Remote start

[Gnarvan]

Has anyone installed a remote start on a 1992 vintage 5.8 gasser before? On my last camping trip to the coast I was thinking how nice it would be to wake up, reach over for the remote and start the van. I'm talking about letting the stock van heater warm things up a little before I crawl out of bed.

I talked to a stereo shop yesterday about it and they said the parts would run about $250 then another $50 or so in labor for the install. Since I don't have electric door locks or windows the install should be pretty simple. I'd like to save the $50 if the job isn't to frustrating.

Does anyone out there have any experience with this type of project that could toss some advice my way?

[twogone]

Spend the $50

[Gnarvan]

The life of an artist must pay better than the life of a FedEx truck driver.

If its just an easy plug and play install I would rather put the $50 in the gas tank.

[BIGVANS]

John,
I have never seen a remote start kit that worked on a vehicle without an existing remote power door lock system. Did you see one or did they just tell you that?

[Ultrasport12]

Granvan,

I have installed a bunch of alarm systems and a few remote starts in my life. On my current Ford van I originally installed a Ford accessory (made buy Audiovox I think, brand new on ebay for $150?) alarm with auto start but I never really liked it as an alarm. I took that one out and bought a DEI alarm with two way remotes that I really like. I mostly only use the auto start while camping, too hot or too cold while in bed push the button it runs for a set time and shuts off. I also bought but have not yet installed a tempurature box thing that will auto start if the temp gets above or below the set point. Myself I only like DEI brands of alarm sytems and remote starts.

http://www.directed.com/Brands/

At any rate the Ford online installation guide was really good but installing an alarm and or auto start does take time. If you only pay yourself $10 an hour you will only have 5 hours plus suppiles in it to get the $50 back. That said you can buy alarms and or autostarts on line (usually with installation guides) on ebay or Amazon. Auto start only units start at like $25.

http://www.amazon.com/Remote-Deluxe-Sta ... 894&sr=1-1

You seem like someone who likes to do your own work an I think you could do it. I have links and more info on my desk top and I can send it to you or post it here tomorrow if you want...

To start here is a wiring color information chart for your van.

http://www.commandocaralarms.com/wiring ... e/496.html

...Jamie

[Ultrasport12]

Originally Posted by BIGVANS

John,
I have never seen a remote start kit that worked on a vehicle without an existing remote power door lock system. Did you see one or did they just tell you that?

You dont need power windows or door locks for a remote start system it just makes the system have more features (and sometimes two remotes) if you do.

[carringb]

I did the install on my remote start system. I bought one that was specific for my van though, because otherwise install can be difficult by the time you trace wires, or find a factory diagram to tell you what color does what.

I use the remote start at lot. It's nice having a clear windshield on cold mornings. I also use it camping. The system has an auto-shut-off time, which is set for 20 minutes (its adjustable 5 to never). So I'll sometime use it when I go to bed on cold camping nights. It can even be set to come on periodically to keep things from freezing.

[BIGVANS]

Thanks Jamie! That’s good to hear, I’m going to add that to my Van “To Do” list. Shops I’ve asked in the past told me that system is just an “add on” to the factory power package.

[Scalf77]

John,

You can find the wiring info for your year van at the12volt.com http://www.the12volt.com/installbay/...etail/832.html.


I have one of the DEI units Jamie mentioned, but I have just never found time to install it.

I would be happy to supervise, add moral support, etc your install. It might prompt me to actually do mine.


Greg

[Gnarvan]

WOW......Have I mentioned how helpful this forum is lately?????


After looking at the kits and all the wires involved I think I'm going to pay someone for the install. I get a little nervous when it comes to tapping into critical electrical systems. Like the one that lets you start the engine.

Does anyone in the Portland-Vancouver area have a recomendation on install shops? I'm not sure which model I'm after but I like the idea of having a remote start you can program to run for a set time then shut off. It would also be nice if you could program it to start at a specific time. What a great alarm clock. You could set it to wake you up with the added bonus of having a toasty interior when you finally decide to crawl out of bed.