Making Sure Your Car Starts In Neutral
There are a number of ways to ensure that the vehicle is in neutral, but one of the safest involves a multi-step solution that makes it impossible to accidentally start the vehicle when it is in gear.
This setup involves wiring the remote starter in such a way that when you park your vehicle, it must be left in neutral. To accomplish this, the remote starter alters the way you shut down your car. It also has to be wired into the door switches.
With this type of remote car starter installed, heres how it works:
Drive your car as you normally would.
Locate a parking spot and maneuver into it.
Shift into neutral, and engage the parking brake.
Turn off the ignition, and remove the keys.
Due to the way the remote starter is wired, the engine will continue to run.
Exit the vehicle, shut the door, and the engine will shut off.
What Is A Remote Starter
The use of a remote starter allows you to quickly and effortlessly start your vehicle with the click of a button on a specialty key fob.
Just 5-10 minutes before you leave home, simply point the remote starter key fob towards your car, press the button, and allow your vehicle to warm up to operating temperature while you finish your yummy fried eggs.
This feature can be used to even greater benefit in the winter if you have already had your ventilation controls set to defrost.
This eliminates the need for time-consuming deicing measures that often force you to unnecessarily scramble around in the cold.
Similarly, during the summer, your cars air conditioning will be given adequate time to cool your vehicles cabin throughout.
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What Are The Price Ranges For Diy Remote Starter Install
The cost involved with the DIY installation of a remote starter kit can vary significantly based upon the quality of the kit that is purchased, as well as the features and functions that this remote starter kit includes.
However, the cost associated with completing this task is generally no more expensive than the unit itself, as little more is required for the completion of this installation.
The following are average figures for the cost of a DIY remote starter installation.
Low-End Cost – $55-$60
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Different Terms Used To Describe This Factory Key Fob Feature
Several popular terms describe using your factory key fob to remote start your car, including triple-lock start and 3x lock start. Here at Sweet Sounds, we use the phrase factory key fob remote start activation. No matter what you call it, the idea is pretty simple: You press the Lock button on your remote control three times in quick succession, and the remote will activate the automatic starter.
Turn Car On And Off Again
The classic advice for fixing malfunctioning electronics is to turn them on and off again, and this too can fix your remote start not working. This is not some urban legend or superstition, it has to do with returning a program to its stable state. The laymans explanation is that a program remembers user interactions and events, and the remembered information is referred to as the state of the system. Turning the car off and on will reset the software so that everything is in the same state the system is most tested in and therefore the most stable state. If you cannot turn on your car normally, you may need an ignition cylinder replacement or an ignition switch replacement.
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Can I Install Remote Start Myself
The installation of a remote starter on your own should be avoided unless you are an automotive electrician with a 12-volt qualification. If either of these problems is discovered, you risk serious injuries to yourself, your vehicle, and your wallet.
How To Get A Safe And Powerful Remote Start System Installed On Your Ca
To install a remote start system, you must first do some research. It is possible to find a professional installation company or to do it yourself. Professional installation is required, however, because of its proprietary and powerful technology. Even if you dont want to go through the hassle of hiring a professional to install the system, you can still get a great remote start system for your car. When using a Compustar remote starter, push-to-start drivers are protected from overcharging.
New Jerseys Remote Starter Experts
If you are shopping for a remote starter and are thinking of using your factory key fob, we invite you to drop into the nearest Auto Image location and speak with a member of our team. We can demonstrate how using your key fob works to start your vehicle. If you need more range than the factory remote can provide, one of our Viper remote starter systems may be ideal for your application. Feel free to send us an e-mail using our contact page if you have any additional questions.
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Remote Car Starter Installation For All Vehicle Makes And Models
When cold weather hits Ohio, rely on your trusted remote car starter from TAS Electronics. We have a wide variety of car starters that work for every make and model. When you come to TAS, we will show you options and help you choose the best starter to fit your needs. Our professional team can often take care of the installation on the same day.
In Which Countries Is Bmw Remote Start Available
While BMWs for the North American market offered this feature to car owners, European branches were banned from doing the same. Why is that so? The laws of some European countries, including Germany, prevent remote start from being factory installed, to keep car owners from leaving their vehicles running for long periods of time. Thats why if your BMW was produced over the pond, itll most likely have this feature disabled.
