Best aftermarket Remote Start for CX-5

[TreyP]

Interesting. Thanks.

I looked at the OEM install instructions, and its pretty much the same as aftermarket... just has a better looking remote that matches. I'm for some reason (budget reason) i'm inclined to go to best buy and stick a compuStar in... crossing all fingers, of course.

No, not the same install at all. The Mazda OEM is plug and play, and then a little programming of the fob. Aftermarket ones are scary as hell to sort out all the many wires, and on a car with all the advanced electronics that the CX-5 has I wouldn't attempt an aftermarket remote starter on my own. I have installed heated mirrors, stereo head unit, and backup camera on mine already, so I'm not afraid to get in there, but aftermarket starters are a whole different league.

 

[JoeCX5]

Considering that the beginning of this thread included a few that have already, in fact, installed the compustar, I have just ordered one on sale (FYI, today, 9/25/13, BestBuy dealoftheday has a $199 deal on the entire package including the bypass module and full installation). Spoke with the bestbuy installer, and sorted out whether it is compatible or not. After a call to the bypass module manufacturer, they confirmed that this WILL work on the 2014 (although their website only mentioned the 2013).

Stay tuned (should be attempted within a week or so).

FYI, some info. Although the installer was surprised, the installation DOES mention the fact that a fob must be utilized as part of the circuitry (hidden in the dash). IF you have the technology package (with proximity door lock system), I would guess, if you still want that to work, you would have to carry around the remaining keyfob. If you DON'T have the technology package, my guess is you can just use the buttons on the compustar fob to open and close the doors, and keep the one remaining fob in a safe place as your spare one.

 

[Descriminator]

Thanks guys. JoeCX5, i actually bumped the thread because i bought that very special

Here is what its looking like: Got it picked up, went to install bay to schedule and talk to the installers. Got interesting feedback:
Guy said that this start won't work well because 1) I'll need to loose a key, which is a problem since i only got 2 with the car and my wife likes to lock her keys inside and we need a spare. 2) because key is always in the car, all you need to do is press the start button to start and drive if the car is not "armed" by alarm. This system has no alarm. Its also a problem if my kid gets in and pushes the button. 3) Needs a second bypass for push-start, included bypass only for security system...thats another $60. Thats what they said. Guy also tried pushing a $700 viper with alarm.

Makes me want to go OEM very much. Now i just have to figure out how much would it be dealer installed. There are coupons for parts/labor once in a while.

 

[Descriminator]

after some poking around, you can get OEM start with install kit for under $400 bucks. Install seems super easy if you have a hood switch. More complicated if you don't. I think i'll go that route. Now i just got to figure out if i have a hood switch on my '14 Touring with Tech.

Anyone hear what the real radius of the OEM system is? they claim 300ft, which isn't much and i betcha its an "up to"

 

[TreyP]

after some poking around, you can get OEM start with install kit for under $400 bucks. Install seems super easy if you have a hood switch. More complicated if you don't. I think i'll go that route. Now i just got to figure out if i have a hood switch on my '14 Touring with Tech.

Anyone hear what the real radius of the OEM system is? they claim 300ft, which isn't much and i betcha its an "up to"

Hey, can you tell us where you saw it for under $400? Mine is arriving today, and the best price I could find was $515 delivered. That was from mazdagear.com

The price did include the 3 parts you will need though if you don't have a factory alarm. The 3 parts are: the remote start, the install kit, and the hood switch.

For the record, the hood switch looks very easy to install, as does the whole system. Even though the instructions look very good I may do a how-to thread with mine. Sometimes its easier to follow real pics instead of drawings.

 

[JoeCX5]

Thanks guys. JoeCX5, i actually bumped the thread because i bought that very special

Here is what its looking like: Got it picked up, went to install bay to schedule and talk to the installers. Got interesting feedback:
Guy said that this start won't work well because 1) I'll need to loose a key, which is a problem since i only got 2 with the car and my wife likes to lock her keys inside and we need a spare. 2) because key is always in the car, all you need to do is press the start button to start and drive if the car is not "armed" by alarm. This system has no alarm. Its also a problem if my kid gets in and pushes the button. 3) Needs a second bypass for push-start, included bypass only for security system...thats another $60. Thats what they said. Guy also tried pushing a $700 viper with alarm.

Makes me want to go OEM very much. Now i just have to figure out how much would it be dealer installed. There are coupons for parts/labor once in a while.

Looks like you're from the North East? Can you tell me which bestbuy described these issues to you? The gentleman installer at Manalapan NJ seems quite confident that the package will do the trick. I really don't think compustar would come up with a solution that would allow ANY person to enter the car and start it. I believe once you shut off the car (even without locking the doors, or maybe once it recognizes that you opened the driver door and closed it?)... the only method to start it again would be to use the compustar remote to "unlock" the doors... even if they aren't locked... or... use the second fob. As far as "losing" one of the Mazda fobs... I would imagine you don't need the Mazda fob as long as you have the compustar fob, as this allows you to enter and exit the car (and of course, turning the ignition capabilities off and on so you can use the pushbutton start). Of course, you can always purchase an additional fob.

