Remote Starter Pros & Cons...Your Opinions Please?

[Ms. Denmark]

Because of where I live and the fact that it's cold and dark when I leave for work in the morning, I've been thinking of asking Santa for a remote starter. A nice warm car to get into would be so delightfully decadent. But before I do anything I'm checking with you guys. :burnout:

[offroadkarter]

Pro's: Awesome

Con's: Installing it


I have one i got for free, ill probably throw it up on ebay so i can get a viper system.

[hot-rauder]

i have one....

pros: it works.

cons: the HVAC controls on the MM when used go staright to Auto.... not a problem but it doesnt start blowing heat until it reaches proper temp. not good for 5-6 minute start ups.

10 minutes before i leave i usually would have to start it for the leather to warm up. 300a draw back

i like mine, because i get to hear her hoar for me in the mornings, but i dont find it nessecary.

[Bluerauder]

Because of where I live and the fact that it's cold and dark when I leave for work in the morning, I've been thinking of asking Santa for a remote starter. A nice warm car to get into would be so delightfully decadent. But before I do anything I'm checking with you guys. :burnout:
You already have a remote starter. ;) Tell him to get out there and crank your car over and defrost the windows, hit the seat heater button, and scrape the ice & snow off. I do this for MY wife when the weather turns bad. Its cheaper and he'll get a feeling of satisfaction knowing that he's doing something especially for you. :rofl:

Remember that the remote starter only starts the car. It doesn't turn on the heater & defroster blowers (and I wouldn't recommend leaving it on to crank it that way), doesn't turn on the heated seats and doesn't press the rear window defroster. But it does run the engine to get it warmed up so that when you get in ... the delay time on warm up is not that long. Option #1 above is much better. :P

[hot-rauder]

You already have a remote starter. ;) Tell him to get out there and crank your car over and defrost the windows, hit the seat heater button, and scrape the ice & snow off. I do this for MY wife when the weather turns bad. Its cheaper and he'll get a feeling of satisfaction knowing that he's doing something especially for you. :rofl:

Remember that the remote starter only starts the car. It doesn't turn on the heater & defroster blowers (and I wouldn't recommend leaving it on to crank it that way), doesn't turn on the heated seats and doesn't press the rear window defroster. But it does run the engine to get it warmed up so that when you get in ... the delay time on warm up is not that long. Option #1 above is much better. :P


agreed with Charlie......

[TiTo35]

hot-rauder...with my remote starter....being that its cold...I already have it set for floor @ 80 degrees. Ill turn it down to bout 75 but turn it back to 80 when I get out the car. I never put it on auto...when I get in the car its toasty! Now ms denmark...if u remember I work a block from the captiol and park between the two buildings...I will start my car from the bldg and by the time I get to the car WARMTH!!! :D The only CONS I have for mine is that the battery in the remote goes kinda fast...and if I have less then a fourth tank of gas it wont start.

[Ms. Denmark]

You already have a remote starter. ;) Tell him to get out there and crank your car over and defrost the windows, hit the seat heater button, and scrape the ice & snow off. I do this for MY wife when the weather turns bad. Its cheaper and he'll get a feeling of satisfaction knowing that he's doing something especially for you. :rofl:

:P The issue is getting aforesaid "remote starter" started himself. :eek: Kinda like waking a big ol bear out of hibernation.:help: As for doing something especially for me.......? Let's just say it's fortunate he has other talents.;)

All of you guys make good points. I could live without it but my friend TiTo makes a good case for having one installed. Either that... or see if Bernie would rent out Charlie. :rofl:

(To be fair , Mr. Man looks out for me when it snows. Actually, he drives me to work.)

