Remote start advice

[John_1975]

I'm doing a few things to the P5. I was wondering if anyone can offer any advice on remote starters and how hard it would be to put in. Hours and any special harnesses needed? I could have a local shop do it but can do it myself if not too bad.

Also looking for BBS style rims if anyone is selling.

 

[fotomoto]

You need to have an automatic. They aren't too hard to install. On a scale of 1-10 with a basic car stereo being a 3, I'd say a remote start is in the 6-7 range; just more wires to hook up with one that goes through the fire wall for the hood lockout switch. I'd suggest finding a company that has on line manuals and/or addendum's specifically for the protege that you can down load and read. Then if you feel confident, go for it. I've had 4 and installed two and none that I know of had a special harness as you tapped into the existing system. The more options you get, the more involved the install gets. A factory alarm can cause issues. One car had a dealer installed alarm which actually helped as it tapped into many of the same wires I needed to find (door locks, horn, ground, constant power, etc)

 

[John_1975]

Thanks. Maybe I'll call the local shop and save myself the hassle.

 

[Balls]

If you are not familiar with wiring or how to use a multimeter, go to a reputable shop in your area and have them install one. It will come with a warranty and be done properly. These are key things. I install them for a living and can't tell you how many hacked installs I have to fix b/c either someone tried to do it themselves or had a poor choice in shops install it for them. The protege's are fairly easy and inexpensive car to do b/c there is no transponder in them. At my shop it would be $180 for remote start w/ keyless entry with a lifetime warranty on unit, remotes, and install.

 

[SASK P5]

You need to have an automatic.

This is not true, you can install remote starts on manuals there are just a few exta things to wire into to make sure you don't start your car while it's in gear.

 

[stjohans]

This is not true, you can install remote starts on manuals there are just a few exta things to wire into to make sure you don't start your car while it's in gear.

That is true, and if you are paying someone to install it most shops add an extra $50 for a manual. Finding a reputable shop is key! the best buys, and other large electronics retailers can be hit or miss depending on the installer.

If you plan to do it yourself be careful. when i was doing work experience for my automotives class at a VW. dealer we had 3 seperate incidents of shops ******* up a starter job that usually took about 5 hours to fix + one car had a fried ecu, and the other needed a new wiring harness just to get them to start...

In my opinion unless you really know what your doing pay someone. most of the time "basic installation" is included in the price of the starter (no extras like alarm/trunk pop/ect.) and at least if someone else ***** it up they are liable for the cost of the repairs.

 

[John_1975]

Well, had a local shop put one in: Viper 5301. All is well except my factory alarm. I think I remember there was a way to configure it to make noise on arm etc. Anyone have this info? Light on dash isn't working and no alarm on door open.

 

[fotomoto]

Agreed an auto isn't necessary. I personally won't leave a car in neutral and only rely on the e-brake so I won't install an autostart on my manual P5.

 

[stjohans]

Agreed an auto isn't necessary. I personally won't leave a car in neutral and only rely on the e-brake so I won't install an autostart on my manual P5.

meh, if im parked on a relatively flat surface i will trust it, or if i have something to block my tire with, otherwise i just park my car normally and dont worry about the autostart unless its really cold.

 

[WhiteKnight]

5 speed p5's have a neutral safety wire in the engine compartment. If you hook up the neutral safety switch on the RS brain, if it's in gear, it won't start. I did a full security system on my car (Viper 5901). I'm picky and installed the RS brain under the center console, just forward from the cup holders, it took me about 7hrs. In a customer's car, I could probably get a P5 done in 2-3hrs and we solder all connections in our RS installs.

 

[stjohans]

Yeah most starters either have a neutral safety or a specific shut-down procedure (car in neutral, ebrake up, foot off the brake, take key out, and then once you close all the doors it locks and turns off and then you can remote start it)