Remote start is a convenient feature available for Jeep Wranglers.
Instead of sitting on scorching seats in summer, you can start your Wrangler remotely to boot up the AC before you get in.
Below are some of the best remote start kits available that make turning on your car a breeze while also utilizing security measures and other conveniences.
Comparison of the Best Remote Starts for Jeep Wrangler
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What is a Remote Start Kit, and How Does a Remote Start Work?
A remote starting system lets the driver turn the engine on in the car without inserting the key in the ignition. Many remote starts can also activate the air conditioning, heated seats, and vented seats, with activating ranges reaching over a mile. To install a remote starting system, you will need an automatic transmission.
A remote start works (usually) by pushing the start button three times in succession. The vehicle indicates that the engine ignited by locking the vehicle doors, flashing the turn signal, and honking the horn. The car will stay running for around 15 minutes before turning off, or the length of your timeout period. After two timeouts, you will need to start your car manually.
What Should I Look for When Buying a Remote Start for My Jeep Wrangler?
Below are some features you should look for when buying a remote start.
Design
First, consider the overall design. If it has a separate key fob, look for a readable, straightforward, or colorful display, and make sure it is compact enough to fit on your keychain. Simple designs are often more user-friendly and simpler to install. You will want to avoid a remote start with a high installation cost and opt for a product you can install yourself.
If your Jeep starts then dies right away, check that the engine is running.
Range
Also, look for a remote starter system with a long-range. A long-range remote start will have a more robust wireless power signal. Stronger signals work when the car is behind a wall or obstacle, making them more reliable systems.
Compatibility
While most remote starts are universal, you’ll want to check the system’s compatibility with your engine sensors. Newer vehicles often work with 2-way systems, but older vehicles may not communicate with the remote start.
Extra Features
Remote starts typically come with a door unlock function, but many have more features. Many manufacturers focus on security to prevent theft. You may also want onboard temperature control and trunk release capabilities. These modules may cost significantly more than the base features, so check the prices first.
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Review of the Best Remote Starts for Jeep Wrangler
We have compiled a handful of remote starts for Jeep Wrangler vehicles to determine the best available products.
Best Overall
MPC Remote Start
Specifications
Fitment: 2007-2018 Wrangler
New Keys Included? No
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What Recent Buyers Report
The MPC Remote Start is easy to install with few required parts. The base features have high value, and the tech support is excellent. Some buyers believed the range was too short. Extending the range proved quite costly from the additional parts and monthly subscription.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This product stands out because of its ease of use. You can plug it in and use it with a 15-minute install. You can also readily customize it by purchasing some additional features, like a 1- or 5-button remote and a smartphone module to extend the range.
To use the remote start, you press the lock button on your keys three times. You don’t need a separate controller, though you can purchase one if you want. Compared to most remote starts, the MPC is much easier to use from its plug-and-play functionality.
Bottom Line
For quick and easy installation and use, the MPC Remote Start excels. While costly, you can customize it to better fit your needs, but the base features provide an affordable way to start using a remote start.
Pros
Lets you warm or cool your car
Can only drive the vehicle with the key in the ignition for safety
Uses existing remotes to start the car, so you don’t need extra key fobs
Comes with pre-loaded firmware, all required parts, and a T-harness for easy installation
Can customize with smartphone module, 1-button remotes, or 5-button remotes to extend the range
Cons
Additional features are costly
Some buyers find the range too small
Runner-up
Start-X Remote Starter Kit 13
Specifications
Fitment: 2007-2018 Wrangler
New Keys Included? No
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What Recent Buyers Report
The installation is easy and takes only a few minutes. You don’t need an additional key fob, and the base product is extremely affordable. Since the Start-X Remote Starter Kit 13 works well without the other modules, many find no need to upgrade.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Start-X is another readily installed remote start. You don’t need many parts, and you can customize it to extend the range to over a mile. The customer support is helpful during the installation process, and the system comes with a warranty. It’s one of the most affordable remote starts for Jeep Wranglers available.
We appreciate its compatibility with the Jeep Wrangler 2007-2018. However, the instructions differ depending on the year, and the provided guide does not consider each model. Luckily, there are countless installation guides on YouTube.
Bottom Line
If you want to install your remote start quickly and painlessly, the Start-X Remote Starter Kit 13 takes under 30 minutes to implement. You will need a factory keyless system to use the base product; otherwise, you must purchase an add-on module.
