Remote Starter suggestions plz

OK, my truck is outside all night and it is getting down right C-O-L-D here in Maine. Getting tired of running outside, starting the truck, kicking on the heater and running back inside. Would like some feedback on a remote starter, including how difficult DIY installation would be. Prices and models would be appreciated...TIA

 

I've installed several myself and won't do it again - i'll leave it to pros now. I called around and talked with a few installers and got a good feel for who knows their stuff and who is blowing smoke... viper/dei products are good and i like 2 way remote start systems that give feedback.

 

i would not recomend going to circuit city to do it. i used to work there and the installers didnt know shit.

 

X2 - BBY installers are usually not the best around. don't shop by price when looking for remote start installs

 

I agree I would also suggest a 2way. and have it installed by a pro. (just for the lifetime install warranty!) Thats worth it to me.. any issues bring it in and its checked out and diagnosed for free!

I have had many - 2 ways are great because you know what going on with out being able to hear of see your vehicle!

 

X3. CC did my alarm / remote starter in my Corolla for free, a special they were running if you bought the unit there. Wires in a rats nest, connections were twisted together and wrapped in electrical tape. The alarm would go off on its own, the remote starter wouldn't work whenever it felt like it. I got under the dash and un-did their mess, soldered and heat-shrank everything. Worked fine after that.

 

I had a Directed Electronics Hornet installed professionally in my tundra. It was a two-way and I loved it. Ask the shop to talk with the installer to see what and how they will do it. You will get a feel right then and there.

 

I don't have one but have been thinking about having one installed. Anyone have any rough price ranges so I can be somewhat prepared when I do get back home and start calling around? TDY right now so won't be doing it till around Feb.

 

Check out DEI who has lots of brand names:

http://www.directed.com/

If you can follow a wiring diagram and know how to solder, and have the free time, then go for it. Hire someone if you would hesitate to do some mods like the cluster LED swap. I'd go to a shop that sells DEI products since they guarantee everything.

Check out here for wiring help:

http://www.the12volt.com/Default.asp?


You'll need an immobilizer override like this:

http://www.drdetailshop.com/expresskit.htm


No big deal, just a bit of reading to understand everything before you start getting sore by being under the steering wheel.

 

ive got the compustar PRO 2 way with starter on my truck! its fantastic. i can set a time for it to turn on. so those early mornings im rushing i dont have to remember to start it. it just does it itself.

ive also installed a small electric heater. so i have an extension cord i plug into it when i park my truck. when it dips below 5*C it fires up

my truck is perfect everytime i walk out there in the AM.

 

Im actually looking at a remote start for the wife's camry...Viper 5101 is a basic 1 way remote start....Viper 5301 is the 2 way model. 299$ for the 5101 installed with the bypass module....349$ for the 5301 installed with the bypass module...Thats they best i could find so far around here...But im kinda limited in options...Only like 3 car audio places that will actually install them...Plus your BBy and Circuit City...But like a previous poster said....Dont go to CC...I used to work there too...They are just kids who like playing with amps and speakers doing the installs....

 

has anyone used / bought the factory remote start? one of the dealers here is having a special, 299/ installed. my friend got it in his 4Runner and is happy w/ it.

 

Hey Kris77, where ya at in WV? I had one installed in my wife's Jeep at Barracks in Kanawha City. It was 2 years ago and it still works great. I cant remember what brand it is, but they have some of the top namebrands.

 

I agree (not from experience). The thought of having Circuit City install something is like Jiffy Lube doing my oil changes. Makes me cringe....

 

I'd be curious about that also.... and would rather have the toyota dealer install it. So - if something is screwed up, it'll fall under the product warrantee and my factory warrantee. That'd be a sweet christmas gift idea.

Did some quick research... and the factory remote starts will shut off when you open the door? You have to start the truck up again (with key)?

Hmmm...

 

my friend has the remote start, and this is how he said it works:


1) if the door is locked, press the unlock button on your normal remote once and the press lock button three times.
2) once the car is started, it will run up to 12 minutes then turn off if you just leave it running longer. anyway you unlock the door with your key, put the key in the ignition and turn it to start WITHOUT cranking it up, then press the brake twice and thats it.

NOTE: In step 1 if your door is already unlocked then just press the lock button three times

 

re: circuit city

Aren't they shutting down all stores? Everyone should use up any gift cards before it's too late.

I like my Valet with its own remote. Huge range. Has timer mode to start it every X number of hours over a super cold night.
You can get a module that measures the outside temp to start it up only if it falls below a set temp.

 

Turn around, stand on your head, wave the remote in a circular arc pointing northwards... Who needs one of those Wii Fit devices when you have this? I think they could have made that easier.

Going with a DEI product is a safe choice. They are about as common and reliable as you can get. My Clifford does fine.

 

LOL, Wii Fit? He said it wasn't that bad once you get used to it. for 300 w/ full retention of your warranty, it doesn't seem like too bad of an option. I guess it's like any other OEM / after market setup, they all have pluses and minuses.

 

I have had mixed luck but I'd prob stay away from CC these days, too. They did a Clifford system on my 1994 Camaro Z28 that is still working perfectly. The guy was a pro. But when I took my S-10 truck to a different CC a couple years later it was a whole other thing. The install was a disaster. The system failed multiple times and I had battery draining issues. And then CC quit carrying the Clifford brand and they they wouldn't honor the "lifetime" warranty. I finally just removed the damn thing myself.

But in general I would recommend Clifford and other DEI products. Just get a good installer or do it yourself. 2-way is a great idea. I have one of these in the box and if I get adventurous I may put in in the Tacoma.