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Cool Or Warm Your Car Interior For A Comfortable Ride
A remote start system enables you to pre-cool or pre-warm your car interior.
Many people think that a remote start system is only beneficial during the winter season.
Depending your vehicle make and model, the cost of installing a remote starter professionally can run from $250 to over $500.
While remote start systems are more popular in colder climates, installing one even if you have tropical or hot weather in most times of the year is proven beneficial.
Factory Key Fob Limitations
The question of whether or not you can use a factory remote to start your car is a conversation about whether or not you should use it. The biggest problem with using a factory remote is its range. Once you walk out to a warmed-up vehicle in the dead of winter, you will be hooked for life. What if the range provided by your factory remote isnt enough to start your car from your office? What about the grocery store, a movie theatre or your favorite restaurant? There is nothing more frustrating than getting to your car and thinking it was started, only to find out its still cold inside.
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Good For Your Vehicles Engine
Its crucial to warm your cars engine before driving, most especially when it is cold outdoors.
Just push a button on your remote starter or use your smartphone that is connected with it to start your vehicle and warm the engine remotely.
Your car engine is warmed up along with the oil, to provide better lubrication for least expensive car repair and maintenance.
Note: Many remote smart systems for your vehicle can be controlled through use of an app on your smartphone. This can make it convenient and easy to use. There are added benefits such as email and text alerts when your vehicle sounds the alarm.
Adding A Remote Starter Can Be Dangerous
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The worst problem with adding a remote starter is that it can be hazardous. According to YouTube personality and car expert Scotty Kilmer, one of his customers had a stereo system installer connect a remote starter, and the dashboard caught on fire. The mechanic had insurance, but it cost $5,000 to repair the vehicle.
Kilmer also reported that he heard of a young man who installed an aftermarket remote starter on his Lexus. He clicked the fob while walking in front of the Lexus, and it started up as expected. But then it lurched forward, pinning the young man against another vehicle and killing him.
A less dangerous yet serious issue is that the vehicle stops cranking even when the driver tries to start it using the key. This leaves the owner with a vehicle that wont work, and theyre stranded.
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Remote Car Starter Convenience Features
You shouldnt think of your new remote car starter as JUST a remote car starter. When installed properly, a quality remote car starter can offer you a great deal of convenience. Our remote car starters offer a wide assortment of convenience features. Here are just a few examples of what you can integrate with your new remote car starter:
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How Much Does A Remote Starter Cost
Remote starters are a great upgrade for any vehicle, but how much does a remote starter cost? If youre looking for a quality system, it can sometimes be difficult to understand what the true cost of the hardware and labor will be, but were here to help solve that mystery for you.
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Remote Start With Anti
Some RES kits include a vehicle anti-theft system with the remote start feature. You can purchase the system all at once or, with many systems, add the security aspect to the RES fob at a future date.
Such security systems can detect break-ins, impacts, and theft, sounding an audible alarm.
Adding a security system to your RES function is more involved and expensive than just adding a remote start.
How We Reviewed Remote Car Starters
In order to find the best remote car starters, we didnt just race through the research. Our recommendations are based on careful consideration of the competition which includes compiling product stats. We also looked to experts in the field to learn more about brand reputation and performance during testing.
And last, but not least, we pored over ratings from real customers across multiple platforms to identify potential problems or standout features.¹ Get under the hood and see our full methodology here.
Contributing author: Celeste Tholen
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Not Getting A Remote Car Starter With The Proper Feature Set
Remote car starters offer a lot of convenience options. Be sure to ask the right questions when buying your starter. Some models are simply what they sound like: a remote car starter, and nothing more. They start and stop the vehicle from a distance. Thats it, and that might be good enough for you. Others have multiple functions, ranging from keyless entry and trunk release to heated seats and rear window defrost.
A common mistake when considering options includes assuming that certain things might just work with the starter. For example, the rear window defroster will not just come on if you left it on. It is on a latched output that resets when the power is shut off that is, every time you turn off the vehicle. This feature has to be specifically added to almost all installs.
Another common mistake is not adding keyless entry on newer vehicles. On most newer vehicles, the factory keyless entry does not function when the vehicle is running. This means that, when your vehicle is remote started and you walk up to it, the factory keyless will not unlock the doors. You would have to use the key in the door or shut the car down with the remote starter, unlock it with the factory remote and then restart it with the key. Neither is a great choice.
