A few changes

Hello all. I bought my 2008 Cobalt back in about June, and was so stoked about getting it, I kinda didn't realize that I messed up, and didn't really get what I want. Don't get me wrong, I love my car, but would have preferred power doors, power locks, keyless entry, blah, blah. Well, you get the point. Is there any dealer mechanics out there that could tell me how much I would be looking at to change it just to power doors, power locks and remote keyless entry, and possibly remote start? Thanks. Appreciate any and all responses.

I'm not a dealer mechanic, but I do work for the company that designs and builds Cobalts ;)....having said that, it is possible to "upgrade" you base Cobalt; but it wouldn't be easy and not necessarily cheap.

You'd need the door guts: power window regulator, lock solenoid, door panel, switches, wiring harness. Probably need a different instrument panel harness, too. Also, the body control module is either different or at a minimum needs software files that aren't installed on a base model.

For factory new parts from a dealer, you're talking thousands I'd venture to say. Best bet would be a be finding the car you want wrecked in a salvage yard. Buy essentially the whole interior. You might be able to get it all for under $1K - I don't really know for sure.

The last hurdle you'd run into is some modules are VIN programmed at the factory. I'm not certain which ones are, but you might need to make a trip to the dealer to reset them so they'll all talk correctly to each other via the communications buss.

Hope this helps....

Well... enjoy the simplicity? Embrace it's basics?!? Being basic is why we got'em for ~$12K+tax. I hear ya. My 2007 is a totally basic LS model with roll-up windows, manual locks, no cruise, no ABS, etc.. Bottom line 4dr auto. I do from time to time miss not having cruise for my work commute. I looked into adding that