For many car owners in Brick and East Brunswick, the question of whether their existing factory key fob can be used to activate a remote start system is a common one. At Auto Image, we often confirm that, in numerous cases, the answer is a resounding yes. Utilizing your OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) key fob for remote start is indeed possible for many vehicles. However, it’s important to understand that this method comes with certain advantages and disadvantages. Let’s delve into the specifics of using your factory remote to initiate your car or truck’s remote starter, exploring both the benefits and the potential drawbacks when compared to dedicated aftermarket systems.
How Auto Start Works with Your Factory Key Fob
Integrating a remote car starter that is compatible with your factory key fob is a process quite similar to installing a traditional remote start system that includes separate, dedicated remote controls. The core installation remains largely the same, with the primary distinction being the omission of an external antenna on the windshield in some setups, depending on the system and vehicle. Instead, a sophisticated computer interface module is connected to your vehicle’s electronics. This module is designed to communicate directly with your car’s onboard computer system, monitoring essential statuses such as door lock and pin engagement, and seamlessly interacting with your factory-installed security system.
The activation of the remote start feature via your factory key fob is typically achieved through a simple and intuitive command sequence: pressing the “lock” button three times in quick succession. This “3x Lock Start” or “three-times lock start” method, as it’s frequently termed in the industry, sends a signal from your key fob to the interface module. Upon receiving this signal, the module triggers the remote starter, initiating the engine start process. This integration is particularly appealing for those with integrated key/remote combos, as it maintains a streamlined keychain, eliminating the need to carry an additional remote fob.
Understanding the Range Limitations of Factory Key Fobs for Remote Start
While the convenience of using your factory remote for auto start is undeniable, it’s crucial to consider whether this approach is truly the best option for your needs. The most significant limitation associated with factory key fobs is their operating range. Imagine the comfort of stepping into a pre-warmed car on a frigid winter morning – it’s an experience that quickly becomes indispensable. However, the range offered by a standard factory key fob might not always be sufficient to start your vehicle from locations such as your office, a large grocery store, a movie theater, or a restaurant. There’s considerable frustration in believing your car has started remotely, only to find it still ice-cold upon arrival. This range constraint is where factory remotes often fall short compared to aftermarket solutions.
Exploring Enhanced Remote Control Options
In contrast to factory key fobs, even basic aftermarket remote starters are engineered to provide significantly extended range. Typically, these entry-level aftermarket remotes offer a range starting at around 800 feet, extending up to a mile for more advanced models. Furthermore, many aftermarket remotes incorporate valuable feedback features. These systems provide confirmation, often through visual or auditory signals, that the start command has been successfully received and executed by the vehicle. This two-way communication eliminates the guesswork and uncertainty associated with one-way factory remote systems.
For the ultimate in remote start control and vehicle management, systems like Viper SmartStart telematics offer unparalleled capabilities. Viper SmartStart allows you to control your remote starter, as well as lock and unlock doors or even open the trunk, all from a user-friendly app on your smartphone (compatible with both iPhone and Android). Premium Viper SmartStart service plans can also include advanced features like GPS-based vehicle location services and customizable alerts based on vehicle location and speed. For many of our clients, a combination of Viper SmartStart, offering extended range and smartphone control, paired with the convenience of factory key fob integration for shorter distances, provides the ideal balance of features and usability.
Consult New Jersey’s Remote Start Experts at Auto Image
If you’re in the market for a remote starter and are considering the factory key fob integration option, we encourage you to visit one of our Auto Image locations. Our team of experts can provide a hands-on demonstration of how the factory key fob auto start feature operates and assess whether it meets your specific needs. If you determine that you require greater range or more advanced features than your factory remote can provide, we can guide you through our extensive selection of Viper remote starter systems to find the perfect solution. For any further inquiries or to discuss your remote start needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via our contact page or by visiting our stores in Brick or East Brunswick, New Jersey. We’re here to ensure you choose the remote start system that best fits your lifestyle and vehicle.
