Yes, you can put a remote start on a manual car, but it requires extra precautions and a different installation process compared to automatic transmission vehicles.
Adding a remote start system to a vehicle with a manual transmission, often called a “stick shift,” is definitely possible. While it might sound more complex, with the right knowledge and components, you can enjoy the convenience of warming up your car on a cold morning or cooling it down on a hot day, even if you drive a manual. This article will delve into how it’s done, what you need to consider, and the pros and cons of equipping your manual car with a remote ignition system.
The Fundamentals of Remote Starters
Before we dive into the specifics of manual transmissions, let’s clarify what a remote start system is. At its core, a remote start system allows you to start your car’s engine from a distance using a key fob or a smartphone app. This is achieved by sending a signal to a module installed in your car. This module then mimics the action of turning the ignition key, engaging the starter motor and bringing the engine to life. Modern systems often integrate with other features like keyless entry remote start, alarm systems, and even GPS tracking.
How Remote Starters Work in General
- Signal Transmission: You press a button on your remote.
- Signal Reception: A receiver in your car picks up this signal.
- Module Activation: An electronic module within the car’s wiring interprets the signal.
- Ignition Sequence: The module sends power to the ignition system (like turning the key to “on”) and then to the starter motor.
- Engine Running: Once the engine starts, the module disengages the starter and keeps the ignition system powered.
- Safety Checks: The system monitors various parameters to ensure safe operation.
The Challenge with Manual Transmissions
The primary difference between installing a remote start on an automatic and a manual car lies in safety. Automatic transmissions have a “Park” gear. When the car is in Park, the transmission is locked, preventing the vehicle from rolling. A remote start system can detect if the car is in Park, ensuring it won’t start if it’s in gear and about to move unexpectedly.
Manual transmissions, however, rely on the driver to ensure the car is in neutral and the parking brake is engaged. If you were to simply install a remote start on a manual car without proper safety measures, starting the engine while the car is in gear could cause it to lurch forward or backward violently, leading to accidents.
Safety First: The Crucial Components for Manual Transmissions
To safely install a remote start on a manual car, specific safety features must be incorporated into the installation. These are designed to prevent the car from starting if it’s not in neutral.
The Clutch Safety Switch
Most manual transmission vehicles have a clutch safety switch. This switch prevents the car from starting unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed. This is a built-in safety feature. For remote start installation on a manual, this switch plays a vital role. The remote start system needs to “see” that the clutch is depressed.
The Neutral Safety Switch
Some manual cars also have a neutral safety switch. This switch ensures the car can only be started when the gear shifter is in the neutral position. The remote start system will need to be wired to acknowledge this switch.
The Parking Brake Activation
This is perhaps the most critical safety feature for manual remote start systems. Before activating the remote start, the driver must:
- Ensure the car is in neutral.
- Engage the parking brake.
The remote start system will be wired to confirm that the parking brake is engaged. If the parking brake is not set, the remote start will not activate, even if the correct sequence of buttons is pressed.
Bypassing Safety Features: A Risky Proposition
While some older or simpler systems might have offered ways to bypass safety features like the clutch safety switch bypass, this is highly discouraged and incredibly dangerous. Modern and reputable remote start systems are designed with these safety protocols in mind. Attempting to bypass them removes the crucial safeguards that prevent accidental movement, turning your remote start into a potential hazard.
Types of Remote Start Systems for Manual Cars
There are primarily two ways to get a remote start on your manual car:
1. Professional Installation
This is the most recommended method, especially for those new to car electronics or working with manual transmissions. Professional installers have the expertise, tools, and knowledge of vehicle-specific wiring to ensure a safe and reliable installation. They can correctly integrate the remote start system with your car’s existing safety mechanisms.
Pros:
* Safety Assured: Professionals are trained to install safety features correctly.
* Warranty: Most professional installations come with a warranty on parts and labor.
* Expertise: They handle complex wiring and potential vehicle-specific issues.
