View Poll Results: How do you feel about remote start? Is it worth it?

YES. It's very practical, and I use it a lot.

80.00%

NOT REALLY. I only use it to make my friends jealous.

20.00%

Voters: 40. You may not vote on this poll

Remote Start -- Is it worth it?

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Oct 11, 2005 | 06:07 AM

#21

rockbrawler884

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Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 430

From: Orland Park, IL

Well my other car has a remote starter and im getting it from my tC really soon... the only time I actually use it is in the Winter... Chicago Winters are brutal so i start my car 10-15min before i leave for work, so i get into the warm car, and the snow/ice on the windows are easier to clean off.

Oct 11, 2005 | 08:02 AM

#22

cubaricantC

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SL Member

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 209

From: Florida

I love my remote start. On mine without the key, even if someone bypassed the brake somehow as soon as the car hits a certain rpm range it will kill the motor. I also learned that if I get a check engine light in my car it sends it to my fob and tells me to call. (at least Thats what I think, the only time i've ever seen call on it is the only time i've ever had a CEL.)

Sep 22, 2006 | 04:17 AM

#23

2006XB

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SL Member

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 107

From: The Poconos

i have the astro 2205 with alarm. it's a great 2 way system so i know if it's running, locked, etc...
i threw in a couple extra features besides the basics; window roll up/down and rear window defrost control

Sep 22, 2006 | 04:41 AM

#24

Golden86

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Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 232

From: Elmhurst IL

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianxB

Quote:

Originally Posted by ricexizxgood

The remote start defeats the purpose of the engine immobilizer. The xB does not that, so it wont apply to xB's.

you have no idea of how a remote start is installed or functions do you?

An immobilizer is still in place if you have remote start installed. Most installs will use a DEI part called a 556U or similiar. What this is a small box that holds an extra key to your car. Inside the box the key is mounted inside of a "wand" that reads the chip signal and sends it to the key ring around the ign cylinder, allowing the car to start. The 556u is only activated by the status output wire on the remote start system which can only be activated by the remote start module.
As stated, a good installer will grind down the key so if the thief does access it, it will not be usable in the cylinder, at that point he would have to break the ign switch, pray he doesnt mess up the immobilizer ring and then try to start it. By that time I would hope the alarm would have attracted your attention and if the install was good, you wouldnt be able to access the key in the first place.

Dont speak to what you dont know about and give people a false idea. Too much of that goes on in these forums.

I was going to say the same thing, but you read the thread before me. I am a Best Buy installer, and I have done hundreds of remote starts. By no way does a remote start make a car easy to steal. Actually in some instances, it makes it harder to steal, like the Viper 160xv. It is not an alram, but if the car is locked, and if you try to break in and start it, it wont start. It has a relay on the starter wire which stays open untill you disarm the system.

And to answer the original question, have a RS on every car I have ever owned, and everybody in my houshold has one to. Even if you don't live in a cold climate, it is very usefull in the summer to pre cool your car before you get in. I do live near Chicago, so I have it mainly for the winter, but I do use it on those VERY hot days in the summer.

Sep 22, 2006 | 08:19 AM

#25

revjolly1

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SL Member

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 122

i have one. its worth the money if you use it A lot. i use mine everytime getting into the car. once you get a remote start, its hard to go back to keyless entry.

Sep 22, 2006 | 09:25 PM

#26

BLAKOUT

Senior Member

SL Member

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 104

From: New Hope, MN

I passed on a manual transmission just so I could have my remote start. I chose the Clifford 2-way starter/alarm system. I like it because the remote lets me know if the car does not start....I hate having to guess or have a line of sight.

I use my remote start quite frequently. I have 2 kids, one with a disability which makes getting her in and out of the car rather time consuming. It's nice to be able to have the car cooled or warmed before I start loading.

moore- yes, you have to set the controls before you leave the car. It's a PITA to remember at first, but it becomes habit pretty quickly just like turning off headlights.