1998 Chevy Cavalier Remote Starter Installation
If you are thinking about installing a remote starter in your 1998 Chevy Cavalier, then it is important to know about the process prior to beginning the job if you want to do it yourself. Benefits of a remote starter include the added convenience of getting into a nice, warm car with all the windows defrosted. You can also add extra security features or push button options to enhance the usability of your car.
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Things You'll Need
- Remote starter set
- Soldering iron
- Wire cutters
- Digital multimeter
- Screwdriver set
- Wire strippers
- Socket wrench set
- Heat gun
- Power drill
- Electrical tape
- Shrink wrap
Instructions
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Check with your local Chevrolet dealer or contact the manufacturer directly prior to purchasing a remote starter system in order to make sure that you do not purchase one that is unsuitable for your car. Ask for any recommendations for remote starter kits. Also ask for a wiring diagram of your 1998 Cavalier so that you will be sure that you are hooking up the correct features of the remote starter to the same functions of the car.
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2
Remove the Cavalier's negative battery cable, which is the black connection, from the car battery. Doing so will ensure that you remove the risk of electrocution while working on your car's electrical system.
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3
Remove the panels and coverings from underneath the driver's console and instrument panel by using a flat-head screwdriver and socket wrenches. Other panels to remove include those that are located beneath the dashboard, steering column and driver's side kick panel. This will ensure that you have complete access to all of the wires needed to install your keyless starter system into your Cavalier.
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4
Find a hollow cavity or space underneath where the panels are located where you can mount the computer for the remote starter. Use epoxy or zip ties to mount the remote starter computer onto the framework beneath the panels. Before you mount it permanently, check to make sure that you will still be able to put all of the panels back into place while holding the remote starter computer in the proposed location for mounting.
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5
Prepare the harness for the wires on your remote starter system. Use a small pair of wire strippers to trim the wires of any features that you do not plan on using to a length of 6 inches. Consult the manual for the remote starter so that you know which wires to trim. Bundle the rest of the wires together with electrical tape. Leave at least 4 inches of wiring to connect the ends of each wire.
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6
Use masking tape to label which wires on your Cavalier correspond with which wires from your remote starter system. Consult the vehicle's wiring diagram to double-check that you are using the correct wires from your automobile.
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Use the wire strippers to remove some of the sheaths from the wires that you are attaching the keyless system to. You want at least an eighth inch of wire to be exposed.
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8
Use a soldering iron to solder the wires together from the remote system and the Cavalier electrical wires. Wrap electrical tape over the soldered wire parts. Double-check to make sure that the black wire from the remote starter system is grounded to the frame of the car.
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Reconnect the negative battery cable to your 1998 Chevy Cavalier. Test all of the functions from the remote starter system to ensure that they work correctly.
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References
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