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In this hot summer, I would like to install a remote starter on my car. Here is my situation; I have a 2011 Malibu that came WITHOUT remote start. I would like to use the factory remote start. Can this be accomplished? What all would I need to do this and is it easy compared to buying an aftermarket type?
In this hot summer, I would like to install a remote starter on my car. Here is my situation; I have a 2011 Malibu that came WITHOUT remote start. I would like to use the factory remote start. Can this be accomplished? What all would I need to do this and is it easy compared to buying an aftermarket type?
Definitely talk to the dealer - it's likely there is a factory accessory "kit" that will work by plugging it in & reprogramming the vehicle's computer.
The aftermarket kits require a bunch of wires connected to the wiring in the steering column, and if it's not done properly it's a nightmare to troubleshot.
My wife's car was an "off lease" vehicle that had an aftermarket unit installed (that we never even knew was there!) - after we had it a couple of years, it started having intermittent problems - sometimes it wouldn't start, sometimes the car wouldn't shut off, and eventually, the car started itself with no one in it in a closed garage!
If I remember correctly, there were seventeen wires cut in the steering column, then twisted together & covered with tape. <--- not cool!
In this hot summer, I would like to install a remote starter on my car. Here is my situation; I have a 2011 Malibu that came WITHOUT remote start. I would like to use the factory remote start. Can this be accomplished? What all would I need to do this and is it easy compared to buying an aftermarket type?
I would advise checking with dealer as previous poster said. Otherwise, I would not bother. We have one. It's not like a heating situation. If you start the car with AC, it takes too long to cool down. New refrigerants work OK, but only if RPMs are a little higher. At idle, it will just not cool very much before you get there. Not worth the cost and the waste of fuel, IMO.
I would advise checking with dealer as previous poster said. Otherwise, I would not bother. We have one. It's not like a heating situation. If you start the car with AC, it takes too long to cool down. New refrigerants work OK, but only if RPMs are a little higher. At idle, it will just not cool very much before you get there. Not worth the cost and the waste of fuel, IMO.
Agreed. The truck I bought came with one installed but it's pointless. I would probably have to idle for close to an hour before the cabin cools. I never use it.
Agreed. The truck I bought came with one installed but it's pointless. I would probably have to idle for close to an hour before the cabin cools. I never use it.
Nor do I. I have, however, become an expert in finding shady parking spaces.
I have found the fastest way to cool off a hot car is put a/c on high and pulling outside air in, roll down back windows if it's a 4 door, and front windows 1/4 to 1/2 down, drive about a mile, and it starts getting much nicer.
Then roll up all windows, and put the A/C on recirculate.
The other problem I can think of is that the AC will be at whatever setting you last left it, which probably isn't on max which is where you'd want to be first thing when you get in the car.
I was thinking about getting it on my car as well but this thread kind of opened my eyes.
DesertCajun - I have a 2010 Malibu with the remote start and the entire thing is just a module that can easily be installed by the dealer. Everything you need for it already exists in the car, you just need to plug in the module and get the new remotes. I would personally go with the factory unit, but bear in mind, it will be quite pricey compared to an aftermarket system.
As for how well it works, that is somewhat dependent on how well the system is integrated into the car. For instance, on Malibu's that don't have the automatic climate control, the climate settings are stuck to wherever you left them, the car is however smart enough to turn on the rear defroster. If you have auto climate control, it is a whole different game and the car knows what the cabin temperature is and will adjust the controls to heat or cool the car as necessary.
WOW! Thanks for all the input, it is quite helpful. NJGOAT, I got a quote from the dealer and for everything it will be about $330. Which is less than what I thought from a dealer. The average around the valley was about $350 to install a basic 2-way remote, but after the above post mentioning that the car started itself and the garage door closed I am a bit iffy on the afterarket install. I guess the quality of the work plays a big factor too. With the dealership I reckon they will warranty the work. Thanks again everyone!
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