[Bluerauder]

The issue is getting aforesaid "remote starter" started himself. :eek:
If the "remote starter" is still under warranty, take it back for repair. Could be a fuse or some loose connections. It can probably be reprogrammed to work properly. ;) To check, just apply 24 volts to two exposed connectors. That oughta get it moving. :rofl:

PS -- If this is really Mr. Man logging in. Please disregard all of the ^^^^^ above. :rolleyes:

[justbob]

Why would the auto temp feature not work? Shouldn't it come on when when the car starts? I've been lazy and broke so i never added it to this car.:( BTW i have only used the automatic since the day i bought the car, precisely 73 for me thank you.:up: Maybe this is why my climate control hasn't broke like many others have.:dunno:

[Motorhead350]

I had one on my truck for a few years but had to take it off because they truck kept trying to start itself while I was driving it! :eek:

[Peace2Peep]

Actually the new series of alarms from DEI(python, clifford, vipe) actually DO turn on your defroster andcan adjust for heat and cold temps. Look into it! Just had one installed in my brothers F-250 diesel...its amazing!

[larryo340]

I self installed the Ford silver remote start/keyless entry without alarm into my GM last year. I leave the EATC on Auto set to 69*, and it starts to blow heat before the 10 minutes are up. If it's super cold out as in below 20* then I might start it twice. Mine had the option of hooking up the rear defrost which I did, and having the rear window clear as well as the side mirrors is fantastic. The rear defrost is not on automaticly like other systems. I can turn it on and off via the remote as many times as I choose. Mine also has the option to wire in a relay for driver door lock priority which will make the remote work just like the factory remote, one press on the unlock only the drivers door unlocks, press again the others unlock. As far as not leaving it in AUTO......why not. Don't you leave it in AUTO when starting it with the key? I pretty much never turn it off.

The EATC uses alot of power so make sure who ever installs it uses relays.

Funny note: I had the same system installed for my father as a new car present on his '06 GM and he still starts it when he's walking out the the car instead of from inside the house and letting it run awhile. :shake:


So long story short GET ONE !!

[DWSTANG67]

Do it

one of the best extras i had installed i got it as a xmas present from my family when i bought my marauder and havent turned the key to start since

nice to get in a car all warmed up and dont forget its nice in the summer to get in the car wth the air on coooool

never had a problem with it works great

[TAKEDOWN]

Thumbs up, over here! Used primarily for the winter... LOVIN' IT! Drains the battery rather quickly in the remote.

[Icarus]

I've installed remote starters in every car I've owned (5), and love them.

Pros are you get to go out to a warm or cool car depending on the season.
Cons are it wastes fuel, and some can be complicated to install depending on the options and vehicle.

When I lived up north, they were a god-send. My car was one of the only ones that could be used at times because the others were frozen over and you couldn't even get in them.
The two cars I have now are my winter beater Ford Escort which is a manual trans, and the Lincoln. I put a very cheap starter in the Escort because it doesn't have power windows or locks, and it's been working great for the past three years. I have the rear defrost hooked up to a relay on the aux channel so it's good to go to.
For the Lincoln, I went all out and bought a Compustar 2 way alarm/remote starter. That was a fun install because of the extras I put in as well, but now I can start/stop it, roll the windows up/down/vent, defrost on/off, door locks and trunk control. The alarm part is great because it monitors the inside, trunk, hood, and will let me know if someone trys to jack it up and take the wheels or tow it, etc...

If you have the knowledge and skills definately install one. The skys the limit now with what you can control with aux channels too... :)

[rayjay]

I have one in my DTR. It worked great for the 1st winter and then started acting up, working when it felt like it. Ford unit installed by dealer. This year I'm freezing my tail off when I leave the station, but the Aveo generates heat quickly. If I take the door in the face again, then I'll find a way to have one installed on MTX car. Don't need a second round of beak repair. :mad:

[hot-rauder]

I've installed remote starters in every car I've owned (5), and love them.

Pros are you get to go out to a warm or cool car depending on the season.
Cons are it wastes fuel, and some can be complicated to install depending on the options and vehicle.

When I lived up north, they were a god-send. My car was one of the only ones that could be used at times because the others were frozen over and you couldn't even get in them.
The two cars I have now are my winter beater Ford Escort which is a manual trans, and the Lincoln. I put a very cheap starter in the Escort because it doesn't have power windows or locks, and it's been working great for the past three years. I have the rear defrost hooked up to a relay on the aux channel so it's good to go to.
For the Lincoln, I went all out and bought a Compustar 2 way alarm/remote starter. That was a fun install because of the extras I put in as well, but now I can start/stop it, roll the windows up/down/vent, defrost on/off, door locks and trunk control. The alarm part is great because it monitors the inside, trunk, hood, and will let me know if someone trys to jack it up and take the wheels or tow it, etc...

