Through the chill of winter or the heat of summer, the convenience of starting your vehicle from the comfort of your home or office is so addictive, you'll never want to be without one again! Auto Trim Design of Fairbanks has a variety of models to choose from and several installation professionals within our shop crew. Call or come by for your free estimate today.

Get it done right!

Trust the installation experts at Auto Trim Design to do the job right. Not only have we installed thousands of AutoStarts, but we back up our workmanship as long as you own that vehicle.

Learn about our Automatic Idle Reduction System below.

CompuStar Pro P2W9000FMR

This spread spectrum LCD 2-way features up to 3000* feet of range. This new CompuStar Pro 2W9000FMR remote has a built in clock, in-vehicle temperature readout, and battery voltage sensing. This system operates at a higher frequency to allow for greater range and battery life. Firstech engineers were the first to perfect 900MHz FM (433MHz in Canada). Remotes come with a 2 year limited warranty. *Range is quoted for U.S. models only. International model has up to 1500 meters range. Includes 1 x Two-Way and 1 x One-Way remote.

Features:

- Factory Style Alarm, monitors doors and trunk
- Cold and hot starting with temperature
- Time start set on remote by user
- Optional external Siren (six-tone)
- Optional super bright blue LED
- Driver's priority unlock
- Ignition controlled door locks
- Secure valet switch
- 2 auxiliary outputs
- 2-programmable inputs
- Selectable trunk release output
- Programmable horn honk output
- Horn trigger output
- Diesel compatible

Learn more at CompuStar. Please call our store at 907-456-8400 for pricing.

Astrostart RS-5225

2-Way LCD Remote Start and Security System with up to One Mile Range* Benefits: Built-in rechargeable lithium Ion batteries, Ultimate 2-way communication with graphics and audio tones on transmitter with 5000 feet range*, Multi-channel and vehicle remote control capability, Vehicle status indicator via remote, Alarm Link alerts you if the factory alarm is triggered.

Proven EXRT 900 MHz spread spectrum radio with up to one mile range*, 18 Quintillion Rolling Code Technology protecting against code grabbers, and Compatible with most gas diesel and hybrid vehicles.

* alarm function is an additional cost.

Directed Smart Start

Are you tired of carrying around another clunky remote control on your keyring or finding yourself out of range when you really need to warm up or cool down your car before getting in? Now you can remote start or lock and unlock your car just by pushing a button on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch; using the exciting new Directed SmartStart app from Directed Electronics, the leader in vehicle security and remote start. The simple graphical interface gives you control over the following features of your installed Directed remote start or security/remote start system:

● Lock/arm
● Unlock/disarm
● Remote car starter
● Trunk release
● Panic or car finder

You can also control multiple vehicles – great for families! – and assign more than one user to control a vehicle. It's easy with SmartStart!

version 2.0 is compatible with the Astrostart RSS-5225
Directed SmartStart

RS-623 Autostart

The RS-623 Autostart features Lock, Unlock, Start, Stop, Cold Temp autostart feature, 1200' max range, and is an LED response two way autostart so you will know that the vehicle has started.

Please call our store at 907-456-8400 for pricing.

RS-613 One Way Autostart

The RS-613 features 1200’ max range, start, stop, lock, unlock (if your vehicle has electric locks of course), and a timer feature that allows you to set your vehicle to start automatically every 3 hours. The timer start feature turns it’s self off as soon as you drive your car and will need to be enabled via the remote every time you park your car.

This unit, like all the autostarts we sell, has been tested to -50ºF.

The RS-613 base prices at $349 installed not including interface, bypass, and manual transmission modules that may be required for your car or truck. Please call or store @ 907-456-8400 for specific pricing.

TCS-1000

Commercial Grade Cold Climate, Engine Temperature Activated Automatic Idle Reduction System

Designed and sold exclusively by AUTO TRIM DESIGN OF FAIRBANKS INC.

As you are probably aware there are some new potential EPA regulations hanging in the wings regarding unattended idling of vehicles on the North Slope. It’s our understanding that they are modeled after some Canadian regulations that are supposed to go into effect this year. Additionally, the Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel and gas used in the light truck fleets up North now has to be trucked in, making it much more expensive to operate the light truck fleets. Knowing that this was an impending problem that would need to be solved, we started development of a temperature dependant starting system for the light truck fleets operating in cold climates about 25 months ago.

The parameters that we designed the unit around were based upon several conversations with ASRC and Alyeska pipeline service co.

