How difficult is it to install a remote start?

[CamrySExxx]

Hey guys, so it's getting COLD here FAST. (I seen snow today ... ) ...

Anyways I think it's time to invest in a remote starter for the car(s).

I want to ask, how difficult would you guys say installing one is by your self?
I know im going to get a lot of "let the pro's do it" comments but im just trying to save a few bucks. Remember it's just the remote start, so its a bit simpler than a alarm system. I know its a very vague question but I have yet to narrow down a specific one.

So how hard do you guys think it would be? Has anyone done it before by them selves?

Also would it be worth it to add a bit more and get an alarm? It might be a more difficult install and it would cost roughly $200 to get it installed and get the car ripped apart... but how does having an after market unit affect the car's oem "alarm" , lock/unlock and trunk popper?

Thanks guys,
ps. Im going to be getting a unit that is available at the local bestbuy/futureshop... (I know , but I can get a discount from a buddy so it might be worth it.)

pps. What unit's do you guys have and what do you recommend?

[GT-R]

Let the pro do it, cause it has something to do with your ignition, and you don't wanna mess it up.

[nstag]

I second that one and I went with the Toyota start for my 2010 just because of warranty and its covered, down side is that when you unlock the doors it shuts off. Love it too because it works off the factory fob and not a second new one. Come on frigged days in WI

[DrewsCam]

viper or automate. I have automate and its great and tons of features

[LE05]

i've installed my own, and let me tell you its pretty damn difficult if you've never done it before. it took me probably about two days (well not two full days, but two days of having my car apart). you'd better have all the wiring diagrams, a decent multimeter to test if the wires are what you need, and a good working knowledge of electrical systems. if i'd do it again... i'd have a shop do it, its just too much trouble.

viper is a good brand IMO. In fact, they have an interesting new product called Viper SmartStart. Basically, you can start your car with your iPhone, but its rather expensive.

[bandit]

Originally Posted by CamrySExxx

Hey guys, so it's getting COLD here FAST. (I seen snow today ... ) ...

Anyways I think it's time to invest in a remote starter for the car(s).

I want to ask, how difficult would you guys say installing one is by your self?

I know im going to get a lot of "let the pro's do it" comments but im just trying to save a few bucks. Remember it's just the remote start, so its a bit simpler than a alarm system. I know its a very vague question but I have yet to narrow down a specific one.

Leave it to the professional. Screw up and you'll be paying more than it would cost to have a pro do it. If you're going to get a remote start, get an alarm with it.

So how hard do you guys think it would be? Has anyone done it before by them selves?

If you know wires, electrical car wiring, patience and know how to read instructions, it shouldnt be that hard. Considering you're asking this question, I wouldnt do it.

Also would it be worth it to add a bit more and get an alarm? It might be a more difficult install and it would cost roughly $200 to get it installed and get the car ripped apart... but how does having an after market unit affect the car's oem "alarm" , lock/unlock and trunk popper?

Yes, pay extra and get alarm. Aftermarket will replace your car's OEM. Thats why I never got the alarm/remote start from Toyota. The aftermarket has no affect on the lock/unlock and trunk popper. You can still use your original keyfob as if you never had an aftermarket alarm. However, if you lock the door with the aftermarket and unlock with keyfob, alarm will go off. Same goes for popping trunk.

Thanks guys,
ps. Im going to be getting a unit that is available at the local bestbuy/futureshop... (I know , but I can get a discount from a buddy so it might be worth it.)

pps. What unit's do you guys have and what do you recommend?

I would avoid any shops that hires someone just for the hell of it. Installations are crappy and poorly done. If you're going to get it installed, take it to an authorized shop that deals with alarms and sound systems. There are things where you skimp and save money and there are things you dont and must pay.

DEI (http://www.directed.com/) makes Viper, Python, Clifford, Hornet, Automate and many more. I have Viper 5701 and works great and does what its suppose to do.

There are new ones such as the 5901 and 5902. Both have screens that displays the status such as when its locked, unlocked, what alarm was set off, both have 1 mile range (in open field), etc. All 3 are 2-way so if alarm goes off, the remote will let you know. If you more information, go to a shop and ask the installer on what they carry and what is more suitable for you.

http://www.viper.com/ShopViperProduc...tegoryCode=104

You can even go on eBay and purchase an alarm for cheap if you plan on installing it yourself.

I paid $470 for my 5701 alarm and installation. It took about 8 hours to have it professionally installed because all wires were hidden and soldered...not connected with butt caps or twisted together or wires tucked away or zip-tied to a wire loom.

[bandit]

Originally Posted by LE05

i've installed my own, and let me tell you its pretty damn difficult if you've never done it before. it took me probably about two days (well not two full days, but two days of having my car apart). you'd better have all the wiring diagrams, a decent multimeter to test if the wires are what you need, and a good working knowledge of electrical systems. if i'd do it again... i'd have a shop do it, its just too much trouble.

viper is a good brand IMO. In fact, they have an interesting new product called Viper SmartStart. Basically, you can start your car with your iPhone, but its rather expensive.

I filled out survey for the SmartStart and a chance to win one. Didnt happen. However, SmartStart requires a service plan (Service plan required. One year service plan included. $29.99/year after the first year.).

http://www.viper.com/SmartStart/Features.aspx

So if you have a Viper alarm, you install this onto the car and you use your iPhone. $299 if you have a compatible Viper system. $499 if you dont have one. Although price is high on Viper's site, if you take it to a shop, price of alarm and labor to install will be less.

