Remote starters are convenient and they lend an air of luxury to any vehicle they are installed in. If you are interested in a remote start system or are thinking of tackling the installation yourself to save a few bucks, then this post will be of service to you.
The following is a general guide for installing a remote starter in your vehicle. Please note that not all vehicles will have the same components and installation requirements and that the following guide goes over basic and common installation steps.
Car Remote Start Installation Tips
Furthermore, the following tips are for remote start system installation in automatic vehicles. Manual transmission vehicles will require further attention.
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First Things First
Your first step is to make sure that the remote start is compatible with your vehicle and that it will not interfere with its anti-theft system. You can usually get this information by consulting the packaging it came in or calling the manufacturer that produced it.
Then:
You should make sure that all the electrical systems of your vehicle are working properly before you begin the installation. Make sure the lights and switches are working as they should.
If so, then you may proceed to step one, familiarizing yourself with the wiring:
Wiring
Take some time to carefully look at the wiring including the power wire, the ignition wire, the accessory wire, and the starter wire. You can find information on these wires and where to locate them in your vehicle’s electrical diagram or owner’s manual.
Installing a remote ignition will consist mostly of connecting these wires to the device. It is recommended that the connections be made with a soldering iron.
Grounding
You will need to ground your remote starter for proper function. You can do this by attaching the ground wire to a clean, metal surface with no paint on it. We recommend a surface in the firewall or kick panel.
Tachometer Wire Connection
The first place to look for your tachometer reference wire should be the distributor. If you do not see it there, take a look at the coil pack. You can also trace it by following your spark plug wires to the point where they meet with the distributor. Once you have located the tachometer reference wire, connect it with the corresponding wire of your remote start device.
Security Bypass
If your vehicle came with a factory security system, it will need to be disengaged for the installation. Most vehicles’ security system has a wire coming from the driver side door. This wire will need to be pulsed to bypass the security system.
Closing Up
Before closing up the panels you have removed for the installation, make sure all wiring is secured with screws or ties. Secure them in a way that they are not touching any moving parts.
We hope you have found these tips helpful but if at any time you are in doubt, consult a professional. Utilize these tips safely and enjoy your new remote start system. You will love the freedom it provides.
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