Can anyone on this thread that originally discussed their compustar installation confirm this?

 

[Bopper]

For the record, the hood switch looks very easy to install, as does the whole system. Even though the instructions look very good I may do a how-to thread with mine. Sometimes its easier to follow real pics instead of drawings.

Please do, this is on my list.

 

[Descriminator]

Looks like you're from the North East? Can you tell me which bestbuy described these issues to you? The gentleman installer at Manalapan NJ seems quite confident that the package will do the trick. I really don't think compustar would come up with a solution that would allow ANY person to enter the car and start it. I believe once you shut off the car (even without locking the doors, or maybe once it recognizes that you opened the driver door and closed it?)... the only method to start it again would be to use the compustar remote to "unlock" the doors... even if they aren't locked... or... use the second fob. As far as "losing" one of the Mazda fobs... I would imagine you don't need the Mazda fob as long as you have the compustar fob, as this allows you to enter and exit the car (and of course, turning the ignition capabilities off and on so you can use the pushbutton start). Of course, you can always purchase an additional fob.

Can anyone on this thread that originally discussed their compustar installation confirm this?

It was in Boston. But i don't have 100% confidence in that guy

 

[Descriminator]

Hey, can you tell us where you saw it for under $400? Mine is arriving today, and the best price I could find was $515 delivered. That was from mazdagear.com

The price did include the 3 parts you will need though if you don't have a factory alarm. The 3 parts are: the remote start, the install kit, and the hood switch.

For the record, the hood switch looks very easy to install, as does the whole system. Even though the instructions look very good I may do a how-to thread with mine. Sometimes its easier to follow real pics instead of drawings.

Amazon's little tax free heaven. see attached screen shot. (doesn't include hood switch because i didn't check if it exists yet or not, but its a $16 part)

 

[Kelseyx]

Considering that the beginning of this thread included a few that have already, in fact, installed the compustar, I have just ordered one on sale (FYI, today, 9/25/13, BestBuy dealoftheday has a $199 deal on the entire package including the bypass module and full installation). Spoke with the bestbuy installer, and sorted out whether it is compatible or not. After a call to the bypass module manufacturer, they confirmed that this WILL work on the 2014 (although their website only mentioned the 2013).

Stay tuned (should be attempted within a week or so).

FYI, some info. Although the installer was surprised, the installation DOES mention the fact that a fob must be utilized as part of the circuitry (hidden in the dash). IF you have the technology package (with proximity door lock system), I would guess, if you still want that to work, you would have to carry around the remaining keyfob. If you DON'T have the technology package, my guess is you can just use the buttons on the compustar fob to open and close the doors, and keep the one remaining fob in a safe place as your spare one.

I had this remote start installed last winter at Best Buy in Blaine, MN. The extra FOB does need to be given up and installed under the dash to remote start the car. You will need to carry the second FOB to be able to operate the car. It is a very basic remote start with start, stop, horn honk, blinker flash and door lock and unlock......but for 200.00 installed for EVERYTHING, this is a great remote start for its purpose.

 

[JoeCX5]

I had this remote start installed last winter at Best Buy in Blaine, MN. The extra FOB does need to be given up and installed under the dash to remote start the car. You will need to carry the second FOB to be able to operate the car. It is a very basic remote start with start, stop, horn honk, blinker flash and door lock and unlock......but for 200.00 installed for EVERYTHING, this is a great remote start for its purpose.

Thanks Kelseyx,

So no worries about someone entering the car and just pushing the start button? (without having the other fob).

... in a nutshell, you lose a fob... but things work normally. Does anyone know how much an additional mazda fob is (who is the best source for a discounted price) and what is the procedure to program this new fob (do you need all 3 fobs when you program the new one... etc)?

 

[TreyP]

Amazon's little tax free heaven. see attached screen shot. (doesn't include hood switch because i didn't check if it exists yet or not, but its a $16 part)View attachment 204460

I see. The C930-V7-620 is only for 2013 models though, and I have a 2014.

Also, that part comes up as $464.03 on Amazon for me, as opposed to the $322.13 shown in your image.

The other part you show comes up a little cheaper for me than for you, at $64.90

 

[Descriminator]

I see. The C930-V7-620 is only for 2013 models though, and I have a 2014.

Also, that part comes up as $464.03 on Amazon for me, as opposed to the $322.13 shown in your image.

The other part you show comes up a little cheaper for me than for you, at $64.90

Interesting...whats the model for the '14???? from what i've read its the same part.... also, amazon seems to have raised their price in the last hour since its the same exact part from same seller..only now they've got 1 left.

