This might be a little far fetched for a DIY, but here goes. The Factory Remote for the RX8 comes with a little red "!" Panic Button. I've only used this button once to disengage the alarm in three years when my girlfreind managed to set off the alarm getting OUT of the car after I had locked the doors. I've always been a little miffed Mazda never put a factory remote start on the 8 while all of their competitors seem to have known to put this feature in.

It seems possible that whatever the panic button triggers in the car (setting & turning off the alarm) could be rewired in some fashion to engage a remote start. I'm certain I'd have to buy and install an aftermarket remote starter kit- the thing is I hate those huge ugly remotes that come with those things- & I'm certainly not filling my pockets everyday with 2 remotes, (much less getting rid of my flip key). Why not just use the panic "!" button to remote start the car on the existing remote?

Before I start breaking down wiring diagrams this brings up some problems- how then do you turn off the alarm OR not engage it when locking the doors (the double lock click HONK) Some or all models to my understanding also have the "engine immobilizer" Will it be affected in any way by chages to the panic and alarm systems? I don't want the remote start to affect the door locks in ANY way either.

Yeah, I know- remote starters are for lazy bums- but c'mon- on really cold days the seat warmers don't kick in THAT fast and before putting my RX in gear I want it to have warmed up some.

So here are the questions I'm putting to you. Has anyone else thought about or tried to do this already? Ultimately- what, specifically, would I have to tie into, and where, to steal the electrical current caused by the panic button and use it to kick on a remote start? Lastly- in the event the car alarm was going off, how would you turn it off without your remote?

 

that would be a good idea, ,,,,,,,,,,anybody?????????

 

It's already been done, you're looking for this: https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-valet-561t-remote-start-install-107805/