* Time-Saving: They can complete the installation much faster than a DIYer.
Cons:
* Cost: Professional installation is generally more expensive than a DIY remote start.
* Scheduling: You need to schedule an appointment.
2. DIY Installation
For the mechanically inclined and electronically savvy, a DIY remote start is a viable option. However, installing a remote start on a manual transmission requires a thorough understanding of your car’s electrical system and the remote start kit’s wiring diagram.
Key considerations for DIY installation:
- Choose the Right Kit: Look for kits specifically designed for or adaptable to manual transmissions. These will include the necessary safety features and wiring instructions.
- Wiring Diagrams: You’ll need accurate wiring diagrams for your specific car model and year.
- Tools: A good set of automotive electrical tools is essential (wire strippers, crimpers, multimeter, soldering iron, etc.).
- Patience and Precision: Rushing can lead to errors that compromise safety and functionality.
Pros:
* Cost Savings: Significantly cheaper than professional installation.
* Satisfaction: The pride of completing a complex project yourself.
* Learning Experience: Gain valuable knowledge about your car’s electronics.
Cons:
* Complexity: Manual transmission installations are more intricate and carry higher risks if done incorrectly.
* Time Commitment: Can be very time-consuming, especially for a first-timer.
* Potential for Errors: Mistakes can damage your car’s electronics or create safety hazards.
* No Warranty (on labor): If something goes wrong, you’re responsible for fixing it.
What You’ll Need for a Manual Transmission Remote Start Installation
Whether you’re going the DIY route or hiring a professional, understanding the components involved is crucial. A comprehensive aftermarket remote starter kit will typically include:
- Remote Start Module: The brain of the system.
- Key Fobs: The remotes you use to start the car.
- Wiring Harness: Connects the module to your car’s ignition, starter, and other essential circuits.
- Antenna: For receiving signals from the key fobs.
- Installation Manual: A guide specific to the kit.
For manual transmission installations, you might also need or need to ensure your kit includes:
- Clutch Bypass Module: This module is designed to simulate the clutch pedal being pressed when needed for starting, but it should only function after safety checks are passed.
- Hood Pin Switch: A safety switch that prevents the system from activating if the hood is open.
- Parking Brake Safety Wire: To confirm the parking brake is engaged.
- Neutral Safety Bypass (if applicable): This is not a bypass in the sense of disabling the feature, but rather a method to signal to the remote start that the car is in neutral.
The Step-by-Step Process (Simplified Overview)
The actual manual transmission remote start installation involves several key steps. This is a high-level overview, and the exact process will vary depending on your vehicle and the specific remote start kit.
Phase 1: Preparation and Safety Checks
- Gather Information: Obtain wiring diagrams for your vehicle and the remote start kit.
- Disconnect Battery: Always disconnect the negative battery terminal before working on any electrical components.
- Locate Ignition Harness: Identify the main ignition switch wiring.
- Plan Component Placement: Decide where to mount the remote start module, antenna, and any necessary switches.
Phase 2: Wiring Connections
This is the most critical and complex part. Connections typically involve:
- 12V Constant Power: Direct connection to a battery power source.
- Ignition 1 & 2: Wires that power the ignition system when the key is turned.
- Accessory: Powers accessories like the radio.
- Starter Wire: Engages the starter motor.
- Parking Brake Input: Connects to the parking brake light switch.
- Clutch Safety Switch Input: Connects to the clutch pedal switch.
- Neutral Safety Switch Input (if applicable): Connects to the neutral safety switch.
- Hood Pin Switch: Connects to the hood pin.
- Horn/Siren Output (optional): For audible confirmation.
Special considerations for manual transmissions:
- Neutral Safety Confirmation: The system needs to be wired to verify the car is in neutral. This might involve tapping into the neutral safety switch or, more commonly, relying on the parking brake engagement and the clutch switch as primary safety confirmations.
