Help w/ Remote car starter in 1998 QX4!

[coledog188]

Hey all,

My girlfriend is getting me a car starter for Christmas and I was wondering if anyone had put one in a 98 QX4 and had any tips?

It's a cheaper starter so there isn't much in the way of helpful documents. (In face the brand isn't even written on it)

It came with all the plugs/cables for normal hookup and all it want it to do is lock/unlock, and start the engine.

That's all I've got! Let me know if you can help any!

[timmack]

mine has one installed but i wouldnt recommend doing it unless you have a wiring schematic for your model year and some experience with wiring(car stereos, amps, etc). any car stereo shop can do it for you, its alot of wires to hook up and alot of chances for error. if you know what youre doing and can ge tthe wiring diagram, then it shouldnt be too bad.

[Buzzman]

Have to agree with Timmack here.Remote car starters are not for the faint of heart. I have them in my vehicles, and had them done at a pro shop.One other thing to think about: I'm not sure if your '98 vehicle has a chip/transponder in the key, but if it does, you'll also have to get a bypass module. Your truck won't start without it.I'd leave it to the pros.

[Qxxx4]

be very careful, get a pro to do it and someone that stands behind their work. I bought my 99 qx4 used, it had a remote starter in it (cheap aftermarket)...got such a great deal on the qx4...i think it was the reason why. my first month of ownership was hell....it wouldnt start half the time, others the alarm would go off and wouldnt stop, id be reversing and when i go into drive the car would stall, sometimes the wipers wouldnt work, or as soon as i get out of park the alarm goes off and the lights go on and off, even had to get a new distributor cap...i guess it damaged it. Ended up removing the remote starter completely and never had a problem with my q for 2 years now.

[QX4dahuneys]

I've been told by several mechanics that remote startes tend to screw with your starter or alternator after a while. Not sure if that's a fact or a myth.

[bmlawless]

Check out the manufacturer's web site. When I got a starter on my old truck, the manufacturer of the unit had a wiring harness that connected into the factory harness and made installation a snap.

[coledog188]

Check out the manufacturer's web site. When I got a starter on my old truck, the manufacturer of the unit had a wiring harness that connected into the factory harness and made installation a snap.

Unfortunately this thing is like a UFO...I have no idea who makes it! No company name is written on it...

Looks like I'll take it to a car in any case!