Remote starters
 

I need one for my 2000 Cherokee. I hate getting into a cold car here in MN.

Best Buy have a couple to choose from for ~$150. This is supposed to cover
"basic installation". When pressed, their estimate for additional
installation costs was $250-300. Then I tried another branch and they said
$170. Ridiculous.

Does anyone have experience of installing these things? I can't believe it
is that difficult. I would describe myself as a semi-competent auto
electician - plenty of experience of fitting radios and alarm systems. Bit
nervous about touching wires related to the ignition, but if I had some good
instructions, then maybe.

Best Buy reckon the Jeep is a "nightmare" installation. Can anyone opine on
this?

TIA

Mat

Re: Remote starters
 

I don't have specific experience on Jeep products. I am a GM dealer tech,
and I can tell you that we remove a multitude of these things, for a variety
of problems. Foremost, they tap into the ignition circuits with scotch
locks and destroy the harness. Secondly, any security system that is
factory installed has to pass through this aftermarket black box to make the
car start, and the tiniest amount of voltage drop will cause the car to not
start at all. I strongly recommend against the installation of these
things. I live in New England, I know it is cold. Suck it up, go out and
start your car in the driveway, come back in and enjoy a cup of joe, and go
to your car in 15 minutes with the heat blowin.

Jerry


"Mat and Suzy" <watson5737REMOVE@mn.rr.com> wrote in message
news:3bgsb.24387$M02.8695@twister.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> I need one for my 2000 Cherokee. I hate getting into a cold car here in
MN.
>
> Best Buy have a couple to choose from for ~$150. This is supposed to
cover
> "basic installation". When pressed, their estimate for additional
> installation costs was $250-300. Then I tried another branch and they
said
> $170. Ridiculous.
>
> Does anyone have experience of installing these things? I can't believe
it
> is that difficult. I would describe myself as a semi-competent auto
> electician - plenty of experience of fitting radios and alarm systems.
Bit
> nervous about touching wires related to the ignition, but if I had some
good
> instructions, then maybe.
>
> Best Buy reckon the Jeep is a "nightmare" installation. Can anyone opine
on
> this?
>
> TIA
>
> Mat
>
>
>
>

Re: Remote starters
 

I don't have specific experience on Jeep products. I am a GM dealer tech,
and I can tell you that we remove a multitude of these things, for a variety
of problems. Foremost, they tap into the ignition circuits with scotch
locks and destroy the harness. Secondly, any security system that is
factory installed has to pass through this aftermarket black box to make the
car start, and the tiniest amount of voltage drop will cause the car to not
start at all. I strongly recommend against the installation of these
things. I live in New England, I know it is cold. Suck it up, go out and
start your car in the driveway, come back in and enjoy a cup of joe, and go
to your car in 15 minutes with the heat blowin.

Jerry


"Mat and Suzy" <watson5737REMOVE@mn.rr.com> wrote in message
news:3bgsb.24387$M02.8695@twister.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> I need one for my 2000 Cherokee. I hate getting into a cold car here in
MN.
>
> Best Buy have a couple to choose from for ~$150. This is supposed to
cover
> "basic installation". When pressed, their estimate for additional
> installation costs was $250-300. Then I tried another branch and they
said
> $170. Ridiculous.
>
> Does anyone have experience of installing these things? I can't believe
it
> is that difficult. I would describe myself as a semi-competent auto
> electician - plenty of experience of fitting radios and alarm systems.
Bit
> nervous about touching wires related to the ignition, but if I had some
good
> instructions, then maybe.
>
> Best Buy reckon the Jeep is a "nightmare" installation. Can anyone opine
on
> this?
>
> TIA
>
> Mat
>
>
>
>

Re: Remote starters
 

I don't have specific experience on Jeep products. I am a GM dealer tech,
and I can tell you that we remove a multitude of these things, for a variety
of problems. Foremost, they tap into the ignition circuits with scotch
locks and destroy the harness. Secondly, any security system that is
factory installed has to pass through this aftermarket black box to make the
car start, and the tiniest amount of voltage drop will cause the car to not
start at all. I strongly recommend against the installation of these
things. I live in New England, I know it is cold. Suck it up, go out and
start your car in the driveway, come back in and enjoy a cup of joe, and go
to your car in 15 minutes with the heat blowin.