- Clutch Pedal Activation: The system will need to know the clutch pedal is depressed. This is usually done by connecting to the existing clutch pedal safety switch. The remote start module will then require the clutch pedal to be pressed before it allows the engine to start.
Phase 3: Testing and Programming
- Double-Check Connections: Meticulously review all wiring.
- Reconnect Battery: Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Initial System Test: Test basic functions like locking/unlocking doors (if integrated) and then attempt the remote start sequence.
- Safety Feature Test: Crucially, test the safety protocols. Ensure the car will not start if:
- The parking brake is not engaged.
- The clutch pedal is not depressed (if wired this way).
- The car is accidentally left in gear (this should be prevented by the neutral confirmation and clutch pedal logic).
- Programming: Follow the kit’s instructions to program the key fobs and configure system settings.
Converting to Remote Start: A Guide to Choosing a System
When you decide to convert your manual car to have remote start capabilities, choosing the right car starter kit is paramount.
Key Features to Look For:
- Manual Transmission Compatibility: The kit should explicitly state it supports manual transmissions.
- Safety Feature Integration: It must have provisions for connecting to the parking brake and clutch safety switch.
- Range: Consider the range of the remote fobs. Do you need to start your car from across a parking lot or just from your driveway?
- Smartphone Control: Many modern systems offer smartphone apps for remote start, lock/unlock, and even tracking. This is often referred to as keyless entry remote start combined with remote ignition.
- Compatibility with Your Vehicle: Ensure the kit is compatible with your car’s make, model, and year. Some vehicles have complex immobilizer systems that require additional bypass modules.
- Remote Start for Stick Shift Specifics: Reputable brands will detail how their systems handle the safety requirements for manual transmissions.
Popular Brands and Considerations:
- Compustar: Known for high-quality, feature-rich systems with good range and reliable performance.
- Viper: A very popular brand with a wide range of products, often found in professional installations.
- Avital: Offers more budget-friendly options that can still provide remote start functionality.
- Directed (Clifford, AutoStart): Another major player with a broad selection of remote car starters.
When selecting a kit, pay close attention to the specific instructions and any required additional components for manual vehicles. Some kits might require a separate clutch safety switch bypass module that is specifically designed to work with the remote start system, rather than a crude bypass that simply cuts the safety wire.
Remote Start for Stick Shift: Pros and Cons
Let’s weigh the advantages and disadvantages of having a remote start on your manual car.
Remote Car Starter Pros and Cons Table
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfort: Start your car to warm up or cool down. | Installation Complexity: More involved for manual transmissions than automatics. |
| Convenience: Start your car from a distance. | Safety Risks: Potential for accidents if not installed or used correctly. |
| Prepares Car: Clears frost/snow or pre-cools. | Cost: Can be an expensive addition, especially with professional installation. |
| Potential Resale Value: Can be an attractive feature. | Battery Drain: Can slightly increase battery drain when the system is armed or active. |
| Integrated Features: Often includes keyless entry. | False Starts: If safety protocols fail, the car might not start or, worse, could start unexpectedly. |
| Learning Curve: Requires careful adherence to usage protocols for manual cars. |
Detailed Look at the Pros:
- Comfort: On a freezing morning, the ability to start your car and let it warm up, de-ice the windows, and get the heater blowing before you even step outside is a significant comfort boost. Conversely, on a sweltering summer day, pre-cooling the cabin can make a world of difference.
- Convenience: It’s a simple yet effective convenience. No need to go out to the car to start it.
- Preparation: Beyond comfort, it helps prepare your car for driving. Clearing ice and snow from windshields and mirrors is essential for visibility and safety. Pre-cooling helps the A/C system work more efficiently from the start.
- Resale Value: While not a primary selling point for all buyers, a well-installed remote start system can be a desirable feature that might slightly increase your car’s resale value, especially in regions with extreme weather.
- Integrated Features: Most modern aftermarket remote starter kits come with integrated keyless entry, allowing you to lock and unlock your doors with the same remote, consolidating your car access.
