mazda remote starter install

[iagraham2]

Has anyone tried to install a Mazda remote starter on a Mazda3 sport with a 5 speed?(or I guess any 3 with a 5 speed). I'd like to install it but I don't want to put down the $200 and then find out its all module driven. If not has anyone installed a aftermarket remote starter? and do you have to get a spare key made and put in dash to get around the steering column anti-theft chip thing? Thanks

[MRT_MS3]

all mazda 3 models has an immobilizer and needs to be bypass. theres a few bypass kits out there that are keyless. ive installed one on mazda 3 with 5spd tranny wirh compustar 2wfm900-as. just make sure when you install one on a 5spd tranny make sure the rs is compatible. from my experience, the mz3's wiring are mostly on the passenger side. should take you between 5-6hrs depending on you foinding all the right wires. just be extra carefull are a lot of wires are identical colors.

[Noisy Crow]

A 5-speed will need a clutch bypass and the correct interlocking to prevent the car from starting while in gear. The Mazda OEM remote start is designed for only automatic transmissions. It does have all the right bits-and-pieces to deal with imobolizer, tach sensor, wiring harness, etc.You can do the interlocking to make it work with a 5-speed, but if the car does managed to start while in gear someone could be very, very badly hurt.

[iagraham2]

I know some people might be hesitant to share info that could cause injury but could someone steer me to the info or maybe the wiring diagrams to make the interlocking work. BTW I've post this question on many of the US mazda forums thinking that they would have a wider base for info, but I've more info from these two posts then all the US forums. Thank you.

[Noisy Crow]

I know some people might be hesitant to share info that could cause injury but could someone steer me to the info or maybe the wiring diagrams to make the interlocking work. BTW I've post this question on many of the US mazda forums thinking that they would have a wider base for info, but I've more info from these two posts then all the US forums. Thank you.

Check out www.the12volt.com

[iagraham2]

Thanks a lot Noisy Crow. I know I asking a lot but does anyone know if the mazda unit is plug and play with some mods to work with a manual, or is it the standard moduale with hardwiring ?

[yearoftherat]

Are you talking about the remote starter that you can get form the dealership? If so, from what I understand it is just for the automatic and not the 5 spd cars.

[MRT_MS3]

like i said from my previous post, make sure you get a remote starter that is compatible with manual cars. i would highly recommend compustar or dei products. their system has a safety mode for manual cars called "reservation mode" which reminds you to leave the car in neutral upon leaving your car. the car will remain running when you remove your key and as soon as you shut the doors, it will lock all doors and your car is ready to be remote started. if for some reason you need something from the car and unlock the door, this automatically cancels reservation mode preventing you from accidentally shifting the car in gear and remote starting the car. i highly think this is the best system out there.

IMHO, have your car installed by a professional as the mazda3's wiring is very complicated.

[iagraham2]

I am talking about the remote you get from the dealership, and it can be modified to a 5 speed. I plan on installing it myself, something I'm used too I just have never installed a dealer/factory unit. Installing it isn't that hard I was just trying to find out whether or not it could be modified and if anyone has tried.

[wluu]

lol why not do a group buy with me to AudioHeaven... been needing to drag my ass over there for my compustar system.

[Noisy Crow]

I am talking about the remote you get from the dealership, and it can be modified to a 5 speed. I plan on installing it myself, something I'm used too I just have never installed a dealer/factory unit. Installing it isn't that hard I was just trying to find out whether or not it could be modified and if anyone has tried.

It can be modded to work with a 5 speed. The big trick is correctly enforcing that the car is not in gear. But as noted, if not done properly the result can be serious injuries or worse.

[selective sound]

I wouldn't recommend doing this yourself, these cars wiring is more complex than most cars. We can install a system for you, check our monthly specials for a deal on a Compustar system.

[KPao]

I wouldn't recommend doing this yourself, these cars wiring is more complex than most cars. We can install a system for you, check our monthly specials for a deal on a Compustar system.

+1

Selective sound did a great job installing my Compustar Pro

[Jeff-TheBiz]

I have a compustar on my 5spd 3... and an OEM on the Mazda5 (automatic)

I don't doubt that it can be modified to work, but don't cry when your 3 is in you kitchen.

Trust me. Go with the Compustar or any other aftermarket.

