How to Install a Remote Start on My Car

A remote start for your car can be a desirable convenience.
In the dead of winter, there’s nothing quite so convenient than being able to remotely start your car and let it warm up before you get in it to drive to your destination. Although the initial instructions for installing a remote start on your car may be a little intimidating, it’s much more simple than it first appears. Some tools, a volt meter and a little know-how go a long way when installing this component.
Things You’ll Need
Screwdriver
Screws
Wire connectors
Wire strippers
Needle-nose pliers
Volt meter
Flashlight
Remote start component
Car owner’s manual
Instructions
1. Remove all components, wires, connectors and other items from the package. Inspect the contents to make sure that everything is there before you start your installation.
2. Read the instructions included with your remote starter. There may be helpful hints and tips included that are exclusive to your make and model of starter.
3. Complete a check of all functions and switches on your car. Turn your lights on and off, check all turn signals and try out your power locks. By doing this, you know for a fact that everything works properly, assuming everything is in working order.
4. Sort out and mark the key wires for your remote-starter installation: accessory wire, power wire, starter wire and ignition wire.
5. Use your wire connectors to connect the power wire on your car to the power-wire lead on your remote-start component. Some cars have two power wires. If this is how your car is wired, use a volt meter to determine which of the two wires has the heavier load. This is the wire you should use when hooking up your remote starter.
6. Wire your remote starter to your car’s ignition wire or wires. Sometimes, there is just one wire. Other vehicles have two or more ignition wires for you to include in your hookup. Relay them all together and test to guarantee they conduct a 12-volt current.
7. Find your car’s accessory wire. Connect your starter to this wire. This wire is responsible for your heat, air-conditioning controls and fan blower.
8. Search for the parking light wire within the wire harness beside the light switch or the one that goes to the back of the car. If your car has one for both sides?left and right?include both in the connection. The wire or wires should be connected to the parking-light connection on your remote starter.
9. Connect the brake wire to your remote starter. Look for this wire toward the brake light in the back of your vehicle. If you don’t see it there, check around the brake pedal. This wire sometimes is in a bundle of wires above the brake pedal. If you don’t locate it there, check toward the back of the vehicle.
10. Attach the remote-starter ground wire to your car. Find a surface that is unpainted metal.
11. Ensure proper functioning of your starter by connecting the tachometer wire. Check your vehicle’s wiring schematic if necessary, but it is often found near the coil pack or distributor.
12. Disconnect your car’s current alarm. Your car manual should have instructions about how to disengage your system.
13. Perform a system and switch test again. Everything that worked prior to installation should still be in working order. If it isn’t, trace your steps for any mistakes you may have made in your connections or identification of wires.
14. Attach your starter component under the hood. Keep it clear of your motor’s moving parts and any hot areas. Mount switches for your remote starter in convenient areas.
Tips & Warnings
Go back through all steps to ensure you haven’t missed anything.
Do not use a battery terminal for the ground.