Remote Starter-Worth It?

[eggsplorer]

Just a few questions:

1). How much does a remote starter cost?
2). Where can I get one?
3). Can I install it myself?
4). Is it really worth it?

PS. I heard Sams Club offers them for 30 dollars is this true?

Thanks,
Ryan

 

[Lifted95X]

1) they vary...they start around $100.
2) Usually Best Buy, or any Car Audio store.
3) You can if you want to...they come with instructions.
4) I really like mine. I can have my truck all warmed up when its 30F out before I get in it.

 

[99explorer5.0]

1). How much does a remote starter cost? Mine came as a part of my Viper alarm system

2). Where can I get one? Just about anywhere these days.

3). Can I install it myself? Only if you feel comforatable with messing with your electrical system. If you cut the wrong wire you can really screw up your day.

4). Is it really worth it? Hell yes it is worth it

i love mine and i use it just about everyday in the winter. I keep my heater on at night so when i start up my truck it warms up the inside and makes it easier for me to scrape the ice off of my windows on those icy mornings.

I used to wake up in the morning freeze my ass off to turn on my truck then come in finish getting ready and then going back into my warm explorer. Getting rid of that first step in my day of freezing my ass off is great. It is probably one of the best mods i have ever done to any of my vehicles.

PS. I heard Sams Club offers them for 30 dollars is this true? No idea

 

[ChuckyD]

Yes its worth it!!!! I love mine!

leave the heat on the night before and when u get in the car is already warmed up and its toasty inside!

 

[Blaine122300]

if you live in Alaska it is a HUGE YES!!!
Or somewhere hot also a HUGE YES!!!

 

[oldschool4life]

BJ Wholesale has one for $40-50. It comes with a short video.

I recommend getting a real alarm with remote start.

One of my aux buttons turns on/off the rear window defogger.

 

[lonestar]

Here is what you need
Dead Link Removed

Easy to install, wiring diagrams provided here on the DesignTech webpage, makers of the Auto Command, the original remote starter. Just click on Tech Support and make up a user name. You will need some extra wires to solder onto their wiring harness to make the connections though. Their harness is only about 3 foot long. Connections are easy. The only required connections are the battery, ground, ignition (start, run, and accesory), brake and lights (to let you know it is running). The hood switch is not required, all it does is ground when hood is opened and turn off the unit. THis is probably a legal issue for them. Just don't start it remotely, pop the hood and stick your finger in the fan belt, duh. Then you can connect the remote unlock also if you would like.

 

[Tarron]

Interesting, I might have to get one of these. Guess they wouldn't work on older cars where you have to set the choke before the car will start.

 

[daniel cauchon]

no not older cars....

 

[99explorer5.0]

It wont work for standards either

 

[Tarron]

That's what I figured. Bummer, there's another idea for a Christmas present down the drain.

 

[Tarron]

Originally posted by 99explorer5.0
It wont work for standards either

I checked the DesignTech webpage and they had four models for standards. Must have to install a switch that makes sure the transmission is in neutral before it will start.

 

[lonestar]

Originally posted by 99explorer5.0
It wont work for standards either

You can make it work. Just bypass the clutch pedal switch so it can start without depressing the clutch pedal. Other than that, the starting circuit is the same. Then make sure you have it out of gear and the emergency brake on. If not, your truck my drive away when you try to start it.

 

[TheRookie]

I have one on my supra wich is manual. Pretty easy to do. Check your local laws though. It is illegal in PA to put on a manual. There are severla models designed for manuals. Check a car audio place as stated. They are pretty easy to put in if you are decent with wiring. If you are not confident get it installed. They ONLY work on Fuel injected engines. My X has a clifford alarm that I can add a remote start module to I just havent yet. Soon enough.

 

[99explorer5.0]

In RI its illegal to put them in standards. While they were installing mine i asked them how they put them in standards and they said they didnt because of the laws although im sure there is a way to install them as stated above. Now that would be funny if someone forgot to put it in neutral and the car drove away by itself.

 

[Boondoggie]

I have DesignTech remote starters (intended for automatics) on two cars that are manuals. No problems at all. Had to bypass the "clutch in to start" feature on one.

Never park in gear. Nothing worse that looking out your kitchen window and watching your car lurch forward into the garage door...

Never work on the car with the starter remote in your pocket. Wanna have a heart attack? Get under your truck, drain all the oil out, and then roll over onto the remote.

 

[99explorer5.0]

I have never thought about that. For now on when i change my oil i am going to disconnect the battery. That would really suck if someone was to hit the remote start with no oil in there.

 

[Blaine122300]

Originally posted by Boondoggie
Never work on the car with the starter remote in your pocket. Wanna have a heart attack? Get under your truck, drain all the oil out, and then roll over onto the remote.

Done it. Not changing the oil though. I think that is another reason for the hood switch. Most auto starts have a switch in the cab to turn the auto start on or off. When parked in the garage, good idea to turn it off. Also when doing maintenance.

Andy

 

[woodychitwn]

I'm the only one in my family who doesn't have one. But that's only because I haven't found a remote I like. That one from Omega doesn't look so bad. Anyway, I've seen them at Wal*Mart, Target, K-Mart, Pep Boys, AutoZone, on-line and in the newspaper. They all start at around $40 and depending on features go up quickly from there. And if you've ever wired anything else in your car, then this should be within your capabilities.

 

[TheRookie]

Yeah that is the reason for the hood switch. A guy I used to work with Had a 5 speed riced out neon (POS but all neons are). He had backed his car into a spot in the Mall parking garage. I watched as he wanted to show it off. Well he hit the button and the car lurched backwards into the wall. It continued trying to start and smoked the clutch. HAHA. Foolish.