Remote Start

REMOTE START FAQ

Will a Remote Start System void my new car warranty?

A. NO. We install remote start systems for many of the area car dealerships. When properly installed, today's remote start systems are fully compatible with the complex electronic systems in newer vehicles. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act prevents an auto manufacturer from voiding a new car warranty because you chose to have non-factory accessories installed.
How long will it take?

A. Installation time varies greatly from vehicle to vehicle. Please make arrangements to leave your vehicle with us for an entire day.
All Day!?! Why? The guy down the street said it's a “quick and easy 60 minute install”.

A. I cannot speak for “that guy” but we solder all of our connections to ensure a strong, solid and long term connection of the remote start. We never “t-tap” or “scotchlock” these types of connections are great for temporary repairs (what they were originally designed by 3M for the US Military to be used as a temporary field repair) but over time the connection will become loose resulting in remote start errors and in extreme cases shorting of circuit, melting or wires and fire. Once we are finished we allow the car to sit for a set period of time to allow all modules in the vehicle to “go to sleep” to verify nothing is malfunctioning or staying on because of the remote start.
What should I bring with me?

A. Please bring two ignition keys that will both start the vehicle as well as any factory key-fobs you are in possession of. We need these items for proper testing, installation and programming of your remote start.
My car is a stick shift. Can you install a Remote Start?

A. YES! We have remote starts designed to work safely on stick shifts. There is a small additional charge for stick shift vehicles.
I park with my vehicle in gear. Can I still do this and have a Remote Start?

A. Unfortunately no, you would need to park your car with parking brake engaged and the transmission out of gear in order for our unit to function properly.
I have a diesel engine. Can you install a Remote Start?

A. YES! We have remote starts designed for diesels. When you activate your remote start, it will wait for the glow plugs or manifold heaters to turn off before it attempts to start.
My key has a “chip” in it. Can you install a Remote Start?

A. YES! We have the proper bypass module for almost all vehicles. These bypass modules are only activated when you remote start your vehicle. So, when you vehicle is sitting in a parking lot, the factory anti-theft system is still fully functional. These parts are not included with our base price please stop into our store for a demonstration and price quote.
Why do I need an extra part? I had a key made for the vehicle without going to the dealership.

A. With many vehicles the “chip” (immobilizer) is located in the key however there are cars that have a the immobilizer in the key ignition cylinder and not the key itself. This is a big reason why it is vital for us to see the vehicle to properly quote you for your installation.
My vehicle has a push-button start (Smart Key). Can you install a remote start?

A. 99.9% of the Smart-Key / push-button start vehicles on the market have the ability to have a remote start installed. These parts are not included with our base price please stop into our store for a demonstration and price quote.
How does the remote start know the vehicle is running?

A. We use the tachometer signal from your vehicle to tell the remote start to stop running. Other shops use a voltage sense; either because the brand they are installing doesn't offer the feature or they are too lazy to integrate properly. The engine sensing feature is extremely important when we get into the frigid winter months. If improperly installed you can have many no start situations or even hear the starter staying engaged after the motor is running both can cause damage to your vehicle.
How long will my vehicle stay running?

A. The run time is programmable. Please speak to your salesperson for more details.
I need work done to the vehicle, is there a switch to disable the remote start temporarily?

A. When we install any remote start we use what is known as a hood-pin safety switch. This disables the remote start anytime the hood is open. We also place a warning sticker under the hood to let anyone working on the vehicle know there is a remote start installed on the vehicle.
Can somebody steal my car while it is remote started?

A. NO. If your car is locked, it will remain locked. The steering wheel and shifter (automatic transmission) will also stay locked. Most importantly, you must insert your key in the ignition before you can drive away. If anyone attempts to drive away without the key in the ignition, the engine will shut off as soon as you put your foot on the brake pedal.
Other than starting the car what other features are available with your remote starts?

A. Our packages offer a wide variety of add-on features. Our more popular add-on features are; automatic control of the rear window defrost, heated mirrors, heated seats, power doors or hatch, trunk release, keyless entry, security and Smartphone integration.
If I break one of my remotes what is it going to cost me to purchase a new one?

A. Depending on the remote it could be as little as $20 or as much as $135, but if you have one of the two-way LCD remotes and you would ever break it DO NOT THROW OUT THE PIECES!!! If you bring us all the pieces we can send it to Compustar and save you money on the new remote.
What is the warranty on your remote start packages?

A. All of our packages include a Life-time control module warranty, a Two year remote warranty and as always our Life-time labor warranty.
How much will I save if I install it myself?

A. Because of the complex nature of Remote Start Systems, we do not offer them for sale without installation.
So what is the price for my vehicle?

A. We offer a variety of packages with many options and ranges. In order to receive a near exact quote we really need to see the vehicle to verify certain functions, features and systems in your vehicle. We can have two of the exact same vehicles and because of trim level, country of origin, or exact birth date the parts needed could be different. If you cannot bring the vehicle in for a quote we will attempt to give you an estimate and typically we will estimate the vehicle with a worse case scenario price but we cannot 100% guarantee the price without seeing the vehicle.
Well I already have the parts, will you install something not purchased from you?

A. We will install products not purchased BUT when it comes to remote starts we will only install a few select brands and we will typically be booked many weeks in advance during the winter. We will only use our immobilizer modules and labor is charged by the hour. We would need you to bring in the vehicle and all the parts you have in order to give you a quote for installation and to be honest 99% of the time is it about the same price as having one of our packages installed (our packages include parts and labor).
This is a lot of great info but your competitors are charging less why should I pay more for the “same” service?

A. This is your vehicle we are talking about right? Would you be comfortable with a heart surgeon that is 10% less? We offer over 35 years of remote start experience and have attended hours of training (every year) to keep ourselves educated on the complex nature of the new vehicles. Sure you can save some money now but what happens if something goes wrong with the equipment? What if something goes wrong with the car? Why are we more expensive, simply put we offer a better product and the BEST service in the area. We make no claim to be cheapest price but in the long term we will be the best deal you can find! As Benjamin Franklin once said; “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten”
If you have any other questions or would like to schedule your installation please contact us or come into the store to verify parts, pricing and schedule availability.
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