Remote start for fleet and shop vehicles: what to check first

Start with the key, not the remote.

Remote start has to get past the vehicle's anti-theft system, which expects the real key. Most modern vehicles need a bypass module to handle that, plus a harness made for that vehicle. A standard key, a chipped key and push-button start can each need different parts.

Before you order anything, get the year, make, model, trim and key type for each vehicle. Flag diesels, hybrids and manual transmissions. Manual transmissions are a special case, and many installers won't remote start them at all.

Know the parts that usually go in.

A typical install is a remote start and bypass module, a vehicle-specific T-harness, and a way to send the start command: a key fob, a phone module or both.

The Directed DB3 is a digital remote start and override module with dual CAN support and OBD2 connectivity for SmartStart. It uses vehicle-specific T-harnesses, sold separately, and takes the same T-harnesses as the DBALL2. Directed warranties it for 18 months. Check your exact vehicle against Directed's fit information before you order.

Choose a key fob, a phone or both.

A 2-way key fob tells the driver the vehicle actually started, and there's no subscription. Range is the limit. The Avital 7352L is a 2-way, 5-button replacement remote for the Avital 5303L system, rated up to 1-1/2 miles. Buildings and metal cut that down. It replaces a remote for that system. It isn't a starter kit, so check the model of the system you have first.

A phone works from anywhere with cell coverage. The Directed DSM550 SmartStart Pro adds 4G LTE phone control and GPS location to a compatible Directed remote start system. It doesn't start the vehicle on its own: the vehicle needs a remote start system installed. It also needs a SmartStart Secure or GPS Premium plan, 1 or 3 years, sold separately.

For a fleet, each module needs its own plan. Price the plans across every truck before you decide on phone control for all of them. Directed's app can show several vehicles on one account, which is handy for a small fleet.

Set the rules for running vehicles.

Some cities and states limit how long a parked vehicle can idle, and so do some fleet policies. Set the run time to match.

Shop vehicles need extra care. A vehicle should never start itself in a closed bay. Make sure the install includes a hood pin switch, so the vehicle can't remote start with the hood up, and put the system in valet mode when the vehicle goes in for service.

Decide who installs it.

Remote start is wiring and programming, not plug-and-play. Your shop may handle it in-house. If you want us to, we quote Midwest installation separately. Send a quote request with the vehicles, how many and where they are.

If the vehicles are leased or under a maintenance agreement, check whether aftermarket electrical work is allowed before anyone starts.

• Year, make, model, trim and key type for each vehicle
• Bypass module and vehicle-specific T-harness
• Key fob, phone control or both, and the plan cost per vehicle
• Hood pin switch and valet mode for shop vehicles
• A run time that fits local idling rules
• Who installs and who programs