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The DIY $10 Prepaid Cellphone Remote Car Starter

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the now-that's-a-hack dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Wish you could start your car via your cell phone, but don't feel like ponying up the $40k for a Chevrolet Volt or $499 (plus $29 a year) for an aftermarket system from Viper? This hack relies on a cheap prepaid cellphone that has had its vibration motor surgically removed, replaced by a couple of leads triggering the car's starter. Whenever the phone receives a call it starts up the car — a somewhat dodgy proposition if a telemarketer ever gets hold of your number, but an interesting solution nonetheless. Total cost of the project: $71.03."

5 of 454 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Telemarketer solution by barzok · · Score: 4, Insightful

    CVTs (which are automatic) are more efficient than manual transmissions. I recently bought a 2010 Subaru Outback and the mileage numbers are a couple MPG better w/ the CVT than the 6-speed manual.

    North American car owners prefer automatics because you can't eat a cheeseburger and talk on the phone while applying makeup & reading the newspaper if you're driving stick.

  2. Wooo! by L4t3r4lu5 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    The DIY $10 Prepaid Cellphone Remote Car Starter
    The DIY $10 Prepaid Cellphone Remote Toaster
    The DIY $10 Prepaid Cellphone Remote Coffee Machine
    The DIY $10 Prepaid Cellphone Remote Front Door Lock
    The DIY $10 Prepaid Cellphone Remote Laser-enhanced Shark Cage Opening Mechanism

    The possibilities are endless!

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  3. Re: Foggy windshields are bad for the driver by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Insightful

    According to me it is bad to drive with near zero visibility due to condensation or frost on the interior of the windshield. My life trumps the life of the engine.

    Anyways a bock heater or garage is the way to go, at least if parked at home.

  4. Re: Idling is bad for the engine by Rogerborg · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I agree. I just scrape the ice off and drive off right away. Of course, then my windscreen fogs up on the inside due to chilling from the airflow over it, but fuck you or your kids if you happen to walk in front of me: better you die than I "waste time or gasoline", right?

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  5. Re: Idling is bad for the engine by EatHam · · Score: 4, Insightful

    According to Consumer Reports AND The Tappet Brothers (Tom and Ray Magliozzi) it's bad for the engine to "warm up" your car by letting it run idle in park. It's also a waste of time and gasoline.

    Those guys can eat my ass if they think I'm driving around in a cold car I can't see out of. They are also welcome to scrape my windshield for me.