I am thinking about installing a remote starter on the jimmy. I would like to do all the research before I even think about doing this to make sure its what I want.
So I have a few questions, What would be a good brand, I do not need an alarm, I just want a remote starter, nothing more.
How hard is something like this to install on a first gen. I tried google and could not find really anything, besides for second gens.
And, what is a good brand that I could look at for this. and, if this is installed, Could there be any problems down the road...? what I gather from the remote start, all it pretty much does is engage the starter to start the engine, then once you are in the truck, you put the key in, and turn it to the run position and you are good to go. Once done, turn the key off like you normally would. Thanks

oh, and there is already factory keyless entry, so I do not need that option on the remote, a lot that I am finding have that, I am looking at just one button, to start the truck.

 

I'm partial to Directed Electronics products (DEI, Viper, Clifford, etc). I also had good experience with Compustar. When I was installing professionally I liked installing those the best, but it has been 5 years now since I've done them other than for myself.

http://www.the12volt.com/ has great info about anything electronic for vehicles.

 

I have heard good things about those brands, from what I am reading, if you have knowledge about cars, they should be pretty straight forward to install.
and since I just want the remote start, I wont have any problems with my factory keyless entry, correct?

also, since you did this before, is there any known problems that these could cause in the long run, like if the remote start module decides to quit working, will the truck still start... basically, will I ever run into problems with the truck starting?

 

Regarding the keyless entry, I'd have the remote start control that rather than the factory keyfob. It's really easy to tie into the factory wiring to do it. For the rest, the main suggestion I would make is solder and tape all your connections. I've seen and fixed serious problems caused by the quick crimp connections. It's highly unlikely that a good quality remote starter will quit on you, and if they do the reputable ones offer a lifetime warranty on parts.

 

I think I had a Viper installed in mine for around $200 maybe 5 years ago now (wow...it's been awhile..) and it's worked like a charm the whole time. My only issue with it is that the installer tore off a piece of soft plastic on the inside of the footwell which caused water leakage problems... That took awhile to diagnose and repair. Other than that, the starter itself and the remote lock/unlock features are working just nicely. The installer even hooked up the trunk button to open up the rear window. I would suggest just closely looking over the installer's work if you opt to have someone do it for you. A wet floor is not a pleasant surprise in the morning..

 

I will never let another person work on my truck, LOL
if i do this, I will be doing it on my own. I am not really wanting to get one that will unlock my doors, I would like to keep the factory keyless entry. so It seems simple enough to just get a remote start, and install it. I appreciate all the responses. I will keep you updated on when/ if I decide to do this, I am still up in the air, maybe if it warms up, or in the spring.

 

Are you sure you want another fob hanging off your keychain? One more fob makes it that much easier to accidentally turn on your truck or unlock it or something. I don't know anything about the install, but if El_Beautor is an installer of these things, I would trust his opinion. If it's really easy to just tie a new remote into your system it's probably worth doing so. At the very least, it gives you a new remote with a fresh battery that will last longer than your old one. Maybe you could even sell your old one?
And, food for thought, having someone else install it can you give a warranty on their work which can be very helpful. I know you want to do your own work, but really think about that.

 

I have never had the doors ever accidentally unlock or lock on me with any keyfob on any car I have driven, so that is not really concern.
As for installing it on my own. I have plenty of electrical knowledge to do it on my own, I appreciate the food for knowledge though.
As for a new fob, the batteries are a year old in this one, it is original to the truck, and i am being weird about this truck, if something is interesting to me that I have not seen too often, i like to keep it how it is... IE, the oem keyless entry. with the OEM fob.


but thanks for the info guys, I have found out the info I was looking for, that it wont mess with anything in the future, and which brands are the best. When I get around to doing this, I will let you know how it goes.

 

yea i 2nd the dei stuff they are top notch products. there not that hard to install just have to put in a relay and a few wires and your off and going..