I installed a similar Fortin device in my wife's Mazda and it works well. HOWEVER, that is a push-button-start car - so not quite sure how this works with key-start.

 

A key and push button essentially start the vehicle in the same manner. Once you get past the security interface (key or a proximity signal) with the vehicle. From what I can tell this unit would start the vehicle via RF signal using the factory remote. I believe you would still need to perform the takeover by inserting and turning the key to the on position before the vehicle would shift out of park. That part I don't know though.

 

I looked over the install instructions quickly, from the steps on programing the unit is almost the same way you program a new ignition key.
maybe this has some sort of chip in it. Just a gues.

 

Nothing like experiential learning..ya think?

 

If no one has tried this unit I may be willing to guinea pig on this one. The instructions are pretty lacking, but from what I've read and seen online I think I could intuitively figure this one out. I'm going to add this to my "to do list" in the near future. When I do I'll try my best to document the install and report back here what I find out. Of course if someone else decides to beat me to it and share their experiences here, my feelings wouldn't be hurt either.

 

I got curious and looked this thing up. It is an interesting concept, and the reviews seem pretty good, but their documentation is crap, and that is always a concern regarding the actual quality of the product. If you do it, be sure to pay the extra for the T-connectors so that you don't have to butcher the car's wiring as much.

 

I think the T-connectors is also what I liked about this unit. From what I can tell, it should only be splicing the parking lights and maybe one more. That seems doable and keeps the integrity of the stock components. From everything I have gathered online the instructions are garbage though as this unit is designed for "professional install". I can't imagine this being any more difficult than a radio head unit IMHO.

 

I know from year’s dealings with crutchfield when you call the tech line and ask them they will walk you through the install. I have never read of them selling something that doesn’t work on the type of Vehicle It says it can work on.

I also agree if you can buy a t-harness for anything get it. it saves time and sometimes frustrating problems that you created.

 

I believe the Fortin and the idatastart are basically the same idea. What I like about the idatastart model is the use of the factory remotes and the T-harness setup. From what I saw on youtube (lockdown security has some videos) it looks like you pre-program the module/bypass with the software from internet explorer (yup that's what it says) and then plug everything in. And then it learns your system similar to how the Dorman remote learn works I believe. Since it's essentially a bypass, if it were to fail I guess you would just unplug the harness from the module and back into the ignition? Now do I have access to tools when it fails; is another story. It does have a limited lifetime warranty as consolation though .

 

This may be a remote possibility, and I may be reading the schematic incorrectly, but if your car shuts down in the middle of heavy traffic or some other critical situation, tools and a warranty are not going to be much help.

 

There is one company that makes an auto start for manuals. It has a lot of safety features so it cost more and I don't really see a use for it. The AC cools the car fast since it is so small.

 

Don't leave in gear for a manual.

 

I used this back in 2016 and works great and easy install

 

That seems like a similar option at a slightly better price. Just plug and play? No issues to date?

 

Flashlogic Plug N Play Remote Start Add-On Module FOR 2006 PONTIAC G6 FLRSGM2 44476112669| eBay

Flashlogic FLRSGM2. Flashlogic Plug and Play Remote Start (Remote Start Through Data). FOR 2006 PONTIAC G6. REMOTE START MODULE. about your vehicle so that we may flash / program the module for you Web-programmable, standalone remote start solution for GM 'SWC' full-size models.

www.ebay.com

 

So my wife decided to do some detective work this year for Christmas and found this thread. I really shouldn’t use the same handle on all of the forums I’m on. It made it way to easy for her to find my posts. Thank god I didn’t say anything negative about her!

Anyway she bought this setup from Crutchfield and they did a great job of helping her get everything I may have needed. They even threw in some free resistors in case I needed them ( I didn’t) since she had no clue about how any of this stuff works. I installed the remote start this afternoon and after a few question marks I was able to successfully get it installed. Overall I’m actually impressed with the results. I’ll update tomorrow with some pics and steps.

 

Here's my write up for those that are interested. I installed this on my 2008 Saturn Sky Redline w/ Automatic transmission.

I installed the iDatastart CMHCXA0 module along with the iDatastart ADS-THR-GM2 T-harness cable. Since the module is designed to fit many cars from many brands it does require some software updates. To update the software you'll need to setup an account and download the Weblink installer from iDatalink - CMHCXA0 . To find both tap on the "flash your module" hyperlink in the top right corner. Follow the prompts to setup an account and then you'll be directed to download the installer and you will also need to run internet explorer and a windows computer to do so. After connecting your module via the USB cable to your computer. Follow the prompts and select your vehicle from the drop down list. You will also be able to select how you would like to have the remote start work. e.g. "lock, lock, lock or lock, unlock, lock," using either your factory OEM key fobs or iDatastart's sold separately extended range key fobs. After flashing the module the module is ready for install.

Note: I'm not sure if this unit will work on a manual transmission or not, but the instructions do instruct you to cut a wire loop on the side of the module if using on an automatic vehicle. I'm not sure why this would be necessary if it only worked on autos so feel free to contact Crutchfield as they should be able to explain.

The iDatastart ADS-THR-GM2 T-harness cable is designed for multiple GM vehicles so you will have some extra wiring you will not need for this install. Below is what the harness will look like. You will end up using the harness marked MS1/MS2. On the opposite side of the harness you will find VS1/VS2.