When I got my 5701, Viper had it for almost $600 for alarm only. My shop installed for $470. Price has dropped since they now have 5901 and 5902

[snake212]

As everyone else said have a pro to do it but i recommend getting the alarm itself on ebay or something and then getting it installed cheaper IMO. i went with the 5901 and man it is awsome I LOVE IT. rechargable 2 way lcd remote and if you have an iphone like LE05 said you can buy smartstart later on and start, unlock lock, trunk release, and forwarded alerts to your iphone.

[bandit]

Originally Posted by snake212

As everyone else said have a pro to do it but i recommend getting the alarm itself on ebay or something and then getting it installed cheaper IMO. i went with the 5901 and man it is awsome I LOVE IT. rechargable 2 way lcd remote and if you have an iphone like LE05 said you can buy smartstart later on and start, unlock lock, trunk release, and forwarded alerts to your iphone.

As stated, there are downfalls to this...

1. You have to pay $29.95 service plan. First year is free
2. You'll have the car longer than the iPhone so if you switch to a non-iPhone or a phone that is not compatible, it would be worthless and useless.
3. Says it works with iPod Touch but you need to be connected via WIFI

However, you dont need to carry the remote dongle anymore. Not like its a big deal since its not that big unless you're wearing tight leather jeans. You can also control multiple vehicles.

When I filled out survey, iPhone was an option for app and Blackberry as well. So we may see a Blackberry app but I believe it would have to get approval from BB and they would have to program it as well.

So is it worth it? No. All this gives you is a longer range and uses your phone. So if you're in a mall and your car is on the other side, it wont start your car or alert you (if you have 2 way). With the SmartStart, it will. It pretty much says it on Viper's site.

[heartdisease]

I thought they had alarms that you could call up and start etc a long time ago. Am I wrong about that? I don't have and won't get an I-phone but I was thinking about an alarm/remote start for the Camry. I would like to have the cell phone ability, anyone know of one that will do that outside of the I-phone/smartphone? Just call it up with a regular cell?

[bandit]

Originally Posted by heartdisease

I thought they had alarms that you could call up and start etc a long time ago. Am I wrong about that? I don't have and won't get an I-phone but I was thinking about an alarm/remote start for the Camry. I would like to have the cell phone ability, anyone know of one that will do that outside of the I-phone/smartphone? Just call it up with a regular cell?

No, never heard anything like that. And there is no product on the market that does that...at least that I know of.

*EDIT
I was wrong, there is such a thing but its those cheap Asian products. Its called "GSM Alarm"

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/D5--LATEST-GSM...014167003r9422



"The dial keypad is like the numbers on your phone so you can use the gsm car alarm like a hands free phone using the microphone and speaker just as long as you have credit on your sim card."

You still have 2 keyfobs and you have to put a SIM card into the keypad. I dont know what SIM card they are referring to. And credit? WTF?

[LOV]

Do it only at a dealership, i got mine installed elsewhere, and now i have a problem with the car .i took it to dealers and they charged me $700 and didn't fix the problem, and they said it caused by aftermarket remote start so it is not covered under warranty.

[bandit]

Originally Posted by LOV

Do it only at a dealership, i got mine installed elsewhere, and now i have a problem with the car .i took it to dealers and they charged me $700 and didn't fix the problem, and they said it caused by aftermarket remote start so it is not covered under warranty.

What did u have installed? I've had my viper for over a year and when I had problems with the remote, I took it back to the shop that installed and they got me a knew remote with no problems. If installed properly u won't have a problem. If the alarm is defective it should be covered under warranty

[El Loco VG]

I had a viper installed at the dealer so that I could have it done by a *PRO* sounds good right. Only problem is that they sub this work out, my dealer uses this company ZIPPOS in BELLEVILLE, NJ I specified the viper alarm that I wanted in the contract and even made a piece of paper that I left on the dash when the car was in for the install a few days later. "if you are not installing a viper 791XV don't touch my car" turns out they must of planned on installing any BS alarm because they had to get me a loaner and install it the next day. So I get to my car and find 3 of the little clips on the passengers seat thats great. Range sucks because they left the antenna under the dash instead of putting it on the windshield, and they didn't program the alarm to activate automatically when you close the door, and for whatever reason they set the autostart at 30 minutes before it shuts off instead of the standard 12 minutes. So I had to take it to the shop so they could program it turns out the kid who installed it looked like a crack head and I wouldn't trust him to wash my car but he's the one butchering my electrical wires! He screwed up the valet button so he had to swap it out in order to program the alarm. I asked about the little clips on the seat and he claimed they were from another car he must of forgot them there, as to the antenna under the steering column he said that he had a problem with airbags popping on him so he didn't want to remove the plastic trim to route the wire, BS but I didn't want him messing with my car anymore at this point so I left it at that, and the 30 minute autostart timer he claimed most cars now a days don't warm up in 12 minutes meanwhile my Camry's temp rises in like 2 minutes even if its 50 minus zero outside. This was back in 06 I'm vacuuming the car the other day and what do I notice but the alarm brains hanging by the wires over the foot well must of been dangling there for the last 3 years because there was no sign of a tie-wrap. So I learned by lesson F the dealers supposed experts next time I'm getting it done by shops I trust.

[bronzemaxell]

i installed my own cheap asian brand scytek 5000RS that i bought for $61 shipped from ebay, read the installation diagram, and everything works perfectly fine, nice range, responsive.
i also installed a viper remote start on my friend's camry, it just work as good.
nothing is made in USA or japan anymore, and both built quality is about the same to me.

i guess it is a personal preference,
if you not afraid to take apart stuff in car, and with some electrical knowledge, it can be done.
i would not recommend someone novice to tackle this project.

like people mentioned in earlier posts
the installer is still human, capable of making silly mistakes, doesn't matter yourself, pro, or toyota dealer.