? about remote starter switch/van

[SCIfor55+yrs.]

I am getting ready to start using a power wheelchair. My mobility tech says I should get a remote starter switch for my van so I can start it before I use the lift to get in. Otherwise, I could be left suspended half way up if the battery is not in prime shape.

Has anyone experienced related problems?

Do these switches enable you to leave the engine running until you get out?

If the remote switch fails, can you still start the van with a key?

Any other advice will be appreciated.

[ancientgimp]

I would not be w/o remote start. In winter, I crank up van w remote and leave the heater fan on high. I leave doors closed and lift in until van warms up. It also helps function of lift in bitterly cold weather. In summer, i leave a/c on high and do the same. It does save battery. They will give you a choice as to how long you will want van to idle before auto shutoff. I think 15 min is standard but I would maybe go 20. You can certainly still start van w key if your remote fails. earlier remote starts used mercury switches and were set not to work if hood was open for mechanic's safety. When I had one of these sometimes the mercury switch would read parking on a hill as hood being open. They no longer use these devices. You will love your remote especially in your climate in summer.

[wheels09]

I am getting ready to start using a power wheelchair. My mobility tech says I should get a remote starter switch for my van so I can start it before I use the lift to get in. Otherwise, I could be left suspended half way up if the battery is not in prime shape.

Has anyone experienced related problems?

Do these switches enable you to leave the engine running until you get out?

If the remote switch fails, can you still start the van with a key?

Any other advice will be appreciated.

You cannot be left suspended half way up. Every van lift I've had uses gravity to let you down, no power needed.

The remote start will allow you to have engine running while you operate power doors and lift. However the EZ-Lock w/c lockdowns I have used will not release while the engine is running. I normally open the doors and move the lift to floor level with engine running,then turn it off and release the EZ-Lock.

Yes you can still start it with the key.

Bill

[-scott-]

Remote starters have their benefits, especially with getting AC/heat on in advance. I had one in a previous vehicle. Hitting the brakes killed the ignition if they key wasn't inserted... i.e., you can't drive w/o a key.

If you're worried about battery health, just upgrade to a better battery (deep cycle). I'm using one of these in my Jeep. Worth every penny: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02850134000P

[McDuff]

I agree w/ Ancient, best thing I added to my van.

Yes you can leave it running til you get out. With my unit and it works for others on CC too, with key in and van running, I double-tap my remote start like normal, wait until I hear the faint clicking sound, and then just remove the key, van will stay running. Once you are out, double-tap again to shutdown.

I transfer to the driver seat and back, it is amazing how hot the van can get in Tx heat in the time it takes to get out, love having a/c running for the process. With engine running, all the electrics work faster, my 6way base/doors/ramp all work faster.

[GinoL]

I have always had remote starters in my vehicles and wouldn't be caught without it in the winters. My current Chevy/Explorer conversion van has used a remote starter since I have had it for 4 years now with no known problems with the battery or lift. In fact it is still running on its original battery! The lift, power doors and seat base run much faster when the vehicle is running. Once you get used to using the remote starter you will never go without one!

[coolbreeze]

Where do u purchase remote starters and have them install?
Which ones work the best?

[-scott-]

Where do u purchase remote starters and have them install?

Places that sell/install mobile audio / car stereos.

[Reed-edm]

In the winter, I use it getting into and out of my van. The wheelchair lift is hard on the battery when it's -10c and colder!

I don't really worry about in now, even though I do start the van when I'm getting into it, I don't bother keeping it started when I'm exiting it.

You cannot be left suspended half way up. Every van lift I've had uses gravity to let you down, no power needed.

The superarm leaves you hanging..Been there done that. there's a socket you get someone to turn to get you in or out of your van..

[vtran96]

I agree with everybody else. The remote starter extends battery life. I bought mine over 12 years ago for $50 and installed it with the help of my brother-in law. You probably won't need the deep cycle battery that Scott recommends, but it wouldn't hurt. I've had my battery die on me several times already, big inconvenience. Waiting for AAA for over an hour gets old. I now carry a set of jumper cables and battery bump box just in case.

I don't know if they all have this feature, but get one that allows the car to keep running before you take the key out. So when you exit the vehicle and close the door, you can shut the engine with the press of a button. Again, saves batteries.

BTW Scott, how long did your deep cycle battery last? I find myself changing batteries every 3 years.

[ronk]

I couldn't tell for sure if the 2011 T&C has it? But many vehicles are going to the keyless fob-push button. Anyone know if a remote starter can be added to these?

I will never have a van without a remote starter....Unless I move South, but that's a pipe dream.

[-scott-]

BTW Scott, how long did your deep cycle battery last? I find myself changing batteries every 3 years.

I've had this one < 1yr. I had an Optima Yellow Top since '05 though, and eventually one of its cells crapped out. The DieHards from Sears are rebadged Odesseys and have recently gotten reviews of being superior to the Optimas, plus there are Sears locations everywhere should an issue arise. I'm hoping it'll last longer than the Optima.

[DeadEye]

Just my personal experience: I've used vans with lifts for over 35 years and it's never been a problem for me. I also don't play when I notice the battery getting weak, I replace it. If I lived in colder climates, I might add a remote start just to play it safe but being in SC it will only be a convenience for you, not a requirement.

[Art454]

I have one and use it all the time in the winter....sometimes in the summer when it is hot....I change my battery every 3 years also...only bad thing is that its hard on the alt. as it makes it spikes when you use the lift and acc. when the engine is running.
Took out 3 alt. in my last 3 vans at about 40,000 miles....so expect to replace it at about that time as I forget to look at the guage and got a surprise evey time it went out.
I got lucky all 3 times as it was night and could tell by the headlights and made a mad rush home so I could get out before it went dead.
Otherwise it would be a 911 call....lol
Lots of times I'll let it warm up or use air cond. and then shut it off then get in the van then restart.
Getting old and its getting hard to change out.
This winter it went out and about 40 out and took me 5 hours to change out in the cold.
What really mad me mad as I new in the fall I should have replaced it as it was at 44,000 miles.

Art

[DestinationUnknown]

I don't know if they all have this feature, but get one that allows the car to keep running before you take the key out. So when you exit the vehicle and close the door, you can shut the engine with the press of a button. Again, saves batteries.

Now a days that's a fairly common feature on most units. My Scytek Galaxy 5100RS FM remote starter/security system that I personally installed in my Honda Element has that feature, which they call Quick Stop. I use that feature all the time and find it quite useful. On mine all I need to do is while the engine is running, just hold the remote start button on my remote for two seconds and then simply remove the key from the ignition. Then it will just continue to run for it's programmed time setting, which I currently have it set for 15 minutes.