remote car starter

[Nobby]

Now since I'm married my car stays outside in the freezing cold. Yes I'm either too nice or too stupid but has anybody bought and installed one of those starters. I search the forum and found nothing... nobody here has one? There's one for $150 at the Futureshop in this weeks flyer. I'm really thinking I need one and since it's a lot cheaper than getting a divorce, I'm thinking it could really come in handy.

Any advice or am I screwed and it can't be done?

[busboy4]

Originally Posted by Nobby

Now since I'm married my car stays outside in the freezing cold. Yes I'm either too nice or too stupid but has anybody bought and installed one of those starters. I search the forum and found nothing... nobody here has one? There's one for $150 at the Futureshop in this weeks flyer. I'm really thinking I need one and since it's a lot cheaper than getting a divorce, I'm thinking it could really come in handy.

Any advice or am I screwed and it can't be done?

Hi Nobby

I have installed a Bulldog RS1200E in my '99 and am very happy. This was the third one I have done - actually moved this one from another car I had. Bulldog has a good website for information. Their vehicle wiring diagram was pretty nearly dead on with wire color and location. As the information there indicates you will need a module to "fool" the passlock system. Bulldog calls theirs a 791 module. I was able to buy one at my local Meijer store here in NW Ohio. It worked exactly as described and "learned" the passlock resistance on the first attempt. I tapped all the ignition wiring through the dash after removing the stereo and climate control units. The "box" when I was through stayed in the dash above the radio. I did wire into the door locks which was easy at the floor at the A pillar left side. I wired the trunk release as well - Bulldog's site says you need another add on module, but I simply set the DIP switch for a negative instead of positive signal and it has worked just fine. Their wire color for the parking lights was inaccurate, but I was able to find it pretty easily with the wire probe that was provided with the kit. I wasted a lot of time with the door lock setup as it seemed to not be working quite right. I finally figured out it was because I was leaving the driver's door open and the "lockout protection" was preventing normal operation.

In case you have not thought about it, you have to wire into the door locks and trunk release (If your starter is so equipped) because with the ignition active/car running, most manufacturer's keyless entry and trunk/sliding door release systems are deactivated. You could wire this unit only for starting or buy a simple one that only starts the engine, but you would have to open the door or trunk with your key when you went to get in.

As I said, I have a couple of these units, the other in my Ford Windstar and they have been nearly flawless. Great range - my Son was able to start the car from inside his school at his locker. I can almost always start from inside a store, and line of sight starting range is easily 12 or 1300' if not more. I bought my units on Ebay. Bulldogsecuritystore was who sold them although I do not think they are anymore.

I think you will find your local stereo/starter "pros" will talk $300+ to install a starter with all the functionality I have with mine. I think they will also tell you the Bulldog starters are junk - they are primarily marketed to DIY'ers. However my Windstar starter has been trouble free for over a year and my Intrigue unit has been in use just as long, but only a few months in the Olds and has given no trouble.

It is not an easy job - the first time (on a Mercury Sable) took me all day and then some, the second and third were easier of course. You need to be comfortable with splicing into wiring and general electrical testing and evaluating. You also have to take apart the dash and under steering wheel areas. I think I would have been done on the Intrigue in about 4 hours if I had not psyched myself with the door locks. You will need to study up ahead of time and "do" the job a few times in you head and on paper before diving in. However, for us it has been one of those "how did I ever live without this" kind of deals.

Let us know if you give it a go. Post any more questions you might have.