There’s nothing quite like stepping into a freezing cold vehicle in the dead of winter or a scorching hot one on a summer afternoon. I remember dreading those moments, picturing the shivers or the immediate blast of stifling air. It was a persistent problem that made daily commutes and errands less comfortable than they needed to be. Solving this wasn’t just about luxury; it was about practicality and comfort, especially if you live anywhere with significant seasonal temperature swings. Without a solution, those uncomfortable first few minutes of every drive would continue to pile up, making getting on the road a chore rather than a simple transition.
- WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW - This is a complete remote starter kit compatible with Jeep Wrangler 2007-2018 - Key-to-Start - Gas. Includes an all-in-one remote starter data interface module and T-Harness....
- REMOTE START FEATURES - Use your existing remotes to start the car by pressing the "lock" button three times. No need to carry extra key fobs! Warm or cool your car from the comfort of your home. When...
- AVAILABLE OPTIONS (available at additional cost) - Smartphone Module - (U.S. Based ONLY) - Add (2) 1-Button Remotes (adds up to 1,500 ft) - Add (2) 5-Button Remotes (adds up to 1,500 ft)
Factors to Weigh Before Purchasing a Remote Starter
Considering a remote starter for your vehicle often stems from wanting to escape those uncomfortable climate extremes mentioned earlier. It’s a product category designed for convenience, allowing you to warm up the engine and cabin in the winter or cool things down in the summer before you even open the door. Anyone who faces harsh weather regularly, or simply values getting into a vehicle that’s already at a comfortable temperature, is an ideal candidate for a remote starter. Daily drivers, commuters, or anyone who parks their vehicle outside for extended periods stand to gain the most.
However, if you primarily make very short trips, always park in a climate-controlled garage, or live in a place with consistently mild weather, the benefits might not justify the cost and effort. Someone seeking extensive security features or the ability to control other vehicle functions might also need a more comprehensive alarm and remote start system rather than a basic remote start kit. Before buying, you need to think about your vehicle’s compatibility (year, make, model, transmission type), whether you want to use your existing key fob or need dedicated remotes, the complexity of the installation process (DIY vs. professional), the range you need, the reliability of the system, and the availability of technical support.
- REMOTE START - Start your car remotely from the comfort of your home. Warm your vehicle remotely for fast and convenient windshield defrosting during winters. During hot summers, cool down your...
- Some vehicles may require extra parts which are sold separately and not included. Wiring diagrams and installation instructions NOT included. Professional installation required.
- Compustar CS4900-S (4900S) 2-way Remote Start and Keyless Entry System with 3000-ft Range
Introducing the MPC Remote Start Kit Compatible with Jeep Wrangler 2007-2018
The MPC Remote Start Kit Compatible with Jeep Wrangler 2007-2018 is designed to bring the convenience of remote starting to specific models of the iconic Jeep Wrangler that use a standard key-to-start ignition and automatic transmission, covering model years 2007 through 2018. The core promise of this remote start kit is a straightforward, 100% plug-n-play installation process that lets you start your Jeep using the factory OEM key fob by simply pressing the “lock” button three times. The package includes the necessary all-in-one remote starter data interface module and a vehicle-specific T-Harness, with the required firmware preloaded. This kit is particularly aimed at the DIY enthusiast looking to add a remote start feature without tackling complex wiring.
Pros:
- Uses factory key fob (no extra remote needed).
- Marketed as 100% Plug-n-Play with a T-Harness.
- Firmware is preloaded, reducing setup steps.
- Includes US-based technical support.
- Relatively quick installation process once interior panels are removed.
Cons:
- Installation requires removal of steering column covers, which can be difficult on certain years.
- May trigger “soft” diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the SKIM module (though often non-affecting).
- Does not include new remotes; range is limited to the factory fob’s range unless optional upgrades are purchased.
- Optional smartphone control or extended range remotes cost extra.
