Remote start advice

[ISUAlum2002]

Bump. Any new thoughts on this? I'm looking to put one in my old F 150 Super crew.

How old is old? An F-150 from the 90's would be a cake walk to install one in....you get into the 2000's and it's a bit tougher to bypass the security features.

 

[ISU_phoria]

They're pretty easy to install in most vehicles. You can get a decent remote starter unit (no alarm) and security bypass module for around $100. They also make T-harnesses for most vehicles to make the installation even easier (no cutting/soldering of wires), those go for around $25.

I installed mine in my 2007 Trailblazer last winter in an afternoon. Toughest part was figuring out how to get the bypass module to learn the code but it works great. Even turns on the heated seats and rear defrost if it is less than 32* outside.

There truly is no need to spend $500 or even $300 on a remote starter/installation, unless you really want the alarm unit combination setup. And for that price, it better be one of the alarm units that gives you a constant vehicle status on the keyfob.

what brand did you install? Where did you buy it. TIA

 

[rbrook]

You have to careful if doing it your self. If you cross a wire wrong, you can burn up the computer in the car. That would negate any savings.

 

[cyclonestate]

Had a very nice one installed last winter and it cost $300. Extremely happy with it.

 

[cychhosis]

Truck is 2001. My mechanic did one once from Ebay. Will not touch them. He recommended Best Buy or Auto Toyz. Any experience with either?

 

[2020cy]

My experience is that after market work better than factory. Better range. Also one with a feedback is nice.

 

[ImJustKCClone]

Karl Chevy put on on my 2001 Lumina, in 2002...gift from Hubby. Still works great (although it's about time to replace the battery, for only the second time). Cost was ~$125. Unit remote starts car, locks & unlocks doors, pops the trunk, and has an alert (alarm) feature.

I asked him about his experience/advice, and his suggestion was to have a dealer do the install, particularly on newer models. They're more familiar with the wiring/computer system.

My suggestion: if you're going to use it to warm up your car to lessen the amount of scraping you have to do, be sure to switch the fan from heat to defrost, and make sure your wipers are off when you park. Learned the second one from hard experience...the blades remained stuck in the ice on the windshield, and the arms were scraping across the ice. No lasting damage, but oops!