I have had my tC since June and finally received a viper remote starter for Christmas and was thrilled to have it installed. Until I got to the service shop and they told me it wouldn't work on my car because it's manual, and that I would need to upgrade to a more expensive model if I wanted a starter. Not only more expensive, but I would also have to do a sequence of button clicks and key turns to make sure it works properly, and if I screw one thing up, my car won't remote start or lock or alarm properly....?.... Umm..... I'm sorry, if I am paying $400 for a starter, it better be EASY and effortless to use. SO.... That is why I am here. I've read a lot of forums discussing manual transmission starter installations, bypassing the clutch, etc..... And I want to know, what is the best starter for me? Keep in mind a few things:

1. I have a Scion OEM alarm already installed (it had better still work after this), so I don't really need alarm functionality with the remote starter module
2. I prefer not to have two key fobs (hassle) or spend a ____ ton of money on a starter. I only plan to have this car another year or two.
3. I don't want my car to turn off when I go to get into it after it was remotely started (pain in the ___...)
4. I want a good footage range for starting it from far away. And I would like two-way so I know if it worked or not, BUT I understand there is a price to pay for that and I may be willing to go one-way if it's significantly less expensive.
5. I definitely don't want to have to hit the brake, hit a button, take my actual key out, get OUT of the car, make sure all doors are shut, and THEN turn it off, or ANY other type of sequence bull____.

Seriously? Why can't this be simple. Starters have been around for years. I don't understand why it's so difficult still. If anyone has a suggestion, please let me know.

 

What's the model # of the system you bought?

Most remote starters should work on a manual no problem, it's just a little more difficult to install than an auto. It's probably just the shop you went to talking out of their ___, or coming up with an excuse not to do it (our cars are pretty hard to install alarms/remote starters).

If you do end up having to get a different system, I'd recommend this one -


It is an alarm & remote start that I got for a good price. (I haven't installed mine yet)
Trust me, you want the alarm, the OEM alarm is literally nothing but a panic button. I know of people that have had their car broken into and the alarm never even went off.

Just try asking a few different shops or talk to someone that knows about alarms. You should be able to get it done.

P.S. Make sure not to use the remote start when the car is in gear, lol.

 

+1
i have heard a story of THAT guy who wanted to show off his auto start and his car was in first gear. needless to say his car smashed the parked car in front of him.
"Hey watch this. *click* *BAM*" is how that conversation went.

try not to forget, don't be THAT guy who does. but to avoid trouble in case you do, a remote start in a manual car is a bit risky.

 

Wow that is a really really good price. The original one I received for Christmas is a viper 4115V, which is only a starter, but they told me it won't work on a manual. I have a friend who knows someone who can install them on manuals, so I guess now I just need to pick a good system. Sounds like the OEM alarm is worthless, so I ought to get one with an alarm too. I REALLY like the screen on the key fob, and the fact that it is 2-way with the pager. Is this the one where you can also open and close windows and sunroof? That would be awesome. I saw that in a YouTube video and the key fob starter looked just like this one. You can't beat $180 either way. The shop where mine is from told me the upgrade version for a manual car would be about $400 with installation. Rip off!

Thanks for your advice/opinion. I appreciate your fast input. Trying to get this thing and get it installed before I snows again!

 

You're welcome.

Yes this one has an option to use auxiliary features like opening the windows. I've never seen someone do it with the sunroof but I'm sure it's possible.
And if you have a friend that knows what he's doing and can do it for cheap (or even free, if you give them a happy ending LOL) I'd definitely recommend that. That way you can help out and it can be a learning experience for you.

 

My compustsr won't start if it's in gear. Highly recommend it.

 

Damn, that is a really good price! Especially compared to the crutchfield one. I'm pretty sure it's that expensive because of the tech support which runs 99 bucks. Not bad though.

 

Not every viper unit is compatible with manual transmission vehicles. It has to have "manual mode" for it to work which requires you to go through a specific procedure before you shut your car off in order for it to remote start it the next time. I believe the viper 4806 is the first manual trans compatible unit and that is a RS/keyless only. Any model above that should work as well.

As far as install goes. unless your tc is push button, the install is fairly easy and should not be a problem for any experienced installer. As far as prices for install, the reason it is expensive is because it is a great deal of work (especially for alarm/RS combos) and there are additional parts you need on top of just what the unit comes with. so when some one says $400 for install, its usually around 200 for labor and roughly 160-200 in additional parts and extensive labor. Places like Best Buy charge a bit more for the units but the basic install is baked into the price. but the additional parts you will always need to buy separately as they are vehicle specific.

In the long run it may be a tiny bit cheaper getting it on amazon but it may be worth getting it where you are installing it for warranty purposes. if that sucker goes bad, you will be spending a lot more having it fixed.