Remote Start Installation?

[chev77]

Hi all, I've been working 3 jobs this summer so I haven't had time to post anything in a while. Well I finally decided to let my truck go ( 97 Chevy 1500 ) in May and bought a 98 Explorer. I would love to add a remote start to it, but last year I was looking for one and the prices were OK, it was the installation that was through the roof. I was wondering if anyone has installed one before, and if it's something that a couple guys could figure out without too much headache. I'd much rather do it myself than pay for installation which last year was going to cost more than the starter itself. Thanks for any info/suggestions!!

[Wizard]

I have a 2000 Explorer. The wiring of the ignition wires are easy, door locks aren't too hard. What sucked on mine is the pass key deal. Had to drop another 50 bucks and a couple more hours installing and programming it. It's been 3 years since I installed it (wife's ride) and it's been trouble free. I use Astroflex units on my vehicles and highly recommend them. A remote starter is a must have in my book.

[chev77]

Thanks for the feedback wizardsr, I checked the Astroflex site and their products look very good. If you don't mind me asking, how much did your set-up cost? I really don't need anything too spectacular either, but it would be very nice to have. Thanks again!

[Wizard]

I think they're in the $110 neighborhood cash and carry. I use the 2106 modules. I had the 3106 on my old suburban, but the alarm setup was finicky. If yours has the key with the chip in it, be prepared to spend a bit more for the security bypass module.

I learned how to install these 13 years ago, starting on my mom's new '93 lebaron convertible. Back in the early '90s before remote starters caught on, we'd have good fun with the dog sitting in the drivers seat and hitting the remote start. Peoples reactions were priceless because remote starters were un-heard-of at the time! :greenange

[Wizard]

Oh, and to answer your original question. If you have basic wiring knowledge, have a test light, soldering iron, and electrical tape, it's not too hard. The hardest/most time consuming part is locating the wires, verifying they're correct, and splicing/soldering into them. I did my 05 F350 in May, and prior to that it's been about 2 years. I fought with the screwy locks setup on this truck the most, and all in all, start to finish, I think I had about 6 hours into it. The guys that do them for a living, can get them done in about 1/2 that time. Someone completely green, should probably have it professionally installed, or plan on making a weekend of it. Having the cheat sheets of wiring colors helps too. You'll need to beg and plead with an Astro dealer for it though because as I recall, Astro only works with dealers, not the general public.

[chev77]

Thank you for all the info wizardsr, that is a lot cheaper than I had expected them to be. Is there anyway to know if I do have a key with a chip in it?

[Wizard]

Do you have a theft light in the instrument cluster that blinks when the vehicle is off? This is usually telltale. Another way I think is if you have the keypad on the drivers door, I think that's part of the security package, but not sure. The head of a key with a chip is a bit bigger than the traditional size ford key. I can snap a picture of it when I get a minute...

That price is my cost, it may be higher at retail. I get a discount from the supplier... I wouldn't expect it to be more than 140-150 retail cash & carry.

[chev77]

Thanks again for the info, unfortunatly I have the theft light and keypad on the door, so looks like I may need that extra part after all. That price is still well within reason in my opinion, sorry to ask so many questions but any idea how much they would whack you with installlation if for some reason I decided to go that route? Thanks again!

[Wizard]

My guess would be in the $200-300 range. Most systems I think run around 350-400 installed... Like I said earlier, the installation is where the cost comes in. These things are time consuming to install. Even the guys who are really good can usually only do 2 a day... If you're just doing the starter part of it, you can save some time, but most people have them installed to operate the keyless entry, trunk release, dome lights, horn, etc. which takes more time to make all those connections.