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manual trans remote start, is it illegal?

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=71695
Printed Date: May 14, 2024 at 12:17 PM


Topic: manual trans remote start, is it illegal?

Posted By: ls1nova
Subject: manual trans remote start, is it illegal?
Date Posted: January 28, 2006 at 6:23 PM

I'm in the state of MD.  I won't install any remote starts on manual trans. cars (exept subaru's), and I usually tell the customer that it's illegal.  But I was wondering if anyone has acutally seen any law saying that it is in fact illegal?  I don't really know if it actualy is or not.

Thanks

Frank




Replies:

Posted By: JWorm
Date Posted: January 29, 2006 at 12:49 AM
Do you really believe Compustar, Ultrastart and all the other companies that sell manual transmission remote starts think they are selling an unsafe product? I don't think so. If designed properly and installed properly they work fine and are safe. Not every company is as paranoid as DEI about not releasing a manual transmission remote starter.

Have either of the above posters read an install guide and owners manual for a manual transmission remote start? I'm curious if you guys know how they actually work.




Posted By: KarTuneMan
Date Posted: January 29, 2006 at 12:54 AM

I know for SURE.....bobk and I have..........please, and sorry.......!



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Posted By: ls1nova
Date Posted: January 29, 2006 at 5:17 AM

There is no doubt that the Compustar, and Ultra start are safe.  I have read their install maunal, and in fact installed them.  The question here is if it is actually illegal to install one without the interlocks that these starters have, or a neutral saftey tied into it.

Frank





Posted By: dualsport
Date Posted: January 29, 2006 at 11:14 AM
If the reason is to have a response to someone that wants to put an automatic-only RS in a manual trans vehicle, why not just tell them the reasons why you won't do it, illegal or not? Cost difference between the units should be such a small factor, why even consider it? Maybe their brother Joe happened to have an old unit sitting around and they want you to put it in their manual car.
If they persist even knowing the hazards, then they probably shouldn't be driving- and you have the ultimate say in declining their business.
If you do install a manual trans approved RS and do it properly, I think you should be able to assume they aren't going to go and bypass all the safeties. You can't save everyone from themselves all the time, as much as the lawyers and lawmakers spend their hours doing. If someone takes a lawnmower and decides to trim their hedges with it, but slips and chops a few digits off, oh well. Darwinism.




Posted By: auex
Date Posted: January 29, 2006 at 2:32 PM
Is it illegal? I don't know where you are so you need to ask a lawyer. For the most part no, it is not illegal.

I won't do them, regardless of whether they are specific to manuals, because I have seen installer's vehicles take off and if an installer can't be trusted the I sure as hell won't let a customer take it into their own hands.

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Certified Security Specialist
Always check info with a digital multimeter.
I promise to be good.
Tell Darwin I sent you.

I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.




Posted By: Chris Luongo
Date Posted: January 30, 2006 at 7:48 AM
I'm not a lawyer, but I highly doubt it's illegal.

Many, many things that we shouldn't do are not illegal.........for example, many states still don't have laws regarding video screens within view of the driver, although that is changing.

Anyway, if you don't want to do remote start/manual transmissions, I think it is best to simply be honest---

tell your customers that although it is possible, your shop won't do it because you think it is too great a liability risk, and/or it would bother your conscience if something happened.

Here's how I see it:

--If you state something as an opinion or a decision, it is pretty hard for people to argue with you or tell you you're wrong.

--If you state something as a FACT, it is often easy for someone to come back with proof that your statement was wrong, which might make you look foolish or dishonest.




Posted By: leades12
Date Posted: January 30, 2006 at 12:46 PM
Well said Chris, when it gets down to liability, who is to blame for a mishap? If the shop sells the RS for manual trannies, then it should be that it's going to get hooked up right or the customer can go on, no exceptions! It's not a matter as you said of being "legal" or "illegal"(although in some states, it may be illegal), it's a matter of integrity, negligence is not something that any reputable shop wants to play with or be responsible for. Look at this: I am not a lawyer either, but, check with your insurance companies and get their feedback on RS's, you'll find that most don't care for them and in some cases can actually increase your rates for the "added" risk factor, I found this out with mine and had to show detailed proof that it was installed correctly with all safety features hooked up, the security portion didn't matter to them, my rates remained the same, but, still check it out with your insurance company, your's may have a different stance on the issue, and they can tell you alot quicker than a lawyer whether it's legal or not, just my 2 cents, posted_image

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Les





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