Auto-start On 2009's And Up, Wire in extended range to stock start. Options

[grimmysnr]

I have read a few topics on these forums concerning the Auto Starts on the GMT900's and I have a Viper Auto Start installed on my '06 a few years back. I have been pricing out a new truck for when I come back from my deployment and I have been reading up on the advanced remote. Some reviews say its great while others are not so great. I know for a fact aftermarket starters typically have great extended range. My predicament is mostly because I work on the flightline and my truck is parked almost a half mile away from my hangar and while I wait to turn over my work it would be nice to start my truck before I walk in the freezing cold to the entry point. MY starter now gets me about the halfway mark between my truck and my hangar which barely gets it warmed when i get there.

Now the advanced remote, while I am sure it has better range than the shitty stock remote, is making me think I wont get near the same distance. Furthermore, the starter I have now on my '06 is completely aftermarket which means while it works really well it wasn't necessarily designed into the truck. Kinda like an afterthough, so somethings tweak out every once in a blue moon. Plus it was like $450 after install.

I have noticed a few brand names of starters on these forums but are there any that natively wire straight into the stock Auto-Start so that is to give better range but keep everything stock? I guess I am wondering because if there was would it possibly be a little cheaper than $500 bucks and not mess with any computers.

Thanks.

[AK FiveO]

I have read a few topics on these forums concerning the Auto Starts on the GMT900's and I have a Viper Auto Start installed on my '06 a few years back. I have been pricing out a new truck for when I come back from my deployment and I have been reading up on the advanced remote. Some reviews say its great while others are not so great. I know for a fact aftermarket starters typically have great extended range. My predicament is mostly because I work on the flightline and my truck is parked almost a half mile away from my hangar and while I wait to turn over my work it would be nice to start my truck before I walk in the freezing cold to the entry point. MY starter now gets me about the halfway mark between my truck and my hangar which barely gets it warmed when i get there.

Now the advanced remote, while I am sure it has better range than the shitty stock remote, is making me think I wont get near the same distance. Furthermore, the starter I have now on my '06 is completely aftermarket which means while it works really well it wasn't necessarily designed into the truck. Kinda like an afterthough, so somethings tweak out every once in a blue moon. Plus it was like $450 after install.

I have noticed a few brand names of starters on these forums but are there any that natively wire straight into the stock Auto-Start so that is to give better range but keep everything stock? I guess I am wondering because if there was would it possibly be a little cheaper than $500 bucks and not mess with any computers.

Thanks.

Dude,
Ask your local GM dealer if they have another "extended range" system that plugs right in to factory system ...other than that fancy 2-way system with the huge key-fob that tells you the tire preasure and has really crappy range still!. My dealer installed a "plug-in system" (they said it was made by Viper) in my 2009 Sierra. It has atleast 1/4 mile range (maybe more?), just like most of the aftermarket systems. It is a 2-way system, but it's not real fancy. The fob is about the size of a nice aftermarket starter. It starts the truck and unlocks and locks the doors ...thats it. No tire preasure, radio tuning, clocks ...etc. It gives you the same 10 minute run time as factory, followed by a second 10 minute run time for a total of 20 minutes run time. You don't have to wait for the first 10 minutes to expire and then restart ...just do the start sequence twice on the initial start-up and you'll get 20 minutes (just like factory). They charged me $275 installed (and thats in Alaska ...pretty cheap!). It took them about 30 minutes to plug it in and mount a better antenna on the windshield (behind the rearview mirror).
This system works great on my truck here in Alaska ...we're already into the teens and single digits! I work in an underground facility on Elmendorf AFB, and I can start my truck from just within the doors of my building and the truck is 150-250 yards away. And I've started from a much grater distance than that too.

I never see anyone else here talking about this system, but its great! You might "google" ALASKA SALES AND SERVICE parts department in Anchorage, Alaska. They might be able to give you a part number you can give to your local dealer? You might even be able to install it yourself. It looked pretty simple ...one small component (about the sze of an old-school cassete tape) with one plug, and an antenna with cable.

Just realized ...your in Alaska too! Easy fix then ...call Alaska Sales and Service.


-Five O
MSgt, USAF Weapons Director

This post has been edited by AK FiveO: Nov 4 2009, 01:21 AM

[texasblueline]

If you do find out the brand/model# of that one that FiveO has please post it, it'd be nice to have for future reference (my '10 Sierra won't be here for a while, so I don't know yet if I'll like the range of the factory remote start or not).

