can you remote start any car

[Hector]

No, you cannot remote start every car. The ability to add remote start depends primarily on your vehicle's transmission type and its existing electronics. Modern cars with automatic transmissions are generally good candidates for either factory-installed systems or professional aftermarket installations. However, cars with manual transmissions pose significant safety risks and are rarely compatible.

The simplest scenario is if your car came from the factory with remote start as an option or standard feature. Many newer vehicles have this capability, often integrated into the key fob or a dedicated mobile app. If your car didn't come with it, a professionally installed aftermarket remote starter is a reliable solution for most automatic transmission vehicles. These systems are wired into your car's engine control and security modules. Installation requires significant expertise to avoid electrical issues.

Key Considerations for Aftermarket Kits:

Vehicle Feature	Compatibility	Reason
Automatic Transmission	High	Safety protocols prevent starting in gear.
Manual Transmission	Extremely Low	Complex, unsafe; requires bypassing safety features.
Push-to-Start Ignition	High	Compatible modules are available.
Older Models (Pre-2000)	Varies	Depends on the electrical system; may be simpler to install.
Factory Anti-Theft System	High	Professional installers can integrate with it.

The most critical factor is professional installation. A certified technician will ensure the system is compatible with your car's computer and includes all necessary safety features, such as confirming the vehicle is in "park" before allowing a remote start. For most drivers with an automatic transmission, adding remote start is a very feasible and convenient upgrade that significantly improves comfort.

[DelViolet]

My truck’s a 2018 model that didn’t have remote start from the factory. I had a local auto electronics shop install one last winter. Took them a couple of hours. Now, I can start it from my apartment window, and by the time I get down to the parking lot, the cab is thawed and the heater’s already blowing warm. Best money I’ve spent on the truck. It’s a game-changer for cold mornings. Just make sure you go to a reputable shop for the installation.

[McPresley]

It's not a universal yes. Think of it in terms of your car's age and tech. New cars often have it as a built-in feature you can activate. For older automatics, you can add an aftermarket kit. The real exception is manual transmission vehicles. Due to safety concerns—you can't have the car starting in gear—it's technically possible but so impractical and risky that most reputable installers won't even offer it for stickshifts.

[McMartin]

From a technical standpoint, the feasibility hinges on the vehicle's CAN bus system—the network that allows electronic modules to communicate. Modern cars with a robust CAN bus are ideal for seamless aftermarket remote start integration. The system can query the transmission control module to verify the 'Park' status and interface with the security system. Without this digital architecture, installations on older cars become more complex, involving numerous wiring connections instead of a few simple data taps.

[MacRylee]

Check your key fob first. On many newer cars, even if you didn't know it, the remote start function might already be there. Try pressing the 'lock' button twice, holding the second press. If your car has it, the lights might flash and the engine will turn over. If not, your dealer can often activate a subscription-based service using your car's built-in cellular connection, like GM's OnStar or FordPass. This is often cleaner than an aftermarket hardware install.