Pros
Need the key in the ignition to drive
Lets you start your vehicle from your factory remote
T-harness and few parts allow for a quick installation
Can purchase a module to turn it on from your cell phone
Additional two-way long-range button remotes can extend the range to over a mile
Cons
The instructions lack the necessary detail
Doesn’t always detect the key in the ignition
Best for the Money
Fortin EVO-CHRT5
Specifications
Fitment: 2007-2018 Wrangler
New Keys Included? No
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What Recent Buyers Report
The quality of the product depends on the vendor. Some come with instructions, while others do not. Some come flashed, but others require a flash kit. However, if you have some basic wiring knowledge, you can install it quickly. It works on most vehicles, including Jeep Wranglers. The base product is cheap, but you’ll likely need to purchase extra modules.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Fortin EVO-CHRT5 stands out to us because of its cheap and simple nature and compatibility with most cars. You can use the factory remote and install it quickly with some wire manipulation. You may need to purchase a flash tool depending on the vendor you use, and some vehicles require additional modules.
The customer service responds quickly and is there to help during the purchase and set-up. Not all products come with instructions, but there are many YouTube tutorials to help. It’s not the best remote starter system, but it should do its job if you install it properly.
Bottom Line
If you are on a budget, consider the Fortin EVO-CHRT5. While you may need to make additional purchases, the base model may be a cheap way to have a remote start. Make sure you check the validity of the vendor first to avoid some issues.
Pros
Excellent customer service
Great value for the low cost
T-harness makes it relatively easy to install
Nearly universal use with the right modules
Lets you start by clicking the lock button three times
Cons
Requires some wiring knowledge
May need to purchase additional parts
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Editor’s Pick
MOPAR Remote Start Kit
Specifications
Fitment: 2013-2018 Wrangler JK & JKU
New Keys Included? Yes
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What Recent Buyers Report
The MOPAR Remote Start Kit is an all-in-one package deal. You get a key fob to control the remote start and all the parts to install the system. However, if you don’t have a background in auto mechanics, you may want to turn to a professional to install it. Nonetheless, it works seamlessly with many Jeep Wranglers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
While one of the pricier options, this Remote Start Kit has everything you need. However, it has some more requirements than many systems. Your car must have automatic transmission, remote keyless entry, and a sentry-key-theft-deterrent system to install the MOPAR.
Despite the system requirements and complicated set-up, this product fully integrates with the Jeep and works flawlessly with the electronic security key. It is not the best deal on this list, but the MOPAR Remote Start Kit will meet the needs of your compatible vehicle.
Bottom Line
If you have a 13-14 Wrangler JK, the MOPAR Remote Start Kit makes for a decent system. It costs more and is challenging to install than products that perform similarly. While it is a high-quality system, one of the above options will meet your needs for less.
Pros
The range reaches 300 feet
Fits Jeep Wrangler 2013-2018 models
Comes with all parts needed to install with replacements
Requires activation at a Jeep Dealership to ensure it works
Has two key fobs that you need to cut to your vehicle’s size
Cons
One of the pricier options
More complex installation than most
Honorable Mention
Start-X Remote Starter Kit C6A
Specifications
Fitment: 2018-2019 Wrangler ; 2018-2020 Gladiator
New Keys Included? No
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What Recent Buyers Report
The Start-X Remote Starter Kit C6A is a high-quality system for the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator 2018-2021. You don’t need extra modules, and the installation takes less time. The most complicated part is the flashing process, as the instructions skipped steps when it came to programming. However, customer support will guide you along if you encounter any issues.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This plug-and-play remote start is cost-effective, innovative, and designed specifically for Jeep Wranglers. The customer support responds quickly, and you can get inexpensive purchase protection plans if the unit breaks. You can purchase a module to get a separate fob or use your regular key.
While you won’t need to cut or splice any wires, you will need to disassemble your Jeep a little. Also, technical computer skills help with programming the remote start. It requires a Windows PC that runs Internet Explorer. No other browser can flash the system.
Bottom Line
For Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators, the Start-X Remote Starter Kit C6A is an affordable system. Many people have uploaded more explicit instructions on YouTube, but the customer service can also help with a home set-up.
Pros
Excellent customer service
Great value for its price point
Opportunity to expand the system with modules
Plug-and-play installation so you won’t have to cut any wires
Lets you activate the remote start by pressing lock three times
Cons
Requires a PC that runs Internet Explorer to flash
Instructions a bit unclear for installation and programming
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Common Remote Start for Jeep Wrangler Issues
The most common issue is a faulty hood pin switch or sensor. It prevents the engine from starting with the hood up, protecting someone working on the car from injury. Most mechanics will be able to secure the hood pin or replace it if missing.
The range of many remote starts depends on your factory key fob. When the batteries weaken, the range decreases, so check that your batteries are up to date when installing a remote starter system.
