Remote Car starters

kgornek · October 23, 2003

Hello all...

My wife was asking me about installing a remote starter on our 2002 Impala LS and I was wondering if this is something I could install myself or I should get installed. Maybe through Bestbuy? I've seen units that add-on to your stock remote locks function (autobarn.com) and figured that would be nice to be able to use the same remote to start the car... I'd appreciate any thoughts or input.

Thanks ~

Ideeho · October 23, 2003

Check online for deals, not sure about other mfrs, but I use the Viper remote starters all the time. I would have to say it's complicated, I have dealers install them, and it isn't cheap. However Viper is coming out with new remote starters, like the 160 that senses frost and activates your defroster, not sure how. I am upgrading to the new Viper 560ESP, alarm and remote starter with the extended range antenna, I can start my truck from the chairlift while skiing, super long range. Hope that helps, but your local places will rape you on pricing, check out their products online first http://www.directed.com/security/viper/default.asp Check all options to purchase online, you will get a screaming deal, and you may need the bypass adapter as well, for newer GM vehicles.

PSWired · October 24, 2003

I bought and installed my own remote starter. It took about a day and was kind of tricky. Lots of connections that need to be soldered and heatshrunk. Keep in mind mine is an alarm/remote start combo, that complicated things. If you aren't extremely comfortable with the electrical system of your car, don't try it. YOu will need wiring diagrams to look up which wires to splice, and you will probably need a Passlock bypass unit since you have a newer GM car. Good luck if you decide to do it yourself.

BTW, you can't beat the convenience of the thing. It's just plain soothing to get into a warm car in the winter when everything is covered in snow...

Scott02Z71 · October 24, 2003

Well.....I would spend the money and have it installed. There are a lot of extra things you may need. If you use a VIPER you will need a passlock disabler/override. Just my opinion

Scott

frdfandc · October 24, 2003

Just alittle FYI reguarding the remote start thing. When I was working at a Ford dealer, we had a brand spanking 2002 Expedition come into the shop for a engine miss. What we ended up finding is that who ever installed the remote start kit, patched into the fuel injector wiring harness. Well, when they did that, it caused the injector to go south, due to a faulty connection. It ended up costing them (the shop that installed the remote start) almost $500 bucks, let along an ass chewing by the owner of the Expedition.

Just be very careful on who does the install, because it can come back and bite you in the ass.

trckn4life · October 24, 2003

any particular features that you are looking for in the remote start. btw, I'd suggest a DEI product (Python, Viper, Valet....)

Ideeho · October 24, 2003

Here's a good place to start...see if you can get a deal with the guys at Stereo King in Portland 503-653-8088 They have been good to me and you can get the Viper 550 ESP remote start/alarm with passlock for around $200 or so, not sure if they would be willing to work a killer deal, although that is a sweet deal, as Viper has the new 560 just out this month. I love the 550. And here in Idaho, having to park the truck out front insead of the garage (that's where the wifes car and the motorcycles go), I need remote start and appreciate it every winter.

Tungsten · October 25, 2003

I just had my 880xp Python installed for $500 out the door. I am really happy with it. I say have someone install it for you. A place that you know does good work. If anything goes wrong then you have them to fall back on, Not yourself.

-Jeff

trckn4life · October 25, 2003

I just had my 880xp Python installed for $500 out the door. I am really happy with it. I say have someone install it for you. A place that you know does good work. If anything goes wrong then you have them to fall back on, Not yourself.
-Jeff

how's the new alarm doing for ya? is it fairly/pretty sensitive? how loud is the sirin on those? I'm thinking about one of those alarms.

I hope ya like the Python.

Tungsten · October 25, 2003

The thing is awesome. The distance that the remote works is amazing. I really like it so far. The sirin hurt my ears a little standing next to it. I closed my tailgate pretty lightly and it made the warning chirps go off. If I close it harder (like I always do) then the alarm goes off fully. This is the first day I have had it.

If you have a 03 they need a $34.00 part for the key/passlock thing. And then they need a $54.00 part to hook into the keyless option. I also can turn my heated mirrors and rear defroster on with the remote. I did a little talking to get the price of $500.00 I talked/delt with the owner and he was a super nice guy. This is their site...

www.theoptionstore.com

-Jeff

trckn4life · October 25, 2003

Tungsten. cool. sounds good. I have a 98 truck...I was curious about the sensors cause I have a cap (as it is now...) but may be getting rid of it...and i wondered about sensitivity if someone was gonna grab stuff outta the back.

sounds like a Nice system. $500 is a good deal on it too.

Bob G. · October 27, 2003

I had a an AstroStart remote car starter installed by an aftermarket shop in my then 99 Dodge Ram. Then for their labor rate and the cost of the passlock thing required for GM trucks, they removed it from the Dodge and installed it in my 02 Chevy. Since they installed it, it's guaranteed for life!

Bob G.