Have you decided to pull the trigger on upgrading your trusty vehicle with a remote start? You’ve made a great choice. And thankfully, installing one doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
Here are a few steps that you—or an installation expert—will need to get your remote start ready to go.
Check for Compatibility
The most important piece of information you need before starting your installation project is the device’s compatibility. Many remote starters are compatible with a wide range of vehicles—but it’s essential to make sure your specific make and model is one of them. You don’t want to tear into your vehicle’s wiring, only to realize your starter won’t work properly.
Hopefully, you’ve checked up on this before ordering your starter. If you haven’t ordered one yet, read the compatibility section to avoid any problems. .
If you’re going to do a self-install, make sure you read the starter’s warranty. Some prohibit DIY installation, so you could void the warranty by doing it yourself.
Check Installation Instructions and Owner’s Manual
The next thing you should do is familiarize yourself with both the installation instruction booklet and your owner’s manual. You’ll be messing with wires and circuitry, so it’s crucial to understand where everything is located once you’re under the hood.
Keep both of these booklets close during the installation process to make it smooth and problem-free.
Gather Tools and Equipment
Your installation guide will break down all the tools necessary for installation. Gather everything before the installation, so you won’t find yourself in need of a run to the hardware store—only to realize you’ve just disassembled your ride.
For most starters, you’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver, utility knife, wire cutters, wire strippers, soldering iron and solder, and electrical tape. Read the installation instructions for any other required tools.
Start Installation of Main Module
Before you do anything else, disconnect your vehicle’s battery. Again, you will be working with wires—wires that should not be live during any part of the installation process for the safety of everyone involved.
Once you’re ready to install, first determine where to place the starter module. On most vehicles, the ideal location is just under the steering wheel. If this is your chosen location, remove the kick panel and expose the wires.
Wire the Remote Starter System
Following the installation instructions, connect the starter’s wiring to your vehicle’s wires. To do this, strip away half an inch to one inch of the coating around the wiring. Do this to each wire that the instructions specify.
Once you have the starter wires stripped, connect them to your vehicle’s wiring by wrapping the wires together. To ensure they are attached, you can solder them together with a soldering iron. When you’re finished with that step, wrap the connection with electrical tape.
This part of the process will take the most time, since you’ll be connecting all wires to the starter—including the starter wire, ignition wire, accessory wire, and parking and brake light wires. Take your time and be patient.
Finish and Test
Once all wires are connected and taped, bundle them together with wraps to protect them, and keep them neat and organized.
At this point, you’re ready to test the system. Reconnect the battery and check to make sure each part of your vehicle is working as it should. Test brake lights, headlights, A/C, the starter, and the remote start system. Once you see everything working, replace the kick panel … and you’re good to go!
Nothing to It
Upgrading your vehicle doesn’t have to be a stressful challenge if you carefully follow the instructions provided—both here and in your installation guide. If you do that, you’ll be up and running in no time. Time to get a remote starter installed in your vehicle!