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I just installed the Start-X remote car starter...

8.9K views 11 replies 9 participants last post by  MT4Runner  
#1 · (Edited)
I finally got around to installing the Start-X remote car starter I picked up on Amazon for my 2013 Pilot EX-L, only $199 + tax.


Really easy to install, five Philips screws removed, two electrical plugs in the steering column and four zip ties, took me roughly 30 minutes. No need to tear apart the dash, get into the fuse panel, no wire splicing, simple plug and play. There was plenty of room under the dash up near the rear parking brake to secure the two cables and the control module. No need to tear anything else apart.

It uses the factory key fob to start, the one that came with your Pilot. Hit the lock button three times, the doors lock, the horn gives a warning chirp, and then the car starts. You can open the door, or even the rear hatch, and the car will continue to run. It runs for 15 minutes, and will shut off, the only downside on a snowy winter morning, I wish I could set the run time, 30 minutes non-stop would be perfect. You can start the car two times, for two 15 minute run times. After that, you have to go out to the vehicle and use your key.

When you enter the started vehicle, simply put the key in and turn it to "On", just before you would make that final turn to start, and go like you normally would. No need to restart the car if it is running when you get in.

I did not know what I was getting into when I purchased this remote start unit, but I wanted one, especially for the winter months up here in Detroit. The local car stereo dealer quoted me $310 to install what sounds like this same unit. The last non factory remote car start I had, was a mess of spliced wires under the dash, it worked, but hacked up the factory wiring, which drives me nuts, as it usually screws up other systems in the vehicle in time, even when installed correctly. This Start-X unit, if it acts up, simply unplug it.

If you are looking for a simple remote start, I would seriously give one of these Start-X units a look.
 
#6 ·
really making me want to order one of these. especially since wife parks her vehicle in the garage and my Pilot sits in the driveway or curbside
 
#8 ·
Our cars live in the garage, so remote start would not add any value for us. Otherwise this unit looks like a great candidate.

Probably the Most Important Feature I'd look for in a remote starter would be the ability to get the seat heaters fired up, something that there's no way to 'preset' prior to engine start. The factory remote start, IIRC, shuts of the remote-started engine when the door is opened. Kinda kills the option of sending the dog out to push the seat-heater button.

More: By the time it's cold enough out where the car is to make remote start and benefit, I'd be thinking hard about keeping a block heater and onboard battery maintainer/warmer plugged in overnight. Maybe better than letting the car sit at idle for more than five minutes waiting for the oil to warm up.
 
#9 ·
I just recently installed the Start-X for my 2011 Odyssey. It was a little more at $220 from Amazon but well worth it.

Last time I checked a few years ago it was over $800 to have this done so I am very happy.

Plug & Play, took 50 minutes but if I had to do it again, it would be only 15. Just press the lock button three times and it starts. It will turn off after 15 minutes. There are a few negatives.

You have to remember to turn the defroster or the seat warmers on beforehand but at least it the engine will be warm.

Also, the side doors will not open with the remote while it is in use. Not sure if that is a defect as the rear hatch will open.
 
#10 ·
The wife drives the Pilot now, and she was getting jealous of the remote start I had on my truck. Wondered if it was possible to add remote start to the Pilot since I already knew the key switch signalled the ECU to start it. Google search turned up the StartX on Amazon, so I bought one. Not too hard to install, though I had to rearrange the connections to get the lower steering column cover back on. Seems to work well, now she's hoping for another snowy day so she can use it!
 
#11 ·
Unfortunately there's no way to 'preset' the seat warmers on. ;(

The key-fob lockout for the doors is an anti-theft feature I think. The Honda remote start accessory actually shuts down the engine when you unlock or open the doors. Our car is spoiled, as it sits in a warm garage. Starting it in there would stink the place up...
 
#12 ·
Easy install, I just installed one in my wife's 2011 Pilot. Thanks to the recommendations here and on Amazon.

The instructions in the Start-X kit were slightly confusing -- page 6 (removal of steering cover) and page 7 (plug/play of the module) should have been flipped. page 5 with the connectors really should have followed 6.

1. Remove the steering wheel covers
2. Plug in the connectors on the vehicle side.
3. Plug in the 20-pin connector while holding down the program button
4. Plug in the big 8-pin and tiny 6-pin, then read the programming instructions. The programming notes read down the left columm and then the right column so take note of that before you're in the middle of the programming process and both hands get tied up plugging in connectors.
5. Reinstall the steering wheel covers

As others have noted, it took me 30-40 minutes but I could install another in 15.

This video was helpful.