[MRT_MS3]

I have a compustar on my 5spd 3... and an OEM on the Mazda5 (automatic)

I don't doubt that it can be modified to work, but don't cry when your 3 is in you kitchen.

Trust me. Go with the Compustar or any other aftermarket.
1+ ! I've seen it happen in Coffee Time. Guy left the car in gear and when he remote started it, car went right inside. :loco

[iagraham2]

Just installed the mazda remote starter. Very easy install only took about 2hrs. Works great! Only had to splice 6 wires the rest was plug and play. As for the "leaving the car in gear" thing, I've never left my car in gear even without a remote starter, so having to remember that is not an issue. If you are used to leaving your car in gear then it might be an adjustment or don't go this route. If your worried about running your car through your very own coffee time drive-thru LEAVE THE PARKING BRAKE ON! If you've taken care of your brake adjustments the car won't go anywhere.

[aris]

Just installed the mazda remote starter. Very easy install only took about 2hrs. Works great! Only had to splice 6 wires the rest was plug and play. As for the "leaving the car in gear" thing, I've never left my car in gear even without a remote starter, so having to remember that is not an issue. If you are used to leaving your car in gear then it might be an adjustment or don't go this route. If your worried about running your car through your very own coffee time drive-thru LEAVE THE PARKING BRAKE ON! If you've taken care of your brake adjustments the car won't go anywhere.

What if someone else bors your car and leaves it in gear and you or that person hits the button to start the car and you need up killing someone???

[3GFX]

I'm actually impressed @ how easy you found the install. It's not an easy thing for most. Congrats, and glad it works.

[Noisy Crow]

As for the "leaving the car in gear" thing, I've never left my car in gear even without a remote starter, so having to remember that is not an issue. If you are used to leaving your car in gear then it might be an adjustment or don't go this route. If your worried about running your car through your very own coffee time drive-thru LEAVE THE PARKING BRAKE ON! If you've taken care of your brake adjustments the car won't go anywhere.

I generally refrain from flaming people, but...

Installing a remote start on a car with a manual transmission and not installing it in a way that prevents starting when in gear is just plain IRRESPONSIBLE. It shows you don't give a damn about anyone who might get hurt if the car does start in gear.

You can spout all the BS you want about "never leaving the car in gear" or "always putting the parking brake on" but: someday you WILL forget. Someday the parking brake WON'T stop the car from moving when the starter motor kicks in. And someone WILL get hurt. :flaming

[McGuyver_3]

how did you manage to instal the oem starter on a mannual? as far as i was led to beleive it was simply not possible? I recomend that you get a compustar so you dont end up killingor hurting someone like NoisyCrow mentioned but i would be interested to know
thanks

McG_3

[Noisy Crow]

McGuver, it wires up the exact same as the automatic, just needs the clutch switch bypassed.

Its lockout relies on the fact that an automatic will only start in neutral or park. Which is why Installing it on a manual car with the clutch bypassed and without additional interlocking is so dangerous.

It can be done safely, but it does require work and very careful wiring.

[iagraham2]

Has anyone got into their car and no put their seat belt on? I haven't and I never will drive around without it on, just like I will never leave my car in gear or forget to put the parking brake on. As for someone borrowing my car or it going in to service (which doesn't happen often because I'm a mechanic) a bypass switch is installed on the kick panel preventing the remote starter from working. Like I said before this route my not be for you and I am, by no means, suggesting that everyone install there own starter no matter how easy it is. I was merely saying it was easy to install and if you are habit prone like myself then maybe it will work for you. I also don't want to take anything away from the highly skilled installers out there. They are very good at what they do, and they do it liability free (i.e.. safely). Also it can cost a lot to have one installed professionally, especially for a unit that bypasses the ignition lock, works with door locks (with no extra wiring), and can turn on your heated mirrors and rear defroster, all that for $230. I guess a phrase that might keep some of you happy is "you get what you pay for". In this case I'm satisfied.

[Noisy Crow]

You are a mechanic? a licenced mechanic? And you think this is okay?

You've never, ever, had a momentary lapse of attention and locked you keys in your car? You only have to forget to leave it in neutral once.

You can safety it with two relays, a couple of diodes and some wire. $10 bucks worth of parts.

[iagraham2]

yes, yes, yes*, and no




*it works for me, it's not something I would do for anyone else.