- Only compatible with Key-to-Start, Automatic Transmission models (2007-2018).
Diving Deeper into Functionality
Having used this this remote start for quite some time now, I can share some insights into how its key features translate into real-world use.
True Plug & Play Installation (Mostly)
The cornerstone of the MPC Remote Start Kit is its plug-n-play design, achieved through a vehicle-specific T-Harness. Traditional remote start installations often involve cutting and splicing numerous wires, which can be intimidating and time-consuming for anyone without significant automotive electrical experience. The T-Harness fundamentally changes this by providing connectors that simply plug in between existing factory connectors in your Jeep. The idea is to eliminate the need for those complex, error-prone hardwire connections.
In practice, this system works remarkably well for the electrical connections themselves. Locating the correct plugs behind the steering column and simply snapping the T-Harness into place is genuinely straightforward. The data module then connects to the T-Harness, and because the firmware is preloaded for your specific vehicle, the system is largely ready to go from an electronic standpoint right out of the box. This is where the “100% Plug n Play” promise shines – the wiring part is as simple as connecting LEGO blocks.
However, the installation isn’t *just* plugging in wires. It requires gaining access to those factory connectors, which means removing the steering column covers. This is the part of the installation that consistently proves to be the most challenging, as noted in user feedback and my own experience. On some model years, particularly later ones like 2017, the lower shroud has a lip or tab design that makes it incredibly stubborn to detach without feeling like you’re going to break something. While MPC provides instructions and sometimes suggests tools, this mechanical step can easily take longer than all the electrical connections combined. It requires patience and sometimes a bit of force or specialized trim tools. So, while the wiring is truly plug-and-play, accessing the wiring might not be. The benefit here is that once those covers are off, the actual connection process is rapid and requires minimal technical skill beyond being able to plug connectors together. This drastically lowers the barrier to entry for DIY installation compared to kits requiring extensive splicing.
The guide provided by MPC via a QR code link is helpful, but it’s worth supplementing with specific YouTube videos for your Jeep’s model year, especially concerning the removal of those pesky steering column covers. The promise of a 15-minute install, while technically possible if you’re very experienced and the shroud cooperates, is often an optimistic estimate for the average person tackling this for the first time. Realistically, budget 30 minutes to an hour, maybe more if the covers fight you, but the core electrical work is still much faster than traditional methods.
Leveraging Your Existing Key Fob & Vehicle Conditioning
One of the best features of this the kit is its ability to utilize the factory key fob. You don’t need to carry an extra remote on your keychain or worry about programming a new one. Simply pressing the “lock” button three times on your OEM fob initiates the remote start sequence. The vehicle’s lights will flash to confirm it received the signal, and the engine will crank over.
The primary benefit here is convenience and simplicity. Most people always have their car keys with them, so the remote start functionality is always accessible within the range of their factory fob. There’s no learning curve with a new remote. Once the vehicle is running, the climate control system typically activates based on its last setting (or a preset, depending on the Jeep’s configuration). This allows you to start warming the heater or spinning up the AC fan from inside your house or office.
Getting into a vehicle that’s already warming up on a frigid morning or cooling down on a hot afternoon is a game-changer for comfort. By the time you walk out, scrape off any light snow (if applicable), or simply buckle up, the cabin air is already approaching a pleasant temperature, and the engine isn’t suffering through a cold start idle. When you’re ready to drive, you simply insert your key into the ignition, turn it to the “on” position (without cranking), and the system seamlessly transitions control to the key. You just shift into gear and go. This integration feels very natural, almost like the Jeep came with remote start from the factory.
The main limitation, as mentioned in the cons, is that the range is limited by your factory key fob’s capabilities. If you park far away from your home or office, you might find the range insufficient. This is where the optional long-range remotes or smartphone modules come into play, offering significantly increased operating distance at an additional cost. For many users, however, the factory range is perfectly adequate for starting the Jeep from just inside the house or building.
