How to Remove a Remote Starter
by Travis CorkeryRemoving a remote starter is easy for anyone with the basic understanding of automotive wiring. When installing a remote starter, various connections are made to the cars electrical system. This requires some knowledge and lots of testing to verify proper connections. Removing a starter requires no testing.
Step 1
Locate the remote starter. Usually you can find it under the driver's side of the dash near the steering column, kick panel or firewall. In a typical installation, nylon wire ties are used to attach remote starter wiring to the factory wire harnesses. Use the wire cutters to remove these.
Step 2
Disconnect the wire harnesses from the remote starter module. After disconnecting the harnesses, remove the module and set aside. The unit may be reinstalled into a different vehicle.
Step 3
Follow the wiring from the connector to the car's wiring harness and cut the connection as close to the factory wiring as possible. Be careful not to cut the factory wires, but just the aftermarket ones. Use electrical tape to wrap the connection. Be sure to cover any exposed metal left at the junction.
Step 4
Examine the starter wire. Many remote starter manufactures equip their units with a function called 'Anti-grind'. If this feature was installed, it is possible that the starter wire was cut during the original installation and will need to be reconnected. If this is the case, solder the two ends of the severed wire together and use electrical tape to seal the connection.
Step 5
Open the hood and remove the hood pin. In most cases, this is a plunger-style switch that prevents the unit from starting the car while the hood is opened. Disconnect the remote start tachometer wire. This is commonly found attached to the vehicle's fuel injector wiring. Seal this connection with electrical tape.
Tips
- Reconnect any wire that was severed during the original installation. This may include, but is not limited to, the starter, lock/unlock, trunk and parking light wires. Many starters use a powerful adhesive tape to secure the antenna to the windshield. Remove any residue with a razor blade. Test the vehicle for all functions after removal.
Things You'll Need
- Wire cutters
- Electrical tape
- Basic hand tools (for removing interior panels)
Writer Bio
Travis Corkery is a writer living in Anchorage Alaska. His writing has appeared across the Internet in the form of comedy, how-to articles, blogs and product reviews. Additionally, his work can be seen in the "New York Times" bestselling book, "You Might Be a Zombie and Other Bad News—Strange but Utterly True Facts!" When not writing, he is pursuing a degree in electrical engineering.