[rjgvt]

I had a Compustar remote car starter installed in my truck. Model is in my sig. It's rated for a mile range, not sure it would do a mile, maybe in a flat area. I have checked mine at an honest half mile in my neighborhood where it is a little hilly. I couldn't even see my street, but the 2 way remote let me know it was running.

Note: the model I have is a brand new model that came out in October. I was the first one in VT to get one. The 2 way remote loses communication sometimes and I have to remove the battery (AAA) and install. Local dealer found out that the manufacturer is going to replace the existing remotes for a recall. Remote lets you know lock/unlock mode of truck, if it's running, how long left to run and inside temp of truck.

[AK FiveO]

Many of the newer aftermarket remote starters are capable of out to a half mile (of course they cost more money!). RJGVT Copustar System is the first one I have heard of that goes out a full mile. I have a Compustar 1/2 mile system on my Wifes new Mercedes Benz ML500 (it's the only system available for the new Mercedes), and I've had a Compustar on a Ford F-150. The one on the Benz does not start well from inside buildings, or at very long ranges. Definately not getting 1/2 mile out of it ..not even close! The other problem I've had is with the Compustar remote starter FOBs. Both systems have always given me issues with battery power, and all the little bells and wistles on it ...plus, the buttons are not very user friendly.

The aftermarket system I recommend is the ASTROSART system. I've had a few of those systems, most recently on a 2003 F-350 Power Stroke Deisel, and on my wifes previous 2001 Mercedes Benz ML320. Those systems have always worked flawlessly ...starting my deisel engine in -20 degree temps after sitting for 12+ hours at work. The range is "as advertised", and the key fobs are tough and easy to use.

This system in my 09 Sierra (dealer installed w/warranty) is working pretty good right now. Nice tough FOB, and easy to use buttons. I highly recommend it for an inexpensive "plug-n-play" option to extend the range on the factory start. I'm getting at least 1000 ft, sometimes more!

I looked at my "workorder/receipt" and it says "install AM 14 extended remote start". So, google search came up with this .....

http://www.dukescarstereo.com/cart/results.cfm

AM-14
The AM14 is compatible with a wide range of new GM vehicles. It will increase the starting distance of your factory remote starter to up to 1000 ft. (This will solve the problem of lack of range users typically experience from the factory remote starter). AND the LCD display on the remote shows you when your car has started.

UPGRADE your GM remote starter


 AM_14.jpg ( 4.37K ) Number of downloads: 15




Sale Price: $249.99 INSTALLED!
Actual total charged to your credit card may vary slightly due to taxes and shop supplies. You will receive email confirmation.

[grimmysnr]

Thanks man this was exactly what I was looking for. I will be getting back next summer and ordering up a new 2010 GMC Sierra SLT with the All-Terrain package. I actually just PCSed from Elmendorf from the 703rd and then 3EMS back in April. Down at Ellsworth now on bombers . You must be in that fenced in building with all the sattelites next to like bio and the bank right? (tryin not to violate comsec too much lol).

God I miss Alaska and hate B-1's even more.

Thanks for this info though helluva lot cheaper than the $450 I spent on mine. Not saying it was a bad investment by any means. Just doesnt make sense to pay for a full remote start setup when the newer trucks come stock with one designed into it.

[AK FiveO]

Thanks man this was exactly what I was looking for. I will be getting back next summer and ordering up a new 2010 GMC Sierra SLT with the All-Terrain package. I actually just PCSed from Elmendorf from the 703rd and then 3EMS back in April. Down at Ellsworth now on bombers . You must be in that fenced in building with all the sattelites next to like bio and the bank right? (tryin not to violate comsec too much lol).

God I miss Alaska and hate B-1's even more.

Thanks for this info though helluva lot cheaper than the $450 I spent on mine. Not saying it was a bad investment by any means. Just doesnt make sense to pay for a full remote start setup when the newer trucks come stock with one designed into it.

Yeah Man ...thats exactly where I work. Yeah, don't think I would dig Ellsworth. I was at F.E. Warren in Wyoming back when I was a Security Forces Troop. All that northern tier shit sucks! When they tried to PCS me from Guam to Malmstrom AFB in Montana ...I cross -trained to get out of that! Alaska makes living in a cold climate worth it, thats for sure! LOL!

Have to agree ...coulda bought any system for my truck, but didn't want to waste what was already there from the factory. That AM-14 system works great.