Remote Starter - Questions
 

I am considering getting a remote starter since my daily driver sits outside (so my P-car toys can be in the garage!) in this frigid Ohio weather and was wondering how difficult they are to install? Any brands work better than others? I see where they can be had for less than $100 on eBay? I have a '96 Toyota Avalon. Thanks in advance.

I just installed a cheap one on my Expedition. It is a lot of work. There are about 8-10 wires to be located, everything from parking lights, door locks, and multiple accessories, run and start wires. Then you need to cut into and solder all these wires. Soldering under the dash just above your face is not fun.

You need a good wiring diagram, and you need some electrical experience, otherwise you will damge $omething expen$ive on your car.

I had mine completely finished, I thought. Then I discovered I needed an additional module to bypass the PATS sensor (built into your key), or I had to bypass the alarm system and risk my theft insurance coverage. Still haven't decided which way to go and I'm too busy to do it anyway.

So, after a lot of work I'm still not done. And I have a 3" thick bundle of wires and ***** under my floor mat. oh, and it's -10 today, but I have no remote start. But I can lock and unlock the doors. Which is what I started with.

I still plan to finish it off, because I like this kind of thing. But if you're not into it, or you want the remote start to work before spring get a professional to do it for you.

Take you car in and have someone do it. I had my Envoy done and it cost me $150. Well worth it.

That doesn't seem very challenging. :)

Ernie,

I wonder how many problems that install on your Envoy put into the electrical system down the road???

I bought one for my wife. $100 installed. She has a '01 Chevy Blazer. Works really nice, so now I'm thinking I might have to get one too.

Warren
This is the second one I had installed. The first was on a 2003 GMC, had it for two years, until I got the Envoy and never had a issue.

They should be relatively benign. They are primarily a bunch of parallel circuits that duplicate the ignition switch. Worst case would be interference from another starter while your car was running, that would be nasty. I guess the anti-grind feature should be installed to prevent that.

PHB
From what I read in your post I think I would spend 500 just to get out of the mess you are in. Good Luck!!

Ziebart did an install for me on my SUV. Total cost was $159.00 with THEM installing!!! I'm exceptionally happy with them and the unit! Unless you're electrically enhanced, I think i'd let the experts do the install!!!

vesnyder, here is the wiring info. You do not need a module for a Toyota. Pretty easy vehicle to do.


- TOYOTA / AVALON / 1996 / Remote Start




12volts white or wht/red + ignition harness
Starter red or blk/wht + ignition harness

Ignition black/yellow + ignition harness
Second Ignition black/orange + ignition harness

Accessory pink/blue + ignition harness

Power Lock blue/white - either kick
Notes: on cars without factory security system use green/orange(-) to lock.
Power Unlock blue/yellow - passenger kick

Parking Lights+ green dkp at top white plug
Parking Lights- green/red integration relay
Notes: the integration relay is located at the bottom of the fuse box.

Door Trigger red/white (1 of 2) - dkp 2nd plug in on top

Trunk/Hatch Pin red/white - left side of trunk
Hood Pin black/ 2 sil dots - pkp 2nd plug from top
Trunk/Hatch Release white/blue - trunk release switch


Tachometer black/silver dots AC rear of cluster

Brake Wire green/white + 4 pin wht plug L brake

Thanks for the input guys! Piedogger - you make it sound pretty easy? I also have the factory security system - not sure how much that complicates it? remembering the electrical systems on newer cars I may leave it to the pros, but I just called Ziebart and they quoted me $275-300? Where do you get the $100-150 installs?

I work at a higher end shop and those prices are more in line with what we charge. The factory security on your toyota arms and disarms with the activation of your locks. It woud not be affected by this add on.

A basic install ie $150.00 would not includ the hooking up of locks or light flash at my shop.

It is easy compaired to some cars.

I caught a pre-christmas special. Was especially nice because the vehicle didn't have power locks, now it does!:D

You'll want to be sure it doesn’t void your warranty if you still have one. I took my Toyota in for an issue with the alarm, and one of the first things they asked was if I had a remote starter installed. I was told that the alarm issue wouldn’t be covered if I had.

Next time they try that - pull out a cell phone and tell them you are calling your lawyer. Speak the words "Maguson-Moss Warranty Act? OK, I'll tell them." into the phone - even if it's not on. Then pretend to hang up and turn to the service writer: "That was my brother, who is also my lawyer. He said we can do this the easy way or the hard way. You choose."