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Remote Start

TimmyZ

TimmyZ

Full Member
Joined
Apr 6, 2003
Messages
43
Location
Broomfield, CO
Has anybody installed an aftermarket (I'm pretty sure GM doesn't have their own) remote start module? If possible, I'd like to find one that has a key fob that works the locks as well.
Winter's coming and my Av sleeps outside, so I'd like to start investigating the possabilities that come up.

Also, if you have one, did you install it yourself or did someone else do it?

Thanks!
 
TimmyZ said:
Has anybody installed an aftermarket (I'm pretty sure GM doesn't have their own) remote start module? If possible, I'd like to find one that has a key fob that works the locks as well.
Winter's coming and my Av sleeps outside, so I'd like to start investigating the possabilities that come up.

Also, if you have one, did you install it yourself or did someone else do it?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

TimmyZ - I had a remote start installed on my AV 4 months after I got my AV. Its a Code Alarm that I had installed at by Mothers Window Tint here in San Antonio ,TX. It also has the remote locks for the doors. I don't know how much this information will help in your quest.
 
I've got a "Your Valet" system made by DEI (folks that make Viper alarms, etc.)

http://www.directed.com/

It's a basic remote start, keyless entry system. You can add on other modules to control windows, sunroofs, etc. The range is great, and the performance is fine. Think it ran around $180-200 last year when I had it installed.

...a word of caution with remote starters: You get what you pay for. I personally know quite a few people who have been burned by the "$99 Special" remote starters that some places always offer near the holidays.

Mike :B:
 
Yakmar said:
I agree with this!! THe remote installed in my Av was a higher-end one that retailed for $469 plus taxes..... this was bargained for in the purchase of my vehicle. CHEAPER remote starts have a history of setting fire to your vehicle... I personally don't think this is a good thing!! :C: (referring to setting fire to ones vehicle) .... What IS a good thing is starting the vehicle from the comforts of your home or workplace in -30 Celsius weather to get into a warm truck!! (y)

Newf!
Click to expand...


;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Yeah, we need remote starts out here to cool off the interior before we get inside and burn our legs on the leather seating - that's what happens when you're wearing shorts at Christmas time here in Southern California >:D
laguna beach pic





Change to URL due to over width pic
 
I'm interested for Her AV.... Christmas is just around the corner.... The Viper looks good... I'm curious about the Avital or the Python.


suggestions?
 
Chevy Thunder beat me to it. The Cliffords are the best in terms of technology and features, however, the DEI responder (same company as Clifford) is a pretty cool 2 way security/remote start/paging system that will alert you to what is going on in the truck. For palin remote starts, we typically use Automate 552 (another DEI product) or Clifford Omnistart (just re-released), but for security, we prefer to use the Clifford branded products. Be sure to get an installer that has done an '03 or 2!!
 
I use my remote start year round, heat in the winter, AC in the summer (y)

Just so you know, Chevy has the remote start factory installed on the '04 Malibu's, I saw one at the dealership I work at.
Maybe GM should do this on all of their vehicles :0:
 
Hi, I had the Direct Start installed a couple of months after I bought the truck , so it has been thru two winters. Love it.
You will need some items to get around some of the GM features, but no big deal. The security system is better than stock. Also controls locks.
Unlike my last one, this one will run the AC as well as the heater.
 
I have the viper (DEI) installed 2 years ago...works great, now have better alarm, remote start, express windows up/down at the touch of a button cost me about $250.00 installed :cool:
 
Thanks for all of the replies. I guess that I have some homework.

BTW- Wvusquatch, that is probably the most obnoxious key fob that I have ever seen! Cool, but obnoxious.

Clifford and DEI systems seem to be the popular choice, so I will most likely start there.
 
anyone used these??? http://7925.adahost.com/computer/index.html ?loadfile=catalog19_0.html
please tell me if they are no good, mainly the ones with LCD remotes, THX
 
Cheap junk!! There are a million companies marketing the exact same products. When you are talking about installing a component on a $35k plus vehicle that could potentially damage the electrical/databus system, spend the extra couple bucks and get a name brand that you know will work on your truck. NOt to mention the headaches you might save yourself.
 
Cheap junk!! There are a million companies marketing the exact same products. When you are talking about installing a component on a $35k plus vehicle that could potentially damage
Click to expand...

