Start-X Remote Starter Kit (Wrangler/Gladiator PTS)

[Moe-Jave]

Hey all -- I appreciated reading about all of the options for remote starter kits for our Gladiators here on this forum. I really wanted one on mine and it is the first Jeep I've owned that did not come with it (I don't count my Sport with manual transmission of course - but aftermarket kits may work if you disable the clutch press detection switch!). I think global supply shortages are still a thing and figured that's probably why my Mojave didn't come with it (bought it in June of 2023). I'm not a fan of the options that require an app. I think it has its place, but from experience, I just don't use it that often. Mostly, I think about starting my Jeep when the hot air of a parking lot hits me...and it rarely feels worth it to dig my phone out. The Mojave head unit does allow the Sirius system remote start, and I don't discount the usefulness of that for some...

Anyhow, I divided my own preferences into the OEM unit and the variety of aftermarket types out there. I also decided I would only buy from Amazon and try to limit how much I buy from unknown sources (has been an issue for me in the past).

I quickly settled on the Start-X Remote Starter Kit made for PTS models. Figured the price/risk were worth a shot. I'm certain the OEM unit is "better" but at a much higher price tag. Again, thanks to fellow posters here for sounding off with their good results! I should also say I read some good stuff over at the Wrangler forum. It was delivered for $142 via Amazon Prime (July, 2023).

I've read that past directions were awful or non-existent, and my particular package included a somewhat useful pamphlet. It is clear that English is not the native tongue here -- and they could benefit from hiring a good technical writer! Still, it isn't so bad once you know a few things about order-of-operations and their flashing technique.

This is a lot like programming a new remote for a garage door. The unit captures the encrypted hash from OEM key fob the same way a dealer unit might work to scan your key/fob. The only part I don't love is that you effectively upload it, then get new firmware that you can write back to the unit. From a security perspective it is like having another key fob floating around. I'm not that worried about it and was surprised nobody else mentioned it. Maybe they move too many units and they are careful with it...but I did not see anything there that made me feel 100% about it. I wanted to point this out since it was (is) a concern of mine. I'm mostly over it.

It works great. One thing I noticed is that most YouTubers leave the honk on first/second press of the lock button on. That makes me crazy, and while I had it enabled for the second honk (for the OCD times when you gotta press it again!), I had to switch it off completely. If you don't, every single time you remote start you are treated to a couple honks.

Three more lock button presses will stop the engine. It will run for 15" if you don't get inside after remotely starting it -- and something I use on my F150 often, just to cycle it (I don't daily drive it). This brings up another area for consideration -- remote start does not work on OEM units if you have any kind of check engine code. I rely on that for the F150 and know that it is "healthy" if it remote starts. I'm not that concerned but figured worth pointing out.

One other concern: Some Jeep models "do not retain factory alarm"(!) with Start-X. What?! I guess that is not the case here and did some testing. Specifically, I tested my VTA with the hood monitoring/alarm. That still works but wanted to point that out. IF the alarm had to be disabled for this to work, I'd probably have sent it back.

That's it. I'm happy so far. While it took me way longer than the advertised "ten minutes", I'm sure I could do it about that fast the next time around. Getting the software and flashing done is the longest part. I love how easy our dash and glove box comes apart. I could not imagine installing this kit on my friend's Lexus RX! Thumbs up.

Here are the actual parts:
(consider taking a photograph of the flash module in case you have issues later - removed my serial number and bar code)

Sponsored

 

[Moe-Jave]

Note about consideration for manual transmission Jeeps: I am pretty sure you could make this kit work for it, and would have tried it on my JLS -- except it also had roll-up windows (which I love!). You need power windows for this kit to work. That aside, there are obvious safety issues with installing a remote starter kit on a vehicle with a manual transmission.

It is clear why NO OEM ever does this. I figured they could do a check to ensure it is in neutral first, but there are other concerns. Anyhow, buyer beware! If you do this on a manual transmission, please share your results here!

 

[ScottTank]

Hey all -- I appreciated reading about all of the options for remote starter kits for our Gladiators here on this forum. I really wanted one on mine and it is the first Jeep I've owned that did not come with it (I don't count my Sport with manual transmission of course - but aftermarket kits may work if you disable the clutch press detection switch!). I think global supply shortages are still a thing and figured that's probably why my Mojave didn't come with it (bought it in June of 2023). I'm not a fan of the options that require an app. I think it has its place, but from experience, I just don't use it that often. Mostly, I think about starting my Jeep when the hot air of a parking lot hits me...and it rarely feels worth it to dig my phone out. The Mojave head unit does allow the Sirius system remote start, and I don't discount the usefulness of that for some...

