Kizashi comfort

[Sentenced1979]

This thing is great.

I had it installed when I bought the car, two years ago.
No more cold in the car when I go home. Don't have to clear the windows of ice. Engine is preheated, which saves fuel and wear.

It can be set to timer or manual start, depending on your needs.

The only trouble I've had with it, is with the app. They shut the system down for maintenance. Obviously, those are needed as well. I gave them a call and told them to notify their customers of an impending maintenance.

It isn't very cold outside right now, but just as a reference.

[KuroNekko]

So how exactly does this work? Does it start your engine remotely with control via the app? Sounds like it's the only way to warm up the engine and the interior for a Kizashi.

I know they have these kinds of app-controlled tech from the factory for vehicles like EVs and PHEVs. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV can pre-heat, defrost, or cool the car without running the engine and can do so while plugged in or not. This is beneficial given it doesn't waste gas idling and is also much safer given there are no concerns about carbon monoxide poisoning (like when the car is surrounded by snow or in a structure). Lastly, it's illegal to leave your car idling without it being occupied in some places so electrified systems offer that benefit as well.

[Sentenced1979]

Basically, a heating element and other required components are plugged into the coolant system. Getting the engine warm for start. Releasing less toxic fumes than a completely cold engine.

On the picture, when I plug the cable into the car, (I can take a picture when I get back), the app (and car) "knows" It's plugged in. It needs mains power to work.

And from there, a cable is pulled into the interior of the car, where I have a small fan.
I'll try to take pictures of everything and post.

And I don't think the Kizashi could be remotely started anyway, without a key hidden somewhere inside it.

You can Google for Defa Link. That's what I use. There's a sim-chip in the car, like you have in your cellphone. To be able to use it, it costs about $70 a year. The system itself was $600 with assembly.

These are popular systems for us who live in colder climates. I don't idle my car, other than at a red light.

[Sentenced1979]

Also, there are built-in systems, which don't need a cable.
I'm not sure what they're called there. One name is Webasto.
They are used in our trucks as well. I'm a trucker by profession. Spoken to some US truckers and was like "Wtf?" when they told me they have to idle their rigs to get heat when they sleep.

But choosing that system would've cost me $3500. It wasn't in my budget. This works just as well. All I need is a socket.
The other one can be started when you go shopping or whatever. Keeps your car warm.

[Sentenced1979]

Here are some pictures.

I couldn't access anything under the hood.

Added the outside plug, with and without the cable connected.

The interior fan. I taped a weight on the foot, so it wouldn't tip over when driving.

And, the socket for the fan. It's hidden under the glove box.

There was a choice to have one mounted into the interior of the car. I told them no, I want a socket so I can remove the fan when I don't need it.
Besides, a mounted anything will cause rattling.

[Woodie]

You could do this yourself for about $200 and plug it into an outlet with an inside the house switch. Just flip the switch two hours before you're going to leave.

[Sentenced1979]

Not really, Woodie. I can't flip the switch when I'm at work, 200 miles away from the car. And it wouldn't help the engine anyway, if I didn't have the heater put into it.

[Woodie]

Not sure why I would need my car warmed up if I'm 200 miles away.

I did this to my last Swift, tank heater for the engine coolant, oil pan heater for the oil, and battery warmer. I just flipped the inside switch when I got up and the car was halfway warmed up when I got into it. Would even defrost the windshield a little just from convection. I could have added a small space heater for the interior but didn't, I thought the load on the switch was getting a bit high. It was nice, and good for the engine, but not really necessary where I live. It doesn't often go below 20°F here.

[Ronzuki]

The thing in a car that really needs to be warmed up prior to rolling down the road are automatic transmissions. Far more 'sensitive' to extreme temperatures...at least they used to be. I look at the trans temp indicator in the Jeep (digital systems display) on those below freezing mornings while heading to work and it takes a looong time for the thing to even approach normal operating temperatures found during mild weather. I'm 3/4 of the way on a 27 mile ride before it stops climbing.
My oldest brother owned a transmission shop back in the day and he often would say the best weather for business were those "extremely damn cold winters and hellacious hot summers". Consistently his most profitable years were the ones that contained at least one extreme season here in PA. Both in one year was a windfall. Bottom line, no mechanical device, or anything for that matter, enjoys major temperature swings. The shorter the period of time between the two extremes, the worse for wear.

[WESHOOT2]

I try to get ALL fluids warmed up before stupid-cold hammering, even considering shock and strut oil, tranny and diffs, etc.