How to Install a Viper Remote Car Starter
Viper remote starter kits will conveniently fit almost any vehicle that is already equipped with a factory remote keyless entry. The starter kits allow you to warm up your car in the winter or cool it down in the summer before you get in to start driving. Remote starters only start the engine and accessories. You cannot put the car in gear and begin driving until you physically insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the on position.
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Things You'll Need
- Socket set
- Screwdriver set
- Wire cutters
- Soldering iron and solder
- Digital voltmeter or multi-meter
- Electrical tape
- Viper remote starter kit
- Heat gun
- Car owners manual
- Safety gloves
- Safety goggles
Instructions
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Start the car ignition and check all lights and accessory systems before beginning the installation. Do not install the remote starter system until you have all lights and accessories in proper working order.
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Read the instruction manual that came with your kit carefully and completely before beginning work. Viper makes several different types of remote starter kits with slightly different features. Understand the idiosyncrasies of your particular kit before you begin.
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Disarm the factory anti-theft system of your car. This can be done simply by using the factory key fob to unlock the doors, then physically putting the key into the driver side door and turning it to the unlocked position. Some cars also have a passive anti-theft system that prevents hot-wiring or tampering with the ignition switch. Consult your car owners manual to see if you have such a system. If so, you will need to use a transponder bypass before you can proceed with the installation.
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Remove the panel beneath the steering wheel. Underneath are the wiring connections needed to connect the remote starter. These include the power wire, ignition wire, accessory wire, starter wire, parking light wire, and brake wire. Put on the safety gloves and goggles, then identify each wire using the voltmeter, installation kit instructions, and car owners manual. There may be more than one wire in a particular bundle. Use a relay to connect multiple wires from the same bundle after you have disconnected the battery.
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Disconnect the battery. Make all connections, securing them with solder and electrical tape, while the battery is disconnected. Consult the instructions that came with your kit carefully with each connection.
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Re-connect the battery, but do not put the cover panels back in place. First test the remote start and all lights and accessory switches. If any system is not working, check the connection, disconnect the battery, and redo the connection. Make sure all systems are working properly before putting the panels back together and driving the car.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have not previously worked on your car's electrical system, use a digital camera when you remove any panels so you know what it should look like when properly assembled. This will help you in reassembly and to troubleshoot any connections that are faulty.
A professional installation will guarantee any remaining warranties you have and protect you from responsibility for any damage done during the installation. An improper installation can damage the vehicle's onboard computer and electronics system. Many professionals choose to have complex systems installed professionally by a shop for the extra warranty it gives them against an error in installation.
References
- Photo Credit Barry Austin Photography/Digital Vision/Getty Images
