Implementations provide techniques for remote starter adapter for use with a communication device. In one implementation, a system comprising a memory and an adapter coupled, operatively coupled to the memory, having an interface to connect to a remote starter. The adapter is to receive, via a wireless connection, a probe request from a communication device, the probe request comprising a command data structure. It is determined whether to change a status of an indicator based on the command data structure. Responsive to changing the statue of the indicator, a signal associated with the adapter is generated. Thereupon, the signal is transmitted, via the interface, to an input circuit to activate the remote starter.

A vehicle start-up mechanism is provided in a vehicle configured to travel while occupants are boarded in a vehicle cabin. The vehicle start-up mechanism includes: a first vehicle start-up switch configured to switch the state of the vehicle between the start-up state and the halt state; and a switch box provided on an outer surface of the vehicle and having the first vehicle start-up switch. The vehicle has an autonomous driving function.

A vehicle control system (VCS) in a passenger compartment interfaces with underhood components using a Bluetooth® link. The underhood components include a siren assembly with a sound generator and backup battery. The battery enables the siren assembly to function after the vehicle's battery is disabled. The siren assembly includes a Bluetooth® transceiver for establishing the link with the VCS. The siren assembly monitors the hood of the vehicle through a hood sensor, to detect unauthorized opening. In response to such opening, the siren assembly transmits an alarm to the VCS, which transmits an alarm to a user's mobile device and/or a security service. The sound generator may also be activated, by itself or under control of the VCS. The siren assembly connects to the engine computer/ignition module, to allow the VCS to monitor engine speed, and facilitate proper start of the engine when the VCS receives a remote start command.

In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus is provided that includes a database configured to store one or more vehicle status parameters of a vehicle and one or more secured space status parameters of a secured space. The apparatus further includes a server-based processor operatively coupled or connected to the database and configured to receive one or more of the one or more vehicle status parameters and one or more of the one or more secured space status parameters. The server-based processor is further configured to determine, based on at least one of the one or more vehicle status parameters and at least one of the one or more secured space status parameters whether to change a state of the vehicle.

Methods and systems are provided for user controlled engine revving. In one example, the engine may be revved to a peak speed according to a target revving sequence in response to a user-initiated command. A revving sound may be provided in response to an input device, without demanding manual depression of an accelerator pedal.

A vehicle control system (VCS) in a passenger compartment interfaces with underhood components using a Bluetooth® link. The underhood components include a siren assembly with a sound generator and backup battery. The battery enables the siren assembly to function after the vehicle's battery is disabled. The siren assembly includes a Bluetooth® transceiver for establishing the link with the VCS. The siren assembly monitors the hood of the vehicle through a hood sensor, to detect unauthorized opening. In response to such opening, the siren assembly transmits an alarm to the VCS, which transmits an alarm to a user's mobile device and/or a security service. The sound generator may also be activated, by itself or under control of the VCS. The siren assembly connects to the engine computer/ignition module, to allow the VCS to monitor engine speed, and facilitate proper start of the engine when the VCS receives a remote start command.

Methods and systems are provided for user controlled engine revving. In one example, the engine may be revved to a peak speed according to a target revving sequence in response to a user-initiated command. A revving sound may be provided in response to an input device, without demanding manual depression of an accelerator pedal.

One embodiment includes an engine block heating system. The engine block heating system includes a battery bank. The battery bank is configured to supply at least 2.25 KWatt-hours of energy before needing to be recharged. The battery bank is configured to be mounted in a vehicle comprising an engine block heater. The system further includes interface configured to connect to electrical connections of the engine block heater. The interface comprises an inverter is configured to supply at least 1500 Watts of power to the engine block heater. The engine block heating system is configured to selectively supply power from the battery bank to the engine block heater. The system further includes control circuitry coupled to the interface. The control circuitry stores a user-defined schedule to selectively control when the interface electrically connects the battery bank to the engine block heater.

A method for remotely starting a manual transmission vehicle is provided. The method includes determining whether remote start of the manual transmission vehicle is possible based on a remote start command signal of a remote start input device, an inclination angle signal value of the manual transmission vehicle, a notch signal value generated when a parking brake of the manual transmission vehicle is operated by moving a lever of the parking brake, and a gear shift stage signal of a manual transmission of the manual transmission vehicle. An engine of the manual transmission is started when the notch signal value according to the inclination angle signal value is greater than or equal to a minimum value of notch signal values capable of remotely starting the manual transmission vehicle and the gear shift stage signal is a neutral stage signal.

A vehicle apparatus has a controller, a first key reader disposed in a cabin of the vehicle, and a second key reader disposed external of the vehicle, such as on an auxiliary equipment. The controller is configured to actuate an engine control unit upon receipt of an authenticated signal. The controller is configured to receive a signal from the first key reader when the vehicle apparatus is operable in a first mode, and the controller is configured to receive a signal from the second key reader when the vehicle apparatus is operable in a second mode.