When installing a remote start system, there are three connections that ABSOLUTELY must be made to ensure the system operates properly, as well as maintaining safety. If you do not make these necessary connections, you could be compromising your safety.

The remote start safety wires are necessary connections, as the unit will not work properly is you overlook these. The safety wires consist of

• Hood Pin

• Brake Switch

• Neutral/Toggle Switch

Hood Pin

The Hood pin is not standard on most vehicles. Your car wiring diagram should tell you if your vehicle is equipped with this feature. In most cases, you will need to install one under the hood. You remote start system should include a "pin" style switch for this purpose. The pin switch is a device that pushes down when the hood is down, and pulls up when the hood is releases. The main purpose of this if to disable the system from starting by remote if the hood is open. Your mechanic will thank you for this. Be sure that the pin switch is mounted securely to metal.

Brake Switch

Next, you will need to locate and confirm the brake switch. The brake wire is almost always located at the plug above your brake pedal. This wire will show 11-14.4 volts when the brake is depressed and 0 volts when the pedal is not. This connection is needed because is will shut the vehicle down when the brake pedal is pressed, if the vehicle is running via remote start. The brake safety wire will ensure that the key is in the ignition before the vehicle is shifted out of gear.

Neutral Safety/Toggle Switch

The neutral safety/toggle switch will be connected to the vehicles neutral safety wire, or to an on/off style switch. This wire will turn the remote start feature "on" or "off". If your vehicle does not have a neutral safety wire, connect this wire to a simple switch so you have the ability to disable the remote start feature.

With these connections made, your remote starter will function properly, and be safe.

For information on the other connections that need to be made during a remote start or car alarm installation, check out the links below.