Remote Starter / Alarm systems.

[kennyosemite]

Still pre-accessorizing before my truck arrives, and I'm looking to add a remote starter / alarm combination. The number of models to choose from is astounding, if not confusing. kodiakz, or anyone else out there with electrical knowhow: what works best on the H3s? Here are a few links I've looked at:

eHOW ~ How to Buy a Remote Start System (http://www.ehow.com/how_11214_buy-remote-start.html)

Commando FM870 Remote Starter (http://www.commandoalarms.com/itm30032.htm)

Viper Remote Starters (http://www.cartron.com/remote_start.html)

[deicustoms1]

I say go with a company that has been around for awhile...like dei!

I had a viper 791xv in my last car, I have a clifford matrix rsx 3.5 in my h3. Worked on many many cars with the same alarms. So...that's my vote.

[kennyosemite]

Originally posted by dei???????:
I say go with a company that has been around for awhile...like dei!

I had a viper 791xv in my last car, I have a clifford matrix rsx 3.5 in my h3. Worked on many many cars with the same alarms. So...that's my vote.

What do you think of the new AvantGuard 5.5X? Seems like the Cadillac, er . . . (ahem) HUMMER of remote start alarms.

Clifford AvantGuard 5.5X (http://www.cnet.com/4520-10602_1-5619682-1.html)

[timgco]

Originally posted by kennyosemite:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by dei???????:
I say go with a company that has been around for awhile...like dei!

I had a viper 791xv in my last car, I have a clifford matrix rsx 3.5 in my h3. Worked on many many cars with the same alarms. So...that's my vote.

What do you think of the new AvantGuard 5.5X? Seems like the Cadillac, er . . . (ahem) HUMMER of remote start alarms.

Clifford AvantGuard 5.5X (http://www.cnet.com/4520-10602_1-5619682-1.html) </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

X2! works great! Same fot the Viper (same company with a different name on the package). KodiakZ put one on my H3 and than the H2. The remote is nice because you can see when the truck is started.

[kodiakz]

What do you think of the new AvantGuard 5.5X? Seems like the Cadillac, er . . . (ahem) HUMMER of remote start alarms
It will be the daddy of all alarms---when it is released. My rep told me on Thurs that they have again pushed back the release date to July or even August. I have been waiting for that bad boy to come out since they showed it a CES 2005.

[kennyosemite]

Originally posted by kodiakz:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">What do you think of the new AvantGuard 5.5X? Seems like the Cadillac, er . . . (ahem) HUMMER of remote start alarms
It will be the daddy of all alarms---when it is released. My rep told me on Thurs that they have again pushed back the release date to July or even August. I have been waiting for that bad boy to come out since they showed it a CES 2005. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks, kodiakz. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[kodiakz]

http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[kodiakz]

Today DEI moved back the release date, again, until frickin August!!

[TA8088]

Originally posted by dei???????:
I say go with a company that has been around for awhile...like dei!

I had a viper 791xv in my last car, I have a clifford matrix rsx 3.5 in my h3. Worked on many many cars with the same alarms. So...that's my vote.

I had a Viper 791xv in my last vehicle as well. It was a great alarm/remote start system.

[JimDixon]

Kenny,
I have owned several commando alarms and they rock! I can tell you that they are made in the same overseas factory as Clifford. I'm friends with the owner Chris because I do all his office computer service. Just be sure to get a good installer and expect to pay about 200 for the install.