Anyhow, I divided my own preferences into the OEM unit and the variety of aftermarket types out there. I also decided I would only buy from Amazon and try to limit how much I buy from unknown sources (has been an issue for me in the past).

I quickly settled on the Start-X Remote Starter Kit made for PTS models. Figured the price/risk were worth a shot. I'm certain the OEM unit is "better" but at a much higher price tag. Again, thanks to fellow posters here for sounding off with their good results! I should also say I read some good stuff over at the Wrangler forum. It was delivered for $142 via Amazon Prime (July, 2023).

I've read that past directions were awful or non-existent, and my particular package included a somewhat useful pamphlet. It is clear that English is not the native tongue here -- and they could benefit from hiring a good technical writer! Still, it isn't so bad once you know a few things about order-of-operations and their flashing technique.

This is a lot like programming a new remote for a garage door. The unit captures the encrypted hash from OEM key fob the same way a dealer unit might work to scan your key/fob. The only part I don't love is that you effectively upload it, then get new firmware that you can write back to the unit. From a security perspective it is like having another key fob floating around. I'm not that worried about it and was surprised nobody else mentioned it. Maybe they move too many units and they are careful with it...but I did not see anything there that made me feel 100% about it. I wanted to point this out since it was (is) a concern of mine. I'm mostly over it.

It works great. One thing I noticed is that most YouTubers leave the honk on first/second press of the lock button on. That makes me crazy, and while I had it enabled for the second honk (for the OCD times when you gotta press it again!), I had to switch it off completely. If you don't, every single time you remote start you are treated to a couple honks.

Three more lock button presses will stop the engine. It will run for 15" if you don't get inside after remotely starting it -- and something I use on my F150 often, just to cycle it (I don't daily drive it). This brings up another area for consideration -- remote start does not work on OEM units if you have any kind of check engine code. I rely on that for the F150 and know that it is "healthy" if it remote starts. I'm not that concerned but figured worth pointing out.

One other concern: Some Jeep models "do not retain factory alarm"(!) with Start-X. What?! I guess that is not the case here and did some testing. Specifically, I tested my VTA with the hood monitoring/alarm. That still works but wanted to point that out. IF the alarm had to be disabled for this to work, I'd probably have sent it back.

That's it. I'm happy so far. While it took me way longer than the advertised "ten minutes", I'm sure I could do it about that fast the next time around. Getting the software and flashing done is the longest part. I love how easy our dash and glove box comes apart. I could not imagine installing this kit on my friend's Lexus RX! Thumbs up.

Here are the actual parts:
(consider taking a photograph of the flash module in case you have issues later - removed my serial number and bar code)

Are you still happy with the functions?

 

[Moe-Jave]

Are you still happy with the functions?

Yes, I am completely satisfied. This kit is great value and I am likely going to do it again on my girlfriend’s JTM soon.

 

[dayusmc]

You do know if your Mojave is an auto, you could have just programmed a key with the remote start button on it and it works, no app needed. They have remote start built in, you just need the key and turn it on with JScan or a tazer...

 

[Moe-Jave]

I considered that, and was not sure if that was all it would take. I still might look into that one day. Can you confirm that’s all it took on your rig? As previously noted, every other auto Wrangler I’ve owned had remote start and the key fobs. I figured not having it was a clear indication of supply chain issues and still see premium trim level Wranglers and Gladiators without remote start…and made me wonder where else they cut corners (I also see them without NAV and maybe the GPS antenna).

Note, this kit is cheaper than buying an OEM key (or two!) and very easy (now both my existing keys work). Very clean, and I don’t use an app of any kind to remote start (I have always found those too clunky to use on a regular basis).

Semper Fi!

 

[Roni0219]

You do know if your Mojave is an auto, you could have just programmed a key with the remote start button on it and it works, no app needed. They have remote start built in, you just need the key and turn it on with JScan or a tazer...

How do you know if the remote tart is built in? I am being told it's not even offered and was discontinued in 21. Yes I know that is BS after being all over this forum. But I literally asked how much it would cost to add and that is what I was told.

 

[Moe-Jave]

How do you know if the remote tart is built in? I am being told it's not even offered and was discontinued in 21. Yes I know that is BS after being all over this forum. But I literally asked how much it would cost to add and that is what I was told.

All I can offer is that the kit I bought was cheap and works great to this day. Even if you could just reprogram and buy a new key or two, it would cost a lot more (for the keys).

Every other auto Wrangler I’ve had came with remote start. My suspicion is that the during the Great Parts Shortage many vehicles left the factory without options like remote start to get the car to the dealer. I believe that was the case with mine. Why else include all other necessary hardware and not be able to charge for the option? Whether it was the specific key or something else I do not know. I also do not know if there is an easy way to check. Again, the kit is a cheap and effective solution if you want to add remote start.

Sponsored