I didn't see anything in the DIY forum so I thought I'd ask since my mother is considering getting us the Crimestopper CS-2016FM ( http://www.crimestopper.com/informerII.htm ) for X-mas.

Have you installed your own aftermarket alarm w/ remote start? How much, if any, electrical experience do you have? Any info you can give would be appreciated!

If you don't have a trained installer willing to back you up and provide support, don't attempt it. It is not a DIY type of thing unless a lot of ground work is done for you.

Not something that is very cost effective. Rates for purchase and installation are very resonable, plus if something goes wrong you just bring it back to the installer.

No reason to take that chance with your truck... Have it done professionally...

I have a fair amount of electronics background and I tried on a 2002 GMC Sierra and a 2001 Silverado. Both trys were unsuccessful. I think it may have been the brand I tried, but I think it is worth it to pay someone else to do it. On the 2 vehicles I spent a total of about 28 hours trying. BTW I am a F-16 Avionics Technician for the last 9 years, so I am pretty good at wiring and reading wiring diagrams.

Understand there is a really good installer in Manitoba, Canada, installing Astro-Start systems!

There are plenty of people that have installed their own and it worked out fine. I did mine. . . now first off, I have a BS in Electrical Engineering, but that doesn't make me an electronics 'expert,' nor do I claim to have any real knowledge of the subject, since the last time I saw that stuff was in school, about 12 years ago. That said, I think I have a pretty good level of common sense (much more important than book smarts in some cases), and a working level of knowledge of how electrical systems work.

That said, the Astrostart I installed with the help of Max Power was a piece of cake! I got every question answered in minutes, and after reading the package that came with it, I had just a few questions (many were just confirming what I though, but I didn't want to take any chances). It took me about 3 hours to do the whole thing. I feel very comfortable cutting, splicing, and soldering wires (nothing like that was done in school). So, if this sounds like you or someone you know, go for it! If not, call an astrostart dealer near you.

Dennis

If you get it professionally installed, there should be some sort warranty. Also, in the event the vehicle is stolen; some alarm manufaturers have a policy of paying your deductable, for insurance.

Plus insurance may give you a hard time. Not professionally installed. Vehicle stolen.... They look for ANY excuse not to pay.

Something to maybe consider. My mother works in insurance. Her knowledge has saved me some grief, before.