Originally posted by kennyosemite:
Still pre-accessorizing before my truck arrives, and I'm looking to add a remote starter / alarm combination. The number of models to choose from is astounding, if not confusing. kodiakz, or anyone else out there with electrical knowhow: what works best on the H3s? Here are a few links I've looked at:

eHOW ~ How to Buy a Remote Start System (http://www.ehow.com/how_11214_buy-remote-start.html)

Commando FM870 Remote Starter (http://www.commandoalarms.com/itm30032.htm)

Viper Remote Starters (http://www.cartron.com/remote_start.html)

[cjandnw]

DEI Valet 561R Remote Start (VALET561R)
I'm having Circuit City install this in my 06 tomorrow. They quoted $290 total. You need an extra part to make sure the car alarm doesn't think its being jacked. Ill let you know how I make out.:shhh:

[cjandnw]

DEI Valet 561R Remote Start (VALET561R)==Installed and total cost: $304
So far I have had no problems with this unit. Circuit City was great.:excited:

[MountainBlue]

DEI Valet 561R Remote Start (VALET561R)==Installed and total cost: $304
So far I have had no problems with this unit. Circuit City was great.:excited:

Do you have an 05 or 06. I was told at Best Buy that they couldn't do an 06. I guess I'll have to check out C.C.

[HummerNewbie]

Do you have an 05 or 06. I was told at Best Buy that they couldn't do an 06. I guess I'll have to check out C.C.

There are no '05 H3s, only '06 and '07.

[MountainBlue]

There are no '05 H3s, only '06 and '07.

I meant build date. I was told the ones built in 06 used a different passlock system that couldn't be bypassed yet. But that was a month ago, they may have something now.

[kodiakz]

Phooey!! There have been means to bypass that system around for over a year!! (dei, code alarm, bypasskits.com)

[MountainBlue]

Cool!

[cjandnw]

There is an addtional bypass kit needed in addition the actual remote starter system. There was not even any question whether the system could be installed on my 06. I've had it for a week. NO PROBLEMS. I am very pleased with the system. Install took about 4 hours. I suggest you pay for it prior to the install date and leave your ATM, Credit cards home. 4 hours alone in Circuit City with Credit cards is extremely dangerous. :crying:

hopefully the links work:

Starter: Valet 561R Remote Start/Keyless Entry

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?c=1&mobileFitAction=seeWhatFits&carId=&year=2006&make=HUMMER&model=H3&type=4DR+SUV&trim=WITH+3.5L+ENGINE+AND+STANDARD+AUDIO+SYSTEM&carFilter=true&c=1&oid=119099

Bypass: DEI GM Immobilizer Bypass

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/DEI-GM-Immobilizer-Bypass-555LW/sem/rpsm/oid/141374/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Good Luck

[HummerNewbie]

I meant build date. I was told the ones built in 06 used a different passlock system that couldn't be bypassed yet. But that was a month ago, they may have something now.

Ok, I see :)

[MountainBlue]

Obviously I got bad info.

[H3.007]

I stopped over at Circuit City this evening. For the $300 remote starter, they told me I would need the bypass and a special key. Two weeks ago, they told me I would need the bypass but no key. They also said that the installation would make my dash alarm light stay permanently lit while the starter was on. Does someone not know what they are talking about???

So which model gives me good range, defrost control, and a/c control?

I defer to you, the experts, versus the Circuit City "pros".

[marin8703]

i just got the Viper 5900 installed. It gives you most options (if not all)and 1 mile range (advertised), but is a bit pricey, at least for me. Its about $600 installed, but i got some extras with it and got it up to $780.

No extra key was required, and i dont think the installer even used a bypass module. I think he just used a ton of relays to get around the passlock, which i beleive in the H3 is Passlock II (not totaly sure).

[kodiakz]

I stopped over at Circuit City this evening. For the $300 remote starter, they told me I would need the bypass and a special key. Two weeks ago, they told me I would need the bypass but no key. They also said that the installation would make my dash alarm light stay permanently lit while the starter was on. Does someone not know what they are talking about???

So which model gives me good range, defrost control, and a/c control?

I defer to you, the experts, versus the Circuit City "pros".

Tards, tards, and more tards!!! You only need a spare key for transponder based security systems of which the current H3 and H2 do not have (some gm's have been switching over to the passkeyIII system which is transponder based). The security light in the dash should never light up constantly when the system is installed by professionals. Now you know where NOT to have the system installed. $300 is a reasonable price for a starter and bypass module installed. AC control will be standard, while defrost can be done remotely, but you will need to use the newest bypass/integration modules that offer that feature. The system marin referred to is a nice unit to look at.

