remote starters

iron_786 · January 5, 2004

hey im wanting to put in a remote start so i can start warming the truck from the warmth of the house,, i realize my 2002 silv has the factory security system and would require the bypass, as i want the remote lock option on the unit as well. anybody got a favorite dependable brand??? any problems with any of the major brands i should know about?

thanks

1malibu · January 5, 2004

Good question as I am wondering the same thing on my 2002 Denali...anybody....

chevfamily · January 5, 2004

Real good question. Hoping to do the same for my 01 Tahoe. Its starting to get chilly again. Hope someone has a winner for us.

Bob G. · January 5, 2004

AstroStart is the brand that one our local aftermarket shops installs and it comes with a lifetime warranty to the original owner if installed by the shop. I had mine in a 99 Dodge Ram and had them transfer it to my 02 1500HD. I also have the optional timer so that my truck will start on its own. The plant that I work in is not close to the parking lot that I'm required to park in, so I set the timer for 10 minutes before quitting time. Not cheap, but well worth it for VT winters that can last from October to April!

Bob G.

atomoverride · January 5, 2004

Clifford makes one, very cool. Same company that makes thouse also make Viper, autostart, and several others.

Something like 400$ is what I was quoted.

99Silver6.0 · January 6, 2004

I put a Viper 550ESP in my truck. I have put this same unit in all the Chevys Ive had. I have had ZERO problems with any Viper (DEI) product I have owned. Fairly easy to install, it just took a while. You will need a DEI 555L to bypass the GM VATS. Otherwise your truck wont start when you hit the lock and unlock buttons to start the truck remotely. One word of caution. When you put the VATS bypass module in, solder it in. If not the correct resistance values wont be sent to the BCM. Dont use crappy Scotch-Loks or crimp style connectors. They will change the resistance values sent by the 555L to the BCM and the truck wont start. I encountered this problem in my truck and had to solder it in because I tried some small red heat-seal butt connectors. I have an install guide I was given by a friend for Silverado and Sierra trucks if interested! It is in PDF format that can be viewed with Adobe Acrobat Reader. Free program to download.

speedshifter · January 6, 2004

same here. i have a viper 500esp on my truck and they are amazing. no complaints

go to directed.com and pick ur favorite brand. they are all good ones.

i know if u have ur viper system installed at an authorized dealer it has a lifetime warranty too.

iron_786 · January 6, 2004

what was the price on that unit? is that a two way? that lets u know the vehicle is running?.... my dealer told me the astrostart was a better value then the viper and not much difference? he said the viper had theft deterents which were already built into my truck so there was no point spending the extra coin

Bob G. · January 6, 2004

AstroStart (5 button model) is around $340 installed. If I try to restart the truck when it is already on, the horn will beep.

Bob G.

electromag8 · January 6, 2004

I had the crimestopper installed at a local shop on my '99 for $239.00 works great because my remote locks didn't work before (the battery connects are broken in the remotes). Crime stopper remote are programmed for factory locks. The module can be programmed for 12, 24, or 36 minute run time.

BlackSilver · January 6, 2004

It was -5 degrees this morning and I was running a little late. As I was jumping into the shower I was wishing I had a remote starter for my Dmax when it occured to me that I had a "redneck" remote at my disposal ...

"Yo woman, start my truck"

MN Z-71 · January 6, 2004

It was -5 degrees this morning and I was running a little late. As I was jumping into the shower I was wishing I had a remote starter for my Dmax when it occured to me that I had a "redneck" remote at my disposal ...

"Yo woman, start my truck"

LMAO...

Do you also think that "loading the dishwasher" means getting the wife drunk?

For all of you seeking a remote start, you may also want to check out Compustar. On Friday Im getting the 1WFM unit installed for $265. It has about a 1200 ft range and is one-way.

For about $150 more I could have stepped up to the 2WFM unit, same range as the 1WFM but is two-way with a pager style remote. This will let you know if you are in range to start and will give you confirmation of any action you take. Total price installed is $415.

And finally I could have stepped up to the 2WSS for $515. This is a two-way, spread spectrum signal unit with a range of up to 6000 feet, thats over a mile.

For now all I can afford is the 1WFM, but the beauty of the Compustar unit is that it is upgradeable. If I decide to upgrade in the future to either of the other two models all I have to do is "trade in" my old remote and antenna. The main brain of the system stays in the vehicle and no extra wiring has to be done.

bigdogs · January 6, 2004

Will that one remote start a Duramax? I asked the dealer about them and they said that to get one that works on them they are very $$$$.

MN Z-71 · January 6, 2004

According to their site, all Compustar starters will work with diesel engines. It is possible that there may be an additional cost on top of what I got quoted, maybe there is an additional control module or something. I would think that all it would have to do is have some sort of time delay for the glow plugs to warm. Sounds to me though that the dealer is probably blowing smoke up your a$$.

You can check out all the Compustar info at http://www.compustar.org

There is a Contact section of that site, you can use that to find a Compustar dealer near you. Prices may vary somewhat due to different labor rates etc.

Im getting mine done at Signature Audio in St. Cloud, MN.

Ideeho · January 7, 2004

Cold snap here in North Idaho this week, it was -24, record low for this area two days ago... I have the 550ESP (now replaced by the 650XL, I think) and it was a lifesaver. I started the rig before hopping in the shower, and by the time I headed out to the truck I had a toasty warm rig waiting for me. The new Viper systems have two way that sends a signal back to you to confirm the action you just made. Didn't make that big of a deal to me...I got mine from Dave Mix at Stereo King out of the Clackamas, Oregon store...you can find killer deals out there on the 550ESP as it is a discontinued model and is well worth the money if you can find them out there. I had to have the 555l adapter as well, I think altogether total cost, installed was about $280, which is killer. Gotta love remote start, and the bonus on the DEI stuff is that you get the alarm as well, for about the same cost as the remotes out there. Oh, and I added the kill switch as well.