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Have i already asked about this?
Cant remember.
I absolutely hate being cold. I tend to drive short journeys to work so my heaters never get hot. It really depresses me to the point i don't want to get out of bed and go to work.
So, i was thinking about remote start ;D
I want to fit a cheap alarm anyway, just something basic that will go off when the doors opened should do.
Ive found some with the remote start option and also the option to fit another control to add total closure on the leccy windows (when there fitted) and remote central locking.
So, all sounds good to me, pretty simple BUT, ive never had remote start before. I know how it works, how long it cranks, what happens if it doesnt start/stalls/gets broken ito etc, but is there anything I'm not seeing?
Any downsides to remote start? I have never had it so i dunno, but the though of being able to start the car 10 mins before i have to leave really appeals (isnert snug, warm smilie).
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I bought a cheap-ish alarm from ebay with remote start function. I wasnt bothered about this function, I just wanted the alarm features, but thought I would wire it up anyway. The instructions were vague to say the least, and after I finally got clarification from their premium rate helpline, I was good to go. All wired in correctly, I stood back, pressed the button and watched the wiring start to smoke.
I disconnected it after that.
don't buy cheap.
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1986 Panda 4x4. 1990 Metro Sport. 1999 Ford Escort estate.
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The biggest thing you're missing is that it's illegal to leave a car running unattended. Obviously if this is on a private driveway you should be OK, but if on a road then you could (slim chance, but it still might happen) find yourself in some kinda trouble.
This is one of the reasons that turbo timers are not used in this country (well, some use them but they shouldn't, strictly speaking)
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didnt know that, thanks for the warning.
It wont effect my decision though ;D
Davem any ideas why it went up? Did they supply too thin a guage of wire?
I'm not overly fussed about the cheapness to be honest. All alarms 'should' be cheap. Its only some wire, resistors, capacitors and a bit of silicone.
They cant skimp on quality unless it either just doesnt work, or the wiring is rubish. Ill probably use my own, thicker wire anyway.
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Was getting all excited about that untill i realised you have to plug it in!
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lizardking
Part of things
'zon the revelator
Posts: 502
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VW don't forget to keep a clothes peg to keep the choke on if you're gonna use remote start on an old motor :-)
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I'M SO RETRO , I SH1T SPANGLES
'68 Amazon,97 x300 jaaaaaaag,96 Mx-5,86 1300 mg Trike
L300 Delica ex MM
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jetta gti I wouldnt even consider it on a carbed engine. So, apart from system quality and legality, any otehr issues? Apparantly it cuts the engine if the car is broken into.
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kee
Posted a lot
Posts: 4,990
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an extra 10 mins idling every morning will cost you a bleeding fortune in fuel ;D
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IDY
Part of things
Posts: 893
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I absolutely hate being cold. I tend to drive short journeys to work so my heaters never get hot. I found installing heated seats solved this for me has the advantage of not using fuel idling and no questions over legality - really need to sort out some for the current daily now I am back to less than 5 miles to work
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I will get round to finishing it at some point
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The biggest thing you're missing is that it's illegal to leave a car running unattended. Obviously if this is on a private driveway you should be OK, but if on a road then you could (slim chance, but it still might happen) find yourself in some kinda trouble. This is one of the reasons that turbo timers are not used in this country (well, some use them but they shouldn't, strictly speaking) I think.... 1. It's illegal (unless it's on private land) 2. "Hello, insurance? I left my car running on the drive way while I had breakfast/shower and it's not there anymore. How do I claim for a new one?" Any ideas what their reply will be 3. Remember not to leave it parked in gear ;D I have seen threads on Police forums about what they can give you a ticket for if you leave the engine running Maybe just buy a warm winter jacket and thick fluffy socks
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Stiff
Posted a lot
'kin 'ell
Posts: 3,013
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A buddy of mine had one of these on his Impreza but it was either Toad or Clifford (think it was the latter) and had lots other features with it. It did work well and he had no problems whatsoever. He used to start the car from inside the pub so the engine was warmed up ready for a blat whereas the rest of us had to take it easy till the engine warmed a bit. The insurance people do not like it at all but as mentioned, it cuts out if broken into and obviously with no keys in the ignition, it's no easier to take. It's a similar case with a turbo timer. You set it to run for one minute (or whatever you choose) then you jump out and lock the doors. If someone waits for you to go out of view, then breaks in, it will probably have cut out by then.
