Adding remote starter

[goregasm]

How hard is it to add a remote starter to a 2012 Subaru, considering it has an immobilizer, and does this make it easier to steal?

I'd just like the car to be warmed up enough to drive without the increased wear of cold oil. Maybe as I'm already walking to it. I would just use a heating pad on the oil pan if I needed it to be warm when I started it.

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[bratte88]

Auto or Standard? Standard is weary because you'd need a clutch bypass. Cars have had immobilizer in them for a LONG time, this isn't something new. My 01 Pathfinder had one. You can install them.

And for most remote car starters, you can't drive the car in the remote start mode, you normally have to turn off and on again with your normal key.

IMO just save yourself alot of money/hassle and start the car and let it warm up BEFORE you drive it. Just walk outside and turn it on.

[goregasm]

CVT so auto

[Guzzi 1]

I purchased the factory remote start for my car. Once I saw the install sheets, I decided to pay the dealer to do it. It took them about 3 hours. With all the cold and snow here lately, it is nice to hit the remote and start the car. I'm glad I got it. The factory unit locks the doors if they are not already, when the car starts. The car also shuts off as soon as you open the door. (That is how it is designed. ???) I can live with it. It was also necessary for the dealer to program the remotes to the car.

I cannot speak to aftermarket units.

John

[goregasm]

$400 for the unit alone and probably $300+ for the install is complete ****ing bull**** when you can buy a $50 unit on amazon that does the exact same thing.

[Guzzi 1]

I agree the factory unit is pricey. I have been told by guy that used to install aftermarket stuff that the factory units are better. I am also aware that there are a wide variety of aftermarket units and some are better than others, so better than........? Do what you like regarding that. No skin off my nose either way. I don't regret my decision.

Bottom line, I do like having it to start and warm up the car in cold weather.

John

edit: More to your original question, it was partially due to the security system & immobilizer that I decided to go factory. As for the wiring, it will probably vary depending on the unit you buy. Routing the antenna wire means getting up the A pillar. Damage that air bag and you just spent 900 bucks. Then there is the knee air bag you might have to get out of the way to access the wiring under the dash. Oh and getting to the wiring at the ignition switch. Regardless of what brand you buy, it will likely take a few hours to install. How the 50 dollar unit will work with everything else, I have no idea. THAT was why I did what I did. I didn't want problems moving forward. Furthermore, if it messes up my new car warranty will cover it, so it is their problem, not mine.

[04wrx008]

Fwiw, I just did a remote start install in my 04 WRX wagon.
And while it doesn't have an immobilizer it was still a huge pita, it took me 2 days to get all the wiring done cleanly.
I understand the reasoning for wanting to tackle a new day project, but unless your really comfortable with a multi meter don't try this yourself.
As for my remote start system itself, its a dei viper 5301, and I'll never go without one again (probably one of my favorite mods).

Good luck!

[blessthekellen]

Did a 2011 Impreza in my shop today. Installation completed in under 2 hours.
I do anywhere up to 6 remote starters a day though myself, so don't expect yourself to finish it in 2 hours by any means.

[goregasm]

Originally Posted by blessthekellen

Did a 2011 Impreza in my shop today. Installation completed in under 2 hours.
I do anywhere up to 6 remote starters a day though myself, so don't expect yourself to finish it in 2 hours by any means.

How much do you charge? I'll come up to Canadia!

[vision.dynamix]

Originally Posted by bratte88

Standard is weary because you'd need a clutch bypass.

Clutch Bypass is easy Peasy.

Originally Posted by bratte88

And for most remote car starters, you can't drive the car in the remote start mode, you normally have to turn off and on again with your normal key.

Have you ever used a remote start? You remote start the car, stick the key in and drive.

[srderby]

I have a 2013 5dr and just had the CompuStart single button unit installed. About $400 total and it works great. Only complaint is that it has to be direct line of site...most walls block the signal. And yes, when its remote started you just put in key to on position and drive.

[PlanB]

Originally Posted by goregasm

$400 for the unit alone and probably $300+ for the install is complete ****ing bull**** when you can buy a $50 unit on amazon that does the exact same thing.

I agree, it's pricey. But if i were ever to go that route with a new (newer) car I'd lean towards factory units and dealer install. Some people aren't comfortable with the wiring and/or it's worth it to them to not risk voiding the warranty. Myself, I could do the wiring but wouldn't want any issues with the dealership trying to void something on the warranty because I did a 'mod' to the car if you know what I mean.

[Guzzi 1]

In all honesty, I would only think there would be a warranty issue if it were proven that the add on was the source of the trouble. Having said that, I am familiar and comfortable doing wiring but when I saw what was involved, I just didn't want to screw with it.