If you have the knowledge and skills definately install one. The skys the limit now with what you can control with aux channels too... :)



Canada isnt "up north"?????

[bossguy]

I bought mine with a Clarion "UNGO" system that includes remote start and interior motion sensors. It's worked flawlessly UNTIL I did the LCM headlite relay upgrade discussed elsewhere in this and Crown vic.net. Since thats been done the alarm works but the remote start does not. The relays cycle, the fuel pump powers up but no crank. The installation guide is 56 pages so I'm working on it. But in answer to your question, the warm car is very welcome on a cold morning.

[my_rodder]

I put one on a truck I had once. I dont think Ill ever do it again, I loved the fact that the truck was warm most of the time. However I didnt like the fact that if I got out and left it running it would lock me out. Along with many many other strange things. Store who put it in could never figure out what was wrong. I had to take it back and have it towed more times than I want to remember.
Long story short. I got a top of the line remote start, put in by a pro and ended up having to sell the truck because of the remote start was driving me crazy:eek::eek: I dont think that I could do that to my MM.

[Bigdogjim]

Remember that the remote starter only starts the car. It doesn't turn on the heater & defroster blowers (and I wouldn't recommend leaving it on to crank it that way), doesn't turn on the heated seats and doesn't press the rear window defroster. But it does run the engine to get it warmed up so that when you get in ... the delay time on warm up is not that long. Option #1 above is much better. :P

Can not say I agree. After 6 years with my (code alarm) remote start and aftermarket installed heated seats (300A) I have no issues what so ever, I use it winter and summer (hate getting into a hot car) At night I leave the heat on and turn the heated seat on and I have never had a problem in fact I am still on the factory battery!
Now where I live in New Jersey it is against the law to leave a car running unattended. I still I will take my chances:)

[Pops]

We have installed hundreds of remote starters. Go ahead and get one! Make sure you go to a good shop and stick with name brand when you have it done. You shoud expect to pay around 350.00 for a good install. You will like having one!

John

[SILVERSURFER03]

having remote installed today

[Aren Jay]

.............................. ........

[freakstatus]

I had one on my Explorer when I lived in Alberta. It was awesome until I broke the remote 4 years later.....no one could fix or replace it as that model was since discontinued.

[Peace2Peep]

When you do any mechanical or electrical installations on your vehicle, The selection of quality components is secondary to THE QUALITY OF THE INSTALL! Almost all installers guarantee their installs...that in and of itself means NOTHING! To quote Tommy Boy: I could take a dump in a box and slap a guarantee on it if that makes you feel better, I've got the time!

Don't look for a good "Pro" installer, ask around your city for the best installer in the State and drive to them! Isnt that what you would do if you had a supercharger or other valuable piece installed? How much is an electrical harness on your Marauder? End of rant....

[fastblackmerc]

I love my remote starter.

Self installed, soldered & heat shrinked every connection.

[KillJoy]

The Misses has one on her new car.

I just got one from JohnKuhn to put on my Daily Driver.

Good Stuffs!

:up:

KillJoy

[DOOM]

I have one on both of my cars. No cons at all. You will love it no doubt about it.

[Ms. Denmark]

Ok, I've heard the opinions of the best informed people I know. Thank You all for the great advice. So hear goes....

Dear Santa, I've been a very good girl. I washed and waxed the Marauder at least twice this year, drove it to three CAM meets, try to watch my mouth when posting on MM.net, haven't gotten even one speeding ticket (a minor miracle), even tolerate people mistaking my car for a Marquis. Please send me a remote starter and don't forget to include installation. :) Yours very truely, ms. denmark P.S. Don't let the name fool you. I live in New Jersey

[hot-rauder]

Ok, I've heard the opinions of the best informed people I know. Thank You all for the great advice. So hear goes....

