The original post: /r/askcarguys by /u/BreeStephany on 2024-05-05 01:34:39.

This is probably a ‘stupid’ question that may have been asked before, but I didn’t find relevant posts…

I recently got a well-maintained, low mileage 2000 Chevy Tahoe from a family member for free to allow our family to have a second vehicle. I am looking to modernize it, have found a new head unit to allow for Android Auto / Apple Carplay but am now looking at options for a remote car starter.

My primary question is if there are an options for “T-harness” / direct connectable remote starter / bypass module integration or if the only option is to splice into the existing factory harness. I am comfortable working with control wiring and have a strong background in electrical controls and automation, but I realize that splices, even when done with proper terminals/insulated splices, can create potential for possible failures / issues down the road, so I am trying to avoid modifying the factory harness as much as possible, but also realize that given the vehicle’s age, such harnesses may not exist.

I have been looking at the Excalibur RS-272 remote start module, with a OmegaLink OL-MDB-ALL bypass module kit, as the install seems to just use a data link through the vehicle’s SAE J1850 data bus com(+), needs a 30A fused circuit to power the remote start controller circuit and needs a ignition signal between the Excalibur module and the OmegaLink module with an anti-grind relay wired into the starter relay trigger wire from the key to interrupt key output to the starter if the vehicle is already started by the remote starter. The rest of the functions of vehicle control are managed via the bypass module and communicate with a simple “plug & play” data connection between the OmegaLink module and Excalibur remote start module.

It seems like this would be the simplest solution I can readily find, as I would only need to splice pin 2 (SAE J1850 (+) ) on the OBD port, splice the key ignition wire into an anti-grind relay that is controlled by the ignition signal between the modules and then provide 12VDC(+) (30A fused) power and a ground to the remote start module.

I would prefer not to splice any connections at all, preferably, but this option seems to be the least intrusive option as I would only be making 2 splices into the factory wiring.

Just wanted to explore my options and perhaps get people’s opinions on what options best suit this particular vehicle.