They are:

1. Simple to operate (single switch) and dependable.
2. Capability to trigger an hour meter to track run time on the idle reduction system.
3. Visual confirmation of activation via LED indicator for possible monitoring in the field by maintenance personnel or compliance officer.
4. Ability to interface with Ford, GM, Toyota, or Dodge ignitions, security interfaces, BCM’s, and ECU’s.
5. Mil Spec grade electronics to optimize extreme cold operation and reliability.
6. Ability to automatically engage whenever the vehicle is turned off and can be manually disengaged via a single rocker switch.
7. Automatically turns off when the hood is opened to insure the safety of maintenance personnel.
8. Operation must be engine temperature dependant. (start at 10ºF, turn off at 120ºF)
9. Unit is universal in engine types… IE, gas, diesel, natural gas, propane, etc.
10. It includes over rev, under rev detection and protection.
11. It is cost effective for commercial light truck fleets.
12. The brain and associated electronics are small enough to fit in an already cramped area under the dash in today’s light trucks.

These idle reduction systems are the result of several years of testing in conjunction with ASRC and are built to our specs in Canada by a company with over 25 years experience building quality consumer auto starts. This unit differs substantially from the Temp-a-Start units being used up North on the heavy equipment in that they are less than half the price and will integrate with the much more complex computer controlled ignition systems found in the newer light trucks. The unit is also much more heavy duty in design and multiple user friendly than the consumer type auto start electronics available on the market today.

We are introducing these units with pricing of $600 (w/o an hour meter) installed at our shop in Fairbanks, Alaska, which includes the required interface modules for various light truck manufacturers. We can field an installation team for locations on the slope at a price of $800 installed or make available a training team for your shops. On location pricing assumes the client will provide food and lodging for the install team. The uninstalled price is $399 per unit plus the required bypass modules for different vehicles. Some of these bypass modules will require a vehicle specific programming which is performed by a computer download. Prices of these modules vary from $40 to $150, vehicle and brand dependant. A good quality hour meter should cost $45 - $50 each if needed.

Auto Trim Design of Fairbanks Inc. has over 20 years experience in this field and is the largest volume stand alone auto start facility in the United States. You can rest assured that your company will be dealing with a solid, highly professional, and technically competent business partner that is very familiar with the extreme conditions in which these units will be operating.

Please contact Bob Boswood or Steve Vincent at Auto Trim Design of Fairbanks Inc. for more information. Phone 907-456-8400.

FAQ's About Autostarts in Fairbanks, Alaska

Q: What the heck is an autostart?

A: It is a remote controlled device that allows you to start your vehicle from up to one mile away.

Q: Can an autostart be installed on any vehicle?

A: Almost all passenger vehicles with fuel (diesel or gas) injection. A very few (almost all 2002+ Mercedes, several BMW cars, some Volvos, some Landrovers, a couple Lexus, and a few others) have ignition systems that will not allow an autostart.

Q: I have a new hybrid car. Can you install an autostart in it?

A: We have not run across a hybrid that we couldn’t install an autostart in as of yet. The one thing you have to remember is to keep the heater turned on so the gas motor will begin trying to provide heat to the passenger compartment when the vehicle is started. That said, hybrids are tricky cars/trucks in which to install anything electrical. We have probably installed more autostarts in hybrids than any single point autostart install center in the world. In the beginning, we had to create our own install data sheets because almost all the wiring diagrams were partially incorrect as the auto manufacturers of these cars were (and still are) in a state of running electrical design changes during the manufacturing process. Consequently, every wire we attach to needs to be tested in a manner that doesn’t affect the hybrids electrical system prior to the autostart’s install. One mistake could be very, very expensive. To date, only senior installers are allowed to install an autostart on a hybrid and all installs are checked by our shop foreman or lead installer.

Q: It seems you take a lot of precautions with the hybrids, what about my normal gas car/truck? Does it get turned over to the shop moron?

A: Our installers start out in a mentoring program regardless of prior experience. New hires work with a senior installer learning our installation methods (like soldering and insulating all connections) prior to working on their own. Even as they progress, our shop foreman or lead installer will check their installs prior to “buttoning up the dash” and final testing by a different installer. This method insures quality and consistency in our installs. This year we found out that in 2007 we were the largest single point installation center of autostarts in the United States. We achieved this by delivering the highest quality product installed by the most experienced staff available and put into effect several QC measures. We may be more expensive, but it takes a little more money to keep a quality staff of experienced installers on hand. Do you really want to turn over your $20,000 plus vehicle to some shop that hires installers as “independent contractors,” pays them under the table, then hires a new one when their work release program is satisfied? You probably think I’m kidding about that. Well, all I can say is “you’d be amazed." Since we started installing autostarts in the 1980’s, I remember at least 17 autostart installation shops that have opened and closed, taking their “lifetime warranty” to the grave with them. We, on the other hand, are still maintaining autostarts we sold in 1987. In short; “ya get what ya paid for.”

Q: When I bought my vehicle the dealer told me that adding an autostart would void my warranty unless it was installed by the dealer. Is this true?

