Remote start installation on a 2013 Acura TL requires either professional installation or significant technical skill
A remote start system lets you start your 2013 Acura TL's engine from outside the vehicle using a key fob or smartphone app. The system consists of a control module, relay wiring, and a transmitter. Installing one yourself is possible but involves working with your vehicle's electrical system, steering column, and ignition switch — mistakes can disable your car or trigger the security system.
Most owners choose professional installation at a car audio shop or dealership because the labor typically costs $300 to $600, while a DIY mistake can cost far more to repair. If you have experience with automotive wiring and own a multimeter and basic hand tools, you can attempt installation yourself using a quality remote start kit designed for the 2013 TL.
Key Takeaways
- The 2013 Acura TL's factory security system must be bypassed or integrated into the remote start module, which is the most complex part of installation.
- You will need a remote start kit rated for the 2013 TL, a multimeter, wire strippers, crimpers, and a wiring diagram specific to your model year.
- The steering column must be partially disassembled to access the ignition switch wiring, and improper handling can damage the column or airbag sensors.
- Professional installation from a certified car audio shop typically takes two to four hours and includes testing and warranty coverage.
- Some dealerships will not service a vehicle with aftermarket remote start if something goes wrong, so confirm their policy before installation.
What a remote start kit includes and why each part matters
A remote start kit for the 2013 Acura TL contains a control module (the brain of the system), a relay box, a transmitter (your key fob), and wiring harnesses. The control module reads signals from your key fob and triggers the starter motor and fuel pump through the relay box. The kit must be designed specifically for the 2013 TL because the wiring layout and security system integration differ from other model years and brands.
Popular kits for the 2013 TL include the Viper 5706V, the Compustar FT2W, and the Avital 4103LX. Each has different features — some allow smartphone control, others work only with the included fob, and some integrate with your factory steering wheel controls. The kit's price ranges from $150 to $400 depending on features, and this cost is separate from installation labor.
The security bypass module is the most critical component. The 2013 TL has an immobilizer that prevents the engine from starting unless the correct key is present. The remote start module must either trick the immobilizer into thinking a valid key is in the ignition or integrate directly with the factory security system. Kits designed for your specific model year handle this automatically; generic kits often do not.
Step-by-step installation process for DIY work
Before you begin, disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait 15 minutes to discharge the electrical system. This prevents accidental airbag deployment and electrical shorts. Locate the fuse box under the dashboard on the driver's side and photograph the fuse layout so you can restore it later.
Remove the lower steering column cover by unbolting it from underneath the dashboard. You will see the ignition switch assembly and the wiring harness behind it. The ignition switch has multiple wires: one for battery power (usually red), one for ground (usually black), one for the starter (usually yellow), and one or more for the accessory position. Use your multimeter to identify each wire before disconnecting anything. Take photos of the original connections.
Disconnect the factory ignition switch connector and begin routing the remote start module's wiring harness through the steering column and down to the module location (usually under the driver's seat or in the kick panel). The module needs a clean ground wire bolted to bare metal on the chassis, a direct connection to the battery's positive terminal through a fused line, and connections to the starter, accessory, and ignition wires you identified earlier.
Connect the relay box to the module according to the kit's wiring diagram. The relay amplifies the signal from the module to the starter motor because the module itself cannot supply enough current. Once all connections are made, reconnect the battery and test the system with the key in the off position. The engine should crank and start when you press the remote start button on your fob.
Why the 2013 TL's security system complicates installation
The 2013 Acura TL uses Honda's immobilizer system, which communicates between the key fob, the dashboard receiver, and the engine control unit. When you insert a key and turn it to the start position, the immobilizer verifies that the key's chip matches the vehicle's security code. If the codes do not match, the fuel pump and ignition coils shut down and the engine will not start, even if the starter motor turns.
A remote start system has no key to insert, so it must bypass this check. Some kits do this by sending a signal that mimics a valid key code; others physically bridge the immobilizer wires to trick the system into thinking a key is present. The wrong approach can trigger the security alarm or leave your vehicle unable to start with the factory key. This is why using a kit designed for the 2013 TL specifically is essential — a generic kit may not account for the TL's particular immobilizer configuration.
If your 2013 TL has the factory Honda navigation system, the installation is more complex because additional modules are integrated into the steering column. Professional installers have experience working around these systems; DIY installers often encounter unexpected wiring that is not shown in basic diagrams.
Professional installation versus DIY: what to expect
A certified car audio shop will have the correct wiring diagrams for your specific 2013 TL, including any variations based on trim level or options. They will also have the specialized tools to safely remove and reinstall steering column components without damaging the airbag sensors or column structure. Most shops offer a warranty on their work, meaning if the remote start fails within a set period, they will repair it at no charge.
