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remote
start FAQ
What
is a Remote Start anyway?
A remote start system is an electronic device that allows you
to start your vehicle by remote control without actually being
inside the vehicle or using the key. The remote start system
supplies the vehicle with power and simulates a start just as
if you were inside using the key.
Why
should I use a remote start system?
There are many reasons that a remote start system can come in
handy. By far, the most popular application for a remote start
system is cold weather warm up. Imagine not having to go out
into freezing or below-zero temperatures 10 to 20 minutes before
going anywhere to warm up your vehicle. The remote start system
allows you to simplify your life and take care of this tedious
task for you. In the desert or warm climates, a remote start
system comes in handy to cool your car down before entering.
Imaging not having to sit on a burning hot seat or touch a burning
hot steering wheel. Remote starting systems are multifunctional
devices that have many applications for private and commercial
vehicles.
Are
remote start systems safe?
Todays remote starting systems are packed with safeguards
and safety features to protect your vehicle. Crimestopper remote
starting systems incorporate in-line fuses to prevent damage
due to an electrical short and when using a safety hood pin
switch, the system will not start the vehicle if the vehicles
hood is open. Crimestopper systems also include a Valet mode
that temporarily inhibits remote starting. The valet mode is
used for having your vehicle serviced or parked by an attendant.
There are additional safety features built into the Crimestopper
system that prevent the unit from keeping the starter motor
from grinding and for faults in the installation or wiring.
What
about Automatic or Manual style transmissions?
Currently Crimestopper manufactures remote start systems for
automatic transmissions only. This is to guarantee 100% safe
and reliable operation. Note that if you install or have a system
installed in a manual transmission vehicle, it is UNAUTHORIZED
and NOT supported by Crimestopper Security Products Inc.
What
if my car has a Factory alarm on it?
This is usually not a problem. Crimestopper remote start systems
include what is called an OEM Disarm output. The
OEM Disarm output sends out a signal to disarm a Factory Alarm
system before a remote start to prevent any conflicts with the
vehicles existing alarm. Once the vehicle is remote started,
the Crimestopper system also includes an OEM Re-arm
wire to rearm the alarm, allowing the vehicle to be protected
while running.
What
if my car has a passive security system that requires my key
to be in the ignition in order to start my car?
You can still have a remote start with these types of systems.
Crimestopper manufactures special anti-theft adapters to allow
remote start installations with these types of security systems.
These adapters are not included with the system and must be
purchased separately. Some times these types of security systems
require you to get another vehicle key and have it programmed
at your car dealership. We recommend that you consult with your
installer beforehand.
Will
a remote start system damage my cars computer?
Remote start systems do not cause damage on their own. Sometimes
vehicle computers can be damaged due to improper installation
of a remote start or from the connection of a particular circuit.
This is why it is important to have an authorized dealer install
your system. Remote start systems may be above the level of
a do-it-yourself or first-time installer. If you are going to
try a remote start, we recommend that you should be experienced
and have installed alarms or remote start system before. Call
Crimestopper at (800) 998-6880 to assist you with dealer locations
in your area.
How
does the remote start system know when my engine is started?
Crimestopper remote engine starters include state-of-the-art
circuitry that monitors your vehicles engine. Crimestopper
systems use a Smart Tachless mode or a Tach Signal
input mode. The installer of your remote start system can choose
either method for the installation. TheSmart Tachless
mode uses precise voltage monitoring to determine when your
engine has started, while the Tach signal input monitors electronic
pulse signals directly from the engine. Either of these two
methods has been proven safe and reliable for remote starting
purposes.
Can
my vehicle be stolen when it is remote started?
Crimestopper systems incorporate multiple layers of protection
against theft while your vehicle is remote started. When your
installation includes keyless entry, the remote starter locks
the vehicle while running, therefore it would require forced
entry to gain access to the vehicle. Secondly, the remote start
system includes a Brake reset circuit. In order
to get your vehicle into gear the brake must be depressed. If
the brake is pressed without your key in the Ignition switch
turned to the ON position, the engine will instantly shut down.
