Last year when the temperature was as low as negative 10 degrees, I had a hard time starting my car. A smartphone’s functionality to start a car from a long range was helpful so that I didn’t have to face dead battery issues. Similarly, you could be inside the hospital, and your car is parked two miles away; you can start the vehicle from the doctor’s room and make the engine warm.
Don’t worry if you have an old car; you can manually start the Car with Android Phone remotely. Also, you can find several car starters in the market. Getting a used car is not a bad idea after all. It leverages you to choose from various options. Similarly, you can modify them at cheap rates according to your preference.
Installing a remote car starter on a new or the used vehicle takes a similar process. Buying a used car is not a bad idea unless and until the dealer is unassertive to provide a comprehensive car history report. Either you are shopping for a used car in a dealership or at an independent used car lot, get the history report of the car. You can easily get the report by typing the 17 digit vehicle identification number and know about insurance, registration, ownership, and much more. How to Start the Car with an Android Phone?
To get started, you should know the basics of chips, wires, and few electrical terms. Here is a comprehensive detailing of the process.
Tools required
- A GSM-activated relay
- Key fob
- Electrostatic discharge bag
- Cigarette cord (12V DC preferred)
- Electric wires
- Soldering machine
Step 1: Unlatch key fob
You should already have a key fob for your car. If not, you can get one exactly for your model online. Make sure to enter the exact model of a car while choosing the key fob. Usually, the car’s model number is at the remote’s backside.
Now, unlatch the key fob. You will need screwdrivers to pry out the case entirely. During the process, do not damage wires (if any) inside the remote.
Step 2: Solder the connections
Begin with the “Start” button on the chip of the key fob and solder if there are multiple connections. Some key fobs require multiple keys to be pressed to activate the car, thus solder them properly. Also, you can add a capacitor to add time delay in one of the buttons.
Also, solder the power source of the chip to connect it to the relay. You might get confused about the multiple wire placement; thus, color coding each wire might come in handy.
Step 3: Connect the cable to GSM activated relay
After you have successfully soldered the contacts, now it’s time to connect cable wires to the GSM relay.
Initially, connect the soldered contacts to the GSM device one by one. Take a DC cigarette cord and pass the end of the power cables through the ports located at the side end of the GSM device. Glue the wires properly so that dust and water won’t damage them.
- Ground (GND) is usually the topmost connector
- Solder the black cable from the key fob to the negative source in the cigarette power connector
- Also, solder the red cable to the positive source in the cigarette power connector, respectively.
After you are done with the “Power” cable, now connect the “Start” cable to the GSM relay. This could be easily done with the assist of a soldering machine.
One of the relays works to control phone calls while the other controls the text messages. Also, make sure the wires are tightly placed so avoid laxity. Similarly, you can place an ESD bag over the key fob to avoid short-circuiting.
Step 4: Place the SIM
On your GSM device, you should already have a slot for a SIM card. Usually, the case is at the center of the GSM device; slide up the cover and insert the SIM card facing the right direction. Typically, the Integrated Circuit (IC) of the chip is beneath the metal covering. Now correctly close the case that secures your SIM card.
There are three LEDs on the device, one to check connectivity, another to specify power status, and the last one for transmitter/receiver indicator.
Step 5: Program the GSM and test
A manual you get along with the GSM device already has a detailed guide to program the GSM device. The GSM device activates with phone codes and passwords. You need to text SMS the GSM retailers your phone number and the device model number. They will put your number on the white list. Simply, you are now activated to use the service.
Finally, it’s time to test the system. Call the GSM device from your smartphone while pressing the “Start” key on your key fob. If you get the timing right, your car should start.
Now you should have a complete idea to start a car with an Android Phone. The process might look intimidating at first, but the truth is a non-professional can also easily install the system on their car.
The future of mobile technology is clear, and we might get a chance to experience far better remote car starters. As a result, you will be saving time in an adverse condition where you require a hot engine and swift drive.