Remote Car Starter: Kit, Installation & Price
What Is a Remote Car Starter Kit and How Does It Work?
The seasons are changing, the temperature is in flux, and a remote car starter could really make your life easier. Just imagine how helpful it would be to fire up your vehicle's engine with the push of a button: Sip your morning coffee, finish packing the kids' lunches, or finalize a slide deck for that big company meeting, all while your remote car engine starter prepares your vehicle for the day.
Whether you're looking at adding a remote car starter kit to your make and model or your vehicle's current remote car starter needs to be replaced, GM Parts Direct has the information you need – including how much this process may cost you. Most car starter kits cost between $250 and $300 for parts, but our website has some of the most competitive pricing in the industry!
Remote Car Starters 101
A remote car starter kit is a small set of machinery that can make a huge impact on your driving experience. Kits come with a control module or radio receiver that connects directly to your vehicle, usually beneath the steering wheel and behind the lower dash panel. Your remote car starter kit will usually come with one or two key fobs, a copper ignition port cable, multiple wires, and an instruction manual.
How a Remote Car Starter Works
There are three types of remote car engine starters, which we'll discuss in more detail below, but all three forms work in the same manner: The starter kit bypasses the engine immobilizer system on your car so that it thinks there's a key in the ignition, even when there's not. Once the remote start kit is in place, simply press a button on your remote car starter fob, and the fob sends a signal to your engine, commanding it to start. As a failsafe, the remote car starter will only allow your vehicle's motor to run for about 15 minutes before turning off.
Remote Car Starter Installation: How To Get Started
If you're well-prepared, remote car starter installation can be done in just a few hours. However, please know that dealing with any vehicle's internal wiring and electrical system carries risks, both for you and your automobile. We always recommend consulting a certified technician before beginning and after completing a remote car starter installation. If you aren't confident in your skills, please ask a professional for support.
Choosing the Right Type of Remote Car Starter
Remote car engine starters come in three varieties and offer a range of functions you should consider before purchasing. Here's a brief outline of the top factors to consider when purchasing a remote car starter:
- Starter Type: You can install a one-way, two-way, or smartphone-compatible remote car starter in your vehicle. The first two communicate with your engine via radio signal, and the third via cellular service.
- Starter Range: Some remote car starters only have a range of 50 feet, while others can send and receive signals from up to 2,500 feet away. Smartphone-compatible starters have unlimited range as long as cell service is available.
- Number of Key Fobs: Remote start kits come with one or two fobs, depending on which kit you buy. Think about who will need access to a remote start fob or if you'd like to have a replacement on hand in case one becomes damaged.
- Starter Compatibility: While many remote start kits claim to be universal, we all know that different makes and models can have vastly different wiring. Please double-check the compatibility of any remote car starter before purchasing and installing it in your vehicle.
If installing a remote car starter yourself is within your wheelhouse, and you can safely follow the guidelines below, let's dive into the installation process. If not, please consult a professional technician.
The Seven Steps of Remote Car Starter Installation
- Disconnect your vehicle's battery for safety
- Open your entire lower dash and steering column cover
- Locate the immobilizer sensor and ignition
- Determine where to pull power for your console module and connect wiring accordingly
- Mount the console module to your vehicle's frame somewhere behind the lower dash
- Connect the grounding wire at a location away from the ignition switch, then connect accessory, ignition, starter, parking light, brake, tachometer, and anti-theft wires and secure them with tie wraps
- Reconnect your battery to test all your vehicle's functions and your new remote car starter
Remote Car Starter Price
Now that you're familiar with how a remote car starter works and how you may install one in your vehicle, we're sure you're wondering how much this process will cost you. As we mentioned above, most starter kits cost between $250 and $300, but your specific remote car starter price will vary based on the model and year you drive, the type of starter you want, where you purchase materials, and whether you install it yourself or ask a professional for assistance.
What we can tell you for certain is that our parts deals are some of the best you'll find anywhere and our customers rave about the support and fast shipping we provide, so when you shop our GM Parts Direct inventory, you can be sure you're getting a very competitive remote car starter price.
The Unforeseen Expenses of Remote Car Starters
If you were to buy your remote start kit from an unreliable aftermarket source, or if you chose to install the kit yourself, you run the risk of faulty components, improperly connected wires, and excessive damage to your vehicle. Opening up the dashboard and steering column of a vehicle requires a practiced hand and a keen eye, but even if you possess those skills, you'll still need dependable remote car starter parts to get the job done right.
The Protection of Our Genuine OEM Remote Car Starters
GM Parts Direct is not a dealership, nor are we affiliated with any auto brand, so when we recommend that you take your remote car starter parts to a professional for help with installation, we have nothing to gain – but you do. A certified mechanic can safely and quickly open up panels, install wiring, test systems, and return your car to you with a freshly installed remote car starter, all for one flat rate and with guaranteed performance.
Why Choose GM Parts Direct?
GM Parts Direct is proud to offer factory-backed, genuine OEM parts for nearly every automobile on the road. Plus, when you purchase car starters for sale from a professional source like GM Parts Direct, you'll not only receive the components you need, but you'll usually get a GM-backed warranty that gives your remote start kit added protection for 12 months or more.1
If you're planning to DIY your remote car starter installation or just purchase the parts you need so a professional can finish the job, our online inventory is the perfect starting point. Shop our website for fast, secure remote start kit delivery at very attractive prices. Just read our customer reviews for proof!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should it take to install a remote start?
The time it takes to install a remote car starter depends on who's doing the work and the model you drive. For DIY remote car starter installation, you should plan on a minimum of three hours to gather parts and tools, read your owner's manual, open up your vehicle's lower dash, complete the installation, and then check for functionality. A professional should complete the job in less than three hours.
How much does it cost to put a remote start in your car?
Your remote car starter price will depend on how many fobs you need, your make and model, and the type of starter you choose: one-way, two-way, or smartphone-based. On average, a complete remote car starter kit will cost between $250 and $300, though at GM Parts Direct, we frequently run sales to help you save more. Browse our website to find your vehicle's remote car starter price.
Can you add a remote start to any car?
Yes, nearly every vehicle can incorporate a remote car starter, even if it's an older model that didn't come with one from the factory. According to Kelley Blue Book®, most automobiles produced after the year 2000 can integrate a remote car starter kit,2 but it would be wise to consult a professional mechanic before starting the remote car starter installation process, just to be sure.
Which remote starter is the best?
There are three types of remote car starters, and the best option depends on your preferences and needs. A one-way starter sends a signal from your fob to your vehicle, a two-way starter allows your vehicle's engine to send a signal back to the fob once it's started, and a smartphone-compatible remote car starter allows your wireless device to function as your key fob.
Find Remote Car Starters Quickly:
| Remote Start Kit #84312373 | Remote Start Kit #84424015 | Remote Start Kit #84649216 |
| Remote Start Kit #84424016 | Remote Start Kit #85548856 | Remote Start Kit #84649018 |
1Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.
2Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/remote-start-extreme-temperatures/#aftermarket-remote-start