average time to install alarm/starters
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Security and Convenience
Forum Discription: Car Alarms, Keyless Entries, Remote Starters, Immobilizer Bypasses, Sensors, Door Locks, Window Modules, Heated Mirrors, Heated Seats, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=7015
Printed Date: August 22, 2025 at 2:57 AM
Topic: average time to install alarm/starters
Posted By: p2555016zr
Subject: average time to install alarm/starters
Date Posted: December 22, 2002 at 6:31 PM
What is the average time its takes to do a new remote starter with alarm install? I just did a 2002 Ford SportTrack with transponder key. The install took me 6+ hours and that included the door locks, hood pin switch, dome supervision etc... I've done maybe 10 different installs and none have been on the same make or model. I don't use scotch locks for wires I tap into. I solder them. Also, how much time should it take on a vehicle that I have already done before? It must be easier knowing where wires are and how interior panels come apart. And does it make much of a difference if it is just an alarm or remote start but not both?
Replies:
Posted By: JWorm
Date Posted: December 22, 2002 at 7:57 PM
That truck would probably take me about 4-4.5 hours. Soldered, everything taped back up, hidden fairly well. Thats with a lot of distractions like answering an occasional phone call when the front guy is too busy.
Install time will vary a lot depending on quality of install and what unit you are installing.
What are you using for product?
Most shops want you to slam out as much product as possible, especially during remote start season at Christmas time. My boss is happy with 3 remote starts a day. Some of our installers usually do 2 a day with an occassional 3. I usually do 3, but on Friday I did 4.
I've heard of installers slamming out 8 or 9 a day. And you can tell when you look at the quality of the work.
Posted By: Velocity Motors
Date Posted: December 22, 2002 at 8:15 PM
6 + hours is not bad if the quality is there . I would usually take about 5 hours to do that vehicle with all the goodies that the customer wants. Better to have the installation done right the first time than having it come back and take up even more time to trouble shoot and take everything apart that you ohhh so oo cleaverly hidden. BTW: Wathc out with these Ford's as they are infamous for the dreaded 30 - 45 minute falsing that happens because of the GEM module or the power door locks don't work because you need to wake up the GEM to activate the locks. ------------- Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA
Posted By: p2555016zr
Date Posted: December 23, 2002 at 5:02 PM
I now only use AST Ultrastarters. I was using any brand I could get my hands on but like the program options of the Ultrastarters. They also seem to have super long range. I just do it for friends or as a gift. My real job is working on heavy equipment. But the fun stuff is remote starters...
Posted By: JWorm
Date Posted: December 23, 2002 at 9:53 PM
My shop uses the AST for customers who want just remote start. Easy to install, cheap cost, lots of features, excellent reliabilty except for the antennas that break easily. For alarm/remote start we use the Python 1500 (aka Viper 550). We tried a couple of the AST combo units, but stopped due to the lack of an l.e.d. and the fact you can't put the brain too far from the ignition harness. We also didn't like the shock sensor and the way that you program the sensitivity on the AST's.
Posted By: securinu
Date Posted: December 24, 2002 at 12:07 AM
i can install a marksman m-10 in under an hour in most cars, add 10-30 mins for transponder bypass.
Posted By: p2555016zr
Date Posted: December 24, 2002 at 5:15 PM
I dont like the way the shock sensor is programed either. I just turn it off. I hope they change that. Haven't had any broken antennas yet but do like them because thats where the led and program button are. My buddy had a remote starter/alarm put in his S10 Blazer by either Best Buy or Circuit City. They didn't install the hood pin safety. What did that save them 10 minutes? Even less for people who have already installed one.
Posted By: AlarmTech
Date Posted: December 24, 2002 at 6:39 PM
I average around 2-4hrs for an Alarm and 4-6hrs for an Alarm/RS combo. all sodered, all taped, loomed where needed. ------------- Viper Equipped
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