Auto Remote Starter

Sean Feeney · Nov 10, 2009

I have been thinking of getting one of these for wife's car, it said it comes with a video to help with installation. Anyone every put one in, are they somewhat straight forward, sure don't want to burn up some computer.

ReedA · Nov 10, 2009

We are an Astro Start brand authorized dealer at work. I would recommend a pro install it, some makes and models require different modules and relays to work properly. Not to mention splicing into the factory wire harness.
Top of the line remote starter we sell and install have a 1 mile range, they are $450 installed.
We have taken many cheaper "do-it-yourself" starters out and installed Astro Starts. With remote starters you get what you pay for.

chris blohm · Nov 10, 2009

I have installed a couple in my time most are straight forward depends on which one you are in stalling
bulldog secutiry will give you the a chart to know which wires to hook to
WWW.bulldogsecurity.com

omahagreg · Nov 10, 2009

Would not recommend any-except factory installed! Buddy of mine used to sell and install them. If the vehicle would not start they would tow it to their mechanic-mechanic would ALWAYS say it was the remote starter. Now it gets towed to the guy who installed the remote starter, only to find out it is NOT the remote starter! Even my buddy did not recommend them, was too much finger pointing whenever a problem arose. Greg

buickanddeere · Nov 10, 2009

Use a block heater with a timer. Uses much less $$$.Engine starts easier too.

bradk · Nov 10, 2009

I've installed quite a few.Take the time the first time and solder & tape all connections.Scotch-locks loosen up over time and can cause electrical gemlins.That video that's included is for the easiest,most basic car to install in.

What year/make model does your wife drive? Most vehicles have a security system of some sort that has to be temporarily by-passed to remote start the engine.

Tom in TN · Nov 10, 2009

Sean,

I have installed two of them. One in a Dodge conversion van and one in a Dodge Grand Caravan. Both worked well when I first installed them. Both quit working after a few months. In both cases when they quit, I didn't bother trying to fix them.

The videos are too simple. They picked some car that has easy access to the under-dash wiring, making it look like it's very simple.

They require that you tap into the wiring harness in the steering column, that you connect into the starter relay (in both of my cases, the starter relay was in the fuse block under the dash), that you add a power supply wire from the battery, and that you install a plunger switch on the wheel well so that the remote start is disabled when the hood is open.

Technically, they're pretty straight forward, but access to the under-dash wiring is so restricted, I'd never install another one.

Good luck with your decision.

Tom in TN

Anonymous-0 · Nov 10, 2009

My wife has had two installed, one on a Chysler T&C it lasted longer than two transmissions 120000 mi. Presantly one on a Kia Sedona van 60000 mi and counting. Valet on the remote, no I didn't install them can't evrn use a flashlight!

Harvey Brinker · Nov 10, 2009

I have had three of them. Only the one installed by a auto shop actually worked as expected. Many of the newer cars,,,say those made after 2000 are even tricky for the pros to work on and get to function properly.

The two units that I bought and did myself,with a bit of an assist from my son,,,were basically a waste of money. And of course like all electrinic devices...once you open them they are generally non-returnable.

But, the one I had the pro do really has been a blessing to my wife. She uses it to warm up the car in the morning without having to go out in the snow. And at work she can start the car from her desk about ten minutes before the end of her day. A good investment,,when they work.
Good luck, Harvey

1936 · Nov 10, 2009

Better than sliced bread on ice and snow mornings. When shutting down for the day turn the defroster and fan to the setting you want for the next morning.
Would be careful on the after market home installed ones. Fire can be a problem.

Sean Feeney · Nov 10, 2009

Thanks for the replies, I'm going to have to think this one out. It,s a 09 Nissan I don't want to put something in, and it die's in no time like some have stated. I'll check what dealer gets for one, something tells me it will be just like before. Me cleaning off the car and starting it up, it's kinda funny I was the one that would have benefited. Thanks again!

Anonymous-0 · Nov 10, 2009

Have 2 of them, both installed by a dealer and both work fine - probably the best present I ever got the wife. I did some checking re. buying the home install and glad I didnt do it. I think you would end up spending a lot more time than you plan on a modern car for very little savings.

pete 23 · Nov 10, 2009

Question, what safety devices do they have to prevent running with out oil pressure etc. Daughter has one , loves it, I tell her one of these days she will find holes in the hood where the pistons came out or car will be in neighbors front door. She says I am always looking for things that can go wrong. Well, I admit it , no one ever drove his tractor into the shop complaining how good everything was working.

Anonymous-0 · Nov 11, 2009

Have one installed by a company that specializes in them. A friend of a friend had her Mustang totalled several years ago because a bad install. It had an electrical fire in the firewall behind the dash and even though the car was only about 1 1/2 years old, insurance wrote it off. Said it would cost more to fix than a new car. This was at least 15 years ago though. You can get them now where they will work off your cell phone. Dave

Auto Remote Starter

Sean Feeney

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ReedA

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chris blohm

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omahagreg

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buickanddeere

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bradk

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Tom in TN

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Anonymous-0

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Harvey Brinker

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1936

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Sean Feeney

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Anonymous-0

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pete 23

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Anonymous-0

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