[H3.007]

Thanks for the input guys - I am seeking other installers at this time. It is too bad in a way - I had them install my starter in my Explorer 3 years ago without incident.

I wonder if they thought they could take me for extra cash, due to the fact that I am driving a H3.

[marin8703]

Hey can someone tell me if the H3 has a wire that can be pulsed to disarm the factory alarm, and a wire to rearm the factory alarm? Can you tell me where to find these wires and what color they are?

And also where would i get an open door triger?


Thanks alot for any help!

[marin8703]

Hey can someone tell me if the H3 has a wire that can be pulsed to disarm the factory alarm, and a wire to rearm the factory alarm? Can you tell me where to find these wires and what color they are?

And also where would i get an open door triger?


Thanks alot for any help!

do you guys think this info will be in the h3 service manual? im thinking about buying it.

[H3.007]

Ok, so I have Circuit City install the DEI Viper Starter/Door Kit (nobody else could do it before January). After they are done, the results are:

1) It starts fine using the DEI kit, BUT;
2) You must always use the DEI remote. If you lock it using the factory FOB and try to start it with the DEI FOB, it starts but the alarm goes off.
3) Using the DEI FOB does not arm the alarm.
4) The padlock security light on the dash does stay on when the vehicle is remote started, even after the key is inserted. One must turn the vehicle off with the DEI FOB and then turn the vehicle back on with the key to get rid of this light.
5) Installer said he had to use the auxillary port on the DEI starter to run the bypass so the rear defrost does not work. He said he could try a separate bypass, but I'd have to go back for that. And he said it may not work due to the wire pulse, etc. etc. etc.

While it works, I am not sure this is the system to go with due to the various compromises.

:mad:

[mountainbiker]

Ok, so I have Circuit City install the DEI Viper Starter/Door Kit (nobody else could do it before January). After they are done, the results are:

1) It starts fine using the DEI kit, BUT;
2) You must always use the DEI remote. If you lock it using the factory FOB and try to start it with the DEI FOB, it starts but the alarm goes off.
3) Using the DEI FOB does not arm the alarm.
4) The padlock security light on the dash does stay on when the vehicle is remote started, even after the key is inserted. One must turn the vehicle off with the DEI FOB and then turn the vehicle back on with the key to get rid of this light.
5) Installer said he had to use the auxillary port on the DEI starter to run the bypass so the rear defrost does not work. He said he could try a separate bypass, but I'd have to go back for that. And he said it may not work due to the wire pulse, etc. etc. etc.

While it works, I am not sure this is the system to go with due to the various compromises.

Wow H3.007 that sounds rather complicated and painful. I am wondering if you emailed DEI these 5 items if they could confirm for you if it is connected properly. Let us know what model Viper they installed, and what DEI says if you decide to drop them an email. (Note: it sometimes takes them awhile to respond to emails.)

[dеiтайожни]

It's obviously installed incorrectly, you should've waited a little longer to find a decent installer.

[H3.007]

Winter would have been half over by the time any of the other shops could have scheduled.

Regardless, I have left a vouicemail from DEI. Their website has no email address or link listed. If you have their email address, it would be much appreciated.

Thanks! :popcorn:

[dеiтайожни]

Winter would have been half over by the time any of the other shops could have scheduled.

Yeah, but now you have a crippled truck for the rest of it's life and it's going to cost at least the same to get it fixed as it did to install! Depending on how snobby your local installers are, some won't even try to fix it, they'll charge you to remove it, buy another one and install it. Should've waited! :twak:

[marin8703]

this is an example why you should do the install yourself, even if you have only a little knowledge of electronics.

[H3.007]

I am not going to entertain an argument here.

Can you spell warranty (i.e. you can not do it yourself or you void the warranty) and negligence (re: "certified" installer - but perhaps not for long)?

It isn't crippled, it just doesn't work specifically like it should.