Jerry


"Mat and Suzy" <watson5737REMOVE@mn.rr.com> wrote in message
news:3bgsb.24387$M02.8695@twister.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> I need one for my 2000 Cherokee. I hate getting into a cold car here in
MN.
>
> Best Buy have a couple to choose from for ~$150. This is supposed to
cover
> "basic installation". When pressed, their estimate for additional
> installation costs was $250-300. Then I tried another branch and they
said
> $170. Ridiculous.
>
> Does anyone have experience of installing these things? I can't believe
it
> is that difficult. I would describe myself as a semi-competent auto
> electician - plenty of experience of fitting radios and alarm systems.
Bit
> nervous about touching wires related to the ignition, but if I had some
good
> instructions, then maybe.
>
> Best Buy reckon the Jeep is a "nightmare" installation. Can anyone opine
on
> this?
>
> TIA
>
> Mat
>
>
>
>

Re: Remote starters
 

Mat and Suzy did pass the time by typing:
> I need one for my 2000 Cherokee. I hate getting into a cold car here in MN.
>
> Best Buy have a couple to choose from for ~$150. This is supposed to cover
> "basic installation". When pressed, their estimate for additional
> installation costs was $250-300. Then I tried another branch and they said
> $170. Ridiculous.
>
> Does anyone have experience of installing these things? I can't believe it
> is that difficult. I would describe myself as a semi-competent auto
> electician - plenty of experience of fitting radios and alarm systems. Bit
> nervous about touching wires related to the ignition, but if I had some good
> instructions, then maybe.

For 93 - 99 I could help, but they changed too much in the WJ (2000-)

I use a Clifford system (fairly expensive but includes rollup windows, remote
start, and alarm) The newer ones also feature feedback so the vehicle can
page you. Professional installation is highly recommended.

At any rate, a remote start will splice into the harness in several locations.
Any connections made to the start/run power leads need to be soldered or properly
crimped. Don't use the blue scotchlock/taps, they will not handle the power draw.

Your largest problem will be bypassing the vehicles built-in security system
and smart/passkey if you have it.

One thing to remember. When a licensed dealer installs the alarm you get the
full warrantee. With the Clifford the warrantee went from 5year to 30day if the
installer doesn't do the work.


--
-- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://members.cox.net/wilsond
HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks
Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors

Re: Remote starters
 

Mat and Suzy did pass the time by typing:
> I need one for my 2000 Cherokee. I hate getting into a cold car here in MN.
>
> Best Buy have a couple to choose from for ~$150. This is supposed to cover
> "basic installation". When pressed, their estimate for additional
> installation costs was $250-300. Then I tried another branch and they said
> $170. Ridiculous.
>
> Does anyone have experience of installing these things? I can't believe it
> is that difficult. I would describe myself as a semi-competent auto
> electician - plenty of experience of fitting radios and alarm systems. Bit
> nervous about touching wires related to the ignition, but if I had some good
> instructions, then maybe.

For 93 - 99 I could help, but they changed too much in the WJ (2000-)

I use a Clifford system (fairly expensive but includes rollup windows, remote
start, and alarm) The newer ones also feature feedback so the vehicle can
page you. Professional installation is highly recommended.

At any rate, a remote start will splice into the harness in several locations.
Any connections made to the start/run power leads need to be soldered or properly
crimped. Don't use the blue scotchlock/taps, they will not handle the power draw.

Your largest problem will be bypassing the vehicles built-in security system
and smart/passkey if you have it.

