Frequently asked questions regarding remote start systems.
Here are some of the most common questions I get asked.
Feel welcome to comment or contact me if you have any questions that are not covered here and I’ll do my best to respond.
Please remember that I’m in New Zealand so keep it relevant. If you have a technical issue and you’re not local take it up with your local installer.
The full range of remote start systems I deal with can be found here.
If there are any remote start FAQ’s not explained here then feel welcome to contact me
Can my vehicle be stolen/driven off whilst running under remote start?
No, it can not be driven off without turning the ignition to the on position with the key and then pressing the brake pedal.
Without doing this the engine will stop if the brake pedal is pressed (handbrake dropped on manual transmission vehicles) or if the alarm is triggering (assuming you have it armed). The steering lock will also remain on.
What is a by-pass, or interface module?
Most modern vehicles come with a factory installed transponder immobiliser. This prevents the vehicle from being started without the chipped key.
If you have a plain metal key that starts the car then you don’t need one. If however, your car has a transponder key then your remote start system will require an interface module (where available) for your specific vehicle which allows the car to start without the chipped key.
If no interface module is available then a by-pass module will be needed. This requires you to give up a key which will be placed inside the bypass module.
How does a By-pass module work?
Method One:
A transponder chip key is placed inside the bypass module. The bypass module allows the vehicle to read it’s hidden transponder chip when a genuine remote start activation happens. At all other times the vehicle does not see the hidden transponder chip and requires a genuine chipped key to start the engine.
It is recommended to have at least 3 keys for the vehicle if using this method. Two for normal use and one for the bypass module. It is important that the bypass module is well hidden so that the factory security is not easy to compromise. Technically only the chip part of the key is needed.
Method Two:
A digital by-pass module is used to send a code to the vehicle immobiliser which emulates the factory transponder key.
Is a remote start system safe to use with a manual transmission?
Yes, and it’s safe. This post explains how it works…
Can a remote start work with diesel engines?
Yes, the remote start can be programmed to delay cranking after the ignition is turned on in order to allow the glow plugs to warm up.
How long does a remote start take to install?
I’ll need your vehicle for a whole day (possibly overnight), it’s one of the few jobs that I don’t offer a mobile installation on due to the time involved so I will also require you to drop it off with me. I’m happy to drop you off and collect you before and after the job.
