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Installing a Remote Car Starter by Dewie
Started on: 10-09-2003 09:36 PM
Replies: 11
Last post by: timmer on 10-11-2003 09:59 PM
Dewie
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Report this Post10-09-2003 09:36 PM Click Here to See the Profile for DewieClick Here to visit Dewie's HomePageSend a Private Message to DewieDirect Link to This Post
Well people - I just installed my remote car starter in my Fiero - took way too long and I'm not done yet - but thats besides the point - the car now starts via remote.

Just a couple pointers for anyone else desciding to install a remote car starter (or a aftermarket tach)

The Tach signal wire is on the plug on the back of the instrument cluster, the plug closest to the passengers side. It is the white wire in spot #18.

Now - I have a few questions:

Instead of running a wire all the way back to the trunk for the remote kill switch for the starter, is there anyway I could make use of the current switch that is back there? I am thinking maybe a relay running off the ajar light (so it would turn the car off with the front hood open - so what)

Second - What kind of setup is the remote door locks? is there a standard Pontiac door lock motor? I am thinking I would like to just get the motors and hook them up to the remote car starter. Also - what kind of a job is it to install these motors?

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timmer
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Report this Post10-09-2003 11:41 PM Click Here to See the Profile for timmerSend a Private Message to timmerDirect Link to This Post
just go with the after market lock actuators as stock replacement from the dealership are ver expensive you can get after market actuators for about 20 to 50 bux canadian and all you will need is two relays as well to hook them to the alarm
.. as for installing a remote start in a fiero with and alarm i installed mine in the center console and only had to run three wires to pass kik panel(door trigger & lock -unlock wires) and one wire to steering column for heater turn on
. the rest i installed in about three hours with a trunk pin and engine disableoh yea and the trunk pop with hood pin and siren in the engine compartment ......
ps:i do car alarms and stereos for a living
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FieroAudio
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Report this Post10-10-2003 02:43 AM Click Here to See the Profile for FieroAudioSend a Private Message to FieroAudioDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by timmer:

just go with the after market lock actuators as stock replacement from the dealership are ver expensive you can get after market actuators for about 20 to 50 bux canadian and all you will need is two relays as well to hook them to the alarm
.. as for installing a remote start in a fiero with and alarm i installed mine in the center console and only had to run three wires to pass kik panel(door trigger & lock -unlock wires) and one wire to steering column for heater turn on
. the rest i installed in about three hours with a trunk pin and engine disableoh yea and the trunk pop with hood pin and siren in the engine compartment ......
ps:i do car alarms and stereos for a living

He's right. Good man

 
quote
Originally posted by timmer:

ps:i do car alarms and stereos for a living

Well, coincidentally, so do i


I'm curious to hear what you did with your heater switch (havent looked into it much). Any details? Have it so that it automatically turns on the heater? What abotu AC? have a relay set up to turn on the AC when its summer (switch controlled, of course)? Gimme details, I just bought my Compustar last week, so I'm installing it whenever I get a chance...I ahve 1 aux button left that I'm free to use on something krazy If i had a power sunroof, it would control that

Anyways, details, man!

Oh, sorry to hijak :P

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-Blaine/FieroAudio

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The_Raven
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Report this Post10-10-2003 03:32 AM Click Here to See the Profile for The_RavenClick Here to visit The_Raven's HomePageSend a Private Message to The_RavenDirect Link to This Post
If you are asking about the "Hood pin switch" it is pointless to place it under the front comparmenet lid (for lack of a better description), as the hood pin is a safety device, it keeps teh remote starter from accidently starting the car with the engine comparment cover (again, lack of...) open, this protects you and/or mechanics from getting hurt if someone where to push the start button(s) while they/you were working on the car.

I strongly suggest doing it right and installing the switch in the back, from what I have seen there should be a pre existing switch, that could probably be used, the polarity of that switch will be the determinng factor, if you have one at all.

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Dewie
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Report this Post10-10-2003 08:54 AM Click Here to See the Profile for DewieClick Here to visit Dewie's HomePageSend a Private Message to DewieDirect Link to This Post
Hmm - for some reason my post this morning didn't go though.

I am not talking about installing the hood pin switch up front - I am asking about installing a relay on the "ajar" light on the instrument cluster so that I don't have to run any wires. I realize this means I would not be able to have the front hood open and the car running at the same time - but this is fine.

2nd - I do not plan on buying NEW door lock actuators - I am just wondering if all Pontiac & the Chev cars of the era share the same door lock actuators (so I can grab a set from a scrapped car and have them bolt up)

3rd - How does the Trunk switch/circuit work? Does it use the trunk latch to ground out and complete the circuit? If so this would explain why it only works when the trunk is latched. My car starter outputs a negative 12v signal - so am I correct in assuming that I will have to use a relay to make this work?

