Mount remote start 1st or wire it 1st?

How is the best way to go about installing thee remote starters,should I secure the unit 1st then run the wires or vica versa? Just wanting to do the job correct and have it look professional too. Thanks!

i would mount the unit first, so you know it will fit where you want it and all, dont want to get it all wired up and then not fit or somthing

i always wire everything and test all functions before tying the unit and relay pack all up...... Kevin Gerry

Certified Electronics Technician

MECP First Class Installer

Owner/Installer

Classic Car Audio

since 1979

I personally run the wires to the brain then mount the brain last. I've always done it this way. Most of my installers do it opposite. Mounting the brain last does make it easier to work on in the future if a problem occurs....Mike M2

Tech Manager

CS Dealer Services

The answer and question to this is as controversial as any religious and political debate on a Monday afternoon discussion at the shop. I often find how you were taught on the trade the first time, that’s how you kind of stay, well at least until age creeps in and affect your mind and body. When I first began the trade I was taught to mount the unit first, so it stay since. A few years back or maybe I should say not so long ago, the module were like sauce pan, add in a couple of relays and you can spend the entire day mounting the unit    That’s part of the reason I still mount the unit first. I am sure some of you can relate. Personally, I found mounting the unit first and making the connection afterward is a lot neater.    My colleague who taught me to mount the unit first years ago has stopped practicing what he preaches and is now resorted to mounting the unit afterward all the connection has been made. His argument is that when the module fail it’s a lot of work removing it and getting it mount again. Personally, I think old age has caught up to him. Out of 100 install, I can positively say only one will fail. The rest of the time is human error. Most common case is forgetting to set the jumper switches follow by poor preparation work. That said, personally I don’t think it makes much of a different how it’s done as long as it is neat. For me I like to have everyone at my shop mount the unit first. The reason being is that any time a customer dropping by to request a change or enquire about a certain problem, it’s a lot easier and quicker for any one of us at the shop to follow up with it when the person who originally install is away or on holiday. Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it.

I usually putg the brain where i want it without mouting it securely, then run all the wires, then after everything is all working I will secure the brain permantely

I pretty much do the same as tbone. I find a place to mount it first, but I dont actually mount it until everything is wired up and working. I'll find a good mounting location and then make sure the brain will fit nicely in there. Then I'll extend the wires down to the main ign harness and cut them to about the right legnth to reach. I the remove the brain from its mounting location and connect all wires. Then after all testing to confirm all is working correctly, I wrap all the wiring in electric tape, then mount the brain back in the spot I previously chose, wire tying the taped up harness along the way. So when its all done, its all nice and neat, and taped up and wire tied. Most of the time it looks factory, you cant even tell my wiring from the factory wiring.

I'm w cutdog