Remote Starter

Okay, I did a search, and found no answers to the questions that I was looking for.

First, does anybody suggest a specific company for a remote starter? I want to keep my stock alarm system, (because I want too) but I want an add-on remote starter. So if anybody could suggest a company, or even better a specific model, that would be great. Now let me start with the questions...

1. Would the remote starter start the engine, even if the key isn't in, and the alarm system isn't on? I think my key has a microchip (may be wrong) and doesn't the car need the microchip to start?
2. Is there any remote starter that will allow my stock keyless entry remote to start the car? Like if I pressed lock twice, could I make the remote starter start the engine off of that?

I'm sure I have more questions, just can't think of them right now. So I'm going to go out to places and ask more questions. Any optimistic responses would be great!
Thanks in advance,
Josh

i asked about my sister's honda and i assume its the same price for all cars but they quoted me $210 installed at circuit city.

ya, i went to circuit city, best buys, and Sam's. Circuit city was the only place that had security systems, and they didn't have any add-on remote starters. The one add-on remote starter I'm leaning towards is this one . I sent an e-mail asking the specifications and such, so I should probably expect a reply tomorrow.

"The .... remote start can be added to virtually any security system or remote keyless entry system with an auxiliary output."
I didn't know we had an aux output

Nope no Chip

I have a BullDog remote starter in my girlfriends Rodeo. Never had a problem with it. I believe I spent 125.00 for it.

does anybody know if the factory alarm system has an output of any kind? Many remote starters tell that they can easily be hooked up with an output, but i have no clue of any alarm system output. Oh ya, does anybody have the wiring diagram for the security system?

well, I found a wiring diagram for the 2004 Xterra HERE . It'll help me with the install of the remote starter. I also found a remote starter that I think I want and THIS is it. I'm probably going to go around and ask some more questions from some wiring guys about what to do and such. But I'm thinking that with this wiring explanation, and the actual remote starter explaning what to do, that I think I can get this thing down. Any helpful replies, or even better any replies pertaning to this topic at all would be great

Well, I got some connections involved with the remote starter, and I felt that I should share it with yall, in case somebody in the future searches for some answer that they want. My friend got me a connection with a guy in Omega, and him and I talked. He says that next week, I should call him back, because Omega is trying to make a transponder I believe, that will bypass my security system. In total the whole system will cost 100 bucks, but hell I'm in for it! I'll post later about the out come.

you could just always use a garage door opener reciever/transmitter set for another set of dry contacts.

McMaster Carr has some on page 2741 of their online catalog. www.McMaster.com

Well, I just got info on finally what is to happen! Apparently the Nissan Xterra security system doesn't have a transitor (and I knew that because I searched). The reason I had my doubt was because the guy at Omega told me that I would need to get a key for the remote car starter to turn on my car. Long story short, tomorrow I will be calling him, and he will ship me a plain and simple add-on remote starter (100$). He will also send me directions on how to wire it, which I'm sure I know how to do. It's a two or single push button. So in other words I can wire the system so that I can either press 1 time or 2 times on any button (lock, unlock, or panic) and the engine will start. I told Shockin about it, and he seems optimistic, but he's gonna buy it cheaper offa another site (probably 80 with shipping). Anyway, the actual Add-on remote starter is a Omega RS-4LX. So if anybody in the future decides that they want to install a remote starter that works with the factory buttons and system, then e-mail me. I will be able to not only provide directions, but tell you if the system itself is good. If anybody has any questions just ask. I personally plan on making the engine start by tapin the panic button once, which makes sense cause if somebody is messing with my car, then not only will the panic go off, but the engine will start. It'd scare the crap outta anybody if some car started randomly with nobody inside! I don't know if the system has a engine off option, though I'm sure it does. I'll probably make the engine off option a 2 button lock.

the site of the actual add-on remote starter
HERE

So if anybody has any questions then feel free to ask!

Josh

Ya, I got the remote starter today! And it looks pretty damn complicating! I know all the wires, and colors and such, but if anybody could help me that'd be great. I need help simply knowing that the wiring for the 2001 X is the same as the 2004.

So, someone is screwing with your car and you fire up the engine for them! That's really nice of you, saves them the trouble of hot wiring it or screwing with the ignition.

Nope, all of the remote starter systems that I've ever seen have a relay that cuts the engine off when the brake pedal is pressed. Since you have to push the brake pedal the shift out of park then he's not going anywhere. You have to put the key in the ignition and turn it to run in order to keep the engine from dying when the brake is pressed.

I installed one on an old aerostar I used to have. Greatest thing ever. Nothing like going out to a warm vehicle on those cold mornings.

Axle

ya, you need the key to go into drive. But i got a serious question

Does anybody know where the panic wire is? I can't find the lock/unlock or panic wire anywhere, and it's driving me insane. Could somebody please show me a picture of where it is?