Does anyone have some constructive feedback? And that email address at DEI?

:popcorn:

[mountainbiker]

Does anyone have some constructive feedback? And that email address at DEI?I know what you mean about some online who are constantly offering nothing of value.

H3.007 the last time I emailed DEI their web site had a web form. The web form sent me a copy back with a case number, and it had this address in the cc: arlene.watson@directed.com.

If that web form is still on their site, I cannot find it. This page http://www.directed.com/contact/suggestion.asp said if you want a reply include your email address.

I wish you the best in getting your H3 and Viper sorted out.

[dеiтайожни]

Nothing of value?! He was advised not to goto Circuit City, he acknowledged Circuit City installers weren't very bright. I already told him what he wanted to know -- no, it is not functioning properly. What more do you want? DEI to tell you the same thing? If you ask questions, at least accept the answers, even if it's not what you want to hear.

BTW - The warranty is not affected, even if you install it yourself. Not sure where you got that from. It has to be proved that what you did caused the problem you try to get warranty work on. And if you can wire up an alarm that will crack your plastic roof rails and bust a diff, that would be... interesting.

[marin8703]

hey H3.007, sorry about "not" being helpful before but i'll give it a shot cauze im a nice person.:D

>>What system do you have, the model number?
>>I assume you have told these 5 things to CircuitCity, what was their response, and did you demand them fixed?
>>You said you left DEI a voice mail? Was the number you called 1-800-876-0800, or 1-760-598-6200? Why leave a voice mail, they have support techs?

And I do agree with dеiтайожни that you should have done more research on the installer. Some installer sure have the shops and attitude like a competent installer, but dont be fooled, go only on references from friends and family. If you cant find an installer you are confident in, or one that gaurantees their work, you will be better of doing the install yourself, you will save yourself alot of hassle and money.

On a final note, bit*h the fu*k out of the CircuitCity installer, they are responsible for the install and the product. You most likely will get no customer support (good support) from DEI because they transfer all customer support responsibilitie to their dealers, which by the way is a big mistake. Was the installer at CircuitCity out of high school yet?

[H3.007]

Regarding the warranty, read the product manual.

Thanks for the numbers - you were of assistance before. I was referring to other postings. If a dealer states they are certified by DEI, then the job should be done right regardless of the installer.

Thus DEI should have some clout on this issue.

And I wasn't going to another garage to have junk installed, simply to have it done sooner.

[MountainBlue]

You need to talk with the general manager of the C.C. you had the unit installed at. They need to fix it or take it out and refund your money, simple as that. It sounds like an install problem, not the alarm, and that has to taken care of by C.C. DEI will not be responsible for an improper install. I always take my complaints to the manager out in the store, very loudly, that seems to get them to take care of most problems.

[H3.007]

Thanks Blue - that's my preference in doing business :twak:

I need DEI's feedback on the situation as C.C. is telling me it is an incompatability issue.

I don't believe them...

[marin8703]

Thanks Blue - that's my preference in doing business :twak:

I need DEI's feedback on the situation as C.C. is telling me it is an incompatability issue.

I don't believe them...

and you shouldnt beleive them.

Ask them to show you a comptibity list (the reason is, if a product has compatibility issues the company is required to post a compatibility list). Also ask them if they purposly sold and installed an incompatible alarm on your vehicle without informing you and having your written consent! Put some pressure on em, show them your no pus**! you know what you paid for, now demand it!:D

[H3.007]

Hi Marin,

Yeah, they did show me blank spots on the computer screen regarding the alarm bypass, but only after the fact as technically, the alarm still works.

I'll post the results of my inquest when I get them :beerchug:

[kodiakz]

As I have posted several times, the H3 is NOT an easy vehicle to do security/remote start on. It requires a combination of a bypass/integration module and wiring to bypass the passlock system. It can and should work correctly. If your installer can't get the assistance required from DEI, have them call Code alarm tech as they often help us when DEI cannot.

[H3.007]

Thanks Kodiakz - will do!