If you only use remote start during the winter months to preheat your car, you may want to turn it on periodically throughout the year to ensure it works.
Check the modules as well. Sometimes the data modules that run the remote start need reprogramming to start the engine. The data rarely disappears, but if it does, the issue is fixable. You cannot start the car remotely in valet mode, but you can enter it without keys. Consult the instructions to change the settings.
Some Jeep Wranglers display the reason that the remote start does not work in the instrument cluster until the ignition is on. The remote starter system may cancel itself if the door, hood, or swing gate is open, the fuel is low, you’ve timed out, or if you have disabled the remote start. If your car turns on and immediately shuts down, check that the engine is running.
Jeep Wrangler Remote Start Install
To install a Jeep Wrangler Remote Start, you will want to pull off the panel under the steering wheel. Remove the four screws keeping the key barrel in place. Pull the key barrel off the ignition, revealing a module with a plug. The plug has a locking tab on top.
Take the T-harness, click one end onto the plug, put it and the other end in the key barrel, and snap it into place. Connect the other wires of the T-harness into the door. Plug the main harness into the main module for programming. Shut the door and open it to activate the software. Start the vehicle, turn on the brake, and turn the car off when the main module flashes green.
Let the car run for a few minutes to make sure the system is running. You can add the desired modules at this point.
Watch this video for more detailed instructions. This guide works for plug-and-play remote starts, but not for products like the MOPAR Remote Start Kit.
How Do I Use My Wrangler Remote Start?
To use the Jeep Wrangler Remote Start, press the lock button three times with a half-second between each press. Contrarily, you may press the remote start button on the designated button remotes. The engine should turn on, as well as your climate control system. Here are some other things to remember:
- Turn on the car within the allowed range. Modules can expand the distance, but most remote starters work within the same degree as your factory key.
- Avoid using a remote start in cars parked in enclosed areas without proper ventilation.
- Insert the key into the vehicle as soon as possible to avoid turning off the engine. Many have a timeout function or other shut-offs, like opening the trunk.
- If you have passive locking, remember to take your keys with you to avoid locking them in the car after leaving it unattended for some time.
- Program the car to turn on periodically. Remote starting it every two to three hours ensures it will work when you’re ready to drive it. An automatic timer can also prepare the car’s temperature before entering it in the morning.
Conclusion
A remote start is a fantastic investment to make for your Jeep Wrangler. If you want more control over your car’s temperature and safety features, a remote start can help. Make sure you look for a well-designed, customizable, easy-to-install product for the best experience.
Quick Summary – Best Remote Starts for Jeep Wrangler
Here’s a quick summary of the best remote starts for Jeep Wrangler:
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People Also Ask
Below we have gathered a few frequently asked questions concerning the best remote starts for Jeep Wranglers.
Jeep Wranglers do not come with a remote start, but you can install them relatively quickly. Choosing one of the plug-and-play options is best for those with less auto mechanic experience.
You can quickly install many remote starter systems without help, even for those with little technical experience. If you choose a more challenging option, the installation can cost between $80 and $150. Choosing a plug and play system should prevent you from spending this because of their simplistic installation process.
Some remote starts come with smartphone modules that you can purchase separately. These allow you to control the remote start for your Jeep from an app. They can improve the range of your remote start and the signal strength compared to your factory key. However, they do cost significantly more than the base system.
Remote starts for Jeep Wranglers can cost anywhere between $50 and $300. Usually, those on the lower end require extra parts, while the more expensive ones have additional modules. Paying for more modules to increase the range or have a separate key fob may increase the price beyond this range.
Some remote starts let you control the timeout time. The standard lengths are 12, 15, 24, and 60 minutes before timing out. You can manually program the desired time when programming the system. The exact method to do so depends on the specific product you purchased.
Not always. Many require minor tools and manipulation to your car to install. For easy set-up, look for remote starts with a T-harness. The T-harness eliminates the need to cut or splice the wires, making it a much simpler process.
Most modern manual cars do not allow for a remote starter. Furthermore, the remote start may not work with an open door, hood, or swing gate, low fuel, or after two consecutive timeouts. Check that your vehicle is compatible with your remote start and that you installed it correctly.
Most of the time, your car doors lock upon activating the remote start to prevent theft. You will have to press the unlock button on your remote keyless entry transmitter to disable the alarm system and enter your Wrangler.
Who Worked on This?
Brian
Editor
A master of organization, Brian helps keep everything running smoothly for Your Jeep Guide.
No Jeep yet but we’re working on that!
Cory
Writer
Cory loves his XJ and frequently thrashes it through the hills. He’s constantly fixing something.
“What fenders?”
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