I like electronics. I can't quit tinkering with this car. When I bought my 2015 EX I considered the OEM remote start feature but felt it was too limited. I liked the idea of the SmartStart with my phone since I could essentially start the car on a cold or hot day from the office a block away and it be warm when I got there. The Viper SmartStart seemed like a good idea. If you're considering this, let me tell you my experiences so far.


First, my configuration. Samsung Galaxy S5 and 2015 Fit EX CVT. I had a Viper dealer install the SmartStart and the Bluetooth Keyless Entry. All told, about $600.00. I signed up for the 3-year Viper plan for $120 I think so that's about $720 total. I didn't want to carry an extra key fob so the phone is what I use and since I don't use it every day it seemed practical. Now, onto the experience.


First, the interface is very basic and is in need of an update. Yes it works and gives you just enough to know it works but it's not elaborate. It could use some serious redesign for the user experience.


Second, it's not 100% reliable. There have been times where simply waiting for the interface to load and be ready for input has taken 1 minute or so. That means that you can never really time yourself reliably by distance from your car to unlock the doors before you arrive. There have been quite a few times I've tried to start or unlock the door and their service replies that it could not reach the car (even though I had excellent cell coverage) or that it could and didn't receive a response (so is the car running or not?).


Third, to bypass the Honda security system, they have to install a bypass module. While that doesn't sound bad, it does cause things to work differently. For example, if you remote start the car you can no longer use your Honda fob to unlock the doors. This is because the Viper system is controlling the system and you can't have both Honda and Viper in charge at the same time. So what does this mean? See my "Second" paragraph above - you may not be able to reliably unlock the car with your phone. Yes, I've gotten tired of waiting and pulled the key out and unlocked the door.


Fourth, when Viper is in control (you've started the car with it) and you do open the door with Viper or key, the car shuts off. Ok, I had to talk to the dealers about this one. It's on purpose because when you open the door that's when Viper is ceasing to control the vehicle and does a hand-off back to he Honda fob which is required to drive the vehicle without shutting down. This means that if you ever remote start your car, be prepared to start it twice. While not a deal killer because the car will be warm or cool, I do wish they could work in conjunction so that if the Viper system was down I could use the fob immediately to take over.


Fifth, support is very lacking. After a few emails, I've never gotten a reply.


Sixth, the Bluetooth keyless is worthless - at least on my phone. First they don't tell you that they do not offer the required v3.2 on Android which is required to use the Bluetooth proximity feature. If that worked then my disgruntled self when the service isn't working wouldn't feel so bad because when I neared the car, it would unlock automatically. One less button to push, one less service to depend on. But alas, 3.2 isn't available so that feature is useless. Also, when I do get it to connect with Bluetooth it is not a constant connect. It will work fine for an hour but if you leave the area and come back, it will not pick up the signal - the Bluetooth just doesn't work well. Even without the proximity feature the Bluetooth is supposed to work by trying to reach the car over Bluetooth first and if it can't use the service. But what I find is that after a bit, the connection ceases, won't handshake again (without recycling my phone) and pretty much I don't use it anymore.


So that's my input. If you ask me for a recommendation I would say don't get it - at least until they update the software for Android. iPhone users may have a more pleasant experience.


- S

 

Thanks for sharing. Wow, that sounds extremely frustrating, especially for all the money spent. Hopefully you/they can get it to function a little more effectively down the road.

 

I have it too. Unfortunately they haven't updated the software for the last three years. The app.is not a replacement for the viper fob though bc of the delay. It is convenient though when you are out of range from your car.