Push Button Engine Start Security System
(FAQ's) Frequently Asked Questions

Keyless ignition Push Button Start options being offered by all of the major OEM vehicle manufacturers are the hottest vehicle upgrades being sold today. These systems are extremely sophisticated and complicated electronic devices, that allow the driver to unlock, start and drive away without the use of a key. A proximity sensor key FOB does the job of the conventional key. There are no aftermarket products that offer the same functionality, and there may never be one, because of the diverse complexity of steering columns and OEM security electronics. GTStarter I is the closest you can get to the real thing, bar none! You will still need the key to unlock the steering column and activate the vehicle’s electrical system. After you do that, GTStarter I is pure cool!. If you really can't live without a Proximity Sensor, Keyless Ignition w/ Push Button Start then your only option is to buy a new car and add the $2000 option OR you can get really close to the real thing and buy GTStarter I for $139

Yes. All vehicles produced in the U.S. since 1969 were mandated by the federal government to be equipped with a locking steering column. In order to operate these cars the key is required to unlock the column (and automatic transmission gear shift lever), when turning the key to the "ON" position. To operate GTStarter I you must first insert the key and turn it to the "ON" position. GTStarter I has two easily programmable starting options:(1) start the engine by turning the key to the "START" position OR press the GTStarter I "Engine Start" button, or (2) start the engine using the GTStarter I button only.

GTStarter I was designed with simplicity in mind. Basically, if your car or truck meets the following, then it will work just fine:

• 12 volt negative (-) ground electrical system
• A keyed ignition system with or without a locking steering column.
• Manual or automatic transmission
• Diesel or gasoline
• Carbureted or fuel injection.

All of the start buttons on the market are nothing more than a simple momentary on switch with “Engine Start” printed on the switch face. They cause the driver to start the engine under extreme battery load. The normal key starting sequence disables power to accessories like A/C, blower fan, etc. so that the starter can use all of the available power from the battery. If you install a simple “Engine Start” switch the accessory load is NOT disconnected during starting. Not a good thing! On the other hand, GTStarter I not only replicates the standard starting sequence, but also gives the buyer added alarm and keyless entry functions. “Engine Start” switches range in price from $69 to $130, and the installer has to drill at least a 3/4 inch diameter hole in the dash board in a place where there is at least 2 ½ inches of clearance behind the dash board. GTStarter I is a high tech surface mounted switch which requires only a 5/16 inch. dia. hole and no clearance is required behind the dash. It can literally be mounted anywhere that is convenient for the driver.

Yes, you have several choices:

• If you have a stock (OEM) remote entry alarm system you can either by pass the stock alarm system and install GTStarter I Engine Start and alarm functions in its place, OR, you can keep the stock alarm system and all its functions and then install the GTStarter I module and Engine Start button, hooking up only the GTStarter I engine start functions. You can still use your vehicle’s stock key FOB and won’t need to use the GTStarter I key FOB or siren. (See the wiring diagrams and installation instructions on the Support page).
• If you have an aftermarket remote entry alarm or remote start system like Clifford, CrimeStopper, etc., the same applies as if you had a stock alarm system.

Yes, you don’t need an anti-theft by-pass module.

• If your key and key FOB is a combined unit we recommend that you install GTStarter I's engine start functions only and can continue to use your key /key FOB combination and just not use the GTStarter I key FOB.

No, but if you already have a remote start alarm system you can still install GTStarter I and continue to use your remote start key FOB. We will never sell a remote car starter. They are cool, but they are simply too dangerous as an after market product.

No, GTStarter I requires a very small amount of current (about 25 ma). Less than most other after market or stock systems. We use all L.E.D. light technology and a low power microprocessor.

Our highest priority when designing GTStarter I was reliability. It will last as long or longer than your new car. All of our components exceed OEM quality requirements. Assembly is done in an OEM ISO 9000 certified factory using state of the art manufacturing equipment.

No problem! GTStarter I can still be installed however you will have to manually lock and unlock the car. This is a real pain! We sell a bundled door lock actuator kit along with GTStarter I -2DR . The actuators are relatively easy to install and we have a 2 door or 4 door bundled kit. You will then be able to enjoy all of theGTStarter I -4DR functions.

You have lots of choices. You can do it yourself if you or a friend have at least novice level electrical capabilities. It should take you less than a day to install. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself then there are a number of resources where you can have a professional install it for you. See our Support page for installer links or look in your local yellow pages.

Most likely, Yes. We have hundreds of wiring diagrams for different makes, models and years of cars and trucks. Check out our Support section for your car. We keep the diagrams updated as model year information is available from the manufacturers. There are also many online resources that we link on our Support page.

Yes, basic electrical tools, a multi-meter or test light and several splice connectors which you can get at any local auto parts store. A solder iron is recommended for connecting to the high current wires under the steering column. It’s always best to solder the larger diameter wires to ensure a reliable connection. Tape and/or shrink tubing are always recommended. IMPORTANT! Never leave any exposed and unprotected connections.

No problem, our key FOBs are the best in the industry. They are sealed using a silicon rubber gasket and the electronic circuits are coated with a moisture barrier. Prolonged submersion however, is not recommended. If kept submerged, the key FOB will eventually leak and then you will need a new one. We can supply you with replacement key FOBs. We recommend that you don't take your key FOB for swimming lessons :)

As long as you still have an ignition key to unlock the doors and start the engine, GTStarter I won’t let you down. Simply program GTStarter I to the VALET mode and off you go till you get to your second key FOB. If you need a replacement just contact us and we can ship you new ones for a nominal cost.

Yes. GTStarter I can be programmed for either 1 or 2 pulse operation. Some cars require 2 pulses in order to open any of the doors however many cars require one pulse to unlock the driver’s door and 2 pulses to unlock all of the doors. In this case GTStarter I should be programmed for 1 pulse operation. Simply pressing the key FOB unlock button twice will unlock all the doors.

Yes, GTStarter I can be programmed for a short (.4 sec) pulse or a longer (4 sec) pulse.

No. However, If your vehicle already has a remote entry system (OEM or aftermarket), you can install GTStarter I using the Engine start functions only and continue to use your original key FOB.

Yes, we have an industry standard 90 day warrantee for manufacturing defects. We don’t warrant the product if it is damaged due to improper installation, so make sure you read and follow the installation instructions. In the unlikely event that it does fail, send it back and we’ll repair or replace it. There are not many repairable items on the unit so most likely we’ll just send you a new replacement component.

Yes, GTStarter Ican be programmed for "silent" or “noisy” mode. In silent mode the Alarm won’t chirp when the doors are locked or unlocked using the key FOB. The alarm will only sound when someone opens one of the doors while GTStarter Iis in the armed mode, or if you push the Car Locator or Panic button on the key FOB. In “noisy” mode GTStarter I will chirp when you lock and unlock the car with the key FOB unless you push two buttons on the key FOB each time you lock or unlock the vehicle.

Absolutely, Many people with arthritis or similar hand motion restraints find that GTStarter I is a huge help when starting their car. The hard part when starting the car is turning the key to the start position because it is spring loaded. If you can easily turn the key to the “Run” or “On” position, then all you have to do is touch the GTStarter I "Engine Start" button and away you go pain free. And, you will look cool doing it!

Just turn the key off like you would normally do.