What Avital Remote Start Does

Avital remote start is an aftermarket car starter system that lets you start your engine from outside the vehicle using a key fob or smartphone app, usually from up to a quarter-mile away. When you press the button, the system sends a signal to a receiver installed in your car, which triggers the starter motor and fuel pump. Your engine runs for a preset time (usually 10 to 15 minutes) before shutting off automatically, warming up the cabin or defrosting windows before you get inside.

Avital is owned by Directed Electronics, a company that has made aftermarket car electronics since the 1980s. Their remote start systems are sold through car alarm shops, Best Buy, and online retailers. The system does not replace your factory ignition — it works alongside it, so you still use your regular key or push button to drive normally.

Key Takeaways

  • Avital remote start systems start your engine from a distance using a wireless key fob or phone app, with the engine running for a preset duration before shutting off.
  • Installation requires running wires through your dashboard and firewall to connect to your ignition, starter, and battery — a job that typically takes 2 to 4 hours at a professional shop.
  • The system works only if your car is in Park (automatic) or Neutral (manual), and it will not start if your doors are locked or your hood is open, as safety features.
  • Avital offers different models with varying range and features, from basic fob-only systems to models with smartphone integration and two-way feedback.
  • Professional installation costs between $300 and $600 depending on your vehicle and the model chosen, separate from the unit price.

How the Installation Process Works

Avital remote start installation is not a plug-and-play job. A technician must locate your car's ignition wires under the steering column, identify which wires control the starter and fuel pump, and run new wires from a control module (usually mounted under the dash) to those circuits. This means removing trim panels, running wires through the firewall, and sometimes tapping into existing harnesses.

The installer also connects the module to your battery for power and ground, installs the receiver antenna (often mounted near the headliner), and programs the key fob to communicate with the module. The whole process typically takes 2 to 4 hours at a professional shop. If you choose a model with smartphone capability, the technician will also set up the cellular module and connect it to your vehicle's data bus if your car supports it.

After installation, the technician tests the system multiple times — starting the engine remotely, confirming the engine shuts off at the right time, and verifying that the fob works at the advertised range. They will also show you how to use the fob buttons and explain any limitations specific to your vehicle.

What Avital Models Are Available

Avital makes several remote start systems at different price points. The Avital 4103 is an entry-level fob-only model with a range of about 1,500 feet and a single-stage remote (one button press starts the engine). The Avital 4105 adds a two-way fob that sends feedback to your key — the fob will beep and light up to confirm the engine started. The Avital 5305 includes smartphone integration through a cellular module, letting you start your car from anywhere with a data connection, not just line-of-sight range.

Higher-end models like the Avital 5305Z add features such as remote door lock and unlock, trunk pop, and real-time vehicle status (engine running, doors locked, temperature). Some models are compatible with specific vehicle platforms and offer integration with factory systems like push-button start or keyless entry. Your installer will recommend a model based on your car's year, make, and electrical system.

Safety Features and Limitations

Avital remote start systems include built-in safety features to prevent accidental or unauthorized engine starts. The engine will not start if your doors are unlocked, your hood is open, your parking brake is not set, or your transmission is not in Park (automatic) or Neutral (manual). These checks happen automatically before the starter engages.

The system also has a timeout — the engine runs for a preset duration (usually 10 to 15 minutes, adjustable during installation) and then shuts off automatically. This prevents the engine from running indefinitely if you forget about it. If you want to keep driving after the remote start cycle ends, you straightforward press the brake and turn the key or press the start button as usual — the system does not interfere with normal driving.

One important limitation: remote start does not work if your car is already running. If you start the engine remotely and then manually start it again with the key, the system disables itself until you turn the car off and restart it normally. This is a safety measure to prevent conflicts between the remote module and your factory ignition system.

Range and Connectivity Differences

Fob-only Avital systems typically have a range of 1,500 feet in open space, though obstacles like buildings, trees, and metal structures reduce this significantly. In a parking garage or urban canyon, you might only get 300 to 500 feet of reliable range. The range also depends on the specific model — higher-end units sometimes offer extended range through better antenna design.

Smartphone-enabled models (like the 5305Z) use cellular data instead of radio frequency, so range is not a limitation — you can start your car from anywhere with a data signal. However, these models require a paid subscription to the cellular service, typically $10 to $15 per month or $100 to $150 per year. The subscription covers the data connection between your phone and your vehicle's module. Without an active subscription, the smartphone app will not work, though the physical key fob will still function.

Cost and Installation Timeline

Avital remote start units themselves range from about $150 to $400 depending on the model and features. Professional installation adds $300 to $600 to the total cost, depending on your vehicle's complexity and the shop's labor rates. A basic fob-only system installed at a typical car alarm shop might cost $500 to $700 total. A smartphone-enabled model with professional installation could run $800 to $1,000 or more.

Installation usually takes one business day. Some shops can fit you in same-day if you arrive early, but most will schedule you for a specific appointment. After installation, the system is ready to use when ready — there is no waiting period or set up step. If you choose a smartphone model, you will need to read the Avital app and create an account, which takes about 10 minutes.

Compatibility and Vehicle Considerations

Avital remote start works on most cars, trucks, and SUVs from the 1990s onward, but some vehicles present challenges. Cars with push-button start and no traditional ignition switch require a different installation approach and may need additional modules. Hybrid vehicles and some newer automatics with electronic parking brakes may not be compatible with all Avital models — your installer will confirm compatibility before starting work.

Manual transmission cars can use Avital remote start, but the transmission must be in Neutral and the parking brake must be set for the system to engage. Some drivers find this less convenient than automatic transmission vehicles. Vehicles with factory remote start already installed can sometimes have Avital added, but this requires careful integration to avoid conflicts — ask your installer whether it is possible for your specific car.

If your car has a factory security system or immobilizer, the Avital module must be programmed to work with it. This is standard during professional installation, but it is worth mentioning to your installer so they know to budget time for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will remote start void my car's warranty?

It depends on your manufacturer and what breaks. If the remote start system itself fails, the warranty does not cover it — that is on the installer or Avital. If the installation damages your factory wiring and causes an unrelated component to fail, the manufacturer may deny a warranty claim for that component. Professional installation at a reputable shop minimizes this risk. Check your owner's manual or call your dealer if you are concerned about a specific vehicle.

Can I install Avital remote start myself?

Technically yes, but it is not recommended unless you have experience with car electrical systems. The installation requires identifying the correct ignition wires, running wires safely through the firewall, and programming the fob — mistakes can damage your car's electrical system or create a fire hazard. Professional installation is worth the cost for safety and warranty reasons.

What happens if my key fob battery dies?

You will not be able to start the car remotely, but your regular key or push button will still work normally. Replace the fob battery (usually a CR2032 or similar) and the remote start will work again. If you have a smartphone-enabled model, you can still start the car through the app as long as your phone has power and a data connection.

Does remote start use a lot of gas?

Running the engine for 10 to 15 minutes uses a small amount of fuel — roughly the equivalent of idling for that time. Over a month, if you use remote start daily, it might add a few dollars to your fuel bill. The trade-off is that your car is warmed up and ready to drive, which can actually improve fuel economy on short trips by reducing cold-start engine wear.

Can I adjust how long the engine runs before shutting off?

Yes. During installation, the technician sets the runtime to a default (usually 10 or 15 minutes), but most Avital systems allow you to adjust this within a range — typically 5 to 30 minutes depending on the model. You will need to reprogram the fob or use the app to change it. Ask your installer how to do this for your specific system.