Remote starters

[BigWhiteFord]

Anyone using a remote starter in their vehicles? Or recommend a good place to have one installed? Also what brands are best, and which to avoid?

I'm looking to get a remote start system installed in my '99 Ford Superduty 7.3L PSD diesel. The system would have to be diesel compatible (delay for the glow plugs to warm up). Not sure if a two-way pager system would be worth the extra $ ? With winter coming I want to be able to fire up my truck 5-10 minutes before I leave home or work, without having to walk out and start it...

I got quoted $250 including install from INCRides in Surrey for a 1-way pager, made by Compustar...

[Cody1771]

most car audio places install them if they do security systems. i figure in a lot of ways they are impracticable... but thats just my take.

sorry for being a bit absent latly. been pretty busy, mostly spent in the outdoors

[BigWhiteFord]

In what ways do you find them impractical? I have very limited experience with them, as I've never owned a vehicle with remote start. Two friends have them however (one in his '04 F350 diesel, and the other in a Cobalt). Both think that it's a great thing to have for cold weather.

[stickerboy111]

My Jeep came with one from the factory and I love it. I look at them as useful for 2 reasons:

1) They warm your car/truck before you get out there so you have no icy windows. Especially in a diesel which takes forever to warm up in the first place.

2) And how ofter do we jump in our cars/trucks, fire them up and drive away. Not good for the engine! If you start your car a few minutes before hand you don't need to worry about that anymore.

I have had several vehicles with car starters. My Sidekick had and $800.00 unit with 2 way paging, alarm, remote door locks etc... Worked good but I did have some problems with it. More to go wrong I think with those kind. I have also had the elcheepo ones from Cambodian Tire too and had lots of luck with them.

As for your diesel Mike. Most of the cars/truck starters out there allow for start delays (for Glow Plugs) and you can adjust how long they crank for as well.

If I have 1 suggestion however, get the unit installed professionally. I am quite good with stereo stuff myself as I used to be into car stereo competition etc... but I hate installing car starters. They are a pain in the a$# to install. Lots of wires and dip switches and splicing into the factory harness etc etc... It can be done for sure but allow for a lot of time when doing it and be prepared to unhook and hook up again Personally I think it is worth it for a car stereo shop or someone like that to install it. That way if you have issues as well, they will garauntee the work.

Well that is my 2 cents worth