What is a remote start?

A remote start system is an electronic device that allows you to start your vehicle by remote control without actually being inside the vehicle or using the key. The remote start system supplies the vehicle with power and simulates a start just as if you were inside using the key.

Why should I use a remote start system?

There are many reasons that a remote start system can come in handy. By far, the most popular application for a remote start system is cold weather warm up. Imagine not having to go out into freezing or below-zero temperatures 10 to 20 minutes before going anywhere to warm up your vehicle. The remote start system allows you to simplify your life and takes care of this tedious task for you. In warm climates, a remote start system comes in handy to cool your car down before entering. Imaging not having to sit on a burning hot seat or touch a hot steering wheel. Remote starting systems are multi-functional devices that have many applications for private and commercial vehicles.

Are remote start systems safe?

Today’s remote starting systems are packed with safeguards and safety features to protect your vehicle. Our remote starting systems incorporate in-line fuses to prevent damage due to an electrical short and utilize a safety hood switch to prevent the system from starting the vehicle if the vehicle’s hood is open.

What if my car has a factory alarm on it?

This is not a problem. Remote start systems include what is called an OEM disarm output. The OEM disarm output sends out a signal to disarm a factory alarm system before a remote start to prevent any conflicts with the vehicles existing alarm. Once the vehicle is remote started, the remote starting system also includes an OEM re-arm wire to re-arm the alarm, allowing the vehicle to be protected while running.

What if my car’s key has a chip or transponder in it?

You can still have a remote start with these types of keys. Sometimes these types of security systems require you to get another vehicle key and have it programmed at the dealership for use in the remote start installation. However, in most cases special anti-theft adapters are available to allow remote start installations with these types of security systems without sacrificing an expensive transponder key. These adapters are not included with the system and must be purchased separately, but they offer an integrated installation that is more reliable and secure than installations that use an extra key. We recommend that you contact us for vehicle specific information.

Will a remote start system damage my car’s computer?

Remote start systems cannot cause damage on their own. Sometimes vehicle computers can be damaged due to improper installation of a remote start or from the connection to a particular circuit. This is why it is important to have a professional authorized dealer install your system.

Will a remote start system void my car’s warranty?

In short, No. However, if the added device is of questionable quality, or is installed improperly, warranty issues can be brought into play. Your best choice here is to always have a remote start system installed by a professional authorized dealer.
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. 2302(c)):
“No warrantor of a consumer product may condition his written or implied warranty of such product on the consumers using, in connection with such product, any article or service (other than article or service provided without charge under the terms of the warranty) which is identified by brand, trade or corporate name....” (15 U.S.C. 2302(c)).
In laymen terms, this means that NO vehicle manufacturer or dealer may make conditional its warranty because you installed an aftermarket product on the vehicle. The Federal Trade Commission (202-326-3128) administers the Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act and monitors compliance with warranty law. The Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act is viable in all states regardless, however some states may have additional consumer protection laws, so please consult you local consumer protection offices for more details.

How does the remote start system know when my engine is started?

Remote engine starters include state-of-the-art circuitry that monitors your vehicles engine. Our systems use a tach-signal input that monitors electronic pulse signals directly from the engine and has been proven the safest and most reliable method for remote starting purposes.

Can my vehicle be stolen when it is remote started?

Our systems incorporate multiple layers of protection against theft while your vehicle is remote started. When your installation includes keyless entry, the remote starter locks the vehicle while running; therefore it would require forced entry to gain access to the vehicle. Secondly, the remote start system includes a brake reset circuit. In order to get your vehicle into gear the brake must be depressed. If the brake is pressed without your key in the ignition switch turned to the ON position, the engine will instantly shut down. Thirdly, when using a safety hood switch, a remote started engine will instantly shut down if someone forces entry by opening the hood.

How far away can I start my engine?

Our remote start systems include an Extended-Range (ER) on-glass antenna system. These window mount antenna systems will allow you to start your vehicle from up to 1300 ft. away. There are new FM models now available that incorporate special High-Frequency 2-way Paging. FM systems cost more, but offer the luxury of up to one mile of range and 2-way paging. With FM 2-Way paging, the remote control is also a pager that receives signals from the vehicle for remote start confirmation. There is no more guessing whether or not your vehicle has started when using these new systems.

How long will my vehicle run?

This is usually a feature of the remote start system itself. Typically, the most common run times are 18 or 24 minutes depending on the model you choose, however the current models include your choice of additional settings that can increase times to as long as 48 minutes.

Can I use my existing factory keyless entry remote control?

This is no problem for most vehicles with a factory keyless entry system. Our remote start systems are designed for use with or without your existing factory remote controls.

Will the remote start system control my power door locks?

Yes, our remote start systems can be interfaced to your vehicles existing power door lock system. Interfacing the power lock systems on some vehicles may require extra parts and labor, so check with your installer beforehand to be sure if power door locks will be part of your installation. Interfacing the power locks to your remote start increases the overall safety of the installation because the unit will lock the door during a remote start thereby preventing an unlocked/unattended running vehicle.

Are there any options for improving my car’s factory installed remote start?

Yes! The new RI-GM-1 interface works with GM vehicles that come with a factory installed remote starter. These factory starters have a performance range that is limited to less than 150 feet. The RI-GM-1 lets you start your vehicle from over 1500 feet away while keeping all other preinstalled OEM features of your vehicle.
The RI-GM-1 can be installed securely and easily in the following GM vehicles: Chevrolet Malibu and Montana SV6 2004+ , Buick Allure, Lacrosse and Terraza 2005+, Pontiac Grand Prix and G6 2005+, Saturn Relay 2005+. More vehicles are coming soon so please call for an up-to-date listing.

What type of maintenance is required with a remote start system?

Remote start systems are maintenance-free. Other than observing a few minor cautions over the lifetime of the installation, there is NO maintenance. Remote transmitters are battery powered and depending on usage will need battery replacement periodically.

What if I am experiencing trouble with my installed remote start system?

Please contact us. We offer a lifetime warranty on the installation, and all parts are covered under various manufacturers’ warranties. In most cases, we find that the cause of failure is faulted to the handheld transmitters and this makes sense since the transmitters are susceptible to environmental wear and tear and battery life.