I'm a pretty handy person -- have installed coilovers/intake/cd players/changers, custom Mp3 ports in my cars before, and I'm not afraid to take things apart and put them back together -- however, I've never really tackled anything quite this involved.

For those who have done it, and particularly those who've done it successfully for the first time, what all is involved, any tricks/tips you'd be willing to share? I have all the '97 wiring/wire location info, but would appreciate any other tips on locating wires. Thanks in advance.

 

Please dont. No matter how much experience, its much more than nuts and bolts, and every single one of these type of threads Ive seen, results in 10 more within the next week or so asking 'what did i do, how do i fix this, why wont my car start, why is my ecu fried, etc.'

 

Touche -- that's all I was looking for. How much should I pay (max) for a good deal on an install?

 

Is it an alarm as well, or just a remote start?

Just remote start/keyless entry, bout 80-100 bucks.
Remote start/alarm/keyless entry, anywhere from 150-200 depending on the shop.

 

It's not that hard. You have to know how to use a multimeter. You'll also need a plan/wiring diagram. You should know where every wire goes and where each component will be installed (brain, valet switch, antenna, etc.) You'll also need a little bit of time. If this sounds like too much already go ahead and get it installed at a shop.

 

depending upon what unit you're going to use.. its not too bad putting one in a car without a chip in the key or collar -

you pretty much have to know how to use relays unless you have unit that has them built in, which would make for a much quicker install.. other than that,

actually screw it. theres way too much to explain, seriously just take it to a reputable shop. and for god sakes make sure the unit they use isn't a piece of ****. ive ripped out way too many..

 

Thanks for the input guys.

 

btw you dont HAVE to have a multimeter, i install them daily in this season and use an ESD-safe test light. works just as well, and its easier

 

After significant planning, reading up on and understanding relays, understanding and mapping out the wiring diagram for the '97 Max, I successfully installed the remote starter in my '97 Max GXE. For those interested, here's a recap:

Hours invested: 8 (non-stop)
Most difficult part(s) of install:

1) finding good location in firewall to drill through and then drilling through it w/ traditional (non-right angle drill);
2) Contemplating aborting the mission before I figured out the HORN wire (green/white) is linked to the AIRBAG Yellow harness. I was very worried about even testing it with a voltmeter, but after a process of elimination (unplugged all other harnesses in steering column, and realized the horn still worked, then unplugged the airbag harness -- horn stopped working) I was able to figure it out.

Types of connections used:

soldered all connections to help me sleep at night; toyed with the idea of using those spiffy T-taps, but scrapped it when I realized how they could easily lose their quality of connection over time. I used an in-line wire stripper to tap into all wires, then split the loom of OEM wire, fed my RS wire through and twist tied it around -- then soldered -- the ULTIMATE connection. Then ultra-wrapped all connections with electr. tape

Easiest part of install:
Taking off necessary panels (kick panel, lower dash panel, etc) and accessing the necessary wires.

Voltmeter:

Used one for the first time, learned how to use it via google.com (some self-help sites) then went to work. I tested ALL wires to verify the wiring diagram was correct.

Relays:

Learned how to use relays at www.the12volt.com (AN AWESOME SITE FOR FIRST TIMERS for installing .. many different electrical products .. relays/diodes .. dummy-proof intro's to teach you what relays are, how they're used, etc. Then, then ALSO have this amazing forum where you can search other people's threads on various cars/equipment they've installed .. very very very very informative and therefore helpful.

Tach wire/Tach learning:

Finding the tach was a bit hair .. though the ECM is VERY accessible and easy to find. Taping into the white/green tach wire required a very fine/sharp blade to slowly and carefully remove the necessary wire coating so that I could attach my RS wire to it.

Tools needed (for my install, anyway):
1) Drill & drill bits to attach the firewall for wire access to the battery
2) couple automotive relays (avail. at Pepboys, autozone, walmart, etc), female connectors for the relay prongs (radioshack, any car store)
3) 12 guage wire
4) soldering iron, flux, solder
5) wire stripper (traditional or the in-line version .. in-line version avail. at Autozone for $10)
6) phillips screw driver, flat-head
7) blades -- exacto knife, razor blade, fine blade for stripping pesky 18 guage wires at ECM
8) Electrical tape, zip ties .. OH ZIP TIES .. HOW I LOVE THEE
9) split loom wire insulator .. real cheap at Home Depot .. $2.00 for 7 feet
10) Rubber GROMMET for the your hole that you drill in the firewall (real cheap .. about $1.50 at home depot for a 3/8" one)
11) Flashlight, another plug in-light source
12) SECOND PAIR OF HANDS WOULD BE LOVELY .. but it can be done without a second person, you just need a good light source to light some very difficult to illuminate areas, such as the area where the brake switch resides.
13) Wire cutters, pliers

Anyone is VERY welcome to PM me or email me with any questions for the '95-'99 Maxima install -- I'm very grateful to those who answered some of my questions online (not just this forum, but other forums... especially www.the12volt.com) so I'd like to give back as much as I can for you first-times (like I was).

Best of luck.