To The Experts - Auto Start Good or Bad!!??

[spackelman]

2002 Silverado HD, 8.1 - 60K - all factory

Question to all the experts:

My neighbor installs Bulldog Remote Starts as a side gig. Has over 200 installs under his belt. Never had any problems with Bulldog.

He installed a remote start for my wife's (leased) 2003 Impala. No problems yet.

I have been fighting whether or not to install a remote start.

The price is right -$0.00

Do I do it or not. I can't help but think that the install will not do well with the computer. I'm scared!!!!

Guys, this is my truck, 2 years of payments left, and is still performing like new. What do I do????

Any and all opinions are more than welcomed.

[mjgjr72]

if its free just do it, i highly doubt you'll have a problem, if u do he can just take it back out

[spackelman]

Your right, any problems, just yank it.

I just think the remote start will have a permanent affect on the the computer.

[ponchonutty]

Personally, I hate Bulldog remote starters. I have to laugh and think that if he indeed has done 200 of this brand and he states of no problems, he's either lying or on something.

I do these for a living. I own my own shop and this is my specialty. The pure fact of installing a remote starter is fine. As long as it's good equipment and a good install you should have no problems. But, if either is lacking then you open yourself up to it.

I did about 18 Bulldogs over the Xmas season this year. Most went well but there were about 8 that didn't work at all and 2 with range of only 10-15 feet. Bulldog was ready to fix/replace anything but still didn't like them.

I suggest almost anything from Directed Electronics. They pioneered this market. Plus you can have much more custom features such as 2way remotes, up to 1/4 range, and most importantly engine monitoring.

My last statement is this...You get what you pay for!

Oh, got remote starters on both my Jeep Liberty and Silverado.

[kenny-1907]

I have had a remote starter/alarm combo for almost 2 years now and have not had one problem with it, but it also cost me almost $700 installed hooked to the door locks as well. I agree with ponchonutty , you get what you pay for.

[acbaer]

It been several years since I worked for an alarm shop, but back then the Bulldog line was the really low end. Once the alarm side they were an all in one unit, the shock sensor, siren, etc was one unit. It didn't have componets with the Module "Brain" inside the vehical, seperate shock sensor under the hook and the siren under the hood. I'm not sure, they may have gotten better. I do agree that a remote start is pretty sweet. Although, the DEI passlock module didn't work very well with mine and they had to go with a AutoPage passlock bypass. They said the timing was wrong in the DEI module. Good Luck.

[TexasF355F1]

I have remote start. I turned it off and never use it, haven't for at least 3.5 years. It got to the point where the next time i went to start my truck normally, it was like the computer had to reset itself of something. It just wouldnt start, wouldnt make any noise. I figured instead of bitching about something I hardly use, just disable it. I'd go for it though.

[Nigel215]

I have the viper system with the remote start. The only problem I have had was when the deuche bag instaled it he dident disable the factory alarm system.... it was a big mess. But other then that i have no complaints about it. Im not sure about the problem Texas had with his, maybe because it is an older model? How long has remote start been around anyway? I only use my remote start in the morning after a really cold night, other then that i use the key ignition.

[Jimmiz71]

I have Remote Start on my Silverado, I've had good luck with it so far, It came with it from the Factory.. The only problem I've had is when I try to use my remote to unlock the doors when the truck is off it sets off the alarm, but when the truck is running it opens fine.
I figure its a wiring problem somewhere but its no big deal to use the key when the truck is off.
-Jimmy

[spackelman]

The auto start is installed.

Took about 3 hrs. My 14 yr son helped quite a bit.

Has a good range (+350'), no alarm or other problems yet. Seems to work OK

Still not sure it if I did the right thing.

Time will tell.

Oh by the way, I just renewed my AAA, just in case......

[ponchonutty]

Originally Posted by spackelman

The auto start is installed.

Took about 3 hrs. My 14 yr son helped quite a bit.

Has a good range (+350'), no alarm or other problems yet. Seems to work OK

Still not sure it if I did the right thing.

Time will tell.

Oh by the way, I just renewed my AAA, just in case......

actually 350' of range is pretty low. The ones I have usually are around 1000' or better depending what model you choose.

acbear, not sure what DEI module you are talking about. None of the DEI modules had any sort of timing. I know the old 555t unit could cause troubles because the people installing didn't know how to adjust the resistance needed. They later came out with a 555L that self-learns everything. Also, on the '03 and newer trucks, they have a one wire system that hooks into the DATA port under the dash. With that bypass, it controls all the lights, locks, and alarm disarm.