Remote Start

lionseye640 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 10, 2008 10:08 am

I'm in the market for a remote start for the KJ. I'd like some recommendations from you all. I'm not looking for anything fancy, just something that's reliable.

Also, why do some places tell me they need a copy of my key to install in the car somewhere if I buy a remote start?

snowsport · **Joined:** Tue Oct 18, 2005 11:52 pm **Posts:** 1211

I've had an Astro Start remote starter for about 5 years, works great. http://www.astroflex.com/index.php?module=CMS&id=15

No idea what they mean with the spare key.....

jeepmedic46 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 10, 2008 1:58 pm

I got mine last year, not sure of the brand. Love it in the winter. Think it has something to do with the chip in the key that some have.

tjkoen01 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 10, 2008 3:44 pm

I've installed 8 or 9 remote starters in various vehicles and they have all been Audiovox / Prestige. They have all worked flawlessly except the one that was remanufactured.

If you have gray keys, you have a transponder in the key. If someone gets the Jeep started without having a properly programmed key it will shut off. You will have to get an additional device so that the remote start will let the engine run without a key. They typically have two different types. One requires a spare key to transmit the signal and the other type actually learns the code of your key and will reproduce it when the remote start is active. The second type is the best way to go.

If you are going to install it yourself do yourself a favor and buy a wiring schematic. I bought one from 12 volt resource and it has all the wires, colors and locations that you will need to install it.

Prospect62 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 10, 2008 7:41 pm

How hard a job is this for a do-it-yourselfer? I've done lifts, etc. but small wires and cramped spaces scare me. Any tips?

tjkoen01 · **Posted:** Thu Dec 11, 2008 2:35 pm

Prospect62 wrote:

How hard a job is this for a do-it-yourselfer? I've done lifts, etc. but small wires and cramped spaces scare me. Any tips?

It's a job that a diy'er can do with the correct information (as in the wiring info from a place like 12 volt resource) and enjoys relatively basic electrical work.

It can be time consuming as well. My first one took 16hrs to do, however it varies with the features you want to hook up and how well you know the vehicle (you need to find a home for all the components and get to the correct wires). A simple remote start is actually pretty straight forward, 6 wires for the ignition, a ground, tach signal and a safety circuit for the hood (this is assuming you have a black key...no transponder). If you incorporate an alarm and/or keyless entry things start becoming more complicated, but not impossible. All of mine have been a remote start with alarm and keyless entry.

From your comments, I'd say you could handle a simple remote start with relative ease.

Remote Start

Who is online