Detailed Look at the Cons:
- Installation Complexity: This is the main hurdle. The need to properly integrate safety switches for the clutch and parking brake adds significant complexity. If you’re not experienced with automotive electronics, this is best left to professionals.
- Safety Risks: This cannot be stressed enough. If the system isn’t installed correctly, or if the user forgets to follow the safety procedures (like engaging the parking brake), the car could lurch forward or backward upon starting. This is the most significant concern for remote start for stick shift installations.
- Cost: A quality remote start system, especially one designed for manual transmissions, along with professional installation, can cost anywhere from $300 to $1000 or more.
- Battery Drain: The remote start system draws a small amount of power even when not in use. While usually negligible, it can be a factor if you have a weak battery or don’t drive your car often.
- False Starts: If wiring is faulty or safety interlocks are not properly implemented, the system might fail to start, or in a worst-case scenario, start when it shouldn’t.
- Usage Protocols: Users need to be diligent. Always ensure the car is in neutral and the parking brake is firmly engaged before activating the remote start. It’s a habit that must be formed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I install a remote start on any manual car?
A1: In most cases, yes. However, some very old vehicles or those with highly complex or proprietary electronics might present unique challenges. It’s always best to consult with an installer or research your specific vehicle model.
Q2: Is it safe to put a remote start on a manual car?
A2: Yes, it can be safe if installed correctly by a qualified professional or by a knowledgeable DIYer using the proper safety protocols and components. The key is ensuring the vehicle is in neutral and the parking brake is engaged before the remote start is activated.
Q3: What is the most important safety feature for a manual remote start?
A3: The most crucial safety features are the confirmation that the parking brake is engaged and that the car is in neutral. Most systems rely on the parking brake switch and the clutch pedal switch as primary indicators.
Q4: How much does it cost to install a remote start on a manual car?
A4: The cost varies widely. For a professional installation of a quality system, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $1000 or more, depending on the system’s features, your vehicle’s complexity, and the installer’s rates. A DIY installation will save on labor but requires investment in the kit and tools.
Q5: Do I need a special remote start kit for a manual transmission?
A5: Yes, it’s highly recommended. While some universal kits can be adapted, kits specifically designed for or advertised as compatible with manual transmissions will include the necessary wiring and logic for safe operation.
Q6: What is a “clutch safety switch bypass” when installing a remote start on a manual?
A6: In the context of a safe remote start installation for a manual transmission, a “clutch safety switch bypass” module doesn’t bypass the safety itself. Instead, it’s a component that simulates the clutch pedal being pressed. The remote start system will only engage this simulation after confirming other safety parameters (like the parking brake being set) are met. It’s a way for the remote start system to “tell” the car that the clutch is depressed, allowing the engine to crank. It is not meant to override the clutch safety switch entirely.
Q7: How do I know if my car is in neutral when using remote start?
A7: You, the driver, are responsible for ensuring the car is in neutral before exiting the vehicle and activating the remote start. The remote start system will have safety interlocks (like the parking brake engagement) to prevent accidental starting in gear, but the initial placement in neutral is a manual action.
Q8: Can I add a remote start to a manual car with a push-button start?
A8: Yes, but the installation will be more complex. Vehicles with push-button start often have integrated immobilizer systems that require more advanced integration with the remote start module. You will likely need a specialized bypass module to handle the keyless ignition system.
Conclusion
For those who love driving a manual transmission but also crave the convenience of remote start, the answer is a resounding yes. While the installation presents unique challenges due to the inherent nature of manual gearboxes, modern technology and careful installation practices make it a safe and achievable modification. Whether you opt for a professional installation or embark on a DIY remote start adventure, prioritizing safety is paramount. By correctly integrating the necessary safety features and understanding the proper usage protocols, you can enjoy the benefits of a remote starter without compromising the safety of your vehicle or those around it. The journey of converting to remote start for your stick shift vehicle can be a rewarding one, offering enhanced comfort and convenience for your driving experience.