Thinking about installing an automatic starter kit. Has anyone don this? If so, pros and cons.

Thanks.

 

i know i've seen a few posts about this before. you should see if you can find them on a search. i remember something about needing a spare key to install since they are microchip enabled. the way i remember it is they saw off the head and use it to let the car think the key is in when it really isn't. maybe someone else can help me out here. aside from that i would say get one. my brother has one on his dodge ram and swears by it.

SSTS

 

I had a remote started installed, you need to get a valay key, because the remote start needs the chip inside the key to make the car start without setting off the alarm. If you don't have the key the car thinks it's being hot wired and the alarm will go off. I get remote start installed in every car I, and my girl friend owns. There great in the winter time, just keep the heat on and click start, when you first wake up and the car is defraused and warm when you get in it.

 

thats correct, after hearing someone from my auto install shop, u will lose one of your keys because it will have to sit within the car in the box thats part of the starter/alarm kit.

 

now i would be in luck because i have two keys plus the valet. i don't know if everyone else got all the keys when they bought theirs.

but i do remember a word of caution being to cut the head off and throw the rest of the key away. because if someone breaks in and finds the whole key they can just take the car and go.

SSTS

 

The key is not out in the open, mine is imbedded into the remote start box which is stuck behind the radio.

 

true, but if they should steal someones radio and find it then it's a free ride more or less. better safe than sorry.

SSTS

 

Isn't the chip in the head of the key?

 

I have it and yes a key is required. I picked up a blank key from my dealership and had them program it for me. It works just the same, I just didn't want to 1) lose a key (especially my valet key) and 2) didn't want to leave a functioning key in the car just in case a theif got lucky.

 

You don't need to use a key. They have devices you can use to simulate the key. Get the 555H from DEI. Also, remote start is pretty easy to install yourself if you don't mind cutting and soldering some wires. I did a full alarm install a couple weekends ago for the first time, and the remote start was probably the easiest part to do.

 

exactly, which is why SlyTLS did the smart thing. you need the entire cut key to turn it in the ignition cylinder, but only the head with the chip to tell the computer it's ok to crank the engine. a blank programmed key is perfect. how much did that run you though?

 

parvo,

what unit did you install? Can you provide pics and/or detailed instructions of the install?

thanks..

 

I installed the clifford RSX 3.5. I didn't take pictures, but I could give instructions on any part that might be confusing. Just off the top of my head the remote start consisted of cutting the ignition, starter, 12v constant, and accesory wire, and splicing the remote start module between the cut wires, and attaching a ground. Then there's the bypass module 555h, which acts as a key for the immobilizer, and you splice that with the wires coming off the ignition switch.

 

my advice coming from someone who has installed a few (5 or 6) remote starters and TV’s (1) the TV ez but the remote starter..
Not that it is hard in theory not at all but their is a lot if wiring and the 555h/u is also a
pain in the ass
You will spend $150 on the alarm countless hours on it.
And aggravation and or money when you mess something up
When for $400 or less it will be done by someone who installed properly 5 last week and probably work on a tl before you drop it off and in a few hours it's done don’t forget time is money too that's my in put im sure not every one agrees but hope it helps

 

no matter what you use, you still need the key head. the car wont start without it but alarm will not go off.. I've tried making a copy of my acura key, the car will not turnover without the chip.

The 555h/u doesnt simulate the key signal. 555h/u is a box where you put your key in and sends the signal around the steering column to start your car. I've got the 555u and I still need the key for my viper 791xv.

 

The 555U is "U"niversal. it can be used with any car, because you put the key in the box. the 555H is made specifically for Honda/Acura, and there's a chip in there that "learns" your key chip and simulates your key. No need for an extra key.

 

my mistake, the 555h doesnt require a key to be present. but the 555u does.

 

I think most security places offer the 555u so they dont have to program the 555h. I think its time to me to visit the alarm shop to change to 555h get back one of my key.

 

The 555h isn't even hard to program. It was something like, start the car, press valet button x times, wait for 555h to be programed, and you're done. I heard on some earlier models, they had problems with it not programming, or losing the programming, but I've had no probelm with mine. Got it for $30 shipped on ebay.

 

$30 from ebay. not bad.... I just have to find out where they hide the box and my key.

 

just take the valet key and have them hide the key somewhere in the car. also have them cut the valet key first. so it will work with the remote start and will be useless if someone finds it.

 

thinking about allowing best buy to install the automatic starter. I think using SlyTLS method is more sensible.

 

I don't understand your logic. No matter what, you'll either need the 555U or the 555h, or something similar (DEI just happens to be a popular brand to use). They both work the same, except that the 555u requires you to put your key inside it. The 555h learns your key code.

 

My car came with an automatic starter, I'd hate to think you guys have been crack starting this whole time.
Seriously though, I wanted this so bad with my S2000, but nobody n townwould override the clutch switch. Now that have an auto TL-S I just can't afford it.

 

I actually had a friend of mine work at the dealership (he sold me my car)...he got the blank for me and had it programmed for nothing. You can call a dealership and tell them you're installing a remote starter but want to use a blank key rather than a cut one for security reasons...they should tell you the cost. But if that other unit where not key is needed is available then that doesn't sound like a bad alternative.

 

doesnt seem safe to have a key sitting in the car at all times connected to the remote starter. maybe its just me...