skydiver30960 0 #1 December 7, 2006 The fiance wants an aftermarket remote-start unit installed on her 2004 Honda Civic Hybrid for Christmas. Don't have any idea how I'm going to fit the damn car under the tree once I have it installed, , BUT: What's the word on aftermarket remote-start units on hybrids? Is the wiring more complex enough that it'd be more difficult or impossible? Or are there few enough differences at that point in the powertrain to allow a safe install? I've called around to the shops in the area, and keep getting the same response: "well, we've never done an install on a hybrid before but we can't see why it'd be a problem." Yikes! How very reassuring. My #1 concern is that her car doesn't get FUBAR during the whole process. Elvisio "she can't handle the frigid 40 degree winter days here" Rodriguez Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #2 December 7, 2006 Here's a Q&A I found on the subject for hybrids: Quote Fair Lakes, Va.: As winter approaches, I want to install a remote start device in my 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid. My understanding is that when the car is started, only the secondary (electric) engine comes on initially - the gas engine doesn't start until the gas pedal is depressed or the brake applied, both of which require a human occupant. Since a remote start would not start the primary (gas) engine I want to warm up remotely before I leave my house and climb in, it appears a remote start would be of no benefit. Am I correct? If so, is there a work-around? I like having my windows de-iced and interior warm before leaving for work. Pat Goss: Wow! Don't know but I'm sure someone has one that will do what you want. Problem is why would anyone want to such a thing in the first place. There is absolutely NOTHING beneficial that comes from a remote starter system. It's all bad except for a warm bottom. They shorten the life of numerous parts of the vehicle, often make the car much easier to steal, and make the car into an unattended dangerous piece of machinery. Cars should never be left running without someone behind the wheel. Basically, I tend to agree. There are literally no benifits, unless you're the target of some sort of terror group wanting to plant a car bomb.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MrBrant 0 #3 December 7, 2006 Quote Basically, I tend to agree. There are literally no benifits, unless you're the target of some sort of terror group wanting to plant a car bomb. Ever lived in Winnipeg? a few weeks of -30 to -40 will show you the benefit of remote starters Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #4 December 7, 2006 Quote Ever lived in Winnipeg? Nope. I'm not that stupid.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydiver30960 0 #5 December 7, 2006 I can dig what they're saying about running your car without you in it being against the whole point of owning a hybrid, but I'm not so sure what parts of the car wear out faster. I've had remote start (aftermarket installed) for about four years now with no problems. I did just replace the starter, but hell it's a 1996 so I can't complain too loud. Long and short of it is that we just moved and don't have a garage anymore, and she gets all cranky about getting into a cold car in the mornings. She likes the mileage she gets from the hybrid, but probably doesn't have the bombproof moral conviction that other hybrid owners have on the subject, so she's not sweating the whole "then why have a hybrid" argument. Elvisio "as long as she's not asking me to go down there and start it for her every morning" Rodriguez Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #6 December 7, 2006 I would call and/or e-mail some of the larger companies that deal with remote start/alarm systems. I'm not sure there's a work around that would start the actual gas engine so that the benifits that your wife wants she actually gets. Personally I wonder about the life of the system's batteries for the hybrid system in your environment. Not due to remote start but overall and in general.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #7 December 7, 2006 Quote My #1 concern is that her car doesn't get FUBAR during the whole process. Toyota, Honda and Ford do not offer remote starters as a factory or dealer installed option on any of their hybrids, you may want to consider that. Most hybrids are designed to not use the engine during "first start-up" to cut emissions. A remote starter may not work in the manner intended. Also, you may want to contact Honda directly to see how that may affect any warranty coverage left on the car. I have a feeling that an aftermarket part like that would pretty much negate any remaining coverage. While the Honda hybrids are the most "conventional" of the hybrid cars out there, they are different enough from conventional cars in their operation that I wouldn't trust the replies you're getting from the shops either.So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JumpShipGypsy 0 #8 December 7, 2006 You know, they make small electric heaters designed for use in cars to preheat. Just get a small heater, put it on the floor. run an extension cord into the house. And plug it in before you make your morning coffee. Cheaper, safer, simpler. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,544 #9 December 7, 2006 Another option might be to figure out a way to make seat heaters remote-startable. Then, even if the rest of the car is cold, the seat will be halfway reasonable. Wendy W.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydiver30960 0 #10 December 7, 2006 Quote Just get a small heater, put it on the floor. run an extension cord into the house. And plug it in before you make your morning coffee. Good idea, except that living on the top floor of a four story apartment building would make for a long damn extension cord. Oh well, looks like her ass (figurative and literal) will just have to shiver. Elvisio "make it jiggle" rodriguez Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,073 #11 December 7, 2006 Honda civic (2003-2005) hybrid - should not be a problem. Conventional ignition switch and operation. I think the 2006 is similar. Toyota Prius - that _is_ a problem because a) the engine doesn't run just because the ignition is switched on. b) the ignition system is completely different; start button instead of key operated ignition switch. I like the heater idea better myself. Make sure the heater plug is OUTSIDE the car so if she forgets and drives off it just unplugs itself. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydiver30960 0 #12 December 8, 2006 Sorry guys, refer to my post two posts above this one... apartment complex rather than house means no extension cords to the car. Thanks for the input though... Elvisio "more harm than good" Rodriguez Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MrBrant 0 #13 December 8, 2006 are there outlets where you park (for block heaters and such)? A $15 timer from home depot could work for you in that case. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
