Car Starter

[rami74]

Hi,

Which car starter do you recommend to use with Chrysler Concorde ?

Thx

[barrie1]

Normaly the one that came with it. What type are you referring to? Remote or factory? What year and engine Please as well.?

[rami74]

Hi,

I don't know what do you mean by "remote or factory"?What I asking for is thee type of car starter that I have to look for.Mine is Concorde LXi 2004..Thx

[asdf]

What Barrie means is that your original question is unclear and remains unclear.  What you need to clarify is whether you are looking for a remote car stater or for a starter motor?  

If you are looking for a starter motor - why do you care, your car is probably still under warranty.

If you are looking for a remote starter - depends on how much you want to spend.

[rami74]

Hi,

Thx for clearing things out.I'm looking for a remote starter.Good one with good pricing (Not expensive)...Thx

[johngenx]

I used to own a car electronics store, and I can tell you that spending as little as possible on a remote start is NOT a good idea.  I have seen cheap units with poor relays that can cause fires in ignition circuits or at the leaset blow fuses.  This is one place where you really get what you pay for.

Look for a dealer that sells AstroStart units.  They are about the best made for the money, and are also made in Canada, a nice bonus.  They offer great range and are very reliable.  I installed a unit in our Mazda 626 six years ago, and it works without any problems to this day.  Some tips...

1. Your Concorde has traction control, right?  If you pay for a cheap install, I guarantee that some kid with a $29 test light will be poking into the wires under your dash.  Not good.  Those cheap test lights use voltage, and can fry a traction control computer like nothing.  Try getting them to pony up the $2200 for a new computer.  No ECM safe test light?  No install.

2. Same problem with air bags.  Bags are made to fire in ultra low voltage conditions in case the electrical system is compromised.  Even static on the line can cause a discharge.  Your installer should NOT probe wires without knowing what they are.

3. Under the hood, you need a hood pin.  Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.  If that hood is up, the starter MUST be disabled to keep you from killing a mechanic.  Don't buy a starter with a cheap spring loaded pin, as they fail.  Only get one with a magnetic set-up.

4. Cheap units have poor range and crappy antennas.  If they can't start your car from more than a few feet, what's the point?  Don't be fooled by the range claims on most boxes, as there are tons of things that can interfere with range.  Powerful units work the best.

5. Look at other installs.  Do they solder ALL connections?  If not, go away.

6. Anti-grind.  You want it.  It means you can't hop in and grind the starter.

When we sold units, our AstroStart was about $250 installed, compared to about $180 for an elcheapo garbage unit.  There was WAY more than $70 in value in buying the better unit.  Real warranty, better install, better electronics, and real reliability.

[ovr50]

That's good info, John, and I hope all parties are reading it. The "el cheapo" mentality is so prevalent today.

[Mdxtasy]

I had an AstroStart way back when.  The only thing I didn't like about it was the overly complex remote that came with mine.  4 buttons and pressing a combo of them did different things.  I agree with Johngen in recommending you stay away from those $99 specials.  You probably have a computer chip in your key too....ask the installer how they deal with that.  

[maritime_storm]

Also of note, remember that a non-factory remote starter taps into almost every electrical system in your car, having worked on the aftermath of this several times let me be the first to warn, you WILL run into electrical systems glitches caused by the instalation of this as the car ages. Some will be minor annoyances, some will cost you a fortune, and yes anything electrical not dealer installed/factory accessory can and usually does effect your warrantee. Check with your Chrysler retailer to see if there is a factory one available for your car and preferably have them install it, they will be less likely to fight you on warrantee issues if they put it in.

[jeeper]

the best idea is to take your car to the dealer and ask them to install the original part...

[Mdxtasy]

Highly doubtful there is a factory remote car starter for the Chrysler.  I know GM has it on their Malibu now.

[safristi]

Remote Starters=Wifey= kids....

[Mdxtasy]

Last time I checked...Wifey and kid were both still in bed when I need the car started.  Dog didn't budge either.  I just haul my arse into the garage and start it before I leave for work anyway.  I don't warm my car for more than 30 seconds...just enough time for the navi computer to boot up and I can press the OK button on the screen.  Then I'm on my way.

[pikacha10]

does the nav system that acura uses have accurate maps of canada? i thought thye werent meant for the us since they apparently have better map readings

[johngenx]

Where a remote car starter comes in VERY useful is when you have to leave the car unplugged in very cold temps.  There is no way to bypass the security system in the Mercedes, but the Subaru was no problem.  When I leave the Subaru at a trailhead in the winter, it sits for days.  I set the cold temp sensor to start the car if it gets really cold.  I'll tell you that returning to a trailhead after sleeping outside at -30C and having your car start is akin to finding god.

[Mdxtasy]

The DVD maps I have for the nav system is great.  I have good coverage for all the cities I've been to and are supposed to have better coverage for Vancouver and Toronto.  The POI (Points of Interest) feature is lacking in Canada but is very well done for the US.  The new maps should have more POI's in the future for canadian cities.