Can an EVO ONE be used as standalone remote starter on applications not needing bypass or data features?

Question

Hopefully this hasn't already been asked before.  I did not find an answer when searching the support forum here.

I've got an older vehicle (1999 Dodge Ram) that could use a remote starter/keyless entry installed in it.  I know I can accomplish this with one of the many high-amperage remote starter/RKE units available on the market.  I'd like to stick with an EVO product, if possible, so I can potentially reuse the unit down the road on another vehicle.

The truck has factory power windows/locks but does not have the Sentry Key system, so I will not need a bypass to complete the installation.  Is there a way to use an EVO-ONE + RF KIT in this fashion?  If so, is there an install guide for doing this?

Thanks in advance for your help!

-Darren

Answer 1

Good Question! The EVO-ONE architecture is built off todays vehicles. but... please read below :)

 

The EVO-ONE can be used as only a remote start unit in conjunction with an RF-KIT. You will be limited in functions though since it does rely a lot on can-bus for a bunch of things like tach. The biggest limitation would be that car in question needs to have an AUTOMATIC transmission. If it's a Manual transmission, it would not be possible to use the EVO-ONE since it has no analog tachometer input. On more recent vehicles, we grab tach through the can-bus..

 

The relays for the high-current outputs are rated at 30Amps continuous and 50Amp peak. Which is pretty much the actual fuse rating for the 1999 RAM (meaning the vehicle will actually pull less than that). The 1999 RAM has 30 AMP fuse on the accessory and a 50 Amp for ignition and crank. 

 

Let's say you do install the EVO-ONE in this vehicle. Once you plug the power into it, the 3 LEDs on the top of the module will start to flash for about 20 seconds. This is the unit prepping itself to enter remote start only mode (no bypass, no can-bus). 

 

For the actual installation, a little basic understanding on wiring a remote start would be a +++.  There is no actual vehicle specific guides for "older" vehicles and you would have to refer to the diagram in the box along with doing some research on where the wires are in the car. Remember to test everything before connecting! no matter which remote starter is installed!

Comments

I've got plenty of experience installing alarms and remote starts on older vehicles, as I started my career as an auto/diesel tech back in the 90's.  It's amazing how much easier these installs have become with the advent of modules like the EVO-ONE and EVO-ALL.  And some people say technology makes the new vehicles harder to work on...

I take it that the EVO-ONE will run in tachless mode on an older application like my 1999 Ram?  Sounds like that's a do-able solution, as I really would like to keep the EVO-ONE around for use on a future vehicle.  I love your products, they are very well engineered and offer a ton of versatility.

Thank you for the information and extremely timely manner in which you answer our questions.  Much appreciated!

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Correct. Since there is no data network that we can connect to on the 1999 RAM , the EVO-ONE would need to be set to tachless mode. Tachless mode is not allowed, for security reasons, on manual transmission vehicles. So the car in question needs to be automatic (just saying this for anyone that comes and reads this later on). All other features of the EVO-ONE will stay functional.

 

Just one little thing. I would suggest, if possible, running a current draw test on the vehicles ignition wire at ignition harness. That 50 Amp fuse the car has is most likely over-rated but I don't want you coming back with a fried evo-one. An amperemeter (the clamp type), will answer that question if you have access to one, or know someone that has one. Just start the truck, turn the heater and fan all the way up, and see how much current is running through that ignition wire.

 

Glad to be of help!