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Remote starter

Radio controlled device to start a vehicle engine

Radio controlled device to start a vehicle engine

A remote starter is a radio controlled device, which is installed in a vehicle by the factory or an aftermarket installer to preheat or cool the vehicle before the owner gets into it. Once activated, by pushing a button on a special key chain remote, it starts the vehicle automatically for a predetermined time. Different models have keyless entry as well. Most newer vehicles need some kind of bypass module to bypass the factory anti-theft system, so the vehicle can be started without the ignition key in the ignition, this is bypassed only to start the vehicle, which after it is running returns to its original state. For cars with manual transmission additional safety features may need to be added to prevent the car from starting while it is parked in gear. Having a remote starter installed in a vehicle will usually not void the factory warranty when installed properly.

The first U.S. patent (#3248555) for a remote car starter was issued to Samuel Fried of Omaha, Nebraska in 1963. Galvani and Barratelli of Illinois were awarded a patent in 1971.

The first manufacturer to introduce remote start bypass modules to bypass vehicle anti-theft systems was Fortin auto radio based in Montreal, Quebec (Canada). By 1985 multiple manufacturers began producing the devices and automobile manufacturers began offering the remote start devices as an option.

Newer cars with pushbutton starts can also be interfaced, but some do not have a "take over" procedure.

Technology

A remote starter is radio controlled and connected to the car's computer. The aim of this feature is to have the engine running for a given time for cooling or preheating the car before using it, to save time during winter times which requires defrosting the windshield.

Benefits and issues

Benefits

The installation of a remote starter device in a vehicle may come with the following benefits:

  • Ideal temperature before reaching the car
  • Security: remote activation of the engine locks the doors of the vehicle automatically

Issues

However, use of a remote starter may also pose the following issues:

  • Wasted fuel
  • Large carbon dioxide emissions

Safety issues

Additional safety issues may include:

  • starting the engine with a manual transmission left in gear
  • unattended vehicle is not recommended
  • warranty may be broken in some conditions

Installation of a remote starter may compromise a vehicle's warranty, unless done by a professional.

Local regulations

Some cities like Toronto forbid idling of vehicles for more than one minute per the Toronto municipal code, chapter 517, related to idling of vehicles and boats.

In Australia, the remote start engine feature may be available, but its use might be subject to local legality of leaving a vehicle's engine running while not in use:BMW to debut remote engine start function, but is it legal to use? William Davis, 31 July 2020 https://www.drive.com.au/news/bmw-to-debut-remote-engine-start-function-but-is-it-legal-to-use/

If the driver will be over 3 metres from the closest part of the vehicle, the driver must switch off the engine.

In Australia, activation of the RES may require agreement of a stringent set of terms and conditions:

References

References

  1. Valdes, Renee. (26 July 2023). "Cars With Remote Start: A Must-Have Feature for Extreme Temperatures".
  2. "Will Installing a Remote Starter Void My Warranty?".
  3. "Patent Public Search {{!}} USPTO".
  4. todd. (2024-01-03). "Remote Starter Benefits {{!}} Remote Starter History".
  5. Is a Remote Car Starter Safe? Easyway Insurance, 22 December 2022 https://www.easywayinsurance.ca/insights/is-a-remote-car-starter-safe/
  6. How Does a Remote Start System Work? Stephen Lilley https://itstillworks.com/remote-start-system-work-4608160.html
  7. Toronto municipal code, chapter 517, idling of vehicles and boats, 517-1 July 8, 2010https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/municode/1184_517.pdf
Info: Wikipedia Source

This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page.

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