The other part is cheaper because its not from amazon, but rather a 3rd party seller. I prefer to pay $5 more and get better return policy

 

[TreyP]

Interesting...whats the model for the '14???? from what i've read its the same part.... also, amazon seems to have raised their price in the last hour since its the same exact part from same seller..only now they've got 1 left.

The other part is cheaper because its not from amazon, but rather a 3rd party seller. I prefer to pay $5 more and get better return policy

Oops, my bad, that is the correct part number. I wish it was still at the cheaper price though, I would return the one I am getting today to save $100

The three parts I ordered, for the record:
C930-V7-620, KD33-V7-630, KD53-V7-629

 

[Descriminator]

Oops, my bad, that is the correct part number. I wish it was still at the cheaper price though, I would return the one I am getting today to save $100

The three parts I ordered, for the record:
C930-V7-620, KD33-V7-630, KD53-V7-629

I betcha once they get more than 1, they'll drop the price again. You can also email them with the screen shot i posted and ask to lower the price to earlier level. Amazon is known to dynamically adjust prices to react to demand. Good luck.

Check this out
http://camelcamelcamel.com/Genuine-Mazda-Accessories-C930-V7-620-Remote/product/B00B3RGAQ2

 

[TreyP]

I've asked them to honor the earlier price...we'll see. Thanks!

EDIT: Nope. (yupnope)

 

[Kelseyx]

Thanks Kelseyx,

So no worries about someone entering the car and just pushing the start button? (without having the other fob).

... in a nutshell, you lose a fob... but things work normally. Does anyone know how much an additional mazda fob is (who is the best source for a discounted price) and what is the procedure to program this new fob (do you need all 3 fobs when you program the new one... etc)?

No worries about anyone getting in car and starting it with the fob under dash. The remote for the starter activates it long enough to start the car only and then when u open the door you have about 30 seconds to put your foot on the break and pick up the signal of your second fob. If u open the door without another fob in proximity, the engine shuts off. That's what's great about these fobs. If u start your car to warm it up, no one can steal it unless u forget and leave your fob in the cup holder. Lol

 

[Kelseyx]

Looks like you're from the North East? Can you tell me which bestbuy described these issues to you? The gentleman installer at Manalapan NJ seems quite confident that the package will do the trick. I really don't think compustar would come up with a solution that would allow ANY person to enter the car and start it. I believe once you shut off the car (even without locking the doors, or maybe once it recognizes that you opened the driver door and closed it?)... the only method to start it again would be to use the compustar remote to "unlock" the doors... even if they aren't locked... or... use the second fob. As far as "losing" one of the Mazda fobs... I would imagine you don't need the Mazda fob as long as you have the compustar fob, as this allows you to enter and exit the car (and of course, turning the ignition capabilities off and on so you can use the pushbutton start). Of course, you can always purchase an additional fob.

Can anyone on this thread that originally discussed their compustar installation confirm this?

The battery is taken out of the fob that is installed under the dash. The compustar remote acitvates the rs bypass switch to give power to the fob long enough for the the car to start by noticing the fob is in its proximity.... then power is killed to the fob. That is why the car stalls when u open the door and don't have the second fob to have a signal for the cx5 to pick up. The Best Buy installer is not correct with his info. Also, this particular 200.00 remote start comes with a bypass switch so u don't need to buy one.

 

[Kelseyx]

Looks like you're from the North East? Can you tell me which bestbuy described these issues to you? The gentleman installer at Manalapan NJ seems quite confident that the package will do the trick. I really don't think compustar would come up with a solution that would allow ANY person to enter the car and start it. I believe once you shut off the car (even without locking the doors, or maybe once it recognizes that you opened the driver door and closed it?)... the only method to start it again would be to use the compustar remote to "unlock" the doors... even if they aren't locked... or... use the second fob. As far as "losing" one of the Mazda fobs... I would imagine you don't need the Mazda fob as long as you have the compustar fob, as this allows you to enter and exit the car (and of course, turning the ignition capabilities off and on so you can use the pushbutton start). Of course, you can always purchase an additional fob.

Can anyone on this thread that originally discussed their compustar installation confirm this?

The battery is taken out of the fob that is installed under the dash. The compustar remote acitvates the bypass switch to give power to the fob long enough for the the car to start by noticing the fob is in its proximity.... then power is killed to the fob. That is why the car stalls when u open the door and don't have the second fob to have a signal for the cx5 to pick up. The Best Buy installer is not correct with his info. Also, this particular 200.00 remote start comes with a bypass switch so u don't need to buy one.

 

[Kelseyx]

Kelseyx, did you see any issues with car shutting down when doors are open, or remote fob not working to open doors when car is started? did you have to give up a key?

Thanks!

No issues shutting down when I open the door unless I wait to long and don't put my foot on the break.
I did have to give up a fob too. I looked at and talked to my mazda tech guy and the factory remote start required u to carry both the car fob and remote fob.the compustar remote is much smaller. U will be happy with the compustar remote start if you r looking for simple.