A few questions (remote start and belt squeal)

[Ilya]

Hey guys, few questions:

1) What is the consensus on best remote start for THIS car. I know the Infiniti system is a bit more complex than most, so what is the best one for our car? I need it to work from home (direct view of the car), from school (would love it to work as soon as I walk out of class and walk 5 minutes to the car - less than a mile but tons of buildings), and from work (car is parked in a parking garage a block over as I work in a downtown area). Car is a 2007 M35x.

2) I installed new belts over the summer and everything was fine. However, now, under load (meaning when I have the lights, heat, etc. on) the belt squeals for a bit. I tightened it on saturday and the squeal is diminished, but still doing it. I'm guessing the cold makes the belt tighter so I should loosen the pulley a bit? Do you agree? The deflection of the belt (I'm assuming it's the small one causing the issue?) is the same as that of the bigger belt...

[Larz]

First of all, I do NOT have a remote stat, but I will share what I have found from the searching I have done. My Infiniti dealer does not install them anymore (but they say other dealers may still be doing it). They avoided giving me a clear reason, just telling me they have problems adding it to our existing remote - the remote stops working and has to be re-programmed often.

I still haven't found a system I like because most of them require an additional remote just for starting the car and some are available ONLY with additional car alarm and most only work from a short distance. I don't want to have to carry two separate remotes just to start my car.

There is a Viper system (VSK100) that works from your smart phone with unlimited distance for about $300, but can be found for less if you shop around. It provides a smart phone integration with the car's security system and connects via bluetooth. They claim it works with iOS version 6 or later for the I-phone, or SDK 2.3 or newer on Android phones. I won't buy an Apple product so I need one to work on my HTC phone which is an android.

I have been unable to find any evidence that it is compatible with our Infiniti M models and have found NO reviews from M owners for this specific model. Here is a link to the Viper VSK100 on sale:

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_890 ... SK100.html

I hope peeps who have installed a starter will respond because it's very difficult to find reliable info about our Ms specifically.

[Ilya]

Yeah, that's why I posted up instead of just Googling "best remote start"...I know our cars system is more complex, etc.

[DoN_BLaZe34]

Installing a remote start in these cars in not that difficult provided you get an installer that knows what they're doing. I can't speak for what "the best" remote start is but when I had my 45 I had a Viper 5501 in there I believe along with the SmartStart add on. I opted for this system specifically as I didn't want the alarm, just the remote start but also I wanted the one mile range on the remote IF I chose to carry it. I never carried the Viper remote with me, I only used it in the morning to start my car. Any other time I would use my phone which is Galaxy Note 3. Prior to this, I had a Droid RAZR then Droid Razr Maxx. I also had this installed in my FX45, again with no issues.

The moral of the story is find a Viper authorized dealer to do the install (if you go that route), this way if you run into any issues you're covered and can simply take the car back.

[Ilya]

Installing a remote start in these cars in not that difficult provided you get an installer that knows what they're doing. I can't speak for what "the best" remote start is but when I had my 45 I had a Viper 5501 in there I believe along with the SmartStart add on. I opted for this system specifically as I didn't want the alarm, just the remote start but also I wanted the one mile range on the remote IF I chose to carry it. I never carried the Viper remote with me, I only used it in the morning to start my car. Any other time I would use my phone which is Galaxy Note 3. Prior to this, I had a Droid RAZR then Droid Razr Maxx. I also had this installed in my FX45, again with no issues.

The moral of the story is find a Viper authorized dealer to do the install (if you go that route), this way if you run into any issues you're covered and can simply take the car back.

Thanks Don. That fact that it worked on multiple Infiniti's is a good sign. I do like the StartSmart feature as that would take care of me leaving class (being a mile or so from the car) and still being able to start it.

I'll have to find a Viper dealer near me and talk to them. I'm willing to pay a bit for this...tired of an ice cold car.

