Integrated vehicle remote engine ignition system

A remotely controlled electrical accessory system for starting an engine of a vehicle and actuating a garage door opener attached to a garage door, the system comprising:

• a first transmitter for producing an engine ignition signal,
• a second transmitter for producing a garage door opener actuation signal,
• a proximity sensor attached to the vehicle for producing a gating signal in response to the garage door being in an obstructing position, and
• a receiver for starting the engine of the vehicle in response to said engine ignition signal and for energizing said second transmitter to produce said garage door opener actuation signal in response to said engine ignition signal and said gating signal.

A method for remotely starting an engine of a vehicle and opening a garage door, the method comprising the steps of:

• transmitting an engine ignition signal;
• starting the engine of the vehicle in response to the engine ignition signal;
• determining that the garage door is in a closed position;
• transmitting a garage door actuation signal in response to the engine ignition signal;
• and
• opening the garage door in response to the garage door actuation signal.