[aetherH3]

i called DEI about a month ago and asked them about the Valet 561R and they said that there were ZERO problems installing it on an H3. I know you have a Viper, but I thought i'd let you know that, FWIW. Tell us what the outcome is.

[H3.007]

Ok - update.

C.C. is telling me that there is no arm/disarm wire on the H3s. Thus, the only way to operate the alarm is with the factory remote.

And as some of you suggested, DEI was worthless in there technical assistance on the matter.

For those of you that have the systems installed, do you know how your installers worked out the arm.disarm issue.

The system I had installed was the 1400 XP.

:popcorn:

[marin8703]

I actually posted this same question a little while back on this same theread, #25, but no one responded so I assumed no one knew.

I can tell you this. When the factory alarm is armed, and I use the viper remore to unlock, it does not disarm the factory alarm. However, when the factory alarm is armed, and I remote start the vehicle, the factory alarm automatically disables.

I think the remote starter disables it by the bypass that is supposed to be installed, but is not installed on mine. I have about 10 relays that do the job.:D Just by starting the vehicle without pissing of the passlock or whatever it is, the factory alarm disarms itself.

I think the H3 such as many other cars should have at least a factory alarm disarm, however it may not have an arm input.

[marin8703]

oh and also you might wana check out http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/4/47.html , and post you questions there. its an alarm forum or something like that. theres some installers on there that may have installed your particular alarm and may be able to help. I got some good help from there a while back.

[H3.007]

:D Thanks - I'll check that out. Mine does have the bypass module so I don't think it works to disarm the factory alarm. I'll see what the techs on the link have to say!

[kodiakz]

The DEI 457g should disarm as well as unlock if memory serves correct. I can ask my installers tomorrow. Check out bypasskits.com as I believe they are making the bypasses for alomst everyone (including dei) at this point and they seem pretty sharp.

[H3.007]

Hi Kodiakz,

Thanks for the info. You know, I wonder if they did use the wrong bypass. I'll have to check the boxes out tonight at home.

I did go ahead and post at Ecoustics as well. Hopefully, someone will be able to provide the correct answer as C.C. and DEI sure couldn't. I am really dissappointed in DEI's customer service over this.

Thanks again! :beerchug:

[mountainbiker]

I am really dissappointed in DEI's customer service over this.Did you speak with DEI, did they email you something, or zero response?

[H3.007]

Hi MtBike,

Yeah - they called and said they'd fwd. my email to a tech. They then called and stated the tech had no idea what was wrong and contact C.C.

I'll stick with the system , now that it is in, as long as the issues can be worked out.

But will I buy another one - doubtful. :lame:

[marin8703]

Hi MtBike,

Yeah - they called and said they'd fwd. my email to a tech. They then called and stated the tech had no idea what was wrong and contact C.C.

I'll stick with the system , now that it is in, as long as the issues can be worked out.

But will I buy another one - doubtful. :lame:

The problem is not the system it is the installer. A better idea would be stop going to that installer in the future.

anyway, has there been any update from CC? Are they still not taking responsibility?

[H3.007]

Hey guys - they put the 457GW bypass module in.

I agree about the installers, but I am not going to pay another installer to do the job when C.C. should be responsible for making it right.

Any word from your techies Kodiakz?

:popcorn:

[mountainbiker]

h3.007 - try this site http://www.the12volt.com/. it seems to get more discussions than ecustics. (i see no one has provided any inputs to your question there.)

[H3.007]

Hi Mt.Biker,

I signed up for an account to post but I have yet to receive the confirmation email. When I do, I'll post the issue there.

It does appear that there is some discussion regarding this problem and it doesn't look like one should use the factory fob at all.

Arghhhhh....:twak:

[H3.007]

Just a quick note - I have discovered that the annoying padlock/vehicle light icon on the dash can be disabled without turning the H3 off by twisting the key forward to the iginition start position and letting it return to the on position.

Still consulting the experts on the other issues.... :popcorn: