1997 Towncar Cartier (Remote Start)

[Kacy]

Howdy folks!

Just wondering if anybody knows if the 97 TC ever came from the factory with remote start capabilities. If yes, how would I find out if my TC has that option? When I bought this car, it did not come with any keychain remotes. Just don't want to buy the standard lock/unlock/trunk key fob if I can get one that will start the car remotely. My wife is from the Philippines and really Really REALLY likes to come out to a warm car in the winter. If no factory remote start is available, can anyone recommend a good after market remote start that I won't have to hack up the wiring harness to install? My 97 TC is super clean, has no after market anything right now and want to keep it as stock as possible.

Thanks a bunch!

[Towncar]

No, they didn't have that available from the factory. Dealers can add the remote start as part of their prep. if you ordered it that way. They wouldn't choose any specific brand, and they would most likely send it out to get it done.

I got one from AutoCommand some time ago but never installed it due to my busy schedule.

Their addon unit interfaces with your existing remote / system and starts the car when you hold down the lock key. I won't recommend them since I never used mine, but it was recommended to me at the time I bought it. I paid around $60 and now their up to $150 for the same unit so it would be best to shop around.. at that price you can get a few more features and really hack up your harnesses..

Whatever system you decide on, if your good with wires and installations, I recommend doing this one yourself... don't trust the so called professionals with this one. You'll be cutting a few vital wires and if those connections fail later, your screwed. Solder everything.

[Kacy]

Originally Posted by Towncar

No, they didn't have that available from the factory. Dealers can add the remote start as part of their prep. if you ordered it that way. They wouldn't choose any specific brand, and they would most likely send it out to get it done.

I got one from AutoCommand some time ago but never installed it due to my busy schedule.

Their addon unit interfaces with your existing remote / system and starts the car when you hold down the lock key. I won't recommend them since I never used mine, but it was recommended to me at the time I bought it. I paid around $60 and now their up to $150 for the same unit so it would be best to shop around.. at that price you can get a few more features and really hack up your harnesses..

Whatever system you decide on, if your good with wires and installations, I recommend doing this one yourself... don't trust the so called professionals with this one. You'll be cutting a few vital wires and if those connections fail later, your screwed. Solder everything.

Hey Steven,

Thanks so much for the input. I just downloaded the installation instructions for the basic at AutoCommand remote start that works with the OEM keychain remotes. After looking at all the wires that need to be cut I just don't have the heart to hack up my baby like that. My wife is just going to have to deal with running out in the cold, starting the car and running back in the house for a refill of coffee. From looking under the hood and under the dash I don't think one wire has ever been cut before and I just don't have the heart to violate her like that . EVERY option works on the car right now down to the 6-disk changer in the trunk to the Climate control and the heated seats. Thanks again for you input, you helped me make up my mind.