Abstract: A remote control system for a motor vehicle uses a wide area network to enable a starter on the motor vehicle. A user uses a communication device, such as a telephone, to send instructions to the starter by way of the wide area network. A controller enables or disables various components within the motor vehicle. To further enhance the utility of the remote control system, the system can disable the operation of the motor vehicle by disabling the fuel pump on the motor vehicle. In order to reduce the likelihood of an accident, disabling of the fuel pump occurs only after a signal, such as a tachometer signal, indicates that it is safe to disable the fuel pump.