I bought this remote starter at wall mart for 80 $ CAN... At first, I wasn't sure of installing it by myself but Bulldog seemed to make it sound so easy that I considered to do it by myself. Anyways, the problems started when I realized how it was difficult to install this remote starter in a pontiac sunfire. I spent more time trying to figure out how to disassemble the dash than actually installing the thing. To make a long story short, I was never able to disassemble the dash, so I had to install the remote from a very small opening in the steering column. Taking in consideration the amount of space to work in, the installation was a hassle!

The installation booklet that comes with the remote starter is tideous. The diagrams, sketches and info are very unacurate. Bulldog systems give themselves a lot of pride for their "Award Winning" technical support. I called their technical support, and I was never able to talk to a human. My calls would always end up in a message box, asking for my name and phone number and promising to call me back. I'm still waiting for that call!

Anyways, once the installation was done, I tried the remote starter and it worked... for a few seconds, then the car stopped. In depair, I consulted their web site, and read that my sunfire was equipped with a factory anti theft system (PASSLOCK 1) and that I needed the "universal anti theft bypass module". I bought that module at Wal Mart for an extra 25$.

I thought I had done the hardest part of the installation untill I read the instructions for the bypass module. The instructions are VERY badly written. To my suprise, additional equipment had to be purchased, AGAIN, to install the module. Such as the voltmeter and soldering tools.
To install the module, you have to figure out the resistance value in ohms that your car has when the key is in the crank position... In short, anybody who hasn't much knowledge in cars WILL NEVER be able to do this. I find that it is totally ridiculous for Bulldog systems to expect from their customers such technical knowledge. Anyways, I was never able to find the resistance value of my car, and I had to consult a professional.

The remote starter worked well after everything was done... except for the range which could be much better.

In conclusion, If i add up the basic price plus the additional bypass module, the voltmeter and soldering tools and the help from the professional... this remote starter cost me well over 160$ My advice is that for the price and hassle involved with these badly made remote starters, it is better to get it done professionally. Especially if your car is equipped with an anti-theft factory alarm.

UPDATE:
I was forced to remove my bulldog remote starter from my pontiac sunfire because it was not working properly. The remote starter would continuously drain power from my battery for no apparent reason. This would lead to my car not starting if it was parked for a long period. Because of this, I am extremely dissapointed in the bulldog system. I was not able to get a remboursement from the company... Looks like its 160 $ down the drain!

Recommended:
No