Aftermarket Remote Start

[Sir Dan]

Okay... I did a search here and can't find much about aftermarket remote start systems for my truck (05 GMC Sierra SLE2). So has anyone installed one, what brand/model, how well does it work (range) and how much $ ??

 

It gets cold in Wisconsin and I guess they haven't turned on the "global warming" here yet! I don't think there is factory remote start available on the 800's.... right? A warm truck cab on a cold night is a good thing! I've heard Astro-start is a quality product, but are there any others to choose from?

[Jaredkm]

I currently have an Astro start system remote start in my truck (2007 Silverado NBS) and had it in my Civic as well. It has been GREAT for me.

I live up in Canada, and it has become something I cant live without in the winter!!!

 

Here are your answers:

Astro Start 2205A (upon taking a peek on the net, the model #'s may have changed some)

2000 feet is how far they say, I would agree.

I think it was about $650 in the end. I made sure that you could control the locks from the remote too, didnt want to haul around 2!

 

It is also 2way, which I would highly suggest! My friend got an Avalanche with the GM remote start, and it drives him nuts that he cant tell if the vehicle has started if he cant see it. He previously had a 2way remote as well.

 

Happy car starter shopping!

[j.roffel]

That astrochart looks like a sweet program.

[Sir Dan]

Thanks for the quick reply!!

Yeah, I would likely throw down the factory keyless FOB for the "starter FOB"

Does it matter if it's a 2 way if you can "see" the vehicle and the lights flash when it starts?

I know that some of these will "page" you from up to a half mile away to confirm that they have started, but if you can usually see it and don't need this feature, what's the difference besides just pure range of distance to start? I suppose the more money you spend, the more range you get, right?

[j.roffel]

Some have features, like auxillary options, so for instance, have it turn on seat heaters, or rear defrost, with a certain button/button combo. If your looking for something with an intergrated alarm, then two way is really nice. Viper has a system thats good a mile away, but seeing as your talking about being able to see the truck, I'm guessing thats not your biggest concern...

[Scotty-B]

I have the Clifford Avantguard 5.0. It is a full security system as well. I just love it.

 

Clifford makes other stand alone remote starters as well that are great products. I get 3/4 of a mile range with mine.

[silverad03]

Be careful where you get it installed at. I have a 2003 Silverado 1500 LT. I took it to Nebraska Furniture Mart (which has an auto sound install area) and had them put in a Python system. Never did work right - I took it back half a dozen times for them to fix and replace stuff and after a while the head techie in the department basically told me they didn't know why the Passlock by-pass kept burning out - which supposedly was causing all the strange issues I was having. I ended up having them just take the whole mess out and now I get by without a remote start.

 

That was a couple years ago. Now I find that when I drive over railroad tracks or hit a bump on the road just-right, my doors unlock - I can't help but wonder if it's a bare wire left from a splice they made when the remote start was installed.

 

Make sure you go to an install shop that has installed MANY of the system you want on the same truck you have. Ask lots of questions, and make sure you talk to the actual person doing the install and find out whether they know what they are doing. It sucks being an arse in the store, but it's worth it if it saves you from the hassles I had. I thought the place I took it to would be good enough. Turns out, they had only installed the system on one other truck like mine.

[Taaaaaaahoe?]

Here are a few of my posts.. A lot of good info here:

 

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?...9&hl=remote

[gmcjoe]

I recommend your local alarm installation shop that specializes in alarms and other automotive accessories. That way if you have any issues, they stand by their work

[Sir Dan]

Thanks for all the info! I have been snooping around the net and made a few decisions on which ones NOT to get. It seems some of them have key fobs that need new batteries every other week, and others that have electronic issues and cause all manner of trouble with the vehicle's electrical systems. I'm still looking for an installer other than Best Buy in my area because they only offer 2 different Viper models.

[jyoungiii]

Thanks for all the info! I have been snooping around the net and made a few decisions on which ones NOT to get. It seems some of them have key fobs that need new batteries every other week, and others that have electronic issues and cause all manner of trouble with the vehicle's electrical systems. I'm still looking for an installer other than Best Buy in my area because they only offer 2 different Viper models.

 

 

 

I wouldn't rule out best buy.... You don't need to buy the alarm or remote start from them... they will install anything you walk in off the street with, this of course is my local Best Buy. I was going to have them in stall my OEM XM in my 07 NBS until I read the instructions with the Best Buy Installer. He explaned that its really simple in terms of just turning bolts and runing wires the rest was plug and play, however they where going to install it for me for $100-$150 because of the time of install, which was to drop the head liner and swap out the onstar antenna with a new XM/Onstar antenna. I just elected to save the money and do it myself.

 

Now if I decide to wire up an amp to my speakers I'm going to use Best Buy, but I will purchase the amp online.

[jyoungiii]

Thanks for all the info! I have been snooping around the net and made a few decisions on which ones NOT to get. It seems some of them have key fobs that need new batteries every other week, and others that have electronic issues and cause all manner of trouble with the vehicle's electrical systems. I'm still looking for an installer other than Best Buy in my area because they only offer 2 different Viper models.

 

 

Just stop in or call your local Best Buy they are usually really good about dos and don'ts with electrical aftermarket items for your car.

 

I burned about 30 mins of their time when I stopped in one day... of course they were not busy at the time, but they where really helpful and answered serveral questions about a rattle in my door panel and made several recommendations on how to remove the panel and trouble shoot.

 

Doesn't hurt to ask...

[Taaaaaaahoe?]

Personally -I'd rule out best buy - usually its is a 16y/o high school kid doing the install - BUT that my 2 cents. GO to DEI's website and look up an inastaller in your area.

 

I am going on 2 years now - no issues and love the one I got!

[slemmer]

DEI is the umbrella of many well known brands. I personally have a Viper starter model on my '05 CCSB after 10 trouble free years on my '95 SBEC. I'm in Canada, so I can appreciate a defrosted car and warmed up before going out.

[Jaredkm]

Thanks for the quick reply!!

Yeah, I would likely throw down the factory keyless FOB for the "starter FOB"

Does it matter if it's a 2 way if you can "see" the vehicle and the lights flash when it starts?

I know that some of these will "page" you from up to a half mile away to confirm that they have started, but if you can usually see it and don't need this feature, what's the difference besides just pure range of distance to start? I suppose the more money you spend, the more range you get, right?

 

 

If you are always going to be able to see your vehicle, there is no need for you to get a 2 way remote. The reason I got one is because I work in a mill, and there is a yard full of lumber between me and my truck, so it is nice to know that it has started, even if I cant see it. Range usually does go up with cost as well, but once you get into a certain price range, you are going to be getting a 2 way remote anyhow. So do whatever works best for you. Dont spend money if you dont need the distance or 2way function. Once again, best of luck, and let us know what you end up going with.

 

Oh and about the dealer, I would also go with a reputable place who has installed a ton of them and stands behind their product.