remote starter for 03 Suburban, any ideas?

This forum is dedicated to helping people with questions about installing radio equipment in vehicles. This can include antenna installs, electrical wiring questions/problems, and mounting systems. Pictures of installs are welcome.

Note: Discussions regarding lighting, sirens, and other equipment now has its own forum in the 'off-topic' section below.

Moderator: Queue Moderator

Post Reply
User avatar
apco25
Posts: 2685
Joined: Tue Oct 30, 2001 4:00 pm
What radios do you own?: APX / Astro 25 / Harris

remote starter for 03 Suburban, any ideas?

Post by apco25 »

Anyone know of a company making a remote starter unit that does require hacking into the stock wiring?

All the remote start units I've seen are basically hack jobs when it comes to interfacing into the stock wiring harnesses.

Now of course I can do a better job at it but I can't believe there isn't some sort of plug in harness available.
"Some men just don't know their limitations"
User avatar
FMROB
Posts: 1002
Joined: Sun Jan 12, 2003 2:28 pm

Post by FMROB »

I believe that that http://www.crutchfield.com/ used to have plug and play harnesses for their alarm systems that they sold. They gave you connection points like ignition, constant, horn, parking lights, etc. You still have to tap into the tach wire, door locks, and some other points.

Don't know if they still have em, you may want to call them. Rob
GMC
Posts: 150
Joined: Sun Sep 09, 2001 4:00 pm

Post by GMC »

Hi,

There is a company called Bulldog Security http://www.bulldogsecurity.com/
They make something they call T harnesses and are available for most vehicles.


Gary
User avatar
jim
Posts: 2184
Joined: Sun Sep 09, 2001 4:00 pm

Post by jim »

You are going to cut into the OEM wiring no matter what you do. This isn't a simple 5 wire install!

I just did an 03 Yukon for a buddy and between the remote starter, door locks, Passkey II & OEM security bypass, heated seats and rear defog activate, I had about 7.5 hours in it.

As for a good unit, use the Audiovox/Prestige systems. Bulldog and many other have too many 'quirks' and problems. In fact, get a low battery once with a Bulldog and you'll be reprogramming the entire system! Audiovox has worked flawless for us for years without one issue.
User avatar
apco25
Posts: 2685
Joined: Tue Oct 30, 2001 4:00 pm
What radios do you own?: APX / Astro 25 / Harris

Post by apco25 »

All I really need is remote start - I don't see a need to go messing around with the HVAC, windows and other crap.

I'll look into it. I helped a buddy put in a remote start a GM car recently and it wasn't a fun experience.
"Some men just don't know their limitations"
User avatar
jim
Posts: 2184
Joined: Sun Sep 09, 2001 4:00 pm

Post by jim »

You'll need at least the 4 ignition leads, Passkey II bypass and if you have the OEM alarm, you'll need to bypass that system on startup.

PM me if you need more info
2wayguy
Batboard $upporter
Posts: 193
Joined: Sat Dec 22, 2001 4:00 pm

starter

Post by 2wayguy »

Ditto on what Jim said, I use Audiovox/Prestige exclusively and have had NO problems. In fact I am replacing two Code Alarm units this week that someone had put in elsewhere. Both are 18 months old and don't work worth a :o now....
User avatar
commtek
Batboard $upporter
Posts: 176
Joined: Thu May 08, 2003 6:14 pm

Post by commtek »

Ditto what Jim and 2wayguy said!! More time into these installs than you think to do it right.
firemed9
NOT ALLOWED TO BUY/SELL/TRADE
Posts: 181
Joined: Sat Dec 29, 2001 4:00 pm
What radios do you own?: Motorola, Kenwood, Icom

Post by firemed9 »

since we are on the topic of car starters, how hard would it be to install one on a 2001 Chevy Impala?????
Higgy
Lieutenant, FF/EMT-Paramedic
Protective Services Officer


"Train as if your life depends on it, because it does."

No Trespassing. Violators will be shot. Survivors will be shot again
User avatar
Aces-Warehouse
Posts: 168
Joined: Fri Jan 23, 2004 10:27 pm

Post by Aces-Warehouse »

Unless any of the systems come with the car, you will have to splice into the wiring harness comming off the steering column. I have found that wire taps limit the amout of cutting to the wires, but are not as secure as wire crimps and solder. The choice is yours. Remember you get the results of the work you do. I use a multi-meter to check the wires functions if I can not get a wiring diagram specific to the vehicle and even if I do, I double check. As I would not like for it to crank and still keep trying to crank and burn out the starter.

Remember if you ever take the car for service that involves under the hood work, either disconnect the power to the remote starter or WARN the tech that there is one installed, also put the warning stickers under the hood that is provided with the system. I wouldn't like to be working on a vehicle without warning labels or safty switched and have it short and crank on my hand.

Remember to read the manuals throughly, There are many features you need to be aware about, like auto-cranking on timers and even door, break, and out of parking gear safty switch/sensors.

ALWAYS CONNECT EITHER THE TACH SENSOR OR SPARK SENSOR!!!! ALWAYS CONNECT AN OPEN HOOD SENSOR!!! Trust me on this. I installed car alarms and such for 4 years.

Ace
HCFD 525
User avatar
apco25
Posts: 2685
Joined: Tue Oct 30, 2001 4:00 pm
What radios do you own?: APX / Astro 25 / Harris

Post by apco25 »

I do not doubt my abilities. You've all seen what I can do on an install with my truck especially when it comes to wiring and or custom parts.

I just do not understand why all of these aftermarket remote starter units have to be such hack jobs.

None of them seem to be built to any level of quality that justifies attacking the stock wiring. The crimp wire taps? UHG! what a mess those are.

I'll look into the prestige/audiovox units and see what I can find out.

i would not dream of installing something without posting the proper warning labels or using the sensors provided.

All I want the truck to do is start. Although I may consider a running lock-out system out of simplicity.
"Some men just don't know their limitations"
User avatar
007
Posts: 1546
Joined: Sat Nov 23, 2002 5:22 am
What radios do you own?: W7 FPP lowband MaraTrac w/AES

Post by 007 »

If you don't want to hack it up, do what I did in my Impala and put in an ignition bypass.

Go start the truck, flip the switch and take the keys....4 wires to install, make it a clean install into the harness (you'll have to hack a little bit...I could get at the whole harness b/c the Impy key is in the dash)
Do not make Sig angry...he'll just keep ringing the bell.
User avatar
apco25
Posts: 2685
Joined: Tue Oct 30, 2001 4:00 pm
What radios do you own?: APX / Astro 25 / Harris

Post by apco25 »

Jimmy,

Yep that was my other idea to use a by-pass and make life simple.

I'll figure something out.
"Some men just don't know their limitations"
User avatar
007
Posts: 1546
Joined: Sat Nov 23, 2002 5:22 am
What radios do you own?: W7 FPP lowband MaraTrac w/AES

Post by 007 »

Look here:

http://bulldogsecurity.com/New%20Wires/ ... vsub03.htm

Splice the red and red/white 12v constant hot wires to pin 30 on four 30A relays, then splice the pink, white, orange and brown wires to pin 87 on the relays. Power the coils from a switch on your switch panel. If you end up with a SS2000, when you activate the bypass then turn off the button it fails safe and everything loses power (the SS2000 turns on with the ignition, so when the ignition turns off the bypass goes bye-bye too...)

The starter won't engage anyway when it's running anyway, and the park/brake/shift interlock won't let it shift out of park without the key in the ignition.

Not a hard project...
Do not make Sig angry...he'll just keep ringing the bell.
Post Reply

Return to “Vehicle Radio Installs”