How to Install a Remote Starter in a Dodge Caravan
A remote starter is a device that allows a driver to start the car from a remote location, such as the inside of a house, office or school. The purpose of a remote starter is to allow a car to warm up prior to being driven, and to run the heat or air conditioner so as to establish a pleasant temperature in the car before the driver enters. Some newer cars have factory-installed remoter starters, but if you own a Dodge Caravan you will have to install the remote starter on an aftermarket basis. This article will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to install an aftermarket remote starter in your Dodge Caravan.
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Things You'll Need
- Remote starter kit
- Needle nose pliers
- Rubber cement
- Two 6-inch steel bolts
- Adjustable wrench
- Soldering iron
- Electrical tape
Instructions
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1
Remove the heat cover underneath the driver's side dashboard. Use the needle nose pliers to remove the four pins holding the cover in place. This is the best location to install a remote starter in a Dodge Caravan.
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2
Mount the remote starter on the plastic molding on the inner left of the heat vent using a thin coat of rubber cement.
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3
Open the vehicle's hood and bolt the hood pin from the remote starter kit to the plastic clamp near the vehicle's hood latch. Use the 6-inch steel bolts and the adjustable wrench to secure the hood pin.
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4
Thread the gray wire from the remote starter through the heat duct and into the hood of the vehicle. You may need to push the wire through the duct using an unwound hanger.
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5
Pull the gray wire through the hood, routing it along the vehicle's existing wire harness located on the driver's side of the hood. Fasten the gray wire to the hood pin by crimping the ends of the wire around the hood pin using your hands.
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6
Thread the red wire from the remote starter up to the vehicle's ignition harness. On a Dodge Caravan, the ignition harness is the large harness running down the steering column. Solder the end of the red wire to the middle of the ignition harness and wrap the connection area in electrical tape.
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7
Mount the remote starter antenna on the top of the driver's side dashboard with the rubber cement. Run the wire from the antenna underneath the dashboard to the remote starter mounted in the heat duct. Plug the antenna wire into the remote starter.
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Tips & Warnings
You can order the remote starter kit from an automotive aftermarket parts supplier such as Auto Parts Warehouse or directly from Dodge.
Always wear appropriate clothing when working with automobiles, particularly engines. Close-toed shoes, gloves and eye protection should be worn at all times.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit www.tcsc.k12.in.us/.../dodgecaravan.html
