I've started to look into some of the autostart options for our 14 rdx tech package, i'd love to keep it all oem but the shut off and restart option & 2nd keyfob is "meh" to me.

Does anyone have any good alternative options? I've been reading up on the Viper Smart Start & today the rep said that it doesn't shut off and i can use the iPhone to start and unlock the car which is handy.

Thanks in advance

 

I have the smart start in my 2013 rdx tech with a viper 5704. The car will shut off when you open the door and there is no way around it. Your factory key fob will work just like it should but it will also act like your viper key fob, except when you try to remote start the car. You will have to use the viper remote to start your car or the smart start app on your phone

The thing I like about smart start is you can virtually be ANYWHERE to start your car. Inside a mall, in another state, miles away, and you can start/lock/unlock your car. You also get notifications on your phone whenever your car alarm is triggered.

I keep the factory key fob with me all the time and leave the viper remote at home. The factory key fob will lock/arm, unlock/disarm your car. If I want to remote start my car, I just use my phone. I don't want to take 2 key fobs with me everywhere so I just take the factory one and use my phone to remote start.

The bad thing however, if you alarm is triggered; you are not getting notified instantly if you don't have the viper remote or out of range because the signal gets sent to the cell phone tower then to your phone; compared to when you have the viper remote with you and within range of your car

 

I have a Viper 590/ 5904 two way with security and when I disarm the system, the engine shuts off. Currently there's no way around it, from what I was told two weeks ago. If you have an alternate solution, I'd love to hear it!

 

Also the smart start is just a module that plugs into a compatible viper alarm. So you will need to look into a viper remote start/alarm as well

 

Have contacted support weekly asking for a firmware update and all i get is the "we are working on it with no eta" response. Maybe if more of us contact them they will work on this quicker.
Love the remote start but hate having to restart the car.

 

I wonder how different our ignition system is compared to a Maxima? In the video I posted, the Maxima also have a push start ignition and Viper starter, and works the way it should.

 

Great question. Would seem like it can't be that hard to make the hand off happen. How unique can our car really be to all the others that work correctly that they can't get us an update.

 

My wife has Viper Smart start on her Pilot and we love it. My 2013 RDX Tech is getting the Viper Smart start on Dec 9. If it turns off when I open the door...oh well, I can push a button again.

 

How long have you had the Viper? Did your remote screen dim to the point where you can't even see the display?

 

I had one that did, but it was about 4 years old. New remotes can be ordered on amazon or ebay

Here is one as well:
http://www.drdetailshop.com


new remotes come with programming instructions

 

I did purchase one on ebay. The problem is the original remote screen lasted about two years. I'd hate to dish out $150 every two years for a new remote.

 

I would just keep searching for a bargain... I never paid more than $70-$80 for new remotes with shipping

 

My wife has had her's for about a year but it doesn't have the FOBs. It is iphone only app only. The one I am getting on 9 Dec for my RDX will have the FOBs but I plan on putting them away since I only need the phone app as well.

 

Took my 2013 RDX in for the viper smart start install. Got a call saying that the firmware isn't compatible and they can't install it.

They said that idata and viper both aren't compatible with my specific firmware? Very odd.

 

So I took my RDX to another installer with a great reputation and what a wonderful experience.

I ended up going with a DroneMobile unit from compustar because it is easier to upgrade in the future if I want to. My wife has the Viper so I have experience with both brands now. Here are a few observations.

1) I got the add-on that unlocks all the doors when I walk up to the car and I am within 6 feet. It does add a tiny "dongle" to my fob but it is small and doesn't bug me. This works if the remote start is used or not. Great feature that the installer threw in for free since I am in the military.

2) The car does shut off when I open the door or walk within 6 feet with my proximity dongle. He said this happens with most push to start cars. There are ways around it for many models but not for the RDX...yet.

3) Not a feature of the autostart but the installer ROCKS and got it to work. He was able to program it so that when I click the lock button 3 times on my factory key fob it will start the car! No additional key fob needed. TAKE THAT ACURA! But (and this is a big but), you are limited by the range of the factory fob. That is why I have my iphone if needed and range isn't an issue! This feature rocks because up here in Alaska people often leave their cars running when they are running into the store or to grab a bite to eat. So it is a piece of cake to get out of the car and just click the lock button 3 times and the care will run for up to 25 minutes. Awesomeness and I don't have to pull out my phone or carry an extra autostart fob...ACURA!

When comparing the Viper Smartstart and the Drone. They both work well and I don't prefer one or the other for functionality. BUT...the Drone is more versatile. The GPS tracking, battery voltage reporting, speed monitoring, geofencing and temp reporting are all in the system already and you have to add them on the Viper. These features aren't active in the Drone unless you subscribe to the premium service, which I don't. BUT...when my daughter starts driving in a few years I WILL be activating these features and I won't have to add any hardware like I would with the Viper.

Also, I get one year of basic service for free with Drone ($50 savings). Viper makes you pay the first year ($50 extra at start up).

So, that is my take on it. Hopefully it makes sense. I will edit this if it is confusing.

 

I have viper smart start in my 2013 rdx tech