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timmer
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Report this Post10-10-2003 10:59 AM Click Here to See the Profile for timmerSend a Private Message to timmerDirect Link to This Post
yes dewie you can but you will have to use two after market relays the same way for the actuators ...
and as for hood pin .. that in a fiero to me is the trunk yes as a saftey device worked by the remote start
as for the a/c heater turn on run your heat turn on wire from remote start to the orange wire in the steering column that will turn on heat in winter and cold in summer . and as for the third channel take the spring off the back trunk /hood and put that third channel to timmed output and hook up load relay to linear actuator to raise and lowwer trunk lid
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timmer
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Report this Post10-10-2003 11:02 AM Click Here to See the Profile for timmerSend a Private Message to timmerDirect Link to This Post

timmer

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DOH sorry forgot yes you can do that at the ajar light and it will work buit does your remote start not do that already ? what r/s are you using ?
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Report this Post10-11-2003 12:12 AM Click Here to See the Profile for The_RavenClick Here to visit The_Raven's HomePageSend a Private Message to The_RavenDirect Link to This Post
Actually yo do not need 2 relays to use the factory "hood" pin, it all depends on polarity of the factory pin.

If it is true to GM wiring code of teh time, it should be a negitive trigger, meaning that the pin switch actually switches the ground "on" (closing the circuit) when the "hood" is opened. If this is the case, just tap into it and it will work fine.

If it is a positive trigger, then one relay will be needed to invert the polarity.

Now if the trunk lid (front) is also tied into this wire, as it sounds like, then you will need to find where you can tap into the "hood" only wire, should be in the console, you will have to cut this wire and use a diode, a 1 amp diaode should suffice.

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timmer
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Report this Post10-11-2003 01:18 AM Click Here to See the Profile for timmerSend a Private Message to timmerDirect Link to This Post
sorry if there was a miscomunication the two relays i refer to are for the door locks door trigger to shut off remote start will work from the ajar light andf the "trunk" trigger wire used as a "hood" pin it exists already in the engine compartment if you have a trunk light
look for two wires leading into trunk one orange (power) and the other white (trigger wire) and that will work
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Report this Post10-11-2003 12:02 PM Click Here to See the Profile for USFieroSend a Private Message to USFieroDirect Link to This Post
Hmmm, I wrote up my install in some detail and have it on Kazaa, but here are some parts. (I'm a former installer. The knees won't let me do it pofessionally anymore )This part is basically a cut-and-paste summary of some of that article. I also installed a window-rollup unit and my car didn't come with power door locks but I address that somewhere below...

I don't like adding extra switches to my installs so I used a kit with five-wire solenoids that lock or unlock both doors when you manually operate the locks. I usually try to mimic a factory install by locating the solenoids where the factory would if possible but this time I mounted them on metal plates attached to the door panel support. The control unit has a negative lock/unlock trigger on the control unit to interface with the alarm. There were existing factory pin switches for the front and rear decklids and doors. I ran the wire harness through the existing rubber boots since the car had power windows and removed the three brackets that supported the door panel and handle as well as the paper vapor barrier. The door panel brace is parallel to the door lock rod and I attached the solenoid rods to the lock rods. I cut new moisture barrier from an institution quality shower liner purchased at Wal-Mart and used spray trim adhesive to put it on. The brackets were originally riveted on but I reattached them using large lag screws.

