Remote Starter Installation

Jan. 29, 2015 By Jim Brightly, KF7SCT

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When the sun is beating down in Arizona, a remote starter helps get the cabin cool before entry.

If you live in an area with extreme weather—like Phoenix in the summer or Buffalo in the winter—you’ll thoroughly enjoy equipping your Jeep with a VPA Remote Engine Starter (PN VIA-80272-C; $120) from Summit Racing. Depending on your model and onboard computer capability, you can even lock/unlock doors, lock/unlock trunks/hatches, locate your Jeep, kill its ignition or activate the parking lights and/or horn with its remote control.

The VPA Remote Engine Starter (with keyless entry) is a stand-alone system with three channels of operation. The kit includes everything you’ll need for the installation; i.e., two three-channel remote controls, wiring loom, relays, antennas and a manual with several different wiring diagrams. A word of caution, however: vehicles with an anti-theft system require a bypass module and T-harness, both of which are sold separately. This is not an easy installation and it is highly recommended that an experienced professional perform the installation to avoid any problems.

As I said above, extreme-weather locations can add to the pleasure of having one of these kits, because you can cool the interior down if it’s hot, or warm it up if it’s freezing outside. But if you live in more moderate climates, you can still enjoy the Remote Starter by surprising your friends or having the engine fully warmed up when you slip behind the wheel. One caveat, though, is to make sure the battery is disconnected or the remote controls are secured whenever you work on the engine. You also need to warn any mechanic that works on your vehicle once it’s installed, and the system is not recommended for vehicles with manual transmissions—you’d have to leave it neutral every time you park.

Everything is included in the kit that you’ll need to install the remote starter. It is highly recommended, however, that an experienced expert do the installation due to the complexity of the install.

As per the instructions, particular circuits have to be tracked down.

This is one of the reasons an expert is recommended. The wiring beneath the dash must be accessed.

None of the OEM circuits are cut during the install but several are accessed.

Dave Schupp of Precision Automotive is connecting the remote system’s wiring loom to the Jeep’s existing wiring.

This is the antenna. It’s connected beneath the dash and then routed up to the base of the windshield. It is equipped with a glue patch, so we attached it to the A-pillar on the passenger side of the Jeep.

The remote controls attach to your key ring and offer three channels for controlling your vehicle.

And you need not worry about a thief jumping in your vehicle and driving off while the engine is warming up. If the key isn’t in the ignition turned to on, when the shifter is put in drive the engine dies. In this 2005 Jeep, the key must be on and the brake pedal depressed to disengage the remote system’s safety features. You can also kill the engine with the remote control.

Since my Jeep has over 90,000 miles on the clock, 90% of which were in New England, I decided a new AC Delco starter should be installed.

Having changed many GM starters over the years—in high school my Buick went through a starter every two months for a year (fortunately, they all had 90-day warranties)—the size of the Jeep’s starter surprised me.

I matched the new starter to the OEM unit, making sure the bolts fit properly.

Don’t do what I did initially; the inside bolt is the starter bolt. I removed the bell-housing bolt first.

Another cautionary note I have is your starter. If the vehicle has over 50,000 miles on the odometer or if its mileage has accrued in severe conditions (i.e.: mud, dust, salt, etc.) I suggest replacing the starter at the same time. You wouldn’t want to trigger the remote and unknowingly cause the starter to clash, burn up, or lock on. You want the starter to work right every time. Replace the starter and then save the old starter just in case you and a friend might need it in the future.

When the snow flies, a warm engine and cabin are always welcome when you slide behind the wheel.