DIY Network

Remote Car-Start System: Parts and Introduction From "Weekend Mechanic" episode WKM-301

	The remote car-start kit makes it possible to start your car's engine and allow it to begin warming up before you ever leave the house. It also allows you to have the passenger compartment already warmed up and ready for you in winter months -- or cooled by the a/c in summer months.
	Figure A

In this episode, Weekend Mechanic host Bruce Bonebrake installs a remote-controlled engine starter on a 1999 Jeep Cherokee. It's always a good idea to start your car and let it warm up for a few minutes before driving. This puts less stress on the engine and other moving parts than a simple "cold start." The remote car-start system is installed from a kit, and makes it possible to start your vehicle on cold mornings from inside your house. There are also optional settings and connections that make it possible to use the device to unlock the car doors, engage the car's heater (or air-conditioner in the summer), and even to deter car theft.

DIY Difficulty Rating for This Project: This job is relatively advanced and should only be undertaken by experienced automotive DIY'ers with some knowledge of automotive electrical systems. We gave it a difficulty rating of 5 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale. Installing the kit on our project vehicle took about 8 hours over a period of 2 days. Installation time may vary according to specific vehicles or the type of kit or options selected.

Important:Altering your car's automotive electronics must be done very carefully or serious damage could result. If installed incorrectly, the device could prevent your car from starting, or could even shut off the car during driving. Every electrical connection in the installation procedure must be made correctly. If you're not comfortable doing electrical work on your car, have this type of unit installed by a professional mechanic.

Important: Included below are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular vehicle, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of repair-kit you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts.

Materials:

In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, etc.), some of the specialty tools that will be needed for this project (figure A) include soldering gun, DC volt meter, test light, shrink tubing and heat gun, cutters, wire stripper, wire crimpers and wire cutters. An air-compressor and set of pneumatic tools is optional, but may help speed the assembly process.

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection, and follow proper safety precautions, when working with power tools.

Safety Alert: As a standard safety precaution, always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before you begin work on any electrical or mechanical components.

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Remote Car-Starter: Kit Components

• The remote-starter kit that we selected came with two keychain-sized transmitters.

• The receiver unit (figure B) is the "brains" of the starter kit and essentially takes the place of the vehicle's ignition switch. The receiver has two plug receptacles -- one which connects a wiring harness that leads to the ignition switch and another which, at the installer's option, can be connected to various accessories on the vehicle. There are also adjustable settings and a connector for the receiver's antenna.

• The antenna (figure C) has an extended range that allows the car to be started using the remote transmitter from a considerable distance.

• A valet switch can be used to program the remotes and, if desired, to add more remotes to the system. Instructions regarding this and other components are detailed fully in the instructions that come with the kit.

  Figure B

  Figure C

  
  
• Optional add-ons and extras include an anti-theft device (Note: This device is a theft deterrent, but does not replace a car-alarm system.) The kit also comes with various relays, fuse-holders and wire (figure D) that may or may not be used -- depending on which accessories are added and which functions are set up when the system is installed.

• The car-start kit we selected is a universal design meaning that it can be adapted to work on most vehicles. The instructions that come with the kit will help you determine how best to hook it up to your vehicle. A test light (figure E) may be very helpful in identifying the specific wires on the vehicle that will need to be accessed for hook-ups.

  Important: Be certain to use a test-light that is compatible and safe for use with the computer system on your vehicle.

• A digital volt-ohm meter is another useful tool for this procedure.

  Figure D

  Figure E

  
  

  Figure F

• The best method for proper wiring and wire-identification is a computerized wiring diagram and wiring code, accessed via a laptop computer (figure F). Software with this information is available for most modern vehicles on CD-ROM or other data-storage formats. The diagrams provide information about, among other things, the which circuit and wire corresponds with each cavity on the ignition wiring-harness connector.

  Important: Use only MECP approved diagrams.