Also, is their anyway that I can tap into the wire, without having to cut it, strip the plastic, and attach the 3 wires together?

Just take a razor blade or exacto knife and strip the plastic back a little bit all the way around the wire. Once the wire is exposed pull it apart in the middle and then push you second wire throught the "hole" that you made and wrap the excess around the rest of the wire. Lay the two wires together and tape it back up. Good to go. If you want to make it even more secure then solder the wires together before you tape it back up.

Axle

holy crap, that's a really good idea! thankyou so much! I'm definately doing that tomorrow!

But still, if anybody can give me a photo of where the alarm wire is that'd be great. I know that it's yellow, I just can't find the damn thing!

Bad idea.. Now you have a chunk of whire that is strip'd and ready to short is the tale goes for a walk..
Better idea.

The tap in's aren't a bad idea but I've never had a problem with tape. Just use a god quality tape and give it 4 or five wraps. Never had a problem with it, especially if it's been soldered.

Axle

Not sure about here but in the UK they have plastic connectors that will allow you to connect into an existing wire. The connector kinda pushes the insulation off of the existing wire and connects the new wire at the same time.

Dragged one out of my old Toolbox I brought over from the UK. This one is made by 3M and the packaging describes it as a Scotchlock connector. Should be just the job if you can find them here in the US.

Sorry the photo is so blury, camera = piece of crap. Roll on my new digital rebel for Christmas.

that looks like the thing that the other guy suggested, and it sounds like a lot easier job than cutting and tapping. Wow, suddenly this project seems to get easier and easier. And it wouldn't be if I didn't have yall helping information. Thankyou so much guys for the support and advice, can't do it without yall!

Nice. Yeaaa, exactly the same thing that Xtopher suggested it looks like. Glad to know where I can get some here too, I'm down to my last 2 and those things come in handy.

just bought the 18-22 gauge pack of those, but i still need to find the alarm wire, i can't find the damn thing

Can't help with that I'm affraid, never even looked at playing with my alarm. I spoke to a few people about getting a remote start installed in my Manual tranny X and nobody would do it. I always use the park brake and never leave it in gear, so not sure why it would be a problem.

I want it for the opposite reason to you tho. I want one to cool my car down before I get inside in the summer. When it's 110° outside, you can be sure it's 150+ inside the car in the summer here in AZ.

Anyone out there installed a Remote Starter in a Manual Tranny? You'd need to somehow bypass the switch that detects if the clutch is pressed (If that even is a switch).

well I installed the thing and such, so far I'm having some problems with the actual remote starter. Some steps we have to go through before it works, but I called the guy that sold it to me, and he's willing to help. And ya, you can put on a remote starter, BUT you must in nuetral and parking brake on.

Rinky, get vent visors for the windows..

Then you can crack them an inch or more, and have no worried about water getting in.. between that and opening the sunroof, it is 10 to 15 degrees hotter inside then outside

No worries about water here. We just got some rain yesterday which I believe you guys in Cali sent us from the day before. Before that tho is hasn't rained here in Mesa since April. Monsoon was a joke this year, 2 small showers and that was it.

Not sure I like the look of those anyway. Do they help with wind noise at all when you have the drivers window down? Looks like they would push the air flow out a little.

the fronts are horrible for noise.. as a matter of fact, i ditched my MT's because of them!! The rears are VERY nice. I can leave the windows cracked, or even part way down with only minor noise. The sunroof is 4 or 5 times louder then the rears. The fronts just arn't worth it on the highway. (to bad is looks getto with only the rears).. I only use the fronts for parking.. but the 4 are great on a hot day. I normally leave them cracked every time i park.cuts down on the frose in the morning also.. there is a stripe 2 or 3 inches tall along the top that is clear, while the rest of the window is frosted.

You figure out your install problems Just_Blue?

ya, I had to mail the main unit back to the company, apparently the main unit didn't want to go through some procedure that would allow it to work. I
should expect it back probably wed.

I installed alarms and remote starts on all cars for 3 years at Circuit City. If you need any help with that just email me. I have probably installed 400 or 500 starters on different cars including my x. Let me know.

oh I forgot to tell you. I saw that you were in college station. My brother owns a car audio shop in Dallas. It's called AudioWaves. He can get you most anything Car Audio/ video/ alarm you need. He'll also help you with your troubles with that. Heres the store number 214-503-9500. Ask for Tim.

I had a remote starter installed by a local auto place by me. An Autopage 2 way LCD model 855. Of course it has the alarm and a bunch of other features to. I like it, works fine for me.

I have a 2004 4x4 Xterra XE.

