After this winter I realize I probably want a remote starter for winters in the future. However I am unsure where to start on the issue. A lot of the faq about remote starters doesn’t really answer the questions I have.
For one thing, I don’t know where to get it installed. I’m not doing it myself, and I keep reading that stores like Best Buy are a bad idea. But aside from them (and independent car stereo stores) what options are there for an install? My impression is if the install is screwed up your electronics will have troubles. So I’d want to pick a good install place but have no idea how to find one.
That is a big thing holding me back. Another is how to pick which remote starter you want? Is a 2 way really worth the extra money vs a 1 way starter? Are any of the ‘extra features’ worth it? I need a 4 button remote (lock doors, unlock, trunk release, maybe alarm). I don’t know what I need beyond that. I’ve heard Viper is a good brand, I’ve also heard Viper is a terrible brand. They seem like pretty much the only game in town though. There are over a dozen models, so I don’t know which one to pick.
I’ve read you really need to get a device installed that disables the starter when the hood is up (so it will never start when someone is working on it). What other factors do you need to request that are not part of a regular install?
Do any of the starters ever accidentally turn on in your pocket?
Supposedly my model car doesn’t require a bypass (that is what I was told). But my car is a 2007 that came with a factory installed alarm system. So I don’t get that.
Is the rear window defroster something that automatically turns on when you start your car (if you set up your heater) or is that something you have to request separate? I assume it varies by model, but I think every car I’ve ever had requires you to push a button to turn on the defrost after the car is started, none start it automatically.
If I buy a 4 button remote and want the door lock/unlock button and the trunk release worked into the remote is that considered standard or extra? When they ask about door lock/unlock or an alarm system at the install place, are they talking about hooking that up with your existing door lock/unlock system and alarm or are they talking about installing door lock/unlock and an alarm on a car that doesn’t already have those things?
I installed on in my old Jeep Cherokee. (My new Jeep Grand Cherokee has heated seats, and an engine block heater, as will as an engine immobilizer and lots of doo-dads so I haven’t attempted it again.
Hood safety- Mine came with a simple pin switch that you installed so closing the hood would press down on it and enable the device.
Locks- Mine had a simple system that applied voltage to the wires operating the locks. I don’t know if they’ve gone to anything more sophisticated like interfacing with the cars electronics.
Bypass- this is for engine immobilizers which don’t allow the car to run unless there’s a valid key.
Operating the defroster- some have auxillary outputs that a button push can be assigned to do other functions like pop the hood (if that isn’t already covered) or turn on the defroster.
The first thing to do is to make sure that using such devices isn’t illegal where you’ll be starting up the car. There are a few places like that. There’s also laws in some areas about allowing a vehicle to idle over a certain length of time.
If add-on remote starters are anything like aftermarket automobile burglar alarms, I’d recommend waiting until you buy a new car and getting the factory installed starter. Aftermarket burglar alarms can cause all kinds of strange problems such as not allowing a car to start or running down the battery. As an add-on, they aren’t as well integrated as a factory option.
An independent car audio place would definitely be your best bet for the install, although the… ah… reputability of them tend to vary, so asking around would be a good idea. If you have a regular mechanic, they’re probably not going to be interested in installing it, but might be able to give you a good recommendation on an audio shop.
One thing to look into might be seeing if your car had a remote start as a dealer-installed option. That’s going to give you a generally cleaner result with fewer potentials for problems down the line than an aftermarket unit. Better resale on the car too. Actually having a dealer install it (if they can still get one) might be a little expensive, but you may also be able to get the OEM parts off eBay or somewhere and have the local audio shop put it in.
I wouldn’t overlook the Best Buy option. Their installers are trained, MECP certified, insured, and it’s what they do every day. Unlike a lot of mom & pop shops that seem to hire friends and family who may have no more training than teaching eachother.
Car dealers will put factory models in that seem like a good idea however they seems to be overpriced compared to aftermarket models. I’m also not sure how often a mechanic who is mainly working on transmissions and suspensions is installing remote starts unless they have a dedicated mechanic who works on electrical systems.