Most newer vehicles have a factory anti-theft system (not to be confused with a proper security system) in them. Sometimes these are referred to as “Chip Keys” or Transponder Keys. In order for a remote starter to start the car, an Interface Module or “By-Pass” is used so that when the Remote Start is activated the system will allow the vehicle to start. The important part is to ensure that the device used does not totally disable your vehicles anti-theft system! Interface Modules are also increasingly required to work with newer vehicles computers and start sequences, beyond the basic Power and Start wiring that was needed 30 years ago when we started doing remote car starters!

Installation time can vary greatly from vehicle to vehicle. We do ask that you make arrangements to leave the vehicle with us for the entire day. If the “guy down the street” says he can do it in 30 minutes we can’t speak for him but we do solder every connection and do thorough testing after installation to be sure you have years of trouble free service.

In brief – NO. This is probably the biggest remote car starter question clients have and the one with the most misunderstanding and misinformation around it. The simple answer is that having a Remote Car Starter will not void your warranty. The Consumer Protection Act is in place to allow you to have devices like remote starters installed in your vehicle. You should ensure that the quality of equipment you choose and the quality of installation is such that warranty concerns do not come into play. The best method is to select a reputable remote start system manufacturer and have it installed by a professional authorized dealer for that product. They have been trained to work with those systems and a quality manufacturer will support both you and the installing dealer (us) in the event there are any concerns or obstacles to overcome. In fact many dealers will use the same products and often have a specialist like ourselves install remote starters in vehicles at the time of purchase when they were not factory installed in the vehicle!

The easiest way to describe a 1-way system is that it functions the same as a factory remote but with much greater range. When you press a button the remote starter will execute the command and the vehicle will respond with parking light flashes. A 2-way system does the same but it also sends a signal back to the remote to notify you that the command has been executed. Notification is done by LEDs and a series of audible beeps on a 2-way LED system or by the LCD screen and audible beeps on a 2-way LCD system. 2-way systems generally have a greater range and are typically more desirable since you do not have to be within eyesight of the vehicle to know that the command has been executed.