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Its getting heated seats too!
As for the insurance, I'm not sure that would be an issue. The car may be running, but the alarm is still active. If the alarm is triggered then the ignition cuts and its in exactly the same state as if it had never been started.
Ok, so a running car may attract theives, but it wont help them.
Cant see many car theives opperating at 7.30 am on a winters weekday morning anyway.
The legal issue is interesting. As the car will cut out if the door is opened then i don't see the problem. Unless they are concerned about it jumping into gear?
Not leaving it in gear would be a necesary habit ;D. I do tend to leave it in gear sometimes, i'd have to get that sorted. I was thinking of leaving it out of gear with the blower on full, get the car nice and warm.
Extra fuel usage may be an issue, doesnt seem to use much at idle though, i'd have to see how that works out. 50p in petrol is a small price for a warm car in the morning though.
I want the alarm anyway so maybe ill just give it a go and see how i get on, i can always dissable the remote start later. I do have nagging doubts but I'm not sure why, hence the thread.
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A buddy of mine had one of these on his Impreza but it was either Toad or Clifford (think it was the latter) and had lots other features with it. It did work well and he had no problems whatsoever. He used to start the car from inside the pub so the engine was warmed up ready for a blat whereas the rest of us had to take it easy till the engine warmed a bit. The insurance people do not like it at all but as mentioned, it cuts out if broken into and obviously with no keys in the ignition, it's no easier to take. It's a similar case with a turbo timer. You set it to run for one minute (or whatever you choose) then you jump out and lock the doors. If someone waits for you to go out of view, then breaks in, it will probably have cut out by then. Just saw this, glad to hear it all works fine for him. Maybe the fact i have a disclock (the insurance don't know this yet) will offset the 'remote start issue' for them. Especialy as it would now be alarmed and imobilized too which it isnt now.
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will
Posted a lot
Posts: 4,023
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Mate had this on a corsa, lent it to his bro who left in it gear walking down the path the next morn pal hits the button and corsa hits the neighbors merc Love the idea of remote start but just could not trust myself, living on a hill for the last 10 years has got me in the habit of leaving cars in gear. Still thats me, if you want it - do it. No scrapping ice of windows is very very tempting.
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If it's a function of the alarm you're buying anyway, then I'd go ahead and wire it in. I wouldn't feel safe with it on my fob though.. For the corsa munting into a merc reason mentioned above... My winter technique is as follows 1, switch on kettle 2, nip outside and start car, heaters and blowers on full 3, have a swift cup of coffee 4, get in warm clear car and drive away
It's not *that* much of a hardship to go outside to start it is it?
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...proper medallion man chest wig motoring.
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diff
South East
Posts: 1,167
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A lot of the new alarms have a process for remote start that starts with stopping the car . On mine you have to have to pull up , put the handbrake on and arm the the alarm with the car still running and when you get out and then shut the door engine stops and locks the doors. Then when you do the remote start you are the 100% that its not in gear. Mine turns engine on starter in 5 second pulses untill the car electrical voltage reaches 13.5 volts ( alternator has output ).
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the police have similar device fitted to accident support vehicles (ie 4x4's large vans etc) that allows them to run with the keys removed to power things like flood lights etc, but when it comes to persecution ooops meen prosecution it will be do as i say, not as i do. the relay that works it is avl from a website that supplys recovery & emergency vehicle equipment , if you cantact fred transit she has the site details.
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theres more to life than mpg & to much power is just enough.
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^^ yes i was just going to comment that they do this but we cant. they always leave them cop cars and meat waggons running like this around my place, always tempted to turn them off.
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Make sure you take it out of gear the evening before
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