Thirdly, when using a safety hood pin switch, a remote started
engine will instantly shut down if someone forces entry by opening
the hood.
How
far away can I start my engine?
Crimestopper remote start systems include an Extended-Range
(ER) on-glass antenna system. These window mount antenna systems
will allow you to start your vehicle from up to 500-1000 ft.
away. There are new FM models now available that incorporate
special High-Frequency 2-way Paging. FM systems cost slightly
more, but offer the luxury of greater range and 2-way paging.
With FM 2-Way paging, the remote control is also a pager that
receives signals from the vehicle for remote start confirmation.
There is not more guessing whether or not your vehicle has started
when using these new systems. If you are using a special RS901
add-on model, the range will be the same as your existing remote
controlled system.
How
long will my vehicle run?
This is usually a feature of the remote start system itself.
Typically, the most common run times are around 20 minutes,
however the Current Crimestopper models include your choice
of four settings that include times of 12, 24, 36, and 48 minutes.
Check in your original paperwork to see if your model has the
ability for different engine running times.
Can
I use my existing Factory Keyless entry remote control for remote
start?
This is no problem for most vehicles with a Factory keyless
entry system. Crimestopper manufacturers a special remote start
system that is designed for use with your existing Factory remote
controls called the RS901. The RS901 system can be programmed
to interface to the lock/unlock system of your vehicle to allow
you to control a remote start with your existing Factory Keyless
remote control.
Can
I hook up a remote start if I have another alarm system other
than Crimestoppers brand?
Again, you are in luck. Crimestopper RS901 remote start system
can also function with most brands of alarm systems that have
an Auxiliary channel to activate an optional accessory. The
RS901 model system can be connected to the auxiliary output
allowing you to add a remote start system onto Crimestopper
or other brand of alarm system. This is often called and Add-on
or Slave remote start installation.
Will
the Remote start system control my power door locks?
Yes, Crimestopper remote start systems can be interfaced to
your vehicles existing power door lock system. Interfacing
the power lock systems on some vehicles may require extra parts
and labor so check with your installer beforehand to be sure
if power door locks will be part of your installation. Interfacing
the power locks to your remote start increases the overall safety
of the installation because the unit will lock the door during
a remote start thereby preventing an unlocked/unattended running
vehicle.
What
type of maintenance is required with a remote start system?
Crimestopper remote start systems are maintenance-free. Other
than observing a few minor cautions over the lifetime of the
installation, there is NO maintenance. We ask that you remove
the two in-line fuses to the system when jump starting your
vehicle or placing it on a battery charger. For your own safety,
NEVER remote start a vehicle in a closed garage!Exhaust fumes
are poisonous and can kill!Be sure to place the unit in valet
mode to prevent unauthorized use of your system as needed.
How
can I expand my remote start system?
Crimestopper remote start systems can be expanded in several
ways. Our current systems include an Auxiliary channel or Trunk
pop output. This output is designed for interface into
vehicles with an existing powered trunk release button. You
will then be able to release the trunk with your Crimestopper
remote control. There is also an RS300 module that allows your
remote start system to turn on your vehicles interior
light and provide separate drivers unlock control. These
are all optional accessories and usually require extra parts
and labor for the installation, so we recommend that you check
with your installer beforehand.
Do
you have a temperature-controlled remote start system for extreme
cold conditions?
Crimestopper manufactures a special Cool Timer Temperature
and Timer interface to be used with Crimestopper remote start
systems. The RS400 Cool Timer allows you to select from four
different low temp thresholds. Once the temp reaches this low
level your vehicle will automatically start to prevent fluid
freeze-up. The same Cool Timer module also allows you to select
four different hourly intervals to activate a remote start at
specific hourly time intervals.
See
crimestopper.com
for more info>>
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