Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Remote car starters

This is topic Remote car starters in forum Film-Yak at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Richard Hamilton (Member # 321) on 12-27-2009, 12:24 AM:

Anyone ever had or have one? We a searching for one for my dad. He is having trouble turning the ignition key sometimes. I don't need one with a n alarm or any other features, just door locks and ignition. Also has anyone ever installed one?

Thanks, Rick

Posted by Jeremy Weigel (Member # 4208) on 12-27-2009, 12:47 AM:

Saw one at Wal-mart Wednesday while I was getting prepared for the snow storm to roll in. Almost bought it, but alas it was not for manual transmissions. Think it was priced at 49.99.

Posted by Jake Spell (Member # 5294) on 12-27-2009, 02:19 AM:

I got one from Sam's Club. Bulldog security made it. Fairly easy to install if you are tech savy and works great. Has a bunch of features but you need to check and see if you car will need a security bypass module. most new cars need them because they have some sort of fuel shutoff system.

Here is their web site

Bulldog Security

I would definitely suggest getting the T harness if they sell one for your make and model as it makes all the splicing in the steering column much easier

Posted by Sam Graham (Member # 2889) on 12-27-2009, 10:28 PM:

The aftermarket remote starts won't solve your problem, because they still require you to put the key in the ignition and turn the car "on". If you don't, the car will shut down when you put it in gear.

Posted by Jake Spell (Member # 5294) on 12-27-2009, 10:43 PM:

True, but its much easy to put the key in and turn to on, than to turn to crank and hold it

Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 12-27-2009, 11:12 PM:

OK, so I'll volunteer to be the dick and ask, "If your father has trouble turning the key in the ignition, why is he still behind the wheel?"

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 12-27-2009, 11:25 PM:

Hey Adam, you don't need to "volunteer" ...ya Brute! [Moon]

Posted by Richard Hamilton (Member # 321) on 12-27-2009, 11:26 PM:

hmm, starting to get arthritis in his hand. Acts up sometimes, usually after loading grocery bags. Has no effect on his driving. Dick

As far as having to put the key in the ignition, and turn it on, then what is the point of a remote start? I thought the point of a remote start was to be able to start it from a remote location, like from inside the house during winter months so when you have to go outside, the car would be warmed up. Otherwise it's pointless to have one if you have to go outside put the key in and then use the key fob to start it.

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 12-27-2009, 11:40 PM:

quote: Richard Hamilton
As far as having to put the key in the ignition, and turn it on, then what is the point of a remote start?

The car engine IS running thanks to the remote starter, but you need to "turn the key on" before it will go into gear, otherwise it will shut down when you put it in gear. This is a theft protection feature.

Posted by Richard Hamilton (Member # 321) on 12-27-2009, 11:45 PM:

Thanks mike,
Then this will work for him. This has only happened to him a couple times and he just can't crank the ignition.

Rick

Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 12-28-2009, 12:08 AM:

How about keeping a pair of Vice Grip pliers in the glove box? [Wink]

Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 12-28-2009, 01:55 AM:

Buy him a Prius or one of those fancy German autos with a power button. [Smile]

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 12-28-2009, 10:30 AM:

We had that feature the last time we rented a car -- I think it was a Chevy of some sort. I liked that!

Posted by Frank Angel (Member # 248) on 12-28-2009, 10:48 AM:

Keys are so totally low tech when you have a fob that can open the doors. There is no reason that fob can't have an extra button to start the engine.

Posted by Bill Enos (Member # 440) on 12-28-2009, 11:17 AM:

I don't have one myself, but the systems 3 or 4 friends have in their cars turns the engine off when the door is opened, that function is prevent somebody from stealing the car.

Also if the system dies, jumpers will have to be placed across the circuits that the control module completes.

Posted by Bill Enos (Member # 440) on 12-28-2009, 02:24 PM:

Of those mentioned above, none has had any problems with the system, though one who did his own installation had an issue when one of his crimp connectors came loose due to his failure to fully compress the connector.

Posted by Paul J. Neuhaus (Member # 3205) on 12-28-2009, 05:08 PM:

This could be really good for your Dad for other reasons as well.
My buddy has one and he is able to point it out the window and start his truck and let it warm up. If your dad is having problems with his joints...probably in the winter months for sure. Then it would be great for him to be able to jump into his vehicle with an already warmed up engine and be able to turn on the heat and it actually work as soon as he gets in.

Posted by Tristan Lane (Member # 1169) on 12-28-2009, 06:47 PM:

If you want what's referred to as "Keyless push button start" like the car makers are using now....there are kits. One quick search on google and you have many results.

I'd post a link, but for some reason the URL tags aren't working

Posted by David Stambaugh (Member # 1102) on 12-28-2009, 07:33 PM:

Just a thought but are you sure the steering column ignition lock isn't the problem? On some cars when you shut off the ignition, if the steering linkage happens to be in a position that puts pressure against the steering column lock, you can't easily turn the key to start the car unless you also slightly move the steering wheel so it's not pushing against the lock.

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 12-28-2009, 10:06 PM:

Buy him an Audi (You have a good dealer in Evansville). They use a "push key". I suggest an A4 (smaller) for older people. Louis