[McGuyver_3]

yes, yes, yes*, and no




*it works for me, it's not something I would do for anyone else.


i am a mechanic myself not licenced yet but in my apprenticeship and i do not agree with you. Its to dangerous do you want to live the rest of your life paying for your mistake for putting a 230$ remote start in with a bypassed clutch? IMO just pay 500$ for a proper remote starter with instal and you wont be regretting it for the rest of your life.

[MRT_MS3]

Just think of it this way, if you do end up killing someone or damaging a property, your insurance won't cover a dime if they can prove that you tampered with the car and installed a remote starter.

[McGuyver_3]

as long as the remote starter was properly installed then you should have nothing to worry about. My car has a compustar remote start and it works perfectly fine for a standard. If you have the car set with the sequence then it works properly but if you unlock the car and open the door the system disengages the starter due to safety reasons.

[iagraham2]

you act like I'm going around at night bypassing safety switches! Everyone seems to think that neutral safety switches have been on cars since the dawn of time! I had a '99 Jetta that could be started in gear from the factory, try to name a transport truck that has a neutral safety switch and they can weigh up 130,000lbs, that fact here is that its up to the operator to use their equipment safely. I am not here stating that everyone should bypass there switch because it's cool, I was sharing info on the mazda remote starter, how easy it was to install, it features and it's price. Yes you can wire in a couple relays and diodes, or put a couple momentary switches in to prevent the car from starting and by all means go right ahead I encourage it! But to share info and then be tread like a child molester because I bypassed a safety switch that has only been commonly install on cars for the pass 15 years is down right ignorant! I didn't start this post advocating that everyone should install there own remote starter and make it "unsafe", I made it to share info that wasn't there before.
So should someone buy a mazda remote starter? yes!
Should you install it yourself? the instructions that come with it are very easy to follow and can be done by anyone.
Should you bypass your neutral safety switch? No.
Does the switch make your car safe? No, the operator does.

[aris]

The only thing is what if you accidently leave the car in gear one day or you loan your car to somone and the go to hit the start botton and the car was in gear?

I know someone who did the samething...He left the car in gear..and he laoned his car to a buddy and they went to hit the start botton and the car lauched forward and in the ditch it went..over $2000 damge done.

JUst be care full the way you have it set up...good luck!

[Noisy Crow]

I bypassed a safety switch that has only been commonly install on cars for the pass 15 years
Should you bypass your neutral safety switch? No.
Does the switch make your car safe? No, the operator does.

Actually, what you bypassed is the clutch interlock.

Given that you are a licenced mechanic, you should know the difference between the clutch switch and the neutral switch. And if you claim that you forgot, or just mixed them up.... well, it's exactly that kind of brain fart that will end up with the car left in gear. The fact is, we all make mistakes. We just don't notice most of them, because no real harm occurs -- most of the time.

Bottom line: this is a safety issue and has nothing to do with the specific features of a given car. Rather, it is about ensuring that a car can not start while in gear with no one at the controls.

[Auto-Links]

Actually, what you bypassed is the clutch interlock.

Given that you are a licenced mechanic, you should know the difference between the clutch switch and the neutral switch. And if you claim that you forgot, or just mixed them up.... well, it's exactly that kind of brain fart that will end up with the car left in gear. The fact is, we all make mistakes. We just don't notice most of them, because no real harm occurs -- most of the time.

Bottom line: this is a safety issue and has nothing to do with the specific features of a given car. Rather, it is about ensuring that a car can not start while in gear with no one at the controls.

As long as your careful bro,
its okay make sure you know whats going on. I have seen this happen time and time again, "i don't leave my car in gear, i know what i'm doing etc etc... most of the time its installers who think its smart to bypass the clutch switch, i've seen 3 cars remote started into things. i almost did it myself before. I know the whole reservation mode thing is a hassle, especially if you have to go back to get something from your car then you can't remote start anymore.

and fyi, a aftermarket 1way remote start (compustar or clifford/viper) installed properly is in the ~250 range, all of the top shops (audio heven,selective, lockdown , us) are in the same price range.

anyways i've posted the mazda3 wiring info for anyone else who is interested in installing themselves, with basic automotive and electrical knowlege it is something you can do yourself if you want to save yourself some money- if you're not automotively inclined please don't try yourself..


cheers,

John