Hi Everyone! It’s Eric again, this time I will be providing some expert advice with a Remote Car Starter Installation Guide. First off, if you are still deciding what remote car starter you should buy, let’s break it down to figure out what options makes sense for you.
Are Remote Car Starters Worth It
Absolutely yes, it is worth it if you value increased convenience and comfort. A remote car starter provides so many benefits.
- Pre-Heat or Cool Your Car: Remote start allows you to activate your vehicle's climate control system from afar. During hot weather, you can cool down your car before entering, ensuring a comfortable driving experience right from the start. Conversely, in cold weather, you can pre-heat your car for a warm and defrosting interior before you get in. With remote start, you can ensure your car is at your desired temperature before you even get in.
- Start Your Car Remotely: Remote starters offer the convenience of starting your car from a distance, especially beneficial in extreme weather conditions like rainy or windy conditions. No more scraping frost or ice off your windshield in the winter, or enduring scorching hot seats in the summer.
What’s a Good Remote Car Starter
A good remote car starter is one that is compatible with your vehicle, includes your desired features, easy to install, and within your budget.
- Compatibility: Make sure the remote car starter is compatible with your vehicle's year, make, and model. Check the manufacturer's website or consult a car audio specialist for verification.
- Features: Consider which features are important to you. Common features include remote start, lock/unlock, and trunk release. More advanced features like easy Plug N Play installation and extended range are less common.
- Installation: Some remote car starters are tricky to install. They can require electrical system knowledge, meticulous wiring, and specific tools. Mistakes can damage your car. For easier installation, consider Plug n Play remote car starters that have streamlined the install process.
- Budget: Remote car starters range in price from around $100 to $400, not including installation. Consider the features you need and set a realistic budget.
Start-X remote car starters check all these boxes. Start-X has remote starters for a variety of vehicles that are compatible with your existing key fob. Most importantly, Start-X remote car starters are affordable and easy to install with the Plug N Play T-harness. There are also optional RF Kits available that extend the range of your remote starter.
![start-x remote car starter jeep](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0311/6485/8503/files/Start-X_Hero_600x600.png?v=1717427788)
How to Install a Remote Car Starter
Typically, installing a remote car starter can be a complex process that involves modifying your vehicle's electrical system. In some instances, using a professional installer may be the most logical option. However, with Start-X Plug N Play remote car starters, installation can be completed in minutes. In this install video, I’ll guide you step-by-step with the installation. Let’s begin!
- Find the Right Kit
Start-X remote car starters can be purchased on the Stinger website. If you don’t see your vehicle there, use the vehicle kit finder on the Start-X website.
- Disassembly Process
The disassembly process varies slightly from vehicle to vehicle in some installations the connector is accessed by simply opening the glove box like in a Ford Bronco. In other installations, the connector simply plugs in at the OBD2 port requiring no vehicle disassembly at all like in a 2015 Ford F-150.
For this installation, we will be using a 2017 Jeep Wrangler JK.
Begin by lowering the steering wheel to its lowest position, then we can remove the plastic knee bolster panel below the steering wheel. To do this, begin by pulling at the top of the panel on both sides of the steering wheel work down the panel to release the fasteners.
![dash panel removal](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0311/6485/8503/files/2-1_600x600.png?v=1717426484)
Next we need to take apart the steering column shroud. There are three Torx bolts that need to be removed. Use a thin long Torx bit to access the screws that are in the top of the steering column.
![torx screw removal steering wheel column](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0311/6485/8503/files/2-2_600x600.png?v=1717426592)
With the three screws removed, use a nylon pry tool (like the one provided in the packaging) and insert the pry tool into the slot between the upper and lower plastic pieces to gently pry the top panel upward to separate the two halves.
![remove steering wheel column with pry tool](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0311/6485/8503/files/2-3_600x600.png?v=1717426651)
Repeat this process on the other side of the steering wheel. Then flex the plastic lower half slightly to pass it around the key cylinder. Continue to lower the plastic carefully and move it around the steering column tilt lever to free it from the vehicle.
- Plug in the T-Harness
Now we're ready to plug in our Plug N Play T-harness at the factory connection point. Use a right-angle pick tool to press in on the latch tab on the back side of the connector. Then pull it from the module to disconnect it.
![pick latch tab open](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0311/6485/8503/files/3-1_600x600.png?v=1717426763)
Plug the OEM connector into the female connector on the provided T-harness. If you bend the connector toward the latching tab it'll make it easier to plug into the back of the vehicle's immobilizer.
![plug t-harness into connector](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0311/6485/8503/files/3-2_600x600.png?v=1717426842)
Now connect the T-harness into the female OEM connector.
- Program the Module
We're ready to program the module. Press and hold the programming button. While holding the button, plug in the black connector. The LEDs will begin to illuminate. When only the blue LED is illuminated, release the programming button.
![Hold button on module until blue leds illuminate](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0311/6485/8503/files/4-1_600x600.png?v=1717427123)
Plug in the remaining connectors into the module.
- Perform Function Test
Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the on position, do not start the vehicle. Wait for the blue LED to begin to flash consistently.
![Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the on position, do not start the vehicle.](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0311/6485/8503/files/4-2_600x600.png?v=1717427313)
Then turn the key off and remove it. When the blue LED is flashing, press the lock button on the OEM key fob. The LED will now turn off confirming that it has been learned.
![When the blue LED is flashing, press the lock button on the OEM key fob](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0311/6485/8503/files/4-3_600x600.png?v=1717427407)
- Secure the Module
We can hide the remote start module inside the dash of the vehicle and secure it to the OEM wiring using zip ties.
![secure module with zip ties](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0311/6485/8503/files/scure_module_600x600.png?v=1717428010)
- Reassemble Dash & Steering Column
We simply reassemble the steering column and the dash in the reverse order of when we removed them.
![reassemble dash panel and steering column](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0311/6485/8503/files/9-1_600x600.png?v=1717428056)
That concludes the remote car starter install for a Jeep Wrangler JK. Installing a remote car starter can be challenging. If you're unsure about any step, refer to the manual included with your kit.