the firmware of whatever product installed. This was not the case a few years back whereas having a vehicle remote start relied on a remote starter and lots and lots of wiring. The bypass units such as the EV0-ALL, did exactly that, bypass the factory security only, no other special features.

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Not to sound mean or anything (not my intention at all), but, our products our meant for installers/technicians with all the necessary tools and equipment on hand. Meaning, always ready to plug their EVO in and update it. This is the same for all aftermarket units such as the EVO-ALL, from all manufacturers. It's impossible to test every vehicle model from every year on every new firmware release. Someone that says all their firmware releases are tested on all models from every year is lying, it's impossible. They are tested on all models of the current year, that yes.

 

While im here blabbering. A little adavantage that Fortin Electronics has over the competition, is that we also own Fortin Auto Radio, which not only is a local shop for vehicle aftermarket needs, but also does the work for many car dealerships in Montreal.

 

Not sure if this makes any sense, hope it clarified some "whys".

 

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Amazing! yes, it was extremely helpful and answers my questions perfectly.

I will copy and paste my last question along with your answer into an email to my provider who promised to mail me the flash-link and return postage so I could do the update and return it to them if that seemed to be the only answer.

I again really appreciate all of your help and time answering my questions. Although I'm not a professional installer, I was an appretice electrician (wiring knowledge) and studied the installation manual carefully and found it technically very easy to install, just a little difficult to reach the wires. That's the reason for doing it myself (and the $$ saved).

What a great company!

Cheers!

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Glad it helped!

If you're having troubles and/or concerns when trying to flash the unit, try reaching us here or by phone while you still have the Flash-Link. It's never a bother.

 

Keep us posted and happy holidays!

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Upadated this morning, still only goes to accessory... I tried the programming sequence again, just in case (solid blue LED, flashing, etc...) althought I didn`t reset it first (don`t know how). I am not sure if that would make a difference. Even before trying to reprogram it, the remote start still turned it on to accessory, I just can`t get it to crank the engine (turn on the vehicle).

Starting to get pretty frustrated with this!

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On Tech support's suggestion, I downgraded from firmware 79.10 to 79.09 after doing a master reset and re-enabling options 12, 15 and 18. STILL no luck. Vehicle turns on as if I pushed the push-to-start button twice without my foot on the brake (accessory mode I believe). No "Ready" light on, no engine running in cold weather to generate heat from the climate controls, only power drain.

I have disconnected all of my connections and re-did them. I have ordered a flash-link from Langlois Audio in Ottawa, and I am going to exchange my Evo-All unit just to be safe.

I noticed a lack of response from Fortin on some of my previous attempts to contact you and I'm now feeling quite alone. When I call, I am told it can only be my firmware, ignition connection or steering wheel lock connection but I have relentlessly checked these after each call with a solid connection after each check. My CAN Bus connections seem fine as I can program the unit fine.

What is going on?

You competitor has a PTS connection made at the start button which you don't have. Is this what I'm missing? I doubt it but I am running out of options to try.

Answer 2

Are you leaving the climate controls on when parking the car?

Comments

I leave it on "Auto". As mentioned, using the remote start does not engage the motor and therefor the blowers don't turn on. When manually starting it, the motor comes on immediately as do the blowers.

As I had to jump start the truck today, I now know that the starter is only turning the vehicle on to accessory.