Aftermarket Remote Start

Has anybody installed one of these? 

My wife has been asking for one for awhile on her Fit. Kits on ebay range from $80-$120. 

Any tips, tricks or vendors that are better than others?

I could never see having one of these.    Cars today warm up so fast anyway.     Idling is not the best way to warm up.

Of course when the SWMBO  requests.

Check for legality. There are many states where it is illegal to warm your car up unattended.

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/news/a41993/car-idling-laws/

Yes, I've installed a few.  It's not rocket science but you need to do some pretty significant interior disassembly (and reassembly) to access all of the wires.  You'll need a good schematic and component location reference for the car you're installing it in and you'll need to make sure that the kit you buy compatible with the car and that you get any additional interface items needed.  Some cars require added components to work with the anti-theft system for example.

You also need to be able to make good, reliable electrical connections.  Do not use wire taps.  Soldering is an option but the SAE, FAA, ABYC and every other government agency, oversight group or standards committee that deals with electrical wiring in mobile applications recommends or specifies crimped connectors in most applications.  That's good quality, properly sized crimped connectors assembled with the correct tools.  Not random connectors from Harbor Freight squished together with a pair of channel lock pliers.

Buddy of mine has a shop where he installs them for a living.  Having watched him do a few I'd 100% take an installation to a pro who does them often (but I HATE automotive wiring).

Kind of like window tint, yes I could do it but the process and results will be better left to the pros. 

dculberson said:

Check for legality. There are many states where it is illegal to warm your car up unattended.

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/news/a41993/car-idling-laws/

Yep, my neighbor (in MD) got nailed last winter.  Don't know what the fine was, from the way he bitched it must have been significant.  He was in the habit of starting the car and letting it idle for ~15 minutes parked at the curb in front of the house.

Good thing he wasn't in DC.  There anything over 3 minutes is $5K!

Looks like it is illegal in Az. I'd seriously consider telling her that and investing in a block heater instead.

I used to install them for a living. DEI stuff, Viper, Clifford, etc. Never had a failure.

What kind of car would it be going on?

iceracer said:

I could never see having one of these.    Cars today warm up so fast anyway.     Idling is not the best way to warm up.

Of course when the SWMBO  requests.

Man.. My Rav4 in the depths of minnesota winter takes a good 10-15 minutes to get any heat out of it...  

I can feel heat in less than five minutes in my Fiesta driving, never tried it idling.

A couple years ago at Tupper Lake at 14 below, I was surprised how quick I got heat.