Dedicated USA Technical Support
Any DIY installation can hit snags, no matter how plug-and-play it’s designed to be. Having reliable technical support is crucial. MPC emphasizes its US-based support, offering assistance via phone during business hours and a 24/7 web-based support ticket system. They also provide a downloadable tip sheet designed by their technicians to guide you through the process.
My experience, and that of many users, with MPC’s support has been largely positive. When I had questions during the installation, their response was timely and helpful. They are familiar with the common difficulties, like the steering column shroud removal, and can offer tips and tricks based on user feedback. This level of accessibility and knowledgeable support is a significant benefit, especially for those who are not seasoned installers. Knowing you can reach out to a real person in the US if you get stuck provides peace of mind.
One issue that came up in user feedback (and is worth mentioning) is the potential for the the unit to cause “soft” diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM). These codes (like B1A25 and B1A29) typically don’t illuminate any dashboard warning lights or affect vehicle operation, but they can show up when scanned with a diagnostic tool. According to some user interactions with support, MPC acknowledges these codes might appear and considers them “normal” soft codes that won’t impact the vehicle. While they don’t affect daily driving, some users (especially those concerned about dealer warranty service) might be uncomfortable with their vehicle throwing *any* codes, even “soft” ones, as dealers could potentially attribute unrelated issues to the aftermarket system. However, based on the volume of positive reviews, this seems to be a minor point for most users, who value the functionality and ease of installation over the presence of non-critical diagnostic codes.
Overall, the support system is a strong point, particularly for a DIY-focused product. They help troubleshoot installation issues, clarify programming steps, and address concerns like the soft codes. This makes the prospect of installing the system yourself much less daunting.
What Others Are Saying (Customer Feedback)
Looking at feedback from other customers who have purchased and installed this remote start kit, the general sentiment is quite positive. Many users echo the ease of the electrical connections thanks to the plug-n-play harness, often citing setup times of around 15 minutes once the harder part is done. The convenience of using the existing factory key fob is a frequently praised feature, eliminating the need for an extra gadget. The ability to pre-condition the vehicle’s interior for winter or summer is a major draw and consistently highlighted as a valuable benefit. Several reviewers specifically mentioned reaching out to MPC’s US-based tech support and receiving prompt, helpful responses, confirming the value of that resource for installation questions or troubleshooting.
However, the challenge of removing the steering column shroud, particularly on 2017 and later JK models, is a common point of difficulty raised by users. It seems this step often takes significantly longer than the actual wiring connections. Some users mentioned needing specific tools or applying considerable force to get the shroud off. A few reviewers also noted the occurrence of “soft” diagnostic codes after installation, although for most, these codes didn’t result in dashboard lights or noticeable operational issues. Despite these few hurdles, the prevailing opinion seems to be that the product works reliably once installed and offers excellent value for the money compared to alternative solutions or professional installation costs.
Final Considerations
The problem of enduring uncomfortable temperatures inside your vehicle at the start of every drive is a persistent one, especially in climates with significant seasonal changes. Failing to address it means consistently facing a freezing wheel or a blast of hot air, which is simply unpleasant and unnecessary in this day and age. The MPC Remote Start Kit Compatible with Jeep Wrangler 2007-2018 offers a practical solution.
This remote start kit is a great fit for solving this problem for a few key reasons. Firstly, its plug-n-play design simplifies the electrical installation, making it accessible to DIYers. While the steering column covers can be tricky, the core wiring is straightforward. Secondly, the ability to use your existing OEM key fob is a huge convenience, avoiding the need for extra remotes. Finally, the availability of US-based tech support adds a layer of confidence for those undertaking the installation themselves, ensuring help is available if needed. If you own a compatible Jeep Wrangler and want the comfort of a remote start without the expense of a professional install, this kit is definitely worth considering. To learn more about the product and see current pricing, Click here.
Last update on 2025-09-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API