how to install remote starters
 

I have a 97 cavalier and have heard lots of fun stuff about remote starters. i was wondering before I go out and buy one is there any available how-tos that can help me on the way?

If your car is manual transmission, you'll have to find the clutch switch and add an extra relay on that, so be sure that the remote starter you purchase is made for manual transmission cars...otherwise, it is just a matter of pulling off some dash trim, opening your steering column and t-tapping the appropriate wires that go to your ignition switch, and probably giving the 'brain' module power and ground.

Theres a little more to it than that.......

I STRONGLY recommend finding a specialist retailer and letting them do the install. In our neck of the woods a basic remote start system with keyless entry can be had for under $200 installed. I enjoy do-it-yourself projects as much as the next guy - but I place enough value on my time that the 6 hrs it would take (v 2-3 for them) me is worth spending $110 for installation.

Nelson

If you have a manual transmission, don't do it.

I have an automatic luckily (wish I had a standard=more fun) but I guess it's a good think I have an auto so is it as easy as the first guy said it is or is there alot more to it then just that? I don't have the money for a starter and the install I only have enough for the starter I need my $$$ for more important things then having someone installing shit for me in half the time I could do on my own. I'd rather spend 6hrs working on my car then $110 and have the car back in 3 hours.

T-taps for ANY high current applications (ignition) = Very bad. Solder and heat shrink ALL connections.

Also, if you have a resistor/chip in your key you will need to match that resistance in order to 'trick' the vehicle into thinking the key is in the ignition when its remote started.

Go ahead and try it yourself :crazy:

well I got some info from a company that sells multiple remote starters from diff. companys. and they say I need a t harness and a bypass they say the one they'll sell me for $36 is the easiest one to install and it's a self learner they say everything they sell has instuctions and some of the products come with dvds on how to install remote starters. the T harness is $24. Anyone with experience does that sound right to you?

The T harness only provides SOME of the connections you need. And I am not aware of any by-pass module for your vehicle. Its simply a matter of measuring the resistance value of the key and using the same value for the by-pass.

So your saying all I need is a resistor? and I know the t-harness provides only some of the connections, it doesn't provide remote locks or remote trunk release. But it will make it easier to install the starter which is what I mainly want in the first place.

Is there a small chip in the metal portion of your ignition key?

You think there is high-current flowing through your ignition switch?? There is an ignition relay for a reason, you know...

Meh, you could be right. And I didn't mean to say that my instructions were the be-all and end-all of instructions...he'll have to look at the manual that comes with it, but it really shouldn't be any more involved than what I described.

No, there is no small chip in my key. I got a copy of it at walmart and it starts the car and opens both doors, and trunk.

If theres no chip, and a copied key works, then there is no anti-theft system on your ignition.

And theres a reason the ignition wiring is larger than the rest of the wires on the remote start (at least a quality brand) - the ignition IS higher current.

So I don't need a by-pass module?

Nope. No module needed.

DEI (Viper) has a kit with a how-to video included. I didn't need to watch it so I can't give a review of it, but it's probably your best bet.

-edit
Unless you are down with soldering and unsing a multi-meter, I would recommend paying the extra money to have a shop put it in for you. Remote starts are not much fun to install.

The remote starter on my truck consists of 2 basic componants. 1. my teenage daughter. 2. a spare ignition key. To activate it, I boot her butt outside with the spare key, and tell her to go warm up my truck. An admittadly crude, and yet effective system.

Thats why I want one installed for my parents car. So I don't have to go out in the winter and start it up for them :D

[QUOTE=noblejr]DEI (Viper) has a kit with a how-to video included. I didn't need to watch it so I can't give a review of it, but it's probably your best bet.
QUOTE]

I can give you a review of it - The people that buy them look like they lost their dog when they come through the front door holding a tangled mess of wire. Then they get upset that we want to charge them to fix their disaster and will not honor any warranty on the product!

I think it's kinda stupid to have the DIY video. If you need the video, you shouldn't be doing this yourself. I'm glad I haven't worked in a shop since those came out, or I'd have the same experience as you Nelson. I think I know where it is. Maybe I'll hunt it down tommorow and watch it for kicks.