Professional installation typically takes two to four hours. The shop will test the system multiple times — with the key in the off position, with the key in the accessory position, and with the engine running — to may support it works correctly and does not interfere with the factory security system or other electronics. They will also program the transmitter and show you how to use it.
DIY installation saves labor costs but requires you to own or borrow a multimeter, wire strippers, crimpers, and a heat gun or electrical tape for securing connections. You will also need the wiring diagram for your specific 2013 TL, which you can find in the kit's manual or by searching online forums dedicated to Acura TL owners. The process typically takes 4 to 8 hours if you have prior automotive electrical experience, and longer if you do not.
Tools and materials you will need for DIY installation
| Tool or Material | Purpose | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Multimeter | Identify wire functions and test electrical connections | $20–$50 |
| Wire strippers and crimpers | Cut and connect wires safely | $15–$40 |
| Heat shrink tubing and heat gun | Insulate wire connections | $10–$25 |
| Fused battery cable (4 or 6 gauge) | Connect module to battery safely | $15–$30 |
| Relay harness (if not in kit) | Amplify signal to starter motor | $20–$40 |
| Screwdrivers and socket set | Remove steering column covers and panels | $20–$60 (if not already owned) |
| Wiring diagram for 2013 TL | Reference for correct wire identification | Free to $15 |
Common mistakes that damage the vehicle or prevent the system from working
The most common mistake is connecting the remote start module's ground wire to a painted or powder-coated surface instead of bare metal. Paint acts as an insulator, so the module will not have a proper ground and the system will not function. Always scrape away paint or find a bolt hole with bare metal underneath.
Another frequent error is using the wrong wire for the starter connection. The starter wire must be connected to the wire that goes to the starter motor relay, not to the ignition switch itself. If you connect to the wrong wire, the remote start may trigger the fuel pump but not the starter, or it may cause the engine to crank without fuel injection. Always use your multimeter to verify which wire carries current to the starter relay when the key is turned to the start position.
Failing to install a fused battery cable is dangerous. The remote start module draws power directly from the battery, and without a fuse, a short circuit in the module's wiring can cause a fire. The fuse should be rated for the gauge of wire you use — typically 40 to 60 amps for a 4-gauge cable — and installed within 18 inches of the battery's positive terminal.
Improper steering column reassembly can damage the airbag sensors or the column's tilt mechanism. If you remove the column covers, take photos of how everything fits together before you disconnect anything. Some bolts are different lengths, and installing the wrong bolt in the wrong hole can prevent the column from collapsing properly in a crash.
When to choose professional installation instead of DIY
If you do not own a multimeter or are not comfortable working with automotive electrical systems, professional installation is the safer choice. A mistake with the ignition wiring can disable your vehicle or trigger the security alarm repeatedly, and fixing it may require removing the entire steering column — a job that costs $500 or more at a dealership.
If your 2013 TL has the factory Honda navigation system or other integrated electronics, professional installation is strongly recommended. These systems have additional modules and wiring that are not always documented in aftermarket kit manuals, and a technician familiar with your specific configuration can avoid costly mistakes.
If you plan to trade in or sell your vehicle soon, consider whether the remote start system will increase its value enough to justify the cost. Some buyers view aftermarket electronics as a liability rather than an asset, especially if the installation is not documented or if the factory warranty has been affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will installing remote start void my factory warranty?
It depends on your dealership and what goes wrong. If a remote start installation causes damage to the electrical system or engine, the dealership may refuse to cover repairs under warranty. Some dealerships are more lenient than others. Call your dealership before installation and ask their specific policy on aftermarket remote start systems.
Can I use a remote start kit designed for a different Acura model?
No. The 2013 TL's wiring layout and security system are different from other Acura models, and using the wrong kit can result in a system that does not work or that damages your vehicle's electrical system. Always purchase a kit rated specifically for the 2013 Acura TL.
What happens if the remote start fails to start the engine?
First, check that the battery in your transmitter is not dead. If the battery is good, the most common cause is an incorrect connection to the starter wire or a poor ground connection. Use your multimeter to verify that the module is receiving power and that the ground wire is connected to bare metal. If you cannot identify the problem, take the vehicle to the shop that installed it or to a professional car audio technician.
Can I add remote start to a 2013 TL that already has a factory alarm?
Yes, but the remote start module must be compatible with your factory alarm system. Some aftermarket kits integrate with factory alarms automatically; others require additional wiring or a separate bypass module. Check the kit's manual to see if it lists compatibility with the 2013 TL's factory alarm, or contact the kit manufacturer before purchasing.
How long does the engine run after I press the remote start button?
Most remote start systems run the engine for 10 to 15 minutes before shutting down automatically. You can usually adjust this time in the module's settings using the transmitter buttons. Check your kit's manual for instructions on how to change the runtime.