Re: Remote starters

[jtrealty@xxxx]

The reason remote starters work better on automatics is that they have 
a neutral start switch so that you cannot engage the starter unless 
the car is either in Park or Neutral. Although it is not as safe to do 
it on a 5-speed any mechanic should be able to wire it in to work. You 
are correct that it could be inadvertantly started in gear if when 
shut off it is placed into gear. Generally most manuals when shut 
down, unless on a steep hill, are left in neutral with the parking 
brake, AKA the emergency brake, left on. If the parking brake is in 
good condition it should prevent the car from starting. In general I 
do not like remote starters, they can't monitor an overheat or low oil 
pressure and if not properly set up could kill the battery if the car 
doesn't start easily. It is also very easy to get distracted and 
forget your car is running till it runs out of gas! If your A/C is in 
good condition the car cools off quickly so you don't need to 
prestart. In some areas if the car is unattended you are not allowed 
to leave the motor running and even if you are in it it isn't to be 
left idling for more than 15 min. This is only enforced in high 
pollution areas like NYC and LA although I have heard of people being 
asked to shut down trucks in rest stops. To install a remote starter 
with an alarm can get complicated so have it done by someone with some 
experience with installing them. They can be very difficult to 
troubleshoot if there is a problem especially if the alarm has an 
engine kill feature. Make sure to keep all manuals and document the 
installation for future reference.
David Teitelbaum
vin 10757


--- In dmcnews@xxxx, "Jeff" <Gr8old1@xxxx> wrote:
> Greetings all.. I am now in the market for picking up my first D, I 
> am looking to get a stick, due to better driving experience vs. an 
> automatic. Trouble is, Many places it is illegal to have a remote 
> start on a standard shift because if you leave it in gear and try to 
> start it, it may start moving and could run over somebody. My 
> question is, has anyone come across a security system that has the 
> proper sensors to disengage the starter if left in gear? I really 
> would like to remote start the vehicle for A/C in the heat, and heat 
> in the winter, due to the obvious lack of full-size windows. Most 
> systems only work on an automatic.