Remote start, worth it?

[freestyle]

So what's the deal with remote start? I've heard it's killer, and it sucks, doesn't work right or works fantastic. I've also heard that I should have Honda put it in when I get my touring, that if someone else does it, it can void the warranty, is that true?

Is the Honda system the best one, or is there an alternative? What are your opinions, or are you using it currently?

Craig

[BigChuckO]

I own a 2009 civic hybrid, the signal from the remote is extremely weak, I'd say 30 feet is the best it can do. I would imagine all of Honda's keys are the same and just as weak. My wife has an aftermarket remote starter, the range on it is at least 100 yards. Anytime I've been able to see the car, it has worked, even when we can't see it, it works. The only bummer with the aftermarket is the extra fob.
I'd say if your car is close enough to receive the signal where you generally use it and you don't mind paying $300+ extra for the Honda system, go for the honda remote, 1 fob is key for men.
We plan on buying a 2012 EX Pilot in a couple months. It'll be my wife's car. We'll probably be going with the aftermarket again. We live on the south side of a condo complex and our cars are on the north side, so we need the extra range and she won't notice an extra fob in her purse.

[kidhauler]

The dealer installed remote start integration with my 2012 EX-L is weak. Lighting controls are unresponsive unless I first hit the brake pedal to kill the car and then start it again with the key. Auto on/off headlights don't work at all and the interior lights remain on. In my 2003 Pilot all I had to do was open and shut the drivers door after turn the key to the on position. Not so with my 2012. I'll be calling the dealer next week.

The system they installed left me with two key fobs. Looks like they installed a very cheap system.

-Dennis-

[slamminrc]

Originally Posted by freestyle

So what's the deal with remote start? I've heard it's killer, and it sucks, doesn't work right or works fantastic. I've also heard that I should have Honda put it in when I get my touring, that if someone else does it, it can void the warranty, is that true?

Is the Honda system the best one, or is there an alternative? What are your opinions, or are you using it currently?

Craig

My dealer had an option to install an Automate AM6.2 Remote Start. It was done at a local shop that provided 3 yr./36k mile warranty. Many people were complaining that the OEM remote fob was to large and you needed to shut down the engine and restart when entering the vehicle.

Had it installed as a $250 option on my 2012 Touring. Lovin it so far and the remote fob is small too.

You might want to ask the dealer if there is such an option for you.

[mrcheap]

i had a pursuit remote start installed on my 2012 exl, so far i would rate it ok. the negative i see is that a lot of the buttons are electric and will not stay on after you turn off the car. for example heated seats will not be on when you restart your car, if you had it on before hand. so remote start will help me warm up the engine and front defroster, but it will not help me heat my seats or have the mirrors/rear defroster on since those all turn off "electronically" as opposed to physical on and off switch. one last pro is so far it has great range, several large blocks for me, plus it has a small remote (about the size of a quarter).

[refotsirk]

A remote starter? Awwwww, come on, are we that fragile that we have to waste even more gas? Oooooo, my leather seat was cold upon arrival!

Sorry, perhaps it is just me....but....dress for the weather and save our planet! I cringe every time I see that car at our local food store.....idling in the parking lot for 30 minutes just so some person can get back into 72 degrees. And then they squawk at gas prices??
The Pilot is luxurious, but ........you need more?

[rafael73]

Originally Posted by refotsirk

A remote starter? Awwwww, come on, are we that fragile that we have to waste even more gas? Oooooo, my leather seat was cold upon arrival!

Sorry, perhaps it is just me....but....dress for the weather and save our planet! I cringe every time I see that car at our local food store.....idling in the parking lot for 30 minutes just so some person can get back into 72 degrees. And then they squawk at gas prices??
The Pilot is luxurious, but ........you need more?

Agree.

[kidhauler]

Originally Posted by refotsirk

A remote starter? Awwwww, come on, are we that fragile that we have to waste even more gas? Oooooo, my leather seat was cold upon arrival!

Sorry, perhaps it is just me....but....dress for the weather and save our planet! I cringe every time I see that car at our local food store.....idling in the parking lot for 30 minutes just so some person can get back into 72 degrees. And then they squawk at gas prices??
The Pilot is luxurious, but ........you need more?

