technical idiot here, remote start

A few questions here.

How long will it take me to learn how to put a remote starter in?

I DRIVE a 97 Jetta manual, suggestions on what to purchase?

or a link to something to get me started.

I really don't feel like spending money to have some one else do it.

or are there any cheap installers.

Thank you

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Paz Y Amor

1. That depends on how much of a technical idiot you really are.
2. Make sure you purchase a unit designed for a manual transmission.
3. I am sure there are, but you get what you pay for.

"How long will it take me to learn how to put a remote starter in?"

How well do you want the install to be? It may take you a while if you have no experience, and with a manual transmission you need at least some knowledge and previous experience. You also will need an interface module that will only allow your car to start if it is in neutral. Without hooking this up, you run the risk of having the car start in gear and hurt someone or ruin people's property. I know of this due to a story my boss told me.
A car dealer had a remote starter installed in a manual transmission and didn't want the interface hooked up. So someone test drove the car and left it parked in 1st gear facing at a 90 degree angle with the street in their lot. The salesman was showing how it had a remote starter and it started up.... and dashed across a 4 lane busy road crashing across the street into a building.
"I really don't feel like spending money to have some one else do it."
as for this comment read above statement again.

"I DRIVE a 97 Jetta manual, suggestions on what to purchase?"
It depends on range, functions, and amount your willing to spend for one. Their a lot of brand names but only a few manufacturers. DEI, Audiovox, Black Widow, Omega, etc.

"or a link to something to get me started."
Not really any link but you can look up different brands and see what features your looking for and by cost. I would buy from a company/brand who has been around a long time, that way you know they will be around if you have a problem with it their warranty will be valid.

"or are there any cheap installers."
You will get what you pay for... cheap meaning cutting corners and inexperienced installers.
Also for this comment find a shop that is fair and has a low ratio of unhappy customers, if possible get referrals.
You can't please everyone all the time and their are people who complain no matter how good a job someone does.

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The wire I'm test'n isn't doin' what it's supposed to be doin'... I am so glad I printed that tech sheet, with the wrong info.
Do it right the first time... or I might have to fix it for ya

If you are really asking that question....

I would suggest having one installed. 3 reasons.

first by asking that question, I feel you have no experiance. (or very little)

second.... it's a VW. Not a good car to learn on

third, a manual transmission.

Please do not take personal offence to any of my coments

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Not to sound too negative, but:


1. How long will it take me to learn how to put a remote starter in?

A good place to start is to get hold of (or download) an installation manual for a remote starter, read that, and also look at the various sections at the top-left of this website.

Most installation manuals are horrendously bad. An elementary school student could write better English. Check one out for yourself.

2. I DRIVE a 97 Jetta manual.

European cars are difficult to work on. A professional shop might charge 50% more just because of all the extra hassle.

Pretty much, I look at it like this: To do one Volkswagen, I'm going to have to turn away two Hondas, so I charge accordingly.

For your first car to do an installation on, you want maybe a ten-year-old Corolla, or a Chevy Corsica, something like that.

Also, the manual transmission adds safety challenges. There are only a few brands of remote starters made to work safely with manual transmission cars. Compustar and Ultra are two examples to start with.

3. or are there any cheap installers.

There's unfortunately a LOT of bad work out there, regardless of price.

There are plenty of installers who do side work, as well as guys on Craigslist doing work out of their driveways.

If you do go that route, make sure they still guarantee their work, and have a means to replace any defective product.

Its going to take you half a day just to get to the ignition wires, then there is the transponder, then how long to get into the door for the central locking, assuming this is the same as a Golf Mk IV, then strip console for parking brake feed etc etc etc DON'T DO IT YOURSELF!!!  I've done loads and this job alarm + R/S is a FULL day, oh yes and if it has the factory alarm you've got to get past that as well, cut siren, cut u/sonics etc etc.

Howie...I agree...technical idiot = Don't DIY

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The wire I'm test'n isn't doin' what it's supposed to be doin'... I am so glad I printed that tech sheet, with the wrong info.
Do it right the first time... or I might have to fix it for ya