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

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.....

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

A: Call us @ 907-456-8400

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