So you'd have us drive off with a frozen windshield that we can't see through.

Give me a break.

-Dennis-

[rocky]

Honda own brand is reportedly disappointing. Aftermarket seems to work best. Frankly not worth the money IMHO.

[mrcheap]

Originally Posted by refotsirk

A remote starter? Awwwww, come on, are we that fragile that we have to waste even more gas? Oooooo, my leather seat was cold upon arrival!

Sorry, perhaps it is just me....but....dress for the weather and save our planet! I cringe every time I see that car at our local food store.....idling in the parking lot for 30 minutes just so some person can get back into 72 degrees. And then they squawk at gas prices??
The Pilot is luxurious, but ........you need more?

if you wanted to save the planet you shouldn't buy a pilot. since you got one already you should take some things out like heat, a/c, stereo etc, to lighten up the vehicle and get better mpg's and "save the planet"

[refotsirk]

Originally Posted by kidhauler

So you'd have us drive off with a frozen windshield that we can't see through.

Give me a break.

-Dennis-

Well, no, nobody would want you to have a frozen windshield that you can't see safely from, but in the time you get your truck to heat that windshield (wasting plenty of gas) you could have used a scraper and even perhaps a squirt of the wiper fluid, to cut that ice.
Maybe it is a compromise. Start your Pilot. Get out again and do your snow removal process, including your sides and rear window and break lights. By the time you have done this, you are a tad closer to a engine core that is warm....And if you have heated seats, they might be warm there too.
I realized that some people can't bear the thought of getting a bit of snow up their sleeve, or leaning on that salty car body. But these people are also the ones that do not...or will not think worse case scenario of a flat tire, or off the road stranded, thus have no common sense on footware or warm clothing. AAA is their savior.....
In fact, I bought an ice scraper/brush, that extends to about 4 feet. I found I needed this over the basic ones, as the height of the front window of the Pilot is a lot taller than most cars or pickups. My short wife loves the reach from it.
This ranting of mine I am sure does not fit the rest of the world's. But I see too many cars out there with the back window totally covered with frost or snow, as most drivers are too lazy to even do the minimal. Making your car waste our resources so a person dressed in polyester (denial of temperature) can slip back into room temperature is rediculous and lazy.
Any conversation on complaining of low gas milage or high gas prices, better not be from ANYONE with a remote starter attached.
The vehicle was designed to run and warm up fast. Not be run on idle
for livingroom temps.
I realize this probably veers from the topic, but ....really? Be the truck!

[kidhauler]

My appologies to the OP. I know better than to feed a troll. Let's get back to the focus of this thread.

-Dennis-

[babymsv]

I have no personal experience w/ the Honda system. I had the Compustar system installed in my Z, which had a 6spd MT. The unit worked flawlessly and I couldn't complain except that it would drain the battery, but the car sat in the garage for nearly 3 years and only put on 400 miles during that time period. I had to connect a battery charger/conditioner to prevent the battery from discharging. However, if you use the vehicle on a regular basis, battery discharging shouldn't be a problem (as long as the battery is in good condition, of course). Was the system worth it? Absolutely! I loved the fact that I could get into my car and have it cooled or heated to the desired temperature depending on weather conditions. Having the system also serve as a primary alarm system on top of the factory unit was also a plus.

[AcuMarino]

Had an after market kit that was added by my dealer for my Touring, works great. Worth it for sure, it's great at the office. Helps to have the settings to pre-cool or pre-heat the car before my commute home.




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[beef5stew]

I got a lower end Viper system installed. It's a 2 way transmitter so I know that it started. Total cost was $280 installed.

It has about a 2000 foot range, can start, stop, and unlock all the doors (if the engine is running).

I like it. i start my car in the morning after I get dressed, 10 mins later when I get in, the windows are clear, and it's comfortable inside. On my previous Car (Lexus ES) I did the same thing, but had to walk outside and start it...

Now I do it in my closet. ;-)

EDIT: THis is on a 2012 Pilot Touring.