I've been having trouble with my battery and found the FOB seemed to do a better job of cranking the engine than I did with the key in the ignition. Got me to thinking about using it.

 

I really like the feature and use it quite often. But I also like doing it myself as well. So much that on a number of occasions I even turn the key as if it wasn't started already.

 

my last 5 cars have all had remote start

 

Yup, Im glad they put that lockout on the starter. I would have stripped the starter pinion my first week otherwise.
There were only 2 options my HHR *had* to have. Remote start and roof rails.
I thought I would use it a lot, and I do.

 

What about when it's hot like here in FL. in July & Aug.

 

My vote would be: never use, but it's NOT a silly option!
But, having never used it, now I'm curious. Pardon my ignorance, but what position is the ignition switch in when you enter the car? And you insert the key when you get in?

 

I have never had a remote start vehicle until now. I have known many people who had aftermarket units installed, and they had no-start issues, or battery run-downs...

I didnt know ALL HHR's with the A/T came with remote start, so for me, it was a bonus. I am a great cabdidate for remote start since I leave for work at 4:30am, and sometimes it's in the 30's(I know, all you midwest/east coasters, sorry) so I just start it up about 2 minutes before I leave for work.

I am a smoker, and on my other cars, they are cold-blooded pigs...10 minutes just to reach op temp, so I fire them up, and step outside to have a smoke...but not the HHR...I let it run until the coolant temp is 100 degrees-usually about 1-2 minutes...all aluminum engine, it is vital to warm the motor's internals a bit before driving off, unless you baby it for the first few miles. I only go 1/4 mile, and I have to get on the freeway, with a short onramp, so I cant be flogging the motor when it's cold just to get up to speed...so I warm it up...religiously.

I am a firm believer that warming an engine is critical to seal life, and gasget life. Colder engines have higher oil pressure. They also have shrunken seals and gasgets. cold gasets that have shrunk up, and higher oil pressure is a recipe for leaks...

I have a 1994 Lincoln Mark VIII that has a all-aluminum DOHC 9.8:1 engine that uses 6.5 qts of 5w-30 oil. It has 175k miles, and that motor is as dry as the day it was built. The cam cover tower seals are a known weak spot for oil leaks...but I change my copper plugs every 20k miles on that motor, and have yet to pull a wet plug due to failing tower seals...

so...the remote start, to me...is a great feature for comfort, convenience, and longevity of the engine's oil sealing system, IMHO.

 

The ignition is still in the "off" position. The only thing that is on is the engine and AC. You need to put the key in and turn to the "on" postion before the radio will come on or the tranny can be moved out of park.

 

Has anyone thought about upgrading there factory remote start to a better, and farther range remote start? The factory if i recall is 195-200 feet. Aftermarket is able to have a 2,000 foot range and would let you know when it's turned on unlike the factory.

Viper 771XV:



Viper 5900/791XV



Viper 7900



www.viper.com

 

I use mine to start it all the time in the winter.