Unplug the car's green connection from the ignition and plug it into VS1 and VS2 will replace the connection you unplugged.

You will now connect the JS2 harness to the JS1 connection on the other pigtail on the MS1/MS2 harness. The JS2 harness will have VS3 and VS4 on the opposite side.

You will unplug the car's black connection from under the ignition and plug it into VS3 and then plug VS4 into the connection you unplugged. Below is all 4 connections.

You will have a few other pigtails in the harness box, you can discard the others labeled with another JS number as they are for other models of GM vehicles. You will be left with 2 pigtails the one with with he black connection will have 11 colored wires coming from it.

Use this pigtail to run to the BCM. The good news is you will only need 2 of the wires as I believe all Sky's came with keyless entry. The bad news is the wires will not be long enough and you will need to connect some additional wire lengths to reach. You will connect the white w/ black dot wire to pin 5 (brown/white wire) from the the BCM harness on the right side (I used a black wire as my extension). This controls the parking lights to be active while the remote start is active. There is also an option to disable this during flashing if you prefer not to have this feature. Next you will connect the purple/black w/ black dot wire to pin 22 (gray/black wire) to the harness on the top of the BCM (I used a blue wire as my extension). This is for the driver's door pin switch so that if you turn off the remote start with the fob that it will also disable the RAP feature so that the radio and other accessory power will turn off same as opening the door.

The instructions also ask to connect the white/black w/ black dot wire to the horn. I did not do this and I'm not sure why I would need to. Feel free to do so if you wish. Finally there is also a pigtail with a white connection that is used to connect the included hood switch. At the moment I have not yet installed the hood switch, not having it installed does not effect the use of the remote start. However, it is a safety feature to ensure that someone doesn't remote start the vehicle while the hood is open potentially injuring someone or damaging anything.

Follow up by plugging in the harness into the module, they are color coded and also different in size so you shouldn't need to worry about this part. After everything is plugged in you should see the module blink red. The next steps are to have the module learn your car:
-Close then reopen drivers door to wake up the BCM in case it timed out during install.
-Insert key into ignition, wait 3 seconds.
-Turn key to ACC, wait 3 seconds.
-Turn key to on, wait 3 seconds.
-Turn key to start, hold 3 seconds.
-Release key, wait 3 seconds.
-Turn key off, wait 3 seconds.
-Wait for the LED to turn green for 2 seconds
-Start vehicle, hold for 15 seconds
-Press brake pedal and hold
-Press and release the programming button on the module
-Release brake pedal
-Wait, LED will flash green
Module is now programmed.

The takeover procedure after remote starting is as follows.
-Press unlock on the OEM fob
-DO NOT PRESS BRAKE, turn key to on position, wait 2 seconds
-Press and release brake
Takeover complete and proceed driving as usual.

This system works with the OEM key fobs, but you can also buy iDatastart key fobs if you wish they have farther range and will also replace your factory ones if you need to replace them anyway. Personally I like this system for the fact I can use the OEM key fobs. You can also cancel the remote start by pressing the same sequence you programmed for your remote start. So far so good and everything is working as it should.

 

Here's my write up for those that are interested. I installed this on my 2008 Saturn Sky Redline w/ Automatic transmission.

Hi Steve,

I want to thank you for your superb 'how-to' for the remote start. Every detail is spot on (unlike the manufacturers instructions) for every step even though my module (FlashLogic FLRSGM2) was a little different. The manufacturer instructions wanted me to use wire colors that don't even exist in the small (11 wire) harness but your purple/black and white/black wires worked (almost) perfectly. I've had to disconnect the purple/black because, while it does exactly what it's supposed to do (turn off radio/instrument light when engine is remote stopped) my mirror lighting stays on (full brightness) and won't turn off until that wire is disconnected. Go figure.

I do have one edit suggestion, maybe someplace toward the beginning stress this harness really is absolutely plug and play if you don't want the running light/instrument light/hood pin options. Just replace the black and green plugs at the ignition switch, plug the new harness into the control box and do the little hokey pokey registration with the car exercise and you're done. No tools required beyond a 7mm socket.

Again, thanks for the excellent post. I'll be referring others to it often, I'm sure.

Cheers!

 

If u had a 2010 SKY that was one of the options...

 

Alas, but I do not.

 

Great job, @steveorama!

And (obviously) your wife's a keeper!

 

She’s definitely the clever one, since she drives the car too. So it’s half a gift to herself.

 

Great post - so much better than the included ones! I installed this on a 2007 base Solstice, but for some reason when the car is locked, the anti-theft isn't being shut off when I remote start, so the alarm goes off (the car does start). I'm using the 2-way extended range remotes. Working with Crutchfield to figure out why - but no solution so far. That being said - there is a wire harness above the steering column, 2 wires connect to the red light on the left side of the steering column. The other two wires are currently not connected to anything. I'm wondering if when I was reinstalling the trim part on the top of the column, if I ripped those wires from something - I believe they are blue and white colored. Does anyone know what they would connect to - or what they would be for? I think the ones connected to the little red light are anti-theft related, so I'm wondering if this is my problem. Thx in advance for the help!

 

Did you ever figure out the issue? just curious. I own a 2007 Base Sky and wanting to install the remote start. IF I end up with the same issue I'd like to know if there is a solution.