One thing to remember. When a licensed dealer installs the alarm you get the
full warrantee. With the Clifford the warrantee went from 5year to 30day if the
installer doesn't do the work.


--
-- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://members.cox.net/wilsond
HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks
Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors

Re: Remote starters
 

Mat and Suzy did pass the time by typing:
> I need one for my 2000 Cherokee. I hate getting into a cold car here in MN.
>
> Best Buy have a couple to choose from for ~$150. This is supposed to cover
> "basic installation". When pressed, their estimate for additional
> installation costs was $250-300. Then I tried another branch and they said
> $170. Ridiculous.
>
> Does anyone have experience of installing these things? I can't believe it
> is that difficult. I would describe myself as a semi-competent auto
> electician - plenty of experience of fitting radios and alarm systems. Bit
> nervous about touching wires related to the ignition, but if I had some good
> instructions, then maybe.

For 93 - 99 I could help, but they changed too much in the WJ (2000-)

I use a Clifford system (fairly expensive but includes rollup windows, remote
start, and alarm) The newer ones also feature feedback so the vehicle can
page you. Professional installation is highly recommended.

At any rate, a remote start will splice into the harness in several locations.
Any connections made to the start/run power leads need to be soldered or properly
crimped. Don't use the blue scotchlock/taps, they will not handle the power draw.

Your largest problem will be bypassing the vehicles built-in security system
and smart/passkey if you have it.

One thing to remember. When a licensed dealer installs the alarm you get the
full warrantee. With the Clifford the warrantee went from 5year to 30day if the
installer doesn't do the work.


--
-- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://members.cox.net/wilsond
HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks
Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors

Re: Remote starters
 

Best buy sells warranties, and oh sometimes they sell electronics. If you ask
what that $250 includes, it'll include all the add on stuff they want you to
buy.... upgraded remote starter, warranty, Rewards program, etc.... It's a
sales technique call 'softening the blow'. Let you know ahead of time how much
it's going to cost, that way it's easier to upsell you more (higher margin)
stuff. (higher margin = bigger spiff) Trick is to say no to upselling. Or, go
to a local Stereo place that will sell you and install it for $150 if you feel
uncomfortable saying no to the folks at Best Buy.

-Mark

_____
,[_____],¯|\
-©|||||||©--|¯¯|¯¯|
(_( ¯¯¯ (_()¯¯ (_()
'89 YJ

Re: Remote starters
 

Best buy sells warranties, and oh sometimes they sell electronics. If you ask
what that $250 includes, it'll include all the add on stuff they want you to
buy.... upgraded remote starter, warranty, Rewards program, etc.... It's a
sales technique call 'softening the blow'. Let you know ahead of time how much
it's going to cost, that way it's easier to upsell you more (higher margin)
stuff. (higher margin = bigger spiff) Trick is to say no to upselling. Or, go
to a local Stereo place that will sell you and install it for $150 if you feel
uncomfortable saying no to the folks at Best Buy.

-Mark

_____
,[_____],¯|\
-©|||||||©--|¯¯|¯¯|
(_( ¯¯¯ (_()¯¯ (_()
'89 YJ

Re: Remote starters
 

Best buy sells warranties, and oh sometimes they sell electronics. If you ask
what that $250 includes, it'll include all the add on stuff they want you to
buy.... upgraded remote starter, warranty, Rewards program, etc.... It's a
sales technique call 'softening the blow'. Let you know ahead of time how much
it's going to cost, that way it's easier to upsell you more (higher margin)
stuff. (higher margin = bigger spiff) Trick is to say no to upselling. Or, go
to a local Stereo place that will sell you and install it for $150 if you feel
uncomfortable saying no to the folks at Best Buy.

-Mark

_____
,[_____],¯|\
-©|||||||©--|¯¯|¯¯|
(_( ¯¯¯ (_()¯¯ (_()
'89 YJ