Remote Car Starters Warm Up the Cabin Before You Get In

With just a push of the button on a remote car starter fob, the doors lock (to deter theft) and the engine starts. Then the heating system brings the cabin to a preset temperature and defrosts the windshield. The most advanced systems can turn on the seat heaters as well. When the cabin is nice and warm, it’s time to dart from your comfy house to a toasty car.

Fortin offers kits for a wide range of vehicles with brand-specific controllers.

If you live in a scorching hot climate, the same remote engine starter system can pre-cool your vehicle by running the air conditioner. So a remote starter can do double duty in winter and summer.

Advances in modern technology make it relatively cheap and easy to install some temperature-controlled goodness. Installing an aftermarket remote car starter kit is straightforward for competent DIYers. No special tools are required.

What’s in a Remote Car Starter Kit?

Compustar’s two-way T12 fob provides three miles of range and smartphone connectivity.

There are three primary components in a remote start system:

• Wiring
• Control module harness
• Remote device (like a key fob)

These items are often available separately or in a kit. The harnesses and control modules may be specific to the make and model of the vehicle while the remotes are universal. Some remote car starters use your standard key fob rather than a new remote. And the coolest (but more expensive) systems offer control from your smartphone.

Many aftermarket alarm companies also offer a remote starter kit or can include it in an alarm package. Some car manufacturers offer a remote starter kit for their specific models.

Popular aftermarket remote start kit brands include:

• Compustar
• Excaliber
• Fortin
• iDatastart
• Viper

Cost for Remote Car Starters

While prices for basic kits start under $100, look closely at what’s included. Be wary of cheap remote car starters from off-brand manufacturers.

The best bet is to check with eBay sellers who specialize in high-quality plug-and-play starter kits with all the pieces required for installation.

Kit contents dictate the price. Remote fobs vary from vendor to vendor but typically include one-button, four-button, and LCD designs. A remote fob might be a one-way style, where you press a button to start the vehicle. A two-way remote fob confirms that the car has started either via a sound or the display on an LCD screen.

The Firstech FT-DC3-LC allows remote start with the factory key fob.

Extended-range remotes, bypass integration modules, and manual transmission cars add cost to the kit. Yep, you read that right: remote start for manual transmissions is a thing. Kits for luxury vehicles are usually more expensive too.

Remote Car Starting System Installation

Excalibur’s high-end kit provides security and remote start features with one mile of range and a color OLED key fob.

Most remote starters will connect to various parts of your wiring system. Plan on spending an entire day for installation.

Always check the instructions and your vehicle’s manual for specific information. Here are the basic steps for installation:

• Remove the steering column cover and surrounding dash panel covers.
• Plug the starting wire harness into the main ignition switch, OBDII port, and control module (BCM). The control module should be mounted securely under the dash.
• Take your time to route the wiring logically.
• Secure the wiring with zip ties.

The next step might be module programming via your computer. Many systems allow you to use a USB cable to connect the module to your computer. Then you program the module via the software instead of flipping tiny toggle or DIP switches to the correct settings.

Once that’s done, it’s time to test the system. Finally, when everything checks out and you’ve popped the trim pieces around the steering wheel and dash back into place, you’re good to go.

Safety and Troubleshooting

Most systems come with a sticker to place under the hood to warn others that a remote engine starter has been installed. That’s because it’s best to disconnect the car battery or have all the remote starter fobs safely secured while working on the car.

Do not use the remote starter if your vehicle is in an enclosed garage. The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is genuine. Most systems will turn off the vehicle if you don’t enter the car and drive after ten minutes or so.

There are a few issues that might pop up with your new remote starter:

• A remote starter should not trigger a check engine light under normal circumstances.
• If the remote engine starter fails after successful installation, check the fob’s battery.
• If you use your phone to start the car, delete and reinstall the app.
• If the remote is not working, it’s time to check all your wiring and see if something was dislodged.

Comfort and Convenience

Climbing into a toasty warm cabin is like a hot cup of cocoa on a frigid winter day. Installing a remote car starter kit is a DIY project that your family and friends will immediately notice and deeply appreciate for years to come.

Photo: Patrick Hoesly

While remote car starters are a step up over a basic remote entry kit, the installation is not a tough task to tackle. YouTube videos provide the safest way to wade into the waters. Watch a few installation how-tos for your specific vehicle’s remote engine starter before rolling up your sleeves.