Just Blue,
I'm Just Wondering...
Did you resolve the problems?
Also, did you in fact need to get another key, earlier in the thread Ramness said no chip in key, but I was told by my local shop that there is a chip in my '03 and that's why there needs to be a spare key???
We don't have an actual dealer within 500 miles, so getting a key with a chip is impossible until we get the truck outta here.
If I can do this without an extra key, I'd love to know, as the first 6" of snow fell yesterday and another foot is coming in the next 24 hours.

Thanks

Well the 04's do not have a chip in the key. This much i know. I do not see why they would put a chip in the older models and not the 04. But i could be wrong.

Though it hasn't been talked about, a word of advice/warning...

In KY, and several other states (though I honestly don't know which ones), it is against state law to have the car running, if you are not in it. The police in Louisville this past winter, started cracking down on people using remote starts. Evidently, car theft was on the rise, and they viewed this as a significant contribution to it. Even though most remote starts require the key to be inserted before the vehicle can be shifted out of gear, the police used the justification that since they had no way to know what system was installed on the vehicle, they had the right to assume the worst, and write a ticket.

So, just in case, find out if your state has this assinine law/rule, and whether or not the police in your area are going to enforce it, before installing a remote start. Doesn't seem worth it, if you're going to get a lot of tickets, with your X sitting in the driveway, warming up.

1. the Xterra key has no chip (confirmed by dealer)
2. I sent the remote starter unit back to the company (I know a guy working their, helps ALOT) and there is nothing wrong with the unit, it must be my wiring. So when I get the unit back, I'm going to get a voltometer and see which wires aren't working and such.

I have alot going on with my car right now
- Sub/Amp install (which I'm making a new box)
- Grounding kit
- Mean Green Alternator
- Flowmaster 40

It's amazing how projects that I expect to last a couple of weeks spend taking up months! Owell I'm doing it for the learning process anyway

WOW, that is a real stupid law. I do not understand, how they can write you a ticket in your own driveway? I bet there is a loop hole in that law somewhere. But then again, i am not one who knows the law to it's full extent. Would have to contact a lawyer. Well here in NJ, there is no law like that. Not yet anyway. But you never know.

we have that law here in Kansas City too. Sorry.

Finally! I finally finshed the install, and I love the thing! Press the lock button twice and the engine starts, no complaints! Instalation is fairly simple, u just gotta know what u are doing

Ive worked in car audio/security for 5 years. This is the type of thing that I always recommmend be done by someone with experience. You can definitely screw your truck up if you mess something up.

Examples of customer screw-ups
- Blown ECU
- Blown Keyless Entry Unit
- Fried Coils
- Bare live wires

Never mind the rats nest of wires they leave behind for a nice fire to happen.

wow! I had no problem with this install, and I'd be curious to see how those people did that to their trucks. All I did was tap into wires, wasn't that big of a deal.

Just got my Omega RS-4LX, Just Blue, any chance you can give us a remote wire color to X wire color description of your install with location of where you found the X wires?
I've found a wiring diagram at bulldog security and it's a start, but since you've done it and it was easy once you knew how...
Thanks

What about this here...

http://www.ultrastarters.com/

I called a guy here in Wisconsin and he told me 275 installed with the 1250 series... i think that is cool... he told me that it would have everything that i would need... that i could start the car like 2miles away .. I thought that was a far ways to get a truck started but it would do well like in my apt... Only 200 feet or so away to get it going...
Then also it has different time frames also that I could start my Xterra at night when it is a little frosty out side also... but i would op for the series that you would have it start on the temp setting... if it would get under temp it would start truck for a 15 mins or so ....

I think that ill be going up there and talking with the guy on this thing here... if so i would get one for my wife also... then i would not have to take time out in the morning and scraping her windows... but she is kinda not up to par when it comes to shit like this .. She is shady on this shit ... well that means if she don’t want it then she could scrap her own windows in the morning....

Well let me know if any one has this in their Xterra

Later.....

BOOM....

This is what happened to my Viper alarm/starter. Blew my SCU (Smart Control Unit) and rats nest of wires was an understatement. It was "professionally" installed. I am seeking a claim for reimbursement now. Nissan had to remove the aftermarket components and rewire my factory alarm. With the SCU shorted out, my engine was getting no signal from the ignition = it would not start/run.

Oh yeah, i would be definetly going back to the place that installed it with that bill....

I want to revive this topic because I'd like to get an update on JustBlu's install. I want to install a remote start that uses my factory remote and am curious about how it works.

First of all the factory remote useage sucks...only reaches like 35 ft. Go with something like this...only costed me 119.00 and so easy to install. NO Wirecutting involved. here's a link to the website where I got mine. Didnt need any transponder either and mine has been going strong for over 2 years. Ive even done installs on others cars for some extra $$ and purchased through this site. MIne is the code alarm 1 button CA420. http://www.autoalarmpro.com/inc/sdetail/108