Remote Car Starter w/ Manual Transmission

I know it can be done but have any of you with the 5/6spd MT installed one? Do you just make sure to leave it neutral and you’re good to go? If I install one I’m looking to one with the app if possible.

Thanks!

 

I've had one in my last four manual vehicles. I've used exclusively Compustar models, and fully enjoy my basic 2 way I have installed in the truck now. There is a process for setting the vehicle up in "reserve mode" to ensure that the auto-start can do its job. It's pretty simple, but can also fail in several ways.

1. Ensure the vehicle is in neutral with the parking brake on.
2. Ensure the driver isn't touching any pedals (clutch/brake)
3. Turn the key to the off position and remove. If done correctly the vehicle should still be running without a key in the ignition.
4. Remove items from vehicle and close all doors.
5. The vehicle will continue to run while the controller runs a system check and autolocks the doors and shuts the vehicle off.

Of course there are some things that can totally screw you here.

1. Accidentally hitting a button on the FOB as you exit the vehicle.
2. Accidentally hitting pedal as you exit the vehicle.
3. The "reserve mode" is nullified if you unlock the vehicle with the FOB (because you forgot an item) after it's been set.
4. The controller does it's system check when the last door is closed, so if your passenger closes their door before you can grab an item from the rear you have to reset the system (only a problem on the Subaru wagons I owned). Easily countered by leaving the drivers door open until you're done and ready.

I have friends with the app versions, but I much prefer having a basic FOB without a screen. This is because I often find myself without cell signal and that I tend to scratch/crack the screens on higher models.

This appears to be the updated model to my own:
https://www.compustar.com/remotes/pro-g15/

Each dealer and installer will charge different prices, but just to give you an idea: In an area where auto-starts are extremely popular I was able to score mine with install, and manual bypass module for somewhere around the $450 range.

 

Thanks for the info! Seems like it’s not as straight forward as I thought. I’m a bit of a newbie to the remote starts. What’s a 2way vs the alternative?

 

Ever have any issues with the e-brake not releasing in the cold? That's what has held me back on getting one.

 

There's several different models and that have several different features. A lot of which I don't use and skip over. It's worth it for you to do some research on manufacturers websites to narrow down exactly what you want. But the most basic of basic always come down to two major types of auto-starts.

1. 2-Way means that the FOB will alert/notify you that your vehicle has started. 2-Way communication between the FOB/App and the vehicle. FOB talks to vehicle, vehicle talks to FOB.
2. 1-Way means that you have no clue if your vehicle has started unless you physically look/hear it. 1-Way communication between the FOB and the vehicle. FOB talks to vehicle, but nothing is sent from vehicle to FOB confirming the vehicle has started.

I have a basic 2-Way remote starter. It has lights on it but no screen. I'm alerted with the truck has started by three sets of two beeps and a green blinking light. If the truck hasn't started because of various reasons (didn't set in reserve mode/batteries dead) the FOB alerts me by fast beeps and the light flashes amber.

 

Honestly I have not. However I live in Anchorage where we hardly never see temperatures colder than -10*F and our average for winter is in the mid teens to the mid twenties. It's always a possibility of happening, and I'm always aware of it. But in the 10+ years I've been using them in manuals I have not yet had the misfortune of a frozen parking brake.

*Knocks on wood*

 

The ebrakes were always a problem for me in my 1st gens but my 2005 works perfectly like new. They must have figured something out in the rear end cause the handle sure hasn’t changed..

 

The only one I've ever used on manual transmission was Compustar, both 2 & 1 ways.

 

Curious if anyone has tried this one, but I believe it's for a automatic only.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2016-2018-...Remote-Start-Kit-v2-1-Smart-Key-/272756857992

 

Hi I just got my first Tacoma 1st Gen. 5spd manual. I was looking at Compustar models and all the cheaper ones say automatic only. Is that really true? Can a good installer install it anyway? Are there any tricks to it? Thanks,