Remote start?

[Vagabondjpm]

Anyone install one of these yet? Any tips or tricks or is this straight forward as per the instructions included? Thanks.

[72gssaturn]

i will give u a piece of advice. without the wiring diagrams, do not even consider installing one of these units. if it did not come from the factory or was offered as an option, forget about it. the circuits and computer boards are too sensitive and complicated to ruin.

[mikeyt]

I'm considering a remote start unit for my new XR5 cuz the range on the factory key fob is awful short. I think i'll go in & talk to the local specialist shop to see what they have to say.

[firelynx]

it's possible to do. actually the newer compustar units work really well. just be prepared to lose a key.

they don't have a bypass for the coded keys yet. (at least that i could find)
i installed a compustar unit with a blade al bypass. it will bypass the locks and alarm, but i still had to use the key fob under the dash for the starter to work.

just remember that you only need the fob part. if you are going to place a key under the dash for the starter, remember to cut off the matal part of the key.

also, these things are not easy to install. so if you don't know what you are doing, get a professional in install it.

[nelson.jones07]

Its a nice upgrade for your car, which will surely provide you a good driving comfort.

[snowbird]

We had one put on our car before we took delivery - the dealership arranged it all. We had some problems with it working properly and had to take it back, but the shop had a specialist who was able to get a code written specifically for our car.

It's worked great since then.

I know that we didn't lose a key out of the deal - they took the little rod out of the key and used it for the programming, then put it back in the key.

I definitely wouldn't do it yourself. Call around and find someone familiar with doing it on this type vehicle.

[SaturnRaycer]

Originally Posted by snowbird

I definitely wouldn't do it yourself. Call around and find someone familiar with doing it on this type vehicle.

This definitely falls into the "don't try this at home, kids" category. My dealer, Saturn of St Paul is doing them, and doing a great job. IIRC the cost for the Astra is between $400 & $500.

[marypat12]

I've been to 2 places to get a remote start installed. Both have told me that I would have to give up a key (and that the keys cost $150). Does anyone know if it is possible to get a valet key made for this car? Or, anyone know any places in the Chicagoland area who can install one? Thanks!

[Layoira]

Originally Posted by snowbird

We had one put on our car before we took delivery - the dealership arranged it all. We had some problems with it working properly and had to take it back, but the shop had a specialist who was able to get a code written specifically for our car.

It's worked great since then.

I know that we didn't lose a key out of the deal - they took the little rod out of the key and used it for the programming, then put it back in the key.

I definitely wouldn't do it yourself. Call around and find someone familiar with doing it on this type vehicle.

What do you mean the little rod in the key and used it for the programming??


I am having one installed in my car while I am on holidays so when I come back it will already be done. A friend is taking the car in for me, but I am interested in seeing how it was done without loosing a key? Can you be more specific Im not quite sure exactly what you mean. Details please so I can pass this info along while I am gone

[marypat12]

I had one installed this past winter. I had to give up a key. It worked great all winter. My car was fine until I received a recall notice for the horn on my 08 Saturn Astra XR. I brought it in to be fixed twice. This is the second time and the Cadillac dealer has had my car for over a week. They called me today and told me that they would need to disconnect my remote start and that I would have to pay for it! They also said that they would not reconnect it because GM does not recommend aftermarket remote starts for these cars. Funny thing is that when I was asking about getting it installed, I specifically asked about possible warranty issues and was told not to worry about it. I'm between a rock and a hard place because whatever they did to try to fix the horn required them to order 2 new keys and my car will not start. Does anyone have any advice. I told them NOT to do anything until they hear from me again.

[vanilla sky]

Good luck with your electrical gremlins in 3 years.