Viper Alarm and Remote Start: 1-Way vs 2-Way vs Smartphone

Viper is the one alarm and remote start brand we install. The big choice is how the remote talks to your car. And before we quote remote start, we need to know about your key.

1-way: simple and dependable

A 1-way remote sends commands to the car, but the car does not answer back. You press lock, and you trust it locked. Range on a 1-way remote like the one with the Viper 3108V is up to about a quarter mile, depending on conditions.

1-way is great when you can see or hear the car when you press the button, like in your driveway. The 3108V adds a siren, impact sensor and starter interrupt, so a thief cannot just start the car. If you only need remote locks for an older car, the Viper 2103V keyless entry covers that.

2-way: confirmation on the remote

A 2-way remote gets a message back from the car. The screen or LEDs confirm the doors locked, the engine started, or the alarm went off. You know without walking outside.

The Viper 5908V pairs a 2-way color LCD remote with remote start and security, with range up to about a mile. That is the one people pick when they park on the street or in a big lot at work and want to start the car to cool it down before they walk out.

Smartphone control: range wherever there is signal

The Viper VSM550 SmartStart Pro module adds control from your phone over the cell network. You can start, lock, unlock and see your car's location on a map from anywhere with service. It works with a compatible Viper system, so it is an add-on, not a standalone.

Smartphone control through Viper SmartStart may need a service plan for the cellular features. We will go over what is included when you come in.

What we need to know about your key

Most cars from the late 90s on have a chip in the key, called an immobilizer. The car will not start unless it sees that chip. Remote start needs a bypass module to handle that safely.

Push-to-start cars, turn-key cars and cars with a factory remote all use different modules and wiring. Some newer cars need a key programmed to the module. Bring all your keys when you come in, and tell us the year, make and model, and whether you push a button or turn a key to start. Manual transmission cars need special handling, so let us know up front.

Installed here, done right

Remote start and alarms touch your ignition, locks and computer network. A clean install matters. Tony and our install team do this work in our own bay, and gear bought and installed here gets lifetime labor plus the manufacturer warranty. Call (323) 944-7844 or text (213) 674-9042 to set it up.