2013 Rav4 Remote Start with Keyless Entry Pictorial

This is a DIY remote start with keyless entry Pictorial on the new 2013 Toyota RAV4.  This vehicle was an

XLE model.  It did not have Push To Start or a Factory Alarm system.  It did have the new Toyota "H" key. 

Currently, there are no bypass modules available for the "H" key from the big 3 manufactures.    A  Key-

In-The-Box is the only solution.  All are working on a solution, so if you can wait, it might be worth it, especially if the module from iDatalink is anything like the TL5 firmware for the previous "G" key vehicles. 

U.S. market vehicles come with two keys which have the Remote Keyless Entry buttons in the key-head. 

If you ask some U.S. dealers for a plain Valet key, they will give you a blank stare.  However, Canadian market vehicles do come with a plain valet key.  Below is a picture of the key with the part number.  Expect to pay $50 for the key and another $50 for cut & program ( dealer scan tool only ). 

Here are the parts used for this install :

Be forewarned that this vehicle has very thin gauge ignition wires.  While you can still use the

remote starters' standard thick 30 Amp wires, I chose to cut these output wires and solder on similar color 18 gauge wires.  The CM6200's two power input wires were joined together and fused down to 15 Amps.  The 556UW was set to Mode 2 ( 60 windings ) and the antenna loop waswrapped 4 times around the ignition switch cylinder.  Below is the bench prepped system :

Disassembly :

Remove the two Phillips screws shown in the picture below and remove the bottom dash panel.

Remove the two 10mm bolts marked in the next photo.

Remove the two 10mm bolts shown below with an extension.  They are angled and the steering

column should be raised and extended for easier access.  Then pull the lower dash panel gentlystraight away ( two clips along top edge ).  This panel is the knee air bag!  Do not disconnect theYellow harness, just rotate the panel and lean it against the center console, out of the way.

Remove the lower steering column cover by first removing the two screws, one at 3 o'clock the

other at 9 o'clock, then gently press on the lower half at the side seams to seperate.

Remove the fuse box cover by pulling it straight away from the dash.  There are 3 clips along

the top edge and 2 along the bottom.

Not shown is the driver kick panel.  First remove the driver door sill trim by lifting it straight up.

Next remove the plastic nut that retains the DKP, then pull the DKP straight back.

Wiring :

This is a picture of the main ignition connector ( unplugged ) with the wires marked.  Toyota

does have a thing for using several wires with the same color in their ignition harnesses sotesting is imperative.

Here is a photo of the Keysense wire ( White two pin connector ).

This is a shot of the Parking Light and Horn wires at the steering column.

The Tach signal can be found inside the vehicle at Pin 9 of the OBD2 connector as

shown below.

This photo is the Brake wire at the Brake Pedal Switch connector.

The Brake wire can also be found at the fuse box.  The +12V constant source is shown.

The door lock wires can be found in this connector in the lower DKP.  These are actually

the lock and unlock signals coming from the door key cylinder and will  also Arm and Disarmthe Factory Alarm if present.  Additionally, the first Unlock pulse will unlock only the Driversdoor ( priority unlocking ), the second unlock pulse ( within 2 seconds ) will unlock all the other doors, including the rear hatch.  Test these wires using a key in the drivers door.

Engine compartment pass-thru can be found at this grommet that houses the main harness

and the hood release cable.  It comes out directly behind the driver's shock tower with littleclearance and less access.  Use a coat hanger to initially puncture the rubber grommet and then a 3 foot piece of .080" or .105" weed trimmer line to snake the hood pin wire thru.

Notes:  The non-PTS 2013 RAV4 does not have "one-touch-starting", hence running in Tach mode

is preferred.  This vehicle does not have built in Anti-Grind, so cutting the Starter wire and adding an Anti-Grind relay is an option.  The Factory FOB's do not function during remote start, therefore installing a system with keyless entry is a good idea.

As always, verify all wires with a Digital Multi Meter and make all connections with a quality

solder joint. 

Soldering is fun!

As always, your pictorials are outstanding and informative.  A cold six pak for you.When all else fails, Read the Instructions

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Thanks, Rich!    It was a nice warm day so the post install refreshment was needed.

I might update this post once a decent bypass module becomes available.

Soldering is fun!

Sweet, I have to do one of these on Wed, this makes it even easier than I already thought it was gonna be.double-secret reverse-osmosis speaker-cone-induced high-level interference distortion, Its a killer

Good luck!  Please let us know how it goes and if there are any differences with the Canadian model.Soldering is fun!

You can also find (+) parking lights (green) at the fusebox next to the brake wire.I drink current, eat ohms, and bleed voltage

Just an update with some more info. As PTS760 pointed out, if you prefer using a (+) Parking Light wire or would rather make your connections at the fuse box instead of the steering column, here is a photo of the (+) Parking Light wire. Here is a picture of the (-) Horn wire at the fuse box : And for those that wish the added convenience ( or profit ) of Defroster control during Remote Start, here is a photo of the Rear Defroster wire, also at the fuse box. The Defrost is a high current, latched (+).Soldering is fun!

A 2013 Rav4 owner here (XLE, no factory alarm or pushbutton start). I have a 1 button remotes start (DEI 4203v responder one). Toyota has this feature where if the ignition is on or the key is in the ignition or the ignition on, the keyless entry system is disabled (fob wont work). (so you are not able to lock the doors in pit stop mode). I added a relay triggered by the door pin switch when the remote start is activated. The NC contact restores original function. I ran a wire to the dome light so it will still work when the remote start is activated. Now I can at lock the door at the door panel when in pit-stop mode.

Quick question, Just so I understand this correctly the valet key (Gray) can be used for the "Key in the box"? I have a customer that has this exact car and they have a valet key also for it and I want to make sure this will work before I tell them they need to go out and get another key cut. Thanks for your help, Derek

Hi Derek,

Yes.  As noted, the U.S. market vehicles only come with two remote entry style keys, no valet key.  The valet type "H" key pictured above was ordered, cut and programmed by the dealer.  I verified it worked properly, starting and operation the car, then secured it inside the Directed 556UW universal bypass ( set at Mode 2  -  60 windings ) and ran the antenna loop around the end of the ignition cylinder.  You can see it and the hot glue in the Keysense photo ( taken before clean-up / re-assembly ).  It was the old style, wrap it yourself antenna loop wire.   No reported issues with remote starts in below freezing weather.

If you are friendly with the dealer, you might be able to get him to program the key to the car without cutting the blade.  A little extra security.

Kreg

Soldering is fun!