Thoughts on a remote start

[skeeter72]

So I've been tossing around the idea of getting a remote start for my 7.3 idit. Reason for thinking of getting one is just pure laziness. But it would be nice to have at work so I could press a button when I know I'm 5-10 mins from leaving to let the truck to get to temp. I know the biggest issue is letting the gp's run their cycle but also not stay on too long. So this is my thought: most remote starts have a delay function; why not tie a switch into the "wait to start light" on the dash. So basically you hit the start button on the key fab and that tells the truck to turn to the first key position, but once the wait to start light goes off that flips the switch for the remote start to start the truck. Not 100% sure on the execution of the idea, just an idea. Thoughts?


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[pickupman]

Sounds like more trouble than it's worth. If you do decide to do it and get it working, make sure to post a write-up on how you did it, because I'd be willing to bet you're not the only one who's thought of doing that.

 

[kc0stp]

They make remote starts designed for diesels that have that built in (basically a programmable delay, turns key to on position, waits preset time then attempts to start and will repeat if it doesn't start)

 

[skeeter72]

That's why I want to move the delay from a time delay to a "actually ready to start" delay. The time delay seems like a hit or miss for me IMHO. Basically you have to guess how long it's going to take your gps to heat up. If it is really cold out they are going to take longer versus it bring warm out. If is warm out and you let your gps run longer than needed it seems like a quick way to burn them out. This is all hypothetical right now, but I will defiantly post a thread if I decided to do it. Just trying to pitch an idea to see the best and worst case scenarios that yal can think up.


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[79jasper]

KcstOp is correct.
I just bought one. It's installed, just need to program it. (After I fix my starter OH)

It can be programmed to start at a set time, if temps drop below a certain point, or every few hours.
Has a LCD remote. Built in turbo timer, alarm, temp display, pit stop feature. A lot of goodies.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EVARDU/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_1YeKsb1XR7N2Q

Sells on their website for $2xx something IIRC.

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[kc0stp]

Even if the remote start waits the 15seconds it takes for the wait to start light to go out when its single digits out they'll still turn off when there supposed to in warmer weather, just means the truck will sit for a few seconds between the light going out and it starting.

 

[ifrythings]

Almost all remote starts (guaranteed the odd exception) will have a glow plug input which will make the unit wait till the glow plug light goes off before trying to start, then you can also usually set the crank time duration, and if you don't have a tach (used for the unit to know the engine has started) theres voltage detection (alternator outputting means engine is turning way faster then cranking speed) Only problem I find with setting it to delay is that some units its 30 seconds... sucks when its already warm and the plugs turn off after 5 seconds and it still waits

Whatever you do, make sure you solder the heavy gauge wires, don't use ANY! quick connectors as I have seen more then enough melted from "professional" installs.

P.S the12volt.com/ has all the wiring info you need.

My only thing is how do you get it to kick on high idle? and/or how important is it if you don't? I know theres solenoids that can do it (did a bmw that needed that on the throttle cable to make the alt kick in)

But generally remote starts are easy to do and have many options including door locks, power windows, alarms, ect...
Also I like the 2-way remote starts as they will tell you if you vehicle has or hasn't started.

Just my .05c

 

[f-two-fiddy]

Make sure that if you buy a remote starts system, you get the best available. Made by DEI http://www.directed.com/Brands/

I just bought a Avital 5303L for the wife's Outback. It does have the WTS function. An additional relay would be used, along with 2 ign inputs.

 

[PackRat239]

I don't think diesels make enough heat at idle to make this worthwhile? Thats why they have a block heater.

 

[kc0stp]

They make plenty of heat at idle, the block heater is for when its single digits or lower as the glow plugs wont be enough to start it.

 

[franklin2]

I don't think diesels make enough heat at idle to make this worthwhile? Thats why they have a block heater.

Yep, the sweet setup I saw on one of those TV shows that come on Saturdays, was a little furnace you install under the hood. It fired on diesel(you had to run a separate fuel line to supply it) and it had it's own water pump to circulate coolant through the engine and the cab. Somehow it was also connected to the defrost control, so when you went out, besides the engine be warm and ready to fire off, the cab was warm and the windshield defrosted.

 

[f-two-fiddy]

Here ya go. Bolt one of these on> http://www.trucktrailer.carrier.com... TruckTrailer/Files/Products/APU/62-11099.pdf


Or maybe this> http://www.webasto.com/fileadmin/we.../car/brochure/car-parking-heater-brochure.pdf

 

[kc0stp]

Have fun with the webasto, theres a reason on the commercial equipment we normally just take them off or disable them, block heater is just as effective for cold starts and a lot less headache.

 

[yARIC008]

I've got a remote start, but ever since I switched over to manual glow plugs I haven't really used it. I got one that wasn't probably the highest quality. It has a ton of features but when the remote breaks you can't get a new remote, both of my remotes don't really work anymore... Locks and unlocks the doors now is about it.

I think the safest bet would be the viper alarm system. It has a ton of features including GPS tracking and what not and the company has been around forever and likely will have spare parts around forever too.

 

[skeeter72]

Thanks for the input guys. I'm mainly interested in the remote start so I can start the truck to help get the engine to operating temp before hitting the highway. I could care less if the cab is cold. But all of you have brought up some interesting ideas thanks.


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