I have to agree.... I figure I need to be careful HOW I spend my money. THat'a how I approced my AV purchases. We believe them to be the best value out there.... definately not the cheapest. ;D

I'm wanting something for my wife's truck... something easy to use, convenient, and RELIABLE. My fear is that a unit like that will short out and drain the battery... :mad: or burn the truck to the ground. :8: :8:.

I'll try to find the best unit for the $$. Not the most features but the best Quality.

 
The '02 is a little easier to deal with as you will be able to do the install without tapping into the databus. The '03, however, is a completely different animal in that many of the functions you will be tying into are on the databus and that is not a good place to mess around.

Hope you didn't take my comments the wrong way!! I in no way meant that you have to go out and buy the most expensive system you can find. Rather to buy a well known brand that is known to work well with your vehicle. Trust me, we remove 20-30 bogus and malfunctioning alarms a month; many of these I have never heard of and most times the brand no longer exists. Most of the time, the alarms either just don't ever work properly, or they fial altogether and leave their owners stranded. I have seen several lately on '03 gm's where door lock modules have been ruined by local alarm shops (the dealer calls us to do the reinstalls) not using the proper hardware or procedures on newer vehicles. Just don't want to see you singing the blues if the system fails :C:
 
TimmyZ two words - "Call kodiakz" from all I have heard and from talking to other installers in the Denver area I am going to have Kodiakz install my security system. Just take a look at his posts here - he knows his stuff! He has installed systems on LOTS of AVs including his own. I am going with him when I get ready for my alarm. I don't trust anyone else to mess around with my truck!

Also make sure you check out the upcoming Colorado GTGs - trying to do something here soon, love to see more AV owners come out!
 
Blue_03, thanks for the kudos!! (y) Glad to help, and just maybe save somone else the headaches I have to deal with daily (keep in mind that my customers are car dealers,lol).
 
I'm about 14 hrs away... any suggestions in the Portland area... Should I stay with Car Toys or someone similar?

Has any Portland people had alarms installed? Who, where?
 
I installed one in my 03 that uses the factory remote. Unlock the door twice and the truck starts. Not great range but I've never had good long term luck with after market remotes. Bought the unit from J C Whitney for about $80.00. Can't remember the make but it's the only one they list that uses a factory unit...
 
I had one installed two weeks after I bought the Avalanche (July 2002). I had it installed by a local car radio guy here in Mass, he is very anal about his work. It was the 5th remote start/alarm that he has installed for me. The system is a Crimestopper CS-2015FM2 two-way paging alarm/remote start. I went with this because at the time it was the only one that would let you unlock the drivers door with one push and all doors with two. I also had it setup to arm and disarm the factory system, and had the mirror lights connected (which took extra relays because they'r on a different circuit than the dome light). The two-way paging works great, excellent range. I can start the avalanche from inside our data center/computer room and from inside the Mall. Best thing is that it tells you after it starts so you know it got the signal. Total cost including installation was $550.00 with two paging/lcd remotes, may have gotten a little discount because it was the 5th install he has done for me.

http://www.crimestopper.com/informer.html
 
DEI makes Viper, Clifford (Matrix), Python, etc. DEI also makes the basic alarms for GM. I just ordered the Matrix RS3.5 for my '03 AV. Last spring time did a cover story on it called "The Mother of all Car Alarms" (or something close to that). It has a Transponder, an LED fob the size of a small pager. This gives you visual feedback, letting you know if your vehicle's armed (locked), started, or been broken into. I paid $500 for mine, but had to do a lot of wheeling and dealing. For more info, go to Directed.com
 
The aforementioned stereo chain really does a poor installation job in my area anyway--we have repaired several of their botched alarm/remote start attempts. Small reatailers with long standing reputations are typically the best as they really care about their work.

If anyone is looking for DEI/Clifford systems or the necessary bypass modules, pm me and I'll give you a forum friendly deal ;D
 
Kodiakz,

I just got as a gift a Avital Avistart kit and the bypass unit for the truck. Is this a good one? Seems that it comes with the remote that allows for the door locks and the panic operation, the box indicates it can do "turbo timmers" etc. seems like a good unit? what do you think.
 
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