Remote start for G56?

[professor39]

Has anyone installed a factory remote start on a 6. 7L/G56. I know it is not intended to go on a manual but, wanted to see if anyone has figured out the wiring or the bypass for the clutch switch.



Thanks

 

[seafish]

I'd be curious to know also. Or if there is a decent aftermarket that works with the standard transmission? TIA

 

[JFaulkner]

I'd be curious to know also. Or if there is a decent aftermarket that works with the standard transmission? TIA

DO NOT use an auto transmission starter for a manual transmission vehicle. I know YOU may remember to leave it out of gear, but I wouldn't rely on anyone else that may some day drive your truck.

That being said, I've had 2 different manual transmission starters on my '05 6sp. I started with an Ultra Start and now upgraded to a Compustar (both for manual trans. ) They both work good but the Compustar is by far the best I've used (been installing them for about 10 yrs) It all depends on what you want the starter to do as to which brand you buy.

There are only a few brands that make them for manual transmissions and even fewer shops that would install them. Manual transmission remote starters have safety features that make it impossible to accidentally start while in gear.

 

[seafish]

JFaulkner,
Does compustar make a simple remote start for a standard transmission without all the bells and whistles? Do you have any model #'s I could look at? TIA

 

[JFaulkner]

There is Compustar and Compustar PRO. I believe all of them are manual transmission capable, you clip a wire in the unit to switch from auto to manual. I also recommend buying a Canadian version (which is what I did). The difference between USA and Canadian is the range. The FCC limits either the power or frequency (not sure which) but I have the CompuStar Pro P2W9000FMR, the USA version only has a range of ~3000ft and the import is 5000ft. I know most will say they don't need to start their vehicle from just under a mile away (which mine will do, I've tried it) but that range is based on open line of sight area. You can park in the back row of a resturant and still be able to start your truck from a back table of the resturant. With the Ultra Start I had before I would have to actually walk to the door (or even outside) before it would be in range. They make both 2-way and non 2-way versions so I'm sure they have one thats at least close to your price range. If you decide to get one be sure to tell them what vehicle it's for, and that you need a start delay programmed for the grid heater, mine is set for 10sec and has always been long enough to start even down to -10deg. But will go from 1-99 seconds.

Here is where I get the Canadian versions. (here is a direct link to the remote starter page) There are no prices you have to call or Email. Just for reference the starter I have is the one at the bottom of that page (2WFM-S-PRO) Also any price they give you figure in about $20. 00 in import tariff. UPS sent me a bill about 2 weeks after recieving several remote starters for tariffs I had forgotten about. Here is Compustar's direct page. to find a dealer if you choose to have someone else install it.

Feel free to ask any more questions.

 

[big61fourby]

Just curious--what is the ballpark cost on something like that?

I'd like to add remote start at some point, but the same problem arises--how to keep it idiot proof. Since I have a manual shift 4x4, I'm gathering pieces to rig up limit switch on the 4x4 lever. Basically, a switch to trigger when the lever is in Neutral. Sure, not quite as convenient, but this combined with the e-brake seems pretty fool-proof. Initially, I'll probably just hook it up to an LED indicator for winter warmups in N...

 

[JFaulkner]

If I was installing the unit I have on my truck on an '03-06' (any 5. 9L) manual transmission I'd probably charge $350-$400. including the unit. The manual trans models require a little more wiring than an auto. Door pin switches, parking brake wire and bypassing the clutch switch (for remote starting purposes only) I don't install them much anymore due to a lack of time, but I'd say that price should be about average.

The only way to keep it idiot proof is to use a remote starter made for a manual. Yes you can make an auto version work, but it's not worth the hassle since the manual versions (in most cases) are the same price. The way the manual versions work are when you apply the parking brake with the truck running the remote starter turns the ignition circuits on. That way when you turn the key off the truck continues to run until you exit the vehicle and the last door is closed. When you close the last door the truck shuts off, and then can be started remotely. If ANYTHING changes between the time you exit the vehicle and press the button on the remote to start, it will no longer work. By anything I mean: any door is opened, brake pedal pressed, parking brake released, ignition turned on. Basically the only way to screw up is if you leave the windows down and you climb through them to put the truck in gear, meaning there is no ACCIDENTAL way to start the truck in gear. Which really isn't an issue anyway because unless your truck is in a really low gear, or your parking brake is junk the starter doesn't have enough power to over power the parking brake. (yes I tried it)

I can't stress enough why you don't want to use an auto version. A local mechanic was working on a Honda Civic that someone had used the auto version on a manual trans. Long story short, the button got pressed the car ran into the back wall of the shop. Now if that had been in a large parking lot who knows what (or who) it would have hit. I guarantee that will cost more than any up charge to one designed for a manual. I know the guy who owned the car was probably real careful to leave it out of gear, but you need to think about other people that aren't used to it.

 

[big61fourby]

Great info--I didn't really know that remote start systems existed in a manual version. Sounds like a pretty fool-proof setup...

FWIW, I'm the only person who ever drives this truck, but I do forget occasionally, so idiot proof is good.

 

[bighammer]

Do you really need a remote start in CA? I'm surprised that the expense and install would seem worthwhile.

 

[seafish]

Do you really need a remote start in CA? I'm surprised that the expense and install would seem worthwhile.

well, of course, all things are relative, but we get temps down to the upper 20's at times in the winter, and it would be nice to start the truck and have it warmed up before I leave in the morning. The module that JFaulkner recommended is very good and is not that expensive and if i can do the install myself, then I might do it.

 

[JFaulkner]

well, of course, all things are relative, but we get temps down to the upper 20's at times in the winter, and it would be nice to start the truck and have it warmed up before I leave in the morning. The module that JFaulkner recommended is very good and is not that expensive and if i can do the install myself, then I might do it.

If you decide to do it and need any info (such as wiring diagrams) let me know.

 

[KLockliear]

Do you really need a remote start in CA? I'm surprised that the expense and install would seem worthwhile.

Sure, to get the A/C kicking before you get in!



Reading the specs JFaulkner posted, will this work with an Edge Juice/Attitude with the turbo timer feature?

 

[seafish]

If you decide to do it and need any info (such as wiring diagrams) let me know.

Thanks--I'll let you know after I order the module. Any diagrams and tips will be greatly appreciated!

 

[zstroken]

The other option is if your creative enough install a device to detect that the truck is in neutral. I put a starter on a manual truck once and didn't put all of the door switch things on. Twice, I attempted to start it while in gear. One time it just barely kissed the car, the other time it jumped the curve and was trying to climb a hill.

 

[JFaulkner]

Sure, to get the A/C kicking before you get in!



Reading the specs JFaulkner posted, will this work with an Edge Juice/Attitude with the turbo timer feature?

I don't know if it would or not. The problem is if the starter shuts the truck off but the ignition circuits are still on because of the turbo timer it may not go into "reservation mode". You could do it with a bunch of relays so one unit couldn't "see" the other but that would be a wiring disaster. On a positive note just about every brand of remote starter has a turbo timer function. They're not temperature related but you set a specific time limit. I've always set mine on 1min. (I believe they have a max of around 5 minutes) I have yet to see a time that 1min wasn't more than enough.