John

[brandongutowski]

it's not too bad. only issue I had is the alarm wouid go off every once in awhile I have no idea why

[subaru604]

Originally Posted by goregasm

$400 for the unit alone and probably $300+ for the install is complete ****ing bull**** when you can buy a $50 unit on amazon that does the exact same thing.

link?

[Macfamous]

The two way AstroStart in my 04 TS Wagon cost me $800 to buy + have it installed, 5-600 of that was just the install of it. It does have Alarm and all the door locks hooked up. Granted, this is also in Northern Alberta. Probably would have been a couple hundred cheaper if I drove further south to get it lol.

I'm a Firm believer in getting what you pay for as well, go ahead and buy that $50 remote start, not sure what good the remote start will be when you have to go stand beside your car to start it.

-Mac

[PaperPlane]

My 01 RS didn't have a factory alarm so I bought a Compustar brain on ebay for $100 (CM6000) and paid $300 for installation + the 1mile 2-way and 1mile 1-way remotes (1 set). $400 total for 1mile alarm + remote start.

[jay25RS]

I'm contemplating putting a CompuStar 1 way remote start/ keyless into my '13 Impreza CVT for about $55.

I have a 2 way with Drone Mobile in my STI and that one retails for about $1,000.

[srderby]

Duplicate post

[Jeff~]

Originally Posted by srderby

I have a 2013 5dr and just had the CompuStart single button unit installed. About $400 total and it works great. Only complaint is that it has to be direct line of site...most walls block the signal. And yes, when its remote started you just put in key to on position and drive.

Damn! I had a compustar w/ 2way remote (1 mile range) http://www.compustar.com/remotes/RF-2W9000-SS.php installed in my '08 Legacy last month for $450.00.

[ohmzaa]

Originally Posted by srderby

I have a 2013 5dr and just had the CompuStart single button unit installed. About $400 total and it works great. Only complaint is that it has to be direct line of site...most walls block the signal. And yes, when its remote started you just put in key to on position and drive.

Hey I have a question about installation the aftermaket. Will that effect the car warranty.Will it void the warranty if i do afetrmarket. I want to have the remote stater in my car so i cant decied which one between OEM or aftermaket like viper.anyway I live in Somerville Mass though. Do u know anyone around here do a great job for installation. thx u

[cheezman88]

I'd be wary of aftermarket remote starters though. I had one installed in my 2005 civic a few years ago and the guy ripped up the interior. There were creaks everywhere in the car afterwards

[STiGuy23]

yea guys honestly I think subarus are pretty easy for remote starts. Im a mobile electronics tech for a living and been doing it for 6+ years. If I had a choice, id do subarus all day lol.

As for aftermarket units, directed is my favorite. They are all the brands including viper, avital, autostart, hornet, python, and a bunch more. If your considering one, go with any of the above. Also if you go somewhere and want a viper but they also have like avital, python, or hornet for a lesser price, dont be afraid cause theyre all the same lol.

The 02 to 07 subies minus stis and lgts dont have immobilizers and are a cake walk..... 1 hour install. Any 02 to 07 sti or lgt and i think some foresters and everything 08+ has an immobilizer and those take me around 90 mins to install.

Also if they try to tell you that you have to lose one of your keys to be installed inside the interface under the dash, dont go for it if you need both keys cause there is a different interface that allows you to keep both keys. The key under the dash works great but not ideal if you need both keys. Flashlogic makes an interface that takes care of the immobilizer so you dont have to give up a key.

If anyone wants one and is near or willing to drive, pm me. Im in the northeast suburb area of detroit. We also have alot of customers come down from canada cause remote starts and all car audio for some reason is much cheaper here..... ? idk lol.

thanks guys

[blessthekellen]

Originally Posted by cheezman88

I'd be wary of aftermarket remote starters though. I had one installed in my 2005 civic a few years ago and the guy ripped up the interior. There were creaks everywhere in the car afterwards

There is literally one panel you have to take apart on a 2005 Civic to install a remote starter, and its not even held on by screws, its those turn clips.

Whoever installed your remote starter either
a) didnt know what he/she was doing. or
b) your civic creaked all over the place anyways and you just think the remote starter was the problem.

[STiGuy23]

Originally Posted by blessthekellen

There is literally one panel you have to take apart on a 2005 Civic to install a remote starter, and its not even held on by screws, its those turn clips.

Whoever installed your remote starter either
a) didnt know what he/she was doing. or
b) your civic creaked all over the place anyways and you just think the remote starter was the problem.

lol second this...... You can access the ignition harness in most hondas within 60 seconds.