Re: Remote Start Advice
Last month I did my own Bulldog Security remote starter installation on my wife's Ford Escape. I generally do all my own car work and repairs, but had never done this before. As I know two people that had problems with their aftermarket remote car starters I wanted to know how it worked, and how to undo it if necessary.
It took me most of a Saturday to do it. The hardest part was finding all of the correct wires to splice into. Bulldog’s website has a download section providing instructions on where to find the wires. As no existing wires were cut, the remote starter module can easily be completely unplugged from the car if there are problems. Since it hooks up to the exterior running lights which blink when it gets the start signal, and also stay on when the car is running, We didn’t need a two way system, as we can see the car lights in the driveway.
The Escape has a security chip key, so I had to use a spare programmed key and place it in a bypass module. From that module a wire with a loop goes around the cars ignition switch where the car’s existing security pick up loop is located. The bypass module passes the chip code signal through the wire loop to the car. You would have to do the same for the Crossfire using a spare key, but the Crossfire key would not fit into the bypass module. The Bulldog website lists a Universal “Learning” bypass module that works with “any vehicle. I’m guessing it can learn the security chip code in the Crossfire key.
I’m very happy with the Bulldog system and would recommend it. I would not add remote start to either of my Crossfires because they are both manual transmissions, and I don’t need it on them. I would also have some concerns given the finicky Crossfire/Mercedes security system. I share Pizzaguy's concerns. In my twenty's I repaired, and maintained, complex electronic equipment. It's very easy for a short or loose wire to really mess things up.
If anyone is considering doing this I checked and the Bulldog website includes Crossfire wiring information to hook up their system.
http://www.bulldogsecurity.com/bdnew/vehiclewiringdiagrams.aspx
Last edited by Toolman; Dec 28, 2014 at 01:19 PM.