Just purchased a 2009 MDX with Tech/Entertainment package and had the dealer install a remote starter. I'm not sure the exact model but the remote says Automate on it and only has one button. When I use the remote start to start the car, the oem remote does not respond. I can't unlock the doors and need to use the key to unlock the car. I called the dealer about this and they explained to me that this is normal and that because of the complexity of the security system/personalization system on the MDX, this is the way the remote start has to be installed. Just wanted to see if anyone else was having this type of problem with an aftermarket remote starter or if the dealer is blowing smoke.

 

Sounds about right. I've read it on here somewhere before. Hopefully someone can chime in.

 

Hmmmm, single button remote starter.

I've seen remote starter fobs with 3 buttons (lock, unlock, and start) where if you did use the remote start, you had to unlock the doors with the remote starter fob or the key (the factory key fob unlock wouldn't work). However if you didn't remote start the car, the factory ones would work fine.

Not saying that the reasoning the dealer gave you wasn't smoke and mirrors but in my experience with Acuras and remote starters what you are experiencing is the norm.