Remote start, advice

[Sno bored]

I posted in Chat last week, but got no replies because it wasn't TUT or political related. I am planning on getting a remote start for my 1997 cruiser now that winter is here. I already have the RS 3000 for an alarm and remote locks, so I am planning on just getting a basic model. I have been looking at some of the Bulldog products and may get one of them. Has anyone used Bulldog or other products? How do you like them? Did you install it yourself or have it installed? I'm hoping my fellow 80 owners can help me out here. Thanks

 

[speedracer]

No help on this topic yet as I am planning on installing on my 94 LC.

On a 91 LC Diesel it's so far a nightmare. The oem security system keeps wanting to trigger back, the door won't unlock unless ignition is running ....
(compustar 2way FM)

 

[wfd175]

I had mine installed. I purchased a kit a few years ago and basically said to myself there is no way in hell I can find these wires to do this install. Mine was installed by local shop for 169.99 for everything. It only took them about 2 hours, they did have difficulty with the unlock in park feature of the Landcruiser. I took it back and it is working correctly, just like factory with a 200 yard range.

 

[IBCRUSN]

I have a Design Tech Ready Remote installed in my '94. Have it hooked up to work the door locks as well. I picked up two on eBay for ~$70 each maybe less (its been two years) and installed the other in the wifes Mazda (PITA). Other than the issues particular to the Mazda I have used this brand on three of my vehicles with no complaints. It took a few hours to install at a casual pace.

Design Tech Int'l Ready Remote Model 23927
www.designtech-intl.com

 

[woody]

I have the Bulldog, installed it myself....it wasn't fun, but doable....never did to the "lights on when started" deal, but the balance works just dandy....

 

[eldgenb]

Ok, here is my experience on the matter, The store that I used was "champion Toyota" in texas. The gulf states cruisers came with an audiovox alarm and remote start instead of the 300 series alarm. I had the alarm part in mine when I shipped it up already. I ordered the factory remote start setup and it could not have been any easier, the whole system is pretty much plug and play. It has all of the factory plugs on it so you install it inline with the ignition and it uses a remote that is part of the key itself so dont forget to order the keys with it. They will cut them based on your vin if you like. I also posted a thread a while ago that explains how to program the alarm and keys with all the opions. This by far is the cheapest way if you are willing to install it yourself. Complete with shock sensor and all.

 

[Long Duck Dong]

I thought I should put in my .02 Cents on this thread....as it just might help..

I wouldnt put a Bulldog anything in my worst enemy's vehicle and allow Ray Charles to do the install.

Although some people may have had good experiences with Bulldog products as a car audio retail store owner they are nothing but junk in a box typically sold at Wal Mart or your local O'Reily's Auto Parts. Bulldog has a high rate a failure with 6 out of 10 units sold that go bad. Imagine how pissed you'd be spending all the time to install the unit yourself only to result in a unit that works 40% of the time, or is a defective unit out of the box.

IMHO I would spend decent money on a product that can be serviced anywhere by any car audio facility....Most car audio stores (including mine) will not touch a Bulldog unit. I wont install them, wont work on them, wont help you figure out why it does not work....etc...

My advise is buy a DEI manufactured product....DEI makes Viper, Hornet, Sidewinder, Valet, Code Alarm, Clifford, & Avital units. I would reccomend the Valet units as they are less pricey... They come with a lifetime warranty on the units and a lifetime warranty on the install if installed by an authorized DEI Dealer. If you find yourself in another city or out on a road trip and the unit give you trouble any authorized dealer will service your vehicle free of charge. You can also have the DEI Remote start programmed to your factory keyless unit (key fob) to engage the remote start from your factory remote...

If you spend good money on your truck why get cheap on a remote start?

 

[Erratic]

Long dong is right on for the most part. Except for a couple details. All dei is good product and easily serviced all over. However, free service wherever you go doesn't happen. The product, yes. But any shop will charge you labor to diagnose and remove/reinstall product. Also, code alarm is not DEI. It's audiovox and is not great. Not terrible, but not great. Bulldog sucks. I've had customers BEG me to install the bulldog they got when Bradlees went out of business that came back to me a month later and paid me to remove it and install a DEI. The install is easy if you get a tech sheet like the installers have. Anyone can install a car starter if you can follow directions. Just dont use t-taps or scotch locks or the like. Solder everything so you don't have to worry about wires falling off and shorting out. Whatever you do, get a remote starter. They're the balls!

 

[Long Duck Dong]

Also, code alarm is not DEI. It's audiovox and is not great.

I stand corrected, Erratic is right.....slight oversight on my part....

As far as charging for diagnosis....I know I dont on any DEI product no matter what shop installed it.....

maybe I should start....lol

 

[Erratic]

You probably should. Everyone else does. And with DEI, 9 times out of 10 its not the product that's at fault. It's the hack that "installed" it just doing sub standard work.

 

[Sno bored]

Thanks for the advice, I won't be getting a Bulldog now. I will probibly get it installed, I don't want to be the hack that screws up the install. I did install my stereo and speakers, but if I screwed that up it just means no music. If I screw up the starter install it means no start, very bad. LDD thanks for the PM, I'll give you a call.

 

[DTAYLOR]

For what it's worth...

I've seen a lot of these put on in the mini-truck / lowrider world. Everyone there advises against the Bulldog. The most popular seems to be the Direct Electronics, Inc. (DEI) brands. Viper, Sidewinder, etc.

 

[Ivan80]

I self installed a Valet 554R a couple of years ago, and erratic is spot-on, a good unit is in fact 'the balls'. I can start mine from deep inside a shopping mall or bar, with the truck out at the end of the parking lot, and it works every time. A 2 way remote also lets you know that it has started. You don't have to guess, or look out to see if the lights are flashing.

Listen to the professionals like LDD and erratic and get a good one, and install it right (or have the right shop do it).

Having a remote starter isn't worth anything if it has spotty reliability and crappy range. And you certainly don't want to end up with a 5600lb paper-weight.