Getting ready for remote start
 

I decided that Im going to get a remote start system for my 4runner so its nice and warm in the morning (plus its cool to start your car from the keychain, lol) Just wondering what is a good system out there, I dont need anything special, no alarm, just plain remote start. I want the tach wire hookup, not the "tach sense" version. URL=http://www.autotechs.com/items/item871.htm]Here[/URL] is a remote start I was looking at. Has anyone bought from these people? Or who have you bought from? Im also looking for an auto window roll up kit to roll up all my windows. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks!

most places that sell and install car stereos also sell and install remote starters, got mine for $120 installed including remote power locks.

Yea im just looking for something simple, nothing other than remote start. Im looking to install it myself.

you can get one installed for a $100, trust me its worth it.

For the price I'd recommend looking at the Commando alarm group buy going on. It'll do locks, windows, remote start plus it has the LCD pager with great range. Those of us who already got our are pretty much finished with the installs, it wasn't too bad. Not sure that any of us are using the remote start though, we pretty much all have 5-spds.

It also has outputs for 3 auxillary functions, I've got mine hooked up to raise & lower the rear window. Comes in handy at the mall.

i got a valet in my dakota and a viper in my 4runner,the valet one has better distance.

I thought the valet just uses the stock alarm auxilary outputs to start, wouldnt it just have the stock alarm/keyless entry range? Maybe the dakota had a better stock alarm range than the 4runner?

they both have external antennas and depending on location of antenna,range will be effected.

It's not that hard, take a look at my sig.

get a design tech remote start from pep boys for $30 dollars and install it yourself. it comes with a video. even a 16 year old can follow. its not hard at all. its totally worth it, it gets the job done. 100% recomended (if that makes sense).

MALL CRAWLER>>> WE CAUGHT YOU

Just changed my mind when I found this. It supposidly hooks up easier using a vehicle specific "T harness", plus its cheaper, only $40. Im doing the dome light supervision too. Its made by bulldog security, here is their site, the model im looking at is the last one on the page. (RS82P)

Anyone know how important it is to have Anti grind? Im not really sure what it is, but I think its so if the engine does not start, the unit doesnt just keep on powering the starter? Both the valet and bulldog units I have looked at do not have anti grind. Im still undecided if I want to do bulldog or valet, on the bulldog, I cannot use pit stop if my factory remote does not work when the engine is on, but its easier to install, or go back to stock using their t harness. On the valet, its harder to install, or go back to stock, but I can use pit stop with a momentary switch, and they have a seperate timer (turns engine on at 5:30am mon-fri) I guess if I could get a wiring diagram of my truck, it would be an easier install than probing all the wires with a tester. Maybe I could use the t-harness from bulldog on the valet, just cut off the bulldog end of the harness?

If the starter has a tach wire connection, you don't need an anti-grind feature.
Once the truck has signal on the tach wire it will not try to double start it.

Go to www.the12volt.com and you will find all the wiring diagrams you need for your truck.
If you can't find one, post and someone will get it for you.

thanks!

The Bulldog system is carried at Walmart. I have had major grief with that model. As has my installer and other installers I know. They refuse to install them anymore.

The unit loses programming, intermittent range issues, goes into valet mode on the drop of a dime and the remotes don't hold up. The "nub" under the button deteriorates rapidly. This is not just a few units either. With x-mas just past we are getting phone calls still about installing x-mas gift starters and there were ALOT of them. With over 60 faulty units we were pretty upset at all the time we wasted. For many clients we offered a housebrand starter to at cost to help them out. Guess what? Over 95% of the starters we replaced the Bulldogs with worked perfectly fine with zero problems to date. 2 units were DOA out of the box.

There is a reason why they are such a good deal.

Viper, Valet, Avital, Autostart, Polar Start, Astro Start, Arctic Start etc..... are all good units. Personally I prefer Viper and AutoStart. I have 1 of each and they are completely problem free and a fit all my needs. Including door locks, trunk release, window roll up, security, starting, paging, aux lighting and over 3000' of range.

You are doing the right thing though.....research before you buy. Find out about warranty and see if it is waived if self installed.

Good luck and P.S. once you have one you can't live without it. Keep a spare battery for the remote handy in the event it dies.

on a side note, this is outstanding advice. anyone w/ any kind of alarm and/or remote start should always keep a fresh battery in the car

bob

I have heard bad things about bullydog like Lethal mentioned, but for $45 I gave it a whirl anyway during x-mas break and haven't had any trouble with it (knock on wood). I did the install myself with no T-harness and bought the key transponder from a local audio shop for $30. So for $75 I installed the bullydog system myself and so far I have been very pleased.

Any good things heard about valet? I looked on 12volt.com and didnt find a wiring diagram that would help me with my install, anyone have it? Thanks

Ok, I found the list of wires on 12volt, still have one question. I am trying to decide to use the OEM remotes, or to use the remote that came with the starter. As a last attempt to try to use the OEM remotes from a good distance, I am going to reposition the alarm antenna wire. I think I have heard people say its grey, but im not sure. Where exactly is the antenna wire for the alarm/keyless entry on a 4runner? Is it just off of the harness on the grey alarm box, which wire/pin? Thanks