Remote starters can be a fantastic addition to any vehicle, especially for those chilly mornings or sweltering afternoons. While typically associated with automatic transmissions, installing a remote starter in a manual transmission car is absolutely achievable with the right approach and careful execution. This guide expands upon a real-world DIY experience, offering detailed steps and troubleshooting tips for installing and programming a remote start system in your manual car.
Understanding the Clutch Switch and Wiring
One of the primary differences when installing a remote start in a manual car is the clutch safety switch. This crucial component prevents the car from starting in gear, a vital safety feature for manual transmissions. Locating and tapping into the clutch switch wiring is an essential first step.
In the original installation, the installer noted the clutch switch wire running up the steering column. To gain better access, they recommend carefully disconnecting the wire holder on the left side of the column using a trim tool. This provides the necessary slack to work with the wires. Important: Exercise caution when removing the holder to avoid damaging any wires. Once accessible, the yellow wire of the remote start system needs to be spliced into the appropriate clutch switch wire. Using the correct size wire tap is crucial; in this case, red wire taps were found to be a perfect fit for the gauge of wires involved. It’s worth noting that kits often include various sizes, so confirming the correct size before use is recommended to ensure a secure and reliable connection.
Addressing Fuse Issues and Power Supply
Power is the lifeblood of any electronic system, and remote starters are no exception. A common oversight can be related to fuses. During the programming phase, the installer encountered a situation where the Fortin unit (a brand of remote starter module) didn’t power on initially. The troubleshooting revealed a missing 2 amp fuse in the fuse box, specifically in the position labeled “DLIS.” Installing a fuse in this slot immediately brought the unit to life. Always check your vehicle’s fuse box diagram and ensure all necessary fuses are present and in good condition before proceeding with the installation.
Programming the Remote Start Module
Programming the remote start module is a critical step that syncs the unit with your car’s electronics. The initial programming attempt in the original install faced a snag: during the car turn-on step, the red and yellow lights on the Fortin unit flashed continuously, instead of the expected single red flash as indicated in the instructions.
To overcome this, a specific procedure was found to be effective:
- Complete Disconnection: Fully disconnect the Fortin unit from all wiring.
- Red Connector Only: Reconnect only the red power connector to the Fortin unit.
- Start and Run: Start the car and let it run for approximately 30 seconds. Then, shut the car off.
- Wait: Wait for one minute.
- Reprogramming with Red Connector Attached: Begin the programming procedure again, but this time, leave the red connector plugged in from the very beginning. Follow the standard programming steps (typically involving holding the program button, plugging in the data connector, releasing the button, and connecting remaining harnesses).
By keeping the red power connector attached throughout the reprogramming process, the unit programmed successfully as intended. This highlights that sometimes, deviating slightly from the standard instructions, based on observed behavior, can be necessary for successful installation.
Connecting Parking Lights for Visual Confirmation
A helpful feature of many remote start systems is the parking light confirmation, which provides a visual cue that the car has successfully started. For the parking light connection on a 2013 Sonic (the vehicle in the original example), the process involved accessing the headlight switch plug located in the fuse panel.
The installer disconnected the plug on the headlight switch and identified the green/gray wire as the parking light wire. A wire tap was used to connect to this wire, and the white wire with a spade connector from the remote start kit was then connected to the tap. Additionally, a wire with a ring terminal, labeled “parking light input,” typically needs to be grounded. A suitable ground location was found on exposed metal underneath the fuse panel. Always ensure a solid ground connection for proper circuit function.
Finalizing Installation and Module Placement
Once all wiring and programming are complete, the final steps involve securing the remote start modules and tidying up the installation. The installer zip-tied the Fortin unit to a heater vent using pre-existing notches on the unit. The second module was carefully placed and secured with Velcro inside the fuse box. The antenna for the remote receiver was positioned on a flat plastic surface on the kick panel. Properly securing the modules prevents rattling and ensures long-term reliability.
Enjoying Remote Start Convenience
The concluding thought from the original installer perfectly encapsulates the satisfaction of a successful DIY remote start installation: “I gotta say I am so happy to have remote start on my manual transmission car. It’s awesome!” The ability to remotely start a manual transmission vehicle adds a significant layer of convenience and comfort, making those extreme weather days just a little bit more bearable. By carefully following these steps, learning from real-world experiences, and taking your time, you too can enjoy the benefits of remote start in your manual car.
