What auto remote start does and why people install it
Remote start is a system that lets you start your car's engine from outside the vehicle, usually from a key fob or smartphone app. You press a button from your driveway or parking lot, and the engine turns on. The car warms up or cools down before you get in, and the doors stay locked until you unlock them manually or through the same remote.
People install remote start for comfort — especially in cold climates where warming the engine and cabin before driving saves time and reduces strain on the engine. In hot climates, it cools the interior before you enter. Some systems also let you lock and unlock doors, pop the trunk, or check the car's status from your phone.
Remote start is not the same as keyless ignition (push-button start). Keyless ignition requires you to be inside the car with the key fob present. Remote start works from a distance and is a separate aftermarket addition in most vehicles.
Key Takeaways
- Remote start systems are installed by a technician and wired into your car's ignition, steering wheel lock, and brake pedal to prevent accidental movement.
- Installation cost ranges widely depending on your vehicle and system complexity, and takes two to four hours at a shop.
- Factory remote start (built by the manufacturer) is different from aftermarket remote start (added later), and your car's make and model determine which is available.
- The system will not start if your car is in gear, the parking brake is not set, or the hood is open — safety features that vary by system.
- Warranty coverage for remote start installation is usually limited to the parts and labor at that shop, not the car's factory warranty.
Factory remote start versus aftermarket installation
Some vehicles come with remote start from the manufacturer — Chevrolet, Ford, BMW, and others offer it as a factory option or dealer-installed feature. Factory remote start is integrated into the car's computer system and works seamlessly with the existing key fob or infotainment screen.
Aftermarket remote start is a separate system installed by a third-party shop after you buy the car. It is wired into the car's electrical system but is not part of the factory design. Aftermarket systems are more common on older vehicles or models that do not offer factory remote start. They tend to cost less upfront but may require more maintenance and are not covered by the car's factory warranty.
If your car already has factory remote start, you do not need installation — you straightforward use the feature through your key fob or app. If your car does not have it and you want it, you will need to decide whether to visit a dealer (if they offer it as a retrofit) or a third-party car audio or security shop.
How a technician installs remote start
Installation begins with the technician running wires from the remote start module (a small computer box) to several key parts of your car: the ignition switch, the starter motor, the parking brake, and the brake pedal. These connections let the system know when it is safe to start the engine.
The technician also connects the system to your car's power supply, usually the battery or fuse box. They then program the remote start module to match your car's specific make, model, and year — different vehicles have different electrical layouts, so a system for a 2015 Honda Civic will not work the same way on a 2020 Ford F-150.
Once wired, the technician tests the system multiple times: they confirm the engine starts from the remote, that the doors stay locked, that the engine shuts off if you shift into gear, and that all safety features work as intended. The whole process typically takes two to four hours, depending on your vehicle's complexity and how easily the technician can access the necessary wires.
Safety features built into remote start systems
Remote start systems include several safety locks to prevent the car from moving unexpectedly. The most important is the brake pedal interlock — the engine will not start remotely if the brake pedal is pressed, which prevents accidental starts if someone is in the car. The system also checks that the parking brake is set and that the car is in Park (for automatic transmissions) or Neutral (for manuals).
If you shift the car into gear while it is running from remote start, the engine shuts off when ready. Some systems also disable remote start if the hood is open or if the car detects a door is ajar. These features vary by system and by how the technician configures it, so ask your installer which safety features your specific system includes.
Remote start does not override your car's security system. The doors remain locked, the alarm stays armed, and you still need your key fob or key to unlock the car and drive it. The remote start button only turns on the engine; it does not put the car in gear or release the parking brake.
Cost and time for installation
Aftermarket remote start installation typically costs between $300 and $1,500, depending on the system's features and your vehicle's electrical complexity. A basic one-way system (you press the button and the car starts, but you do not get confirmation) costs less than a two-way system (the remote beeps or vibrates to confirm the start). Smartphone app integration or GPS tracking adds to the price.
Labor usually runs $100 to $300 per hour, and installation takes two to four hours. Some shops charge a flat rate for your specific vehicle model instead. Parts alone (the remote start module, wiring harness, and remote) range from $150 to $800 depending on the brand and features.
If you are considering factory remote start from a dealer, the cost is usually lower than aftermarket installation — often $300 to $600 — because the dealer uses parts designed specifically for your car. However, factory remote start is only available on certain trim levels or model years, and you may have to order it when you buy the car rather than adding it later.
What to expect after installation
After installation, your remote start system should work when ready. The technician will give you the remote control and explain how to use it — usually a single press starts the engine, and a second press shuts it off. Some systems let you hold the button to keep the engine running for a set time (often 10 to 15 minutes) before it shuts off automatically.
Most aftermarket remote start systems run the engine for a limited time when activated remotely — typically 10 to 20 minutes — then shut off automatically. This prevents the engine from running unattended for hours and draining the battery. You can usually reprogram this time limit at the shop if you want the engine to run longer or shorter.
The system is not covered by your car's factory warranty, but the shop that installed it should warranty their work and the parts they used — usually for one to three years. Ask about this before installation and get the warranty terms in writing.
When remote start may not work or is not available
Some vehicles are difficult or impossible to retrofit with aftermarket remote start. Newer cars with complex computer systems and push-button ignition may not be compatible with standard aftermarket modules. Hybrid and electric vehicles have different starting systems that do not work with traditional remote start wiring.
Manual transmission cars can have remote start installed, but the system must confirm the car is in Neutral and the clutch pedal is not pressed before starting — this adds complexity and cost. Some shops decline to install remote start on manuals because of the extra safety considerations.
If your car has a steering wheel lock (a security feature that locks the wheel when the car is off), the remote start system must be wired to disable it during remote start, or the system will not work. Your technician will identify this during the consultation and let you know if it affects the installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will remote start drain my car battery?
Remote start draws power from your battery, but most systems shut off the engine automatically after 10 to 20 minutes to prevent excessive drain. If you use remote start frequently in very cold weather, the battery may drain faster than normal, especially if the car sits unused for weeks. A healthy battery should handle regular remote start use without problems.
Can I install remote start myself?
Remote start installation requires knowledge of your car's electrical system, access to wiring diagrams, and specialized tools. Incorrect wiring can damage your car's computer or create safety hazards. Most people should have it installed by a professional shop that knows your specific vehicle model.
Does remote start work if my car is locked in a garage?
Remote start will turn on the engine, but the signal may not reach through thick walls or metal structures. Most remote start systems have a range of 500 feet to 1 mile in open air, but this range drops significantly indoors. Smartphone app-based systems work anywhere you have cell service, so they are more reliable in garages or parking structures.
What happens if I remote start my car and then someone tries to drive it?
The doors stay locked, so someone cannot get in without your key fob or key. If they somehow get inside, the car is in Park with the parking brake set, and shifting into gear will shut off the engine when ready. The car will not move.
Can I add remote start to a car I just bought used?
Yes, as long as your car's make and model is compatible with aftermarket remote start systems. Bring your car to a shop that installs remote start and ask them to check compatibility. They will look up your vehicle's year, model, and engine type to confirm a system is available and to give you a price quote.