What Does a Remote Car Starter Look Like?

Written by

CarParts.com Research Team

Automotive and Tech Writers

Updated on July 10th, 2025

Reading Time: 2 minutes
Summary
  • A remote car starter is a small device that allows you to start the engine without inserting a physical key into the ignition.
  • Most remote car starters operate in two-way mode. Some are also compatible with most smartphones, making it more convenient to start your vehicle without the key fob.
  • Performing several lock/unlock cycles and inserting the key into the ignition will reset most remote starters.

What Does a Remote Car Starter Look Like?

A remote car starter is a small device that allows you to start the engine without inserting a physical key in the ignition.

A remote start setup requires appropriate wiring, a bypass module, a control module, and a remote transmitter

Some remote starters are compatible with most smartphones, making it easy to start your vehicle without the key fob.

A lot of remote car starters operate in two-way mode. Some of these are also compatible with most smartphones, making it more convenient to start your vehicle without the key fob. Signals are sent to the control module via radio frequencies once the remote starter is pressed. 

Tips for Using the Remote Car Starter

The remote starter may fail due to electrical faults. However, some instances require simple solutions to resolve such issues, such as resetting the remote starter. 

Performing several lock/unlock cycles and inserting the key in the ignition will typically reset the remote start system. The exact steps may vary, depending on your vehicle’s specifications.

It’s best to consult your vehicle owner’s manual or have a professional inspect your vehicle if you plan on installing a remote start system

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