I have general question about remote starters. How difficult are they to install?

My wife sent me an email with the subject line "remote car starter..." and no text in the email body. I'm guessing it isn't a hint for Christmas .

I have looked at a few DIY kits and the price isn't too bad (120-170), however the NAPA guy suggested (at the cost of loosing business) that I check out a local shop that does the installs for about 350. He said no one else in town will touch them once the install has been started.

What do you think, pay the extra to have it done or go the DIY route?

 

If the car it's going into is an automatic trans and it does NOT have transponder encoded keys the install is a breeze if you are used to being under dashes. I picked a couple up for the kids Honda cars for just under $50 each recently. The cheaper ones have a range of 1500ft and they go up from there. If the car has encoded keys the install can get very tricky and I would only use a learning relay, some places still using a key sw which disables the anti theft system that gives you the break on your car insurance. I paid $95 on sale for a high end unit for my wifes Honda and I think about $50 for the learning relay. I won't put one on my standard diesel truck, too risky but always had them on my automatic trucks.

 

I put an elcheapo in my '92 and it took a while but it works. Cost ~$50

Wife's 06 T&C local audio shop install for ~$450. Less headache and it works better.

With Autostarts, you get what you pay for IMHO.

 

Guess it really depends on what it's going on.....BUT I'd do it myself. Most come with instructions which make it very easy to do yourself.

Personally, I'm going to go with a Viper 160xv. You didn't mention if you wanted other things as well such as keyless entry, alarm, proximity sensors, etc....If it's just a remote start you can pretty much go with any brand but like mentioned before ease of use and range vary greatly with the brands.

Pretty much anything made by DEI is going to be a pretty solid product.

 

The Bulldog system I have been looking at online has a T-harness to splice into the ignition wires which would make things simpler. I will also need the security bypass module since the car is an 2004 Impala automatic. The instructions I have found online seem pretty straight forward provided I can find the wires to tap into. I haven't had the dash apart on this car yet, but I have been under others for various reasons.
I'll have to check out the Viper system. I have seen several on here mention it.

 

STAY AWAY FROM THE BULLDOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go with Viper, Astrostart bascially anything DEI. That car is ok to put a r/s into. You will need the security bypass of course. You should be able to find the wiring diagrams online if not I have.

 

I just have to roll over and push the "starter"
... even scrapes the windows clean too.