Dear Santa, I've been a very good girl. I washed and waxed the Marauder at least twice this year, drove it to three CAM meets, try to watch my mouth when posting on MM.net, haven't gotten even one speeding ticket (a minor miracle), even tolerate people mistaking my car for a Marquis. Please send me a remote starter and don't forget to include installation. :) Yours very truely, ms. denmark P.S. Don't let the name fool you. I live in New Jersey


Santa would drive a DTR.... nothing like a hot rod sled

[Ms. Denmark]

santa would drive a dtr.... Nothing like a hot rod sledlol!!!!!!!

[Bluerauder]

Dear Santa, I've been a very good girl. I washed and waxed the Marauder at least twice this year, drove it to three CAM meets, try to watch my mouth when posting on MM.net, haven't gotten even one speeding ticket (a minor miracle), even tolerate people mistaking my car for a Marquis. Please send me a remote starter and don't forget to include installation. :) Yours very truely, ms. denmark P.S. Don't let the name fool you. I live in New Jersey
Dear Ms. Denmark,

No doubt you have heard that I am making a list and checking it twice. Your list has been submitted for verification; but in view of the current economic situation, my elves are insisting on photographic proof of the statement in bold ^^^ above. Your request will be placed in the "pending confirmation" file until you follow up with pics.

Your friend,
Santa :santaw:

[Ms. Denmark]

Dear Ms. Denmark,

No doubt you have heard that I am making a list and checking it twice. Your list has been submitted for verification; but in view of the current economic situation, my elves are insisting on photographic proof of the statement in bold ^^^ above. Your request will be placed in the "pending confirmation" file until you follow up with pics.

Your friend,
Santa :santaw: Ok, busted. I personally washed the wheels and cleaned the chrome including the tail pipes once. That took me all afternoon alright? The actual washing and waxing were delegated. That's my management style, so I don't believe I should be penalized. I do have pictures but they're on my digi-cam. How the heck do I get them outta there and posted here!? Tell you what Santa, you be a good jolly old Elf and bring me the remote starter. In return, I'll let you drive my Marauder. Yours Truely etc.

[Bluerauder]

Ok, busted. I personally washed the wheels and cleaned the chrome including the tail pipes once. That took me all afternoon alright? The actual washing and waxing were delegated. That's my management style, so I don't believe I should be penalized. I do have pictures but they're on my digi-cam. How the heck do I get them outta there and posted here!? Tell you what Santa, you be a good jolly old Elf and bring me the remote starter. In return, I'll let you drive my Marauder. Yours Truely etc.
Ms. Denmark,

You drive a hard bargain. The elves took a vote and your remote starter is in the bag so to speak. The vote was very close. ;) Rudolph and Prancer are really interested in having a go at that Marauder of yours -- but they want to unload the bag of stuff from the sleigh so the field is more level.

Santa :santaw:

P.S. -- you gotta get your pics from your camera to your computer. After that, it is easy. Go to the "Photo" menu bar along the top of the page. Once inside the photo section, click "Upload" and just transfer/copy your pics in batches of 10 or less to your own personal Member Gallery. Once the pic is in your gallery, it is easy to link them into your posts. To save space/size, resize the pics to 50% or 25%.

[justbob]

I never could figure that way of loading out. Photobucket .com works great however.

[Ms. Denmark]

.
Santa :santaw:

P.S. -- you gotta get your pics from your camera to your computer. After that, it is easy. Go to the "Photo" menu bar along the top of the page. Once inside the photo section, click "Upload" and just transfer/copy your pics in batches of 10 or less to your own personal Member Gallery. Once the pic is in your gallery, it is easy to link them into your posts. To save space/size, resize the pics to 50% or 25%. Yeah, easy for you to say, Mr. Fancy Red Pants! :P Thanks, I'll try it. :) TTFN, ms. you know

[Vortech347]

Wastes gas like crazy. I get in, let the car idle for about 1 minute and drive. It warms up in about 3 minutes, and I'm moving. Better than 10-12 minutes wasting fuel and not going anywhere. If its that big of a problem get a bigger house with a 3rd car garage. LOL Thats my remote start plan.

[SID210SA]

Well ms. Denmark.....looks like you are getting a remote start alarm so I will just keep my .02 cents and put them elsewhere......Congrats and good choice!!