Alarms + Remote Start

SiGmA_X · 10-04-2003, 05:11 PM

I'm looking for a new alarm for my 1997 Jetta, and remote start is something that I would like as well. The car is a stick, of course, so can I use remote start with it? Either way, what brand should I go with (Have been looking at Clifford right now) and what type of features should I make sure the system has?

Thanks.

cproaudio · 10-04-2003, 09:57 PM

You can make any remote start to work with stick. Problem is It's very hard to build something around your stick to prevent it from starting while it's in gear. The remote start has to send a ground signal to the clutch switch for the car to start. When you left the car in gear, remote start will start the car in gear b/c to the car, the clutch is being pressed cuz the remote start is telling it that the clutch is pressed when in reality its not. If you want to get clifford, get at least a G4 or G5 so you can integrate it with your computer via Cliffnet Wizard

theedge · 10-04-2003, 10:20 PM

Beware that many shops wont even install remote start in a manual car.

My buddy tried to get it installed in his MR2 Turbo, so hed be able to let it warm up before he went outside. They flat out told him no.

Suprapc · 10-04-2003, 10:27 PM

I saw a remote start before that was designed to work with 5 speed cars basically you left the car running (via the remote start like a turbo timer) then you either let it run for a predetermined tim after you LOCKED the doors or hit the stop button after you locked the doors. It would then only allow you to start it before unlocking the doors. A much better way would be to build a switch to determine if you are in gear or not. Then you could always just do like me an be carefully. However I let my car cool down via turbo timer so I shouldn't ever be leaving it in gear. But still when I loan my car out I always keep the remote for safety.

SiGmA_X · 10-04-2003, 10:41 PM

I always leave it out of gear anyways, so that shouldn't be too much of a problem.. Does the G4 or G5 have remote start? Never mind, found it.

cproaudio - So can you help me with choosing an alarm, based on features? I'm on AIM - sigma2kx - all the time, you are on too but NEVER reply

cproaudio · 10-05-2003, 12:31 AM

Clifford has Intellistart4 which is G4,G5 compatible It has a setting for manual trans. I've never installed it in a manual trans so I don't know how it works. Probably like what Suprapc said. I dont reply to someone I dont already know but now that I know your SN I'll reply. If I dont I'm probably away from my computer. I leave it on 24/7. I'm getting to point that I dont even sign off so that when I come home I dont have to sign in to check my email.

SiGmA_X · 10-05-2003, 04:10 AM

I'll look into that.. How hard are these things to install? Should I have a friend who does wireing of cars all the time (He runs two raceing RX-7's, and knows them in and out) or should I do it myself, how much is involved?

Heh, I did ID myself when I messaged you

Do you use AOL email? :-\

SiGmA_X · 10-05-2003, 05:48 AM

After reading more, it seems a Clifford dealer has to install it.. Still, what model?

SinnerG · 10-05-2003, 08:44 PM

Right now, I have the Matrix RS2. I will change that soon for the Matrix RS3 (two way communication between car and remote). My understanding with Clifford, to receive any type of warranty, it MUST be installed by a "certified" Clifford installer.

MatrixPC · 10-06-2003, 09:39 AM

I have the DEI Viper 300+ESP and Remote Start Add on (551T I think), and 229 Remote Window module installed in the Toyota Supra Turbo 5sp. Over the pass 8 yrs I have no problem with the system or any starting problem.
I think most/all audio place they won't installed remote starter on manual car. I installed mine because they didn't do it for me.
For safety, ground wire to the module is connect to the e-brake wire -> the car won't start if e-brake is not engage. I also put a safety switch (lever type) around the shifter (activate by the shifter boot) so that if the shifter is not in the neutral position, the car won't start. This safety switch is connect to the (-) shut down wire or the hood pin switch.
I think it's easier to put that safety switch on a FWD car than the RWD car because the FWD car shifter and transmission is connect via a link cable. You can place the switch at the end of the cable to detect whether the car is in neutral or in gear.
If you can't find a module that work with manual car (those are complicated to use), the above method work very darn well.
The add on is more complicate to install. If you DIY, you SHOULD get the all in one unit. Go with DEI brands( Viper, Clifford, ... )

cybuch · 10-06-2003, 06:37 PM

If you get a clifford G5 with remote start, it is compatable with stick but must be installed by a dealer. If you want to do it yourself check this out, Peripheral NSS , this will do the same thing that the clifford does. With the clifford while the car is running, take it out of gear, set the ebrake, hit the remote start button, take the keys out(the car stays running), once everyone gets out and you close all doors, hit the lock button and the remote start will shut the car off, it is now ready to remote start. It will only remote start if the alarm did not go off while you were away and as long as you hit the start button before you unlock or open the doors. I had the G4 on my BMW 325i 5sp. I hope this helps
Steve

greaper007 · 10-06-2003, 07:27 PM

whats the best car alarm on the market?

cproaudio · 10-07-2003, 12:41 AM

There is no "best car alarm on the market" It's whats the best car alarm on the market for your need. I have Clifford AvantGuard4. To me, it's an OK alarm. I only said OK b/c it's the only brand on the market that can interface with my Window based PC. It is the best alarm for what I need. Best alarm as far as reliablity, compatibility and service would most likely be DEI alarms They rarely fail but if they do they have life time warranty. DEI offer the best installation trainnings for their installers. DEI offer the most techtips for their installers. DEI offer the most add on components for new cars to make the alarm operational: GM, Chrysler OBD-II door lock interface, immobolizer integration modules for remote starts. Clifford is also good but G5 is even better b/c it's totally DEI while maintainning the original Clifford operation. Clifford G2 and G4 shock sensors are the most sensitive shock sensors on the market. Set that sucker to max and you can barely flick the car and it goes off. It all depends on what your needs are.

Blue ZX3 · 10-16-2005, 08:10 PM

This is a good thread as I too was looking for a new alarm w/RS. And remembering about reading something about cliffs and a pc...(cproaudio's)

I have looked around and would like something with a 2way remote. I have looked at the Clifford Matrix RS3, and it looks like it has a lot to it but really wish that their site had a little more detail to some of the abilites.

Like, what kinda range does the remote have, it doesn't say?

Mine too is Manual...

bruha · 10-16-2005, 08:22 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Suprapc

I saw a remote start before that was designed to work with 5 speed cars basically you left the car running (via the remote start like a turbo timer) then you either let it run for a predetermined tim after you LOCKED the doors or hit the stop button after you locked the doors. It would then only allow you to start it before unlocking the doors. A much better way would be to build a switch to determine if you are in gear or not. Then you could always just do like me an be carefully. However I let my car cool down via turbo timer so I shouldn't ever be leaving it in gear. But still when I loan my car out I always keep the remote for safety.

The CompuStar alarm does this (www.compustar.org); it shuts the car off after you get out and shut the door. It is designed to work with manual transmissions.