Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)More of this review is about the installation experience than the unit itself. If someone else will be doing the installation you may want to skip to the "Actual Product Review" section.
The Avital 4103LX is a remote starter manufactured by Directed Electronics, who also manufacture the Clifford, Python and Viper brands (among others). The 4103LX (which replaced the older 4103L) comes with two one-way remotes and has no alarm features. Since my wife's 2004 Sable station wagon is not exactly high on the "vulnerability to theft" chart, the factory alarm offers more than adequate protection. Two-way remotes (which show on the remote when the car is running) are fancier but they reportedly chew through batteries quickly. Therefore I decided that a one-way system like the 4103LX would best suit our needs.
For years most cars have had additional security devices built into their keys. This is why keys now cost $30-$300 rather than 45 cents. Installing a remote starter in these vehicles requires the purchase of a transponder override module which can cost an additional $25 to $80. These are usually specific to the make of vehicle. For the Mercury I used a model PKFM from XPressKit (yet another Directed Electronics company). Be aware that you may need both factory keys to program the bypass to your vehicle. Some models actually require you to leave one key permanently in the unit (tough if two people drive the car) but others (like the PKFM) only need your keys for the initial programming.
Because of the complexity of installing these products the installation instructions are aimed at professional installers. Although I've not installed a remote start system before, I owned a car audio installation center until 1988 so I'm not unfamiliar with car electronics. Even so, I found the 4103s instructions to be vague, incomplete and occasionally inaccurate. Additionally, the bulk of the company's on-line technical support is only available to registered dealers. Fortunately, wiring diagrams and installation tips for most makes/models are available from other sources on the net. Clubs and forums for your vehicle's make/model are a good place to start if you're thinking about installing this yourself.
My advice to a non-professional who wants to tackle the installation of this (or any) remote starter:
1) Obtain a document (usually available on-line) describing the location and color of all the wires pertinent to the installation of a remote starter in your make, model and year of vehicle.
2) Read the on-line installation manual (available on Avital's site) to determine if you're up to the task. Note: Steps 1 & 2 should be done BEFORE ordering anything.
3) Be sure you have everything you need in the way of tools, supplies and accessories (transponder bypass module, etc) before install-day.
4) Allow the entire day for the installation.
5) Be methodical. Double-check each connection.
Actual Product Review:
Although it took all day to install, everything went fine and the unit performs as expected. The four-button remote can be used to replace the factory remote on most vehicles (if desired). The range on the remote seems excellent. I walked several hundred feet down my street to where I could no longer see the car - pushed the start button - and when I returned the car was running. I haven't had the unit long enough to comment on reliability but all the DE brands seem to get good reviews from the pros.
I've already mentioned the problems with the installation manual. The biggest one for me surfaced post installation when I wanted to change a few of the default responses. My primary concern was that the default configuration started the car with just one press of the button. I wanted to change it to two presses to eliminate starting the vehicle by accident. According to the manual this can be accomplished by placing the unit in programming mode and pressing a sequence of buttons. Unfortunately the manual left out the part of the sequence where you select between menus 1 and 2. I had to go to an on-line forum to discover the proper way to program the unit, which was then easily configured to my liking.
I've deducted one star for the poor installation instructions and lack of non-dealer support. Other than that I have no complaints with the unit.
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