A quality shop can talk you through these options and make recommendations based on your needs. If you find a shop you trust, the rest is easy.
Installing A Remote Start System In Your Vehicle
While you could opt for DIY installation to cut costs, its not something we recommend for remote car starters. In many cases, you may need a bypass module or extensive wiring to make the starter compatible with your vehicle, so its best left to the professionals. A licensed technician also has the expertise to make sure improper installation doesnt compromise the security of your vehicle.
If you do decide to install the remote start system on your own, make sure to disconnect the battery first. If not, youll be in for a shockingly unpleasant installation experience.
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Why We Only Offer It As An Upgrade
Many shops will actively promote doing a remote start with this functionality. We dont. Here is why.
Your factory key fob has very limited range. After hearing from client after client who had to walk out the door of their house just to remote start their vehicle, we quit offering it as a standalone option. It is our opinion that you bought a starter as a convenience item, so it should be convenient to use. If you have to get up close for it to work, why bother?
Sweet Sounds offers remote packages for our systems that will give you a minimum of 10 times the range of a factory fob. Once you see the minimal cost difference, it will make perfect sense.
Remote Start: Why You Want And Need It In Your Next Car
Remote start gives you the capability to start your car before entering it.
Is this something you need? In terms of safely operating your vehicle, the answer is no. However, in frigid or hot temperatures, having the ability to preheat or precool your ride comes in very handy.
Remote engine start is one of those features you may not even know you want until you experience it.
Most new vehicle models offer RES as a standard or optional feature somewhere among their trim levels. For example, its standard on the 2022 Honda CR-V SE trim and higher. Its standard on all 2022 versions of the Kia Carnival and the Nissan Altima. The list goes on.
However, aftermarket remote start kits are available for most recent-year models.
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Control Your Vehicle Using Your Smartphone
You can synchronize your remote starter system with your smartphone to control your car.
Here are the benefits of remote start system and smartphone integration:
- Start your car practically anywhere, like your bedroom, office, or mall.
- Track your car from a crowded area or large parking space to save time and effort.
- Keyless entry or locking and unlocking your doors from your smartphone.
- When the alarm is triggered, youll receive an instant push notification or an email alert.
- Youll receive push alerts whenever you enter or exit an area.
- You can also receive after-hours driving alerts, which is convenient and avoid breaking a city ordinance or the traffic laws.
- For multiple vehicles and drivers, sharing is made easier using their log-ins and setting personal notification preferences.
Boost Your Cars Resale Value
In any event that you decide to sell your car, a remote start system can increase its value, because many people know the convenience and comfort that a remote starter system can provide.
If you reside in an area having extreme weather conditions, installing a remote starter system is an affordable modification that you can, which also makes a practical and useful selling point.
Final Thoughts
Installing a remote start system on your car is a smart investment that provides you greater security, comfort, and convenience.
How Long Does It Take To Install An Electric Car Starter
The time it takes to install an electric car starter will vary depending on the make and model of the car. However, most starters can be installed in about an hour.
The installation usually takes three hours to complete. A new starter can cost as much as $350 or more. A qualified mechanic can replace or rebuild your starter for between $150 and $1,100. There is a common misconception that starting your vehicle with remote starters may cause damage. Unless you are a certified 12-volt automotive electrician, you should not attempt to install a remote starter on your own. At Best Buy, you can only get free basic installation if you buy a remote starter from them. A key fob is not required for new Toyota vehicles to function as a remote starter.
A new starter can cost between $50 and $350, whereas qualified mechanics can charge between $150 and $1,100 for labor. A bad starter motor can cost anywhere between $200 and $1500 to replace. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1974 protects consumers from fraudulent practices, according to federal law.
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Car Remote Starters & Security System Installation
There are many brands and models of remote car start kits in todays market, and choosing the one thats right for you isnt always easy. And although choosing the right remote starter is important, you should also consider that the company installing the parts is just as important.
At Autoplex, we specialize in remote starters, we install hundreds of them at our shops in Denver, Loveland and Longmont each year. As the leading remote start installer in Colorado, you can trust that we stock only the best brand of remote starting systems. All of our Viper electronics are backed by a LIFETIME warranty. On top of that, we stand behind our professional installation with a 3 year / 36,000 mile warranty for added peace of mind.
