2009 camry with automate am 7 problem

I recently bought a used 2009 Toyota Camry that has an Automate AM-7 Remote Starter and Alarm system installed.  The car did not come with the remotes for the AM-7 system, as I think the car had been repossessed.  I purchased two AM-7 replacement remotes on Ebay, and programmed them to the system with the instruction sheet that came with them.  They seem to control everything fine EXCEPT the remote starter function.  They will, when prompted, crank the starter for about two seconds (which is about the time it takes to "catch" when using the key), but it doesn't start.  The AM-7 manual mentions something about a switch that is (or can be) installed that can disable the starter function if needed (for safety when the vehicle is being serviced, for example).  I looked all over (under the dash, under the hood, everywhere) but couldn't find the switch, so I'm beginning to think that perhaps there isn't one.  Can anyone provide any information that might help me solve this problem?  Thanks in advance for your help.Murf

Probably not the switch since the vehicle tries to crank. Maybe the tach but hard to say since it only cranks for 2 seconds.Jeff

Velocity Custom Home Theater

Mobile Audio/Video Specialist

Morden, Manitoba CANADA

Thanks for the quick reply, Jeff.  Any remedies or ideas?  Can the system be adjusted for a longer cranking time, perhaps?Murf

Could be tach but if its repossessed it's more likely that the car had keys programmed and "bumped" the key or module out of programming. Try inserting a valid key in the key cylinder (don't turn it) and remote start it. Report back your results.

Sounds like a by-pass problem to me, related to new keys being cut?

I can't remember (I must be getting old ) but I thought with Toyota's, if the immobilizer is not bypassed properly, it just cranks ( like Honda's). Damn I hate getting old.Jeff

Velocity Custom Home Theater

Mobile Audio/Video Specialist

Morden, Manitoba CANADA

With you on that one Jeff. Got called out to a Lexus the other week, claimed a flat battery but the security light kept flashing and it wouldn't fire up. It was pouring with rain (it is the British summer) and I went back a day later, disconnected the battery and flashed the terminals, it started on the button! I always thought an immobiliser "issue" meant that the car fired once then stalled, apparently this is the case with VW, they all differ slightly with the their symptoms, should have asked the poster the obvious, i.e. to try a R/S with the key in the ignition. Or the R/S part has lost power or is faulty.

OK.  As Jeff suggested, I tried the remote start with the key inserted in the ignition (but not turned).  IT WORKED!  Tried it again with the key out, and it would not start, as before.  So, what do I need to do from this point to get it to work WITHOUT a key in the ignition?  Thanks in advance for your help!Murf

Correction:  It was "beegbie" that suggested trying the above...  Thank you ALL, however, for the assistance you're providing!  Hopefully, we'll get this figured out...Murf

At this point you need to find the Automate control module and see what type of bypass module it is attached to.  There are many possibilities.   Once you locate it and determine what manufacturer and model, we can advise you if it is re-programmable, how to re-program it, etc.Soldering is fun!