A: ABSOLUTLY NOT! Your right to add accessories to your vehicle is protected by the Moss Magnusson Act of 1975 which is a federal law. Basically, it states that the vehicle manufacturer only has the right to deny warranty if they can prove beyond any doubt that the aftermarket product was the absolute and fundamental cause of the problem with your vehicle. Any deviation from this act allows you to seek remedy in a court of law. That said, if it can be demonstrated beyond any doubt and in a legally defensible manner that the aftermarket accessory or installation was indeed the root cause of the problem with your vehicle, your only hope is have dealt with a reputable installation center such as we are, and have been since 1984.

Q: So, what is your warranty?

A: The warranty of our autostart installations (wiring) is for as long as you are the original owner of the vehicle. The autostart brands we currently sell have a limited lifetime warranty on the electronics as long as you are the original owner except for the remote controls which carry a 1 to 2 year warranty. Like most warranties it covers defects in our installation or the electronics, not acts of God, acts of stupidity by others, acts of war, abuse, accidents, modification of wiring, submersion in water, damage due to impact, closure of the brand/manufacturer, damage caused by others, damage caused by voltage spikes or polarity reversal, damage caused by excessive current draw of failing electrical components in the vehicle, deep fry or sauté, being eaten by your dog, etc.....

Q: What about diesels?

A: Sure, we can install in diesels. Some trucks (but not many) do not have a decent tach signal and will require a DTS or diesel tach sensor. They work well, but only have a 2-4 year life span and the DTS module (about $65) comes with a 1 year warranty. Diesels can also be programmed to run for as long as 35 min. at a time. Where a normal gas vehicle’s run time on autostart is about 18 min. Yes, the system will do a “glow plug cycle” prior to start.

Q: What about manual transmission vehicles?

A: We can install autostarts on most manual transmission vehicles. It will require more driver participation to operate this autostart, but the benefits are more than worth it.

Q: What is this new SST technology I’ve been hearing about?

A: As you are probably aware, wireless technology is exploding. The FCC, mired in bureaucracy, has been caught with “their knickers down” while China floods us with wireless devices all vying for the same frequency that the autostarts are using. A few years ago we hired an engineer from Québec to fly up here with all sorts of fancy computers, antennas, and RFI tracking river otters (okay, I’m kidding about the otters) to test a “dead area” we weren’t able to figure out and fix the problem. After several days of testing, it turned out to be a local nightclub’s remote control disco ball that was transmitting at least 100 times more than FCC the allowable power which was blanketing the area with RFI. We unplugged the ball, talked to the club owner and now people can again use their autostarts within that area. Granted most autostart and alarm manufacturers are much higher tech than your kid’s remote control puppy, still it’s getting very crowded. The SST units basically “shotgun” 3-5 different frequencies at once and use the strongest signal to “punch through” in that area. These units can exceed a mile in range under best conditions and are well worth the money as a long term investment in a wacky wireless world.

Q: I work in a windowless building lined with lead and kryptonite, will this affect my autostarts range?

A: Yes, the rated range on an autostart is optimal (read as: perfect conditions). Inside most buildings you can expect to lose about 75% of the rated range. Standing under power pole transformers, near cell sites, radio/TV towers, and other forms of radiated interference will also limit your range. If you work in the Radiology/Imaging center of a medical center the walls are (or should be) shielded and you will have to step away from that area to use the auto start. If you believe your building is lined with kryptonite you should probably seek professional help.

Q: Does extremely cold weather affect the autostart?

A: Yes. Range of the Astrostart autostarts can be affected by 50-60% at -40F.

Q: 50-60%, yikes! that seems like a lot.

A: It is. However we have, in test, 3-4 different manufactures autostarts at any given time. This allows us to keep on top of current technology, features, and practical operation in the field. 50-60% loss at forty below is minimal compared to any other brand we have tested. One of the test units actually required the technician to touch the remote to the vehicle antenna for operation at -35 F. The AstroStart autostarts are built in Canada and designed/tested for cold climate operation. Most of the other autostarts are designed offshore for more moderate climates... like Anchorage.

Q: Can I leave my vehicle plugged in while operating the autostart?

A: As long as your vehicle uses a block heater, not a tank or percolating heater, it should be no problem.

Q: Does it cost the same amount for the same model autostart in any vehicle?

A: No. For the last several years different manufacturers have been using an assortment of ignition and vehicle security systems. To circumvent these systems requires the use of bypass modules, relays, multiplex interface modules, programming of different keys, and more. The level of security/difficulty and extra parts required (if any) in your vehicle plays a part in the autostart pricing.

Q: My next door neighbor has installed his/her own headlights and radar detector, can he/she install my autostart?

A: Would you let them argue in court on your behalf because they once were on a jury? Seriously, incorrectly installing an autostart can be very expensive in today's world of computer controlled vehicle electronics.... we know, we fix 2-3 owner/buddy installed units per month at $85 per hour. We warranty our installations for as long as you are the original owner of your car.

Q: How do I know what it will cost to install an autostart in my vehicle?

A: Call us @ 907-456-8400

Q: I have other questions.

A: As long as they are not philosophical and relate to our products or services, please give us a call @ 907-456-8400