Is it worth installing an engine auto-start

The remote engine start and warm-up system, originally used on trucks operating in harsh climatic conditions, is increasingly found on passenger cars today. Its main task is to start the engine at a set time, bring its temperature to optimal values, and also prepare the interior for the trip. Moreover, such a module is applicable not only in winter for heating, but also in summer, when it is necessary to cool the car's interior by activating the climate control system.

Like any technical device, the auto-start module has its advantages and disadvantages, which will be discussed below.

What is an engine auto-start system

Externally, the auto-start device looks quite simple. It is a compact plastic case containing an electronic board with relay microchips responsible for monitoring various vehicle sensors. The unit comes with a set of wires through which it connects to the vehicle's standard wiring. Thanks to its small dimensions, the module can be placed almost anywhere in the cabin — the main thing is that the chosen point has access to the necessary electrical circuits.

The relays of the control unit ensure correct engine start by monitoring the following elements:

• ignition system
• oil pressure sensor
• glow plug circuit (relevant for diesel engines)
• tachometer (crankshaft speed)
• handbrake lever and gearbox
• gas pedal
• speed sensor
• hood limit switch

There are two options for installing the auto-start unit: in conjunction with an alarm system or as a standalone device, for example, when the car is not equipped with a security system. The type of engine (petrol or diesel, naturally aspirated or turbocharged) and gearbox (automatic or manual) does not matter — the module is compatible with any units.

It should be noted that the auto-start unit operates in two modes: automatic and remote. In the first case, the start time is set by a timer programmed according to one of the parameters: specific time, cabin temperature, or engine temperature. In the second case, control is carried out by the owner via the alarm key fob or mobile phone (SMS or GPS command).

You can install auto-start yourself — for this you will need the module itself (on average about 400 hryvnias) and an immobilizer bypass unit (about 180 hryvnias), or an alarm with this function (prices for such models are shown in the table below). Installation can also be entrusted to a specialized service — in Kyiv such a service will cost approximately 750 hryvnias. If the car is under warranty, it is better to contact an official service station, since installation at a third-party service may cause the car to be removed from warranty.

How auto-start works

Although there are units with automatic and remote control, their operating principle is almost the same. At the programmed time (for automatic mode) or after receiving a command from the remote control or phone, the module supplies voltage to the ignition circuit, then pauses for two seconds — during this time the oil pressure in the system is restored — and only then activates the starter. In the case of a diesel engine, the algorithm is supplemented by monitoring the glow plugs. If the unit is part of a security system, the alarm locks are first disarmed, and then the ignition and starter are turned on. In a standalone installation, the immobilizer bypass is performed first, after which the module supplies power to the ignition and starter.

Bypassing the standard immobilizer is a key stage of auto-start installation, because the task of this anti-theft device is to break one or more circuits necessary for starting the engine. Therefore, during installation, you will need a bypass unit with a digital microchip (usually placed in the engine compartment or behind the dashboard), which allows avoiding a conflict between the auto-start and the security system. Most often, a spare ignition key with a built-in chip for deactivating the immobilizer acts as such a unit.

Any auto-start module can be configured for a certain number of starter start attempts (by default — three, usually can be increased to five). If the engine has started (the unit determines this by data from crankshaft speed sensors, oil pressure, or network voltage), the car signals with the hazard lights or sends a notification to the key fob or phone. Some more expensive models are equipped with a self-diagnosis function: for example, if the start failed due to a faulty battery, the microprocessor will determine the cause and report it to the owner.

Proper use of auto-start

To avoid emergency situations (for example, spontaneous movement of the car), certain rules for activating auto-start should be followed. For cars with manual and automatic transmissions, these algorithms differ.

Procedure for manual transmission:

1. engage neutral gear
2. tighten the parking brake
3. leave the car and close the doors
4. turn on the alarm and activate auto-start.

Many drivers are accustomed to leaving the car in gear after stopping the engine. With auto-start installed, you will have to relearn and put the car in neutral, otherwise the module will not activate. However, manufacturers have provided a solution — the so-called "programmable neutral" will not allow the engine to be turned off until neutral gear is engaged.

Procedure for automatic transmission:

1. move the gear selector to Park mode
2. get out of the car and close the doors
3. turn on the alarm and activate auto-start.

If at least one of the listed conditions is not met, the auto-start system will not turn on.

Advantages of auto-start

• warm engine and heated interior in winter / cool interior in summer;
• time savings;
• turbo timer function (optional), allowing a smooth turbo shutdown, which extends the unit's service life.

Disadvantages of auto-start

• temporary disabling of the standard immobilizer and alarm shock sensor;
• increased fuel consumption;
• icing of the exhaust pipe in winter due to condensate accumulating during prolonged idling;
• freezing of handbrake cables or brake pads when set to neutral in frost;
• with a weakened handbrake, there is a risk of the car rolling, especially on a slope.

Useful recommendations:

1. To avoid icing of the exhaust pipe, it is worth setting the warm-up timer to an optimal 10 minutes — then the engine will not idle for too long, and condensate will not accumulate.

2. If the handbrake cable is frozen, you can try removing the wheels, pulling the handbrake lever flag to the extreme rear position, and tugging the cable. You can also tap the pads and put the wheels back.

3. With a weak handbrake, it is recommended to place wheel chocks or bricks under the wheels.

4. If the pads are frozen to the discs, you can use one of the methods (depending on the type of brakes):

a) for disc brakes — treat the discs in the pad area with non-freezing fluid rated for -20 degrees;

b) for drum brakes — pour 1.5–2 liters of hot water into a plastic bottle, make a hole in the cap, and pour it on the discs in the pad area. If it doesn't help, you will have to remove the wheel and warm the drums with a blowtorch or a heat gun;

c) try to "tear off" the pads by rocking the car back and forth.

Summary

Given how severe winters and hot summer periods have become in Ukraine, installing auto-start seems a quite justified solution.

However, one cannot ignore the real risk of theft: during auto-start activation, the car's security systems are disabled. In addition, if a spare key is used to bypass the immobilizer, an intruder can find it by getting into the cabin, which significantly simplifies theft.

It is also worth remembering that the listed disadvantages (freezing of pads, handbrake cables, risk of rolling) are mainly relevant for manual transmissions. Therefore, owners of cars with manual transmissions need to consider these features when installing auto-start.

Ultimately, only the car owner himself, having weighed all the pros and cons, can decide whether to equip his car with an auto-start system.

Alarms with auto-start function