Adding Auto Start

[ejkob]

I have a 2008 ford Eddie Bauer Explorer but would like to add auto start. Can anyone recommend a "stock" or "plug and play" auto start that will work best with my vehicle?

 

[Ornery]

No such thing. It's a big deal, that is best installed by a pro. Even if you think you can handle it, the hundred or so labor charged by an installer is well worth it. Find one who can get the heated seats to come on with the remote start. That will separate the men from the boys.

I went with a two-way Viper. Not cheap, but great range and reliable. The installer will have favorite models and can work a deal on the package.

 

[Mark5767]

I had auto start installed on my first Explorer which was a 2002. I live in Minnesota and I was parking outside in the winter so it was like -15 out there and it was nice to get it warmed up a little.

Soon after I had a garage and I NEVER used the auto start again. So it was actually kind of a waste. I thought I would use it and some people around here do, but it was just more of hassle than anything and a running it a few extra minutes even in the dead of winter made very little difference to me.

I know it's personal preference but I would not invest in auto start again, and it's not cheap to get it installed. Also keep in mind the range is pretty short so you have to be pretty close to your vehicle to even start it remotely unless the have some new app these days. And if you are a long ways away, do you really want your car sitting there running anyway?

Just my 2 cents!

PS I used a small local aftermarket accessory shop here called Dealer Automotive Services. I think it was an AstroStart. They did a great job and it worked perfect the few times I used it! It was pretty involved, they had to run cable through the headliner, etc.

 

[edwx]

Great investment if you 'need' it. I am a DYI kind of guy, but this would have taken me 8 hours to install, so I went to a professional. Best thing I ever did. Came with a 3 year warranty. The antenna failed just short of 3 years and they installed a new one for free. Find the best installer in your area with the best reputation, and use them. No 'fly-by-night' guys.

 

[Ornery]

Gotta Have A Remote Starter

I've never purchased a new car in the forty years I've been driving. Been buying "previously owned" full size Fords for the past thirty plus years. My wife HATES the cold. When shopping for one of our many Grand Marquis', she insisted on velour (cloth) seats, because they're not so cold in the winter. No problem, except she also wanted all the bells & whistles, which come in the LS package. Nine out of ten LS Grand Marquis have leather seats. We had to drive 75 miles to get one with that combination. I'll tell you what. My wife was right. Those seats are far more comfortable than any leather, summer or winter.

I bought her a remote start for Christmas. LOVED IT! And, I like it too. Doubt I'll ever own another car without one. Strictly for winter use, although it's nice on any chilly morning. We had a Viper 4202 installed in the Explorer. The range is great, plus it confirms on your key fob whether it has started or not. That's an awesome feature. When you're finishing dinner in a restaurant, you can start it up, know it's started, and have a nice toasty ride home, especially if you have the seat heaters turn on as well. Costs a little more, but hey, you only live once!