My girlfriend just surprised me by having remote start installed on my truck for Christmas without me knowing about it. I am unbelievably bummed out about it but acted excited when she showed me it. She went to the shop that I always have my work done and it took the guys about 10 hours to install. They told her they would never do it again. I wont be able to talk to them about the install until after Christmas now and they were closed today. The only thing I know about it is its a Valet remote start.

My problem is that I never would have had remote start put on my truck. It's not something that I would ever use much. I am really worried they had to do a bunch of custom wiring. I feel like I work so hard to make sure everything is done right on my truck. It took me two years to decide which programmer or box to go with on my truck. Now all of the sudden I have a random remote starter on my truck that I didn't do any research on.

So my question is, should I be concerned that this is going to melt my computer, leave me stranded etc. or should I be thankful for another cool mod on my truck?

 

It all depends on the quality of the install.

 

The shop that did the install is a 4x4 shop that mainly does 4wd stuff. All of the mechanics in the shop came from dodge dealerships. They are all really good mechanics with a chrysler background. However they don't usually install this kind of stuff. They also havn't ever done it on a diesel. So I'm confident in their wiring I just don't know if I I can trust a generic remote start on our complicated diesels.

 

There is really nothing complicated about a remote start system. It sure shouldn't have taken them 10 hours! I would check over the wirring taping that they did. See that everything is soldered and shrink wrapped or taped properly. Who makes the system that they installed?

I wouldn't use anything other than Viper brand or the OEM units for these trucks.

 

I'm pretty sure Valet is made my Directed Electronics. From what I've heard that is one of the best remote start company's around!!
Here is a link: http://www.directed.com/Products/Security/Default.aspx#
So long as they are competent installers you should have no problems!

Do a search here, there are a few threads abouts Remote Starts.

 

I put a valet in my 03 and it worked great. I never had any problems and I used it to start the truck everytime I got in it for about 85,000 miles just to get the oil moving if not for heat or a/c. As already said just check the connections if they look good you should be fine.

 

CumminsBill,
What is the 03 auto HO in your signature? I thought the 03 HO only came in 6 speed. Was this a mod or something special? Or am I off base.

Cya

 

I've had several Valet brand remote starts on other vehicles and nary a problem with any of them. Though this is the first CTD with a remote start, it's been installed about 8 months. Again, no problems at all. I'd not be concerned about the hardware as long as those who installed it were competent. I know one of the local installers pretty well and while they usually get a unit installed in a couple of hours, occasionally they come across a vehicle that gives them problems and takes awhile longer. Hope you enjoy yours.