Alarm Harness (BULLDOG RS602E)
Fiero Wiring
Brown/Black stripe Lock pulse for door locks
Green/Black stripe Unlock pulse for door locks*
*Note: I am using an aftermarket door lock system. The factory door lock in a Fiero is known as Positive Door Lock configuration, see www.RELAYHELP.com for diagrams if you are using factory door locks.
Alarm Harness Fiero Wiring
Black/White (tachometer sensor) White wire in dash wiring (tach)
Black/Blue (safety switch)* Dark Green in dash wiring
*Note: Normally this would be for the front hood of a car, but since the Fiero's engine is in the back the rear pin switch should be utilized. The Fiero has a central door/hood ajar circuit that I used in the main cluster, a dark green wire in the instrument cluster wiring. This means the car will not remote start if any door or hood is open.
Violet (dome light) ground White wire at dimmer switch using relay to turn on courtesy interior lights. This is where you will use one of the fuse holders from the alarm kit (5-amp fuse).
Grey/Black stripe Black horn wire on harness using relay to ground circuit. Use another fuse holder with a 20-amp fuse.
White/Red stripe Grey/Black wire at trunk release relay to the right of the steering column. Use a 20-amp fuse holder and relay to provide 12 volts to this wire. All of the above relays can receive their voltage from the red ignition wires in the factory harness. Solder and tape these connections carefully, the power comes directly from the cars' battery!
Black/Yellow stripe Black/Orange or White wire coming from driver's side door ajar or door pin switch. They are in the doorjambs. The Black/Orange wire is from the 84-85 models where the switch is in the rear of the doorframe. Make sure it is in good condition. Later years only have the forward switch (White wire). Replacements are available at GM dealerships. Follow the wire harness to the drivers' footwell and tap there for a short connection.
Brown wire (parking lights) Brown wire at headlight switch
Grey wire (siren 12V+) I mounted the siren in the engine bay near where the battery used to be. This wire provides 12 volts +, the other wire for the siren is grounded. Use a small grommet where you drill through the firewall for this circuit. Keep the wiring short and away from the exhaust system.
Blue/Black stripe (brake switch sense) Okay, this one can be tricky. If your car is equipped with factory cruise control, there are two switches on your brake pedal assembly. The bottom switch should be the brake switch, and has a connector with an Orange and White wire coming from it. Attach the Blue wire with the black stripe to the white wire. This will kill the engine and sound an alarm if someone gets into your remote-started car and hits the brake without putting in the ignition key and switching it to 'RUN'. I usually avoid 'T-taps' but I used one here, wrapped the connection with electrical tape and tie-wrapped the wire to the factory harness to relieve strain on the connection.
Orange wire (ignition kill) Normally this would be used to interrupt the starter circuit so no one can jam a screwdriver or dent puller into your ignition cylinder and start your car. Ignition Kill will be used in the install, but this output will be used to trigger the window rollup circuit as well. First, cut the Yellow start wire on the ignition harness just above where you tapped into it for the relay harness (closer to the ignition cylinder) and using 12 gauge wire, connect a heavy duty relay to the wiring per the instructions for the alarm. You will have to make a little jumper wire for two of the connections and you can use 16-gauge wire there. If you are NOT installing the window rollup module you will simply attach the Orange wire to the correct relay terminal. Since I am using this output to roll up my windows, here is the change in wiring: The Orange wire from the alarm will now go to the trigger input on the window rollup unit (Yellow on the unit I purchased). The output from the window roll up unit will now go the starter interrupt relay (Orange output on the roll up unit). For power I ran a wire from the auxiliary fuse block using a 20-amp fuse and 12-gauge wire to the positive input on the module (Red wire). The power for the door locks (Red wire) was also run from this fuse block with a 15-amp fuse. The door locks, alarm/remote starter, window roll up module and glass break sensor all have to be electrically grounded. Each unit was equipped with a Black wire for this purpose and properly grounding these connections is vital for good operation. I found an unpainted dash support with a large screw attaching it to a brace and terminated all the grounds there. To test your work, roll down the windows and unlock the doors. Remove the fuses for the window rollup and door lock control. Reconnect the battery, and watch for smoke! Small gauge wires will burn quickly if they are wired incorrectly and current from the battery runs across them. Be ready to disconnect the battery at the first sign of problems.
For anyone attempting to do their own installs, here are a few good guidelines:

1 Have the right tools; an inexpensive multimeter, quality wire strippers, cutters and crimp tools. A soldering iron and practice using it before you tear into your car. UL approved electrical tape, nylon tie wraps and crimp connectors. With butt connectors, look at the ends. You'll notice that they are 'tubes' of metal, and there is a break where the roll meets. Never 'dimple' the crimp at the split, it may cause the connection to open up and break the connection, or allow critical wiring to short against other metal.
2 Fuse everything that is attached to a positive power source, but don't go overboard. An extra fuse block is a good idea. Make sure individual circuits can handle the maximum required by components.
3 Use grommets when going through metal panels.
4 Keep wire lengths to only what is necessary. A wiring diagram of your car will help eliminate redundant wire runs and keep crimp connections to a minimum. The less cutting and splicing you do in exposed areas the better. Extra wire should be good quality multi-strand copper, 10 gauge red wire for high current power connections, 12 and 16 gauge for other applications.
5 Tackle each circuit one at a time, double check and test your work as you go. Disconnect the cars' battery while working. Route wires and components away from high heat and wear areas or places water might invade. Tape and tie wrap connections and wire bundles to secure them. Use 'T-taps' sparingly since they are not as reliable as solder or butt connectors are.
6 Don't even consider installing or using a remote start if your car needs engine maintenance or repair, or if there are poor electrical conditions from damage or lousy modifications. Get fluid leaks, burnt wiring, rusted or corroded battery mounts and connections fixed first. The remote starter would be more like a remote detonator instead, and the Fiero doesn't need that reputation perpetuated!

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John DuRette
Black 85 SE, undergoing work as we speak!

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Taijiguy
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Report this Post10-11-2003 01:22 PM Click Here to See the Profile for TaijiguySend a Private Message to TaijiguyDirect Link to This Post
For you guys who do (or did) this professionally; I'm wanting to install, or have installed a remote in my Blazer. It has the factory remote. I don't ever use the panic button on the remote, so I could dedicate that function to the remote start if possible. Are there any systems out there that can be integrated to use the factory remote, or with remotes that will learn the factory codes so I won't have to carry two seperate remote controls? How's that typically handled?
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timmer
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Report this Post10-11-2003 09:59 PM Click Here to See the Profile for timmerSend a Private Message to timmerDirect Link to This Post
we delete the factory remote if you are installing a remote start but if you are just doing an alarm and want to use the factory remote you can go to magnadyne and get one from them its part # pL20 and that will add on to existing factory remotes
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