[TDot]

The problem isn't finding a viper dealer/installer, the problem is finding one who has worked on an M or G. I'm not one that believes that just because you installed on five other types of cars you can install on mine. The wires you may tap on other cars might cause issues on mine. If I were you I'd go to an infiniti dealer near you and find who they use (the mechanics would probably be more willing to spill over the service reps) to install remote starters, that's what I did. But it won't be easy, you got to be real slick with your questions and how you talk lol. And if you're the slightest bit hesitant, install it though the dealer. It will probably be $100 more, but it will be warrantied through them...$100 piece of mind.

[svard75]

Have no idea about question 1 there Ilya but on question 2 did you use any kind of spray on or near the belts. Try just a bit of belt dressing just to quiet the squeal down. If you accidentally got grease then it'll eventually burn off but you can maybe clean the belt a bit again using belt dressing and a toothbrush. Before you installed the new belt were all the pulleys cleaned. I prefer to use dish soap diluted in water and a toothbrush.

[Ilya]

The problem isn't finding a viper dealer/installer, the problem is finding one who has worked on an M or G. I'm not one that believes that just because you installed on five other types of cars you can install on mine. The wires you may tap on other cars might cause issues on mine. If I were you I'd go to an infiniti dealer near you and find who they use (the mechanics would probably be more willing to spill over the service reps) to install remote starters, that's what I did. But it won't be easy, you got to be real slick with your questions and how you talk lol. And if you're the slightest bit hesitant, install it though the dealer. It will probably be $100 more, but it will be warrantied through them...$100 piece of mind.

Yeah, you definitely have to vet out installers. I'll be specifically asking if they've worked on newer Infiniti/Nissan products.

Have no idea about question 1 there Ilya but on question 2 did you use any kind of spray on or near the belts. Try just a bit of belt dressing just to quiet the squeal down. If you accidentally got grease then it'll eventually burn off but you can maybe clean the belt a bit again using belt dressing and a toothbrush. Before you installed the new belt were all the pulleys cleaned. I prefer to use dish soap diluted in water and a toothbrush.

I put some belt dressing on the other day after I took it off the lift (after tightening the belt) and it was still squeaking. Am I right in that it's the small belt? The squeaking will stop IMMEDIATELY if I turn off the AC/lights, etc.

[szh]

I have been unable to find any evidence that it is compatible with our Infiniti M models and have found NO reviews from M owners for this specific model. Here is a link to the Viper VSK100 on sale:

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_890 ... SK100.html

I have no idea whether this is compatible with our cars, but note that it is bluetooth only, as far as I can tell.

Meaning that it has a 30 foot range or so (does it say this anywhere on that page?)

If you are that close, unlock with your fob, walk over, and start the car yourself is what I would suggest.

Z

[svard75]

I put some belt dressing on the other day after I took it off the lift (after tightening the belt) and it was still squeaking. Am I right in that it's the small belt? The squeaking will stop IMMEDIATELY if I turn off the AC/lights, etc.

The AC is alone with the smaller belt all else is on the larger belt. Tighten it more then. I believe my belts squealed for awhile brand new. I kept adding belt dressing to both. Use a toothbrush while the engine is running and not close to any pulley lol.

[TDot]

Szh' is correct, that's not the one you want. You want the one with the annual subscription. $199 for three years is the best package.

[The00Dustin]

The squeaking will stop IMMEDIATELY if I turn off the AC/lights, etc.

You might also check your alternator bearings. This may be unlikely, but if the squeak is because the pulley sticks at high speeds and the belt is slipping, you'd want to fix the problem instead of the noise.

[Ilya]

Hmm okay guys. Thanks. I'll keep an eye on it and readjust if it gets bad again. It's been quiet for two days now.

[dball]

Hey Ilya, i forget which exact version i went with, but i got a directed smart start installed on my M, i should of showed it to you at the BBQ works great, runs through your cell service and is controlled through your phone. no limit to distance or interference. i think its like $20 for the first year then like 150 for 3 years or something like that... ill let you know more once i figure out which module i got

[Ilya]

Hey Ilya, i forget which exact version i went with, but i got a directed smart start installed on my M, i should of showed it to you at the BBQ works great, runs through your cell service and is controlled through your phone. no limit to distance or interference. i think its like $20 for the first year then like 150 for 3 years or something like that... ill let you know more once i figure out which module i got

Thanks man.