TazDevl: how did they/you arrive at the $450 credit? Isn't the remote start option less than this (~$350). Is the extra $$$ in service a concession because they aren't refunding you?

 

Probably the max they could authorize and yes they wanted to take care of me. I think my remote start was $350 installed.

 

Up here in Canada, where the feature would be very valuable in cold winter....
it's not available!!! Sucks to be Canadian with a Lexus....

I had an aftermarket RS installed in our last RX.... will have to do the same I guess!!

 

I know the remote start kit is available through the dealer. Have you checked it out?

And before you complain about being a Canadian with a Lexus, you get the fully loaded models up there, no wait. I'm two months into a four month wait for my semi loaded 450h

 

Hey, Kitzl - if it's only "semi-loaded," you should only have a semi-wait.
Check with your dealer.
And find out why the Canadians, who have nothing better to do than wait, don't have to.

 

tfischer, it actually goes both ways. They get the loaded RXs while we wait months for ours. But they don't get Lexus Enform and I presume remote start like we do here in the states. From what I have read in other threads, I'll take the wait over the price in Canada anyday Mine is being built this month and may be here by Christmas. And yes, it will have the remote start. Unless someone finds something better...

 

Kitlz: that sounds like what I have read, also , but it makes no sense to me that remote start, a feature devoutly to be desired in colder climes, is not available in Canada; without it, I would not consider a car "fully loaded."
A new RX will make a grand Christmas present - are you going to get one of those big red bows on it?

 

I agree, it doesn't make sense remote start is apparently not available up north. Maybe someone from Canada can confirm? I believe it is dealer installed rather than put in at time of manufacture. So for those who do not have it, you can get it.

I don't have it written in my special order but yes, a big red bow will be included if it comes in by the holidays. Already talked to my sales guy about it

 

I have a factory RS, so it's part of the keyless entry key fob. More often than not, I can't get it to work. You are supposed to press the lock button 2x, then press it again and hold for 3 seconds. Is there some kind of trick to make it work, some special button pushing cadence?

I've read about here, and experienced the stupid 'car shuts-off when you touch the handle' "safety feature", and figured I can live with that--at least the car will be warm, but this unreliable starting is not acceptable.

I've used a REALLY good car radio/alarm/RS installer before and would've gone to him again, but I really liked the idea of only having one compact key fob that did it all. However, if it's going to be so unreliable.........So, any help or hints would be appreciated.

 

Everyone needs to call consumer affairs, get compensated and tell them they need to issue a fix. There is no workaround at the moment other than aftermarket.

 

Confirmed by my dealer.... remote factory start is presently not available in Canada...... even as a dealer install.
As mentioned, will have one installed by stereo shop, not a biggy by any stretch.

WTF would you say we have nothing better to do.... than wait.....

 

Sorry; I forgot about Canadian football.

 

Ok..... so that makes you equal to most Canadians.

 

I contacted Lexus (800-25LEXUS)for a credit for my Remote Start and was offered a refund of the purchase price ($375), BUT only if I took the time to drive to the dealer and have them uninstall it.

I asked why the stupid thing shuts off when you open the door and was told it was a safety feature. After a brief discussion, the rep conceded that it didn't make much sense.

I'm a little peeved that I wasn't offered the same concession that TAZ was (a $450 service credit, and a chance to keep the remoter starter in case Lexus comes to their senses and fixes it anytime soon). I'm also in AZ, and presumably have the same regional CS rep.

 

FWIW, I just sent the following to "Lexus Customer Assistance Center" on their website. Maybe it will help........ :

This is my 2nd Lexus and overall I am VERY happy with the cars and in particular my Northborough, MA dealership.

My only problem is with the implementation of your factory Remote Start. I have had several RS's on other vehicles and this is among the worst. Having to press a button 3x and hold is tedious, and the incredibly SHORT (30' or less)range plus requiring "line of sight" is all unacceptable.
Remote starters are not a new technology by any stretch. You are 'creme de la creme' Lexus and I would expect you to use top shelf, latest technology equipment. This RS is K-mart quality stuff.
Also, the fact that the car shuts off when you touch the handle is an unnecessarily redundant "safety" feature.
I did not opt for an after market RS, because I liked having just one key fob. However, had I realized how poorly this one was implemented, I definitely would have chosen the non-Lexus RS.
I, along with many other owners(check out the Club Lexus forum), am unhappy, but also hopeful that your technicians can come up with an appropriately cutting edge fix for this issue and therefore keep Lexus at the top, where it belongs.