Greetings from a newbie here....
I'm not a professional installer, but I've installed several remote starters over the years and I'm getting ready to put one in my 04 Tundra, either later today or tomorrow.
There are many different makes and models of remote starters out there, but I've had very good luck with reliability over the years (knock on wood). IMHO,
quality installation is the most important factor for reliability, and happens to be one of the reasons I install these myself...plus I hate spending $ if I can do something...ok, ok, I'm a cheapskate.
As far as security and extra risk goes, IMHO it really depends on the vehicle, type of alarm, and how it was bypassed for remote starting. For example, theft isn't a big concern for me, so I'll probably just unlock my truck using the new keyless remote that came with my remote start before starting it. This will disable the alarm before remote starting, else the factory alarm will trigger. I'm sure some folks would find this unacceptable for their situation. Keep in mind that the steering column remains locked in a car that is remote started. That said, IMHO having a car running unattended probably does make it more of a target for thieves. The thieves skill level will ultimately determine if they are actually able to steal the car.
Tach vs. Tachless mode
Depending on the make and model of the remote starter, there can be two possible modes of operation, Tach and Tachless.
In Tachless mode, the remote starter cranks the starter for a predetermined (and typically programmable) amount of time each time the car is started (or attempts to start) using the remote starter. After that amount of crank time, .6 sec for example, a decent remote starter will monitor the voltage of the battery and will determine if the car is running or not based on that voltage (ie. the alternator output when the car is running is about 13v vs. the 12v or so from the battery alone.) If the vehicle failed to start after the first timed crank, there are usually two more attempts before it gives up.
In "Tach" mode, the remote starter needs to monitor a tachometer signal, and will crank the engine until the engine starts and it gets a valid signal on the Tach wire (based on a reference Tach signal programmed during installation). There is usually a max crank time too. There are pretty much two choices for where to tap into a tachometer signal, either under the hood at the main coil (or individual cylinder coil), or inside the car (tap the computer or dash tachometer signal). From my limited experience, many installers seem to prefer tapping into a tach wire inside the car, as running a wire from the remote starter module to the engine may require drilling through the firewall, installing a grommet, carefully running a wire and making a good waterproof connection.
Installation using Tach mode and tapping into the tachometer signal is my preference, and seems to be the most reliable method when done properly, especially in a cold climate. As the weather gets colder, most cars crank longer before starting. The starter will automatically crank longer (if needed) in Tach mode. In Tachless mode, one or two additional timed start attempts may be needed, as the crank time won't change unless it is reprogrammed (added risk of grinding starter). With an engine that is difficult to start Tachless mode could be problematic too.
re: unlock/lock with new remote
Getting my Toyota locks to operate with my new remote requires extra labor and components (relays and diodes). The components are relatively cheap (a few $). The extra labor is the main reason some shops will elect to either not do this or will charge extra. If an installer told me it could not be done I'd run for the door...
Quote:
I had best buy install a viper, think the cost including install was about 150. Ever since they did, the engine warning lights come on intermitantly and stay on anywhere between a few days and a week then go away.
Anyone else have any experience with this?
|
aguy2no,
I'm a fan of tapping into the tachometer signal inside the car, as it is usually a bit less work. I've never had a problem (knock on wood)...HOWEVER, recently while doing some online research before installing a unit in an 06 Nissan, I read about a problem with the Check Engine light coming on if the tachometer signal was tapped at the computer. Tapping a wire can certainly adversely affect signal quality (load the signal and/or induce noise, etc). It would appear that in some isolated cases, in order to maintain the quality of computer signals, the tach signal should not be tapped at the computer. Perhaps this is true in your case. I suppose there is a chance something was damaged during installation (sorry, just a thought).
If it was my car, I would ask the installer if and where they tapped the Tach signal. If they tapped the computer wire I'd want it disconnected for a short time to determine if tapping it is the cause of your problem. Keep in mind that the Check Engine light might stay illuminated until the error code is cleared, even after the Tach wire is disconnected from the remote start module. There are probably discussions right here on Tundrasolutions on how to reset it.
If your model of remote start has a Tachless mode, perhaps they'll switch modes so you could continue to use it after the tach wire is disconnected. Good luck!
Regards,
Charlie
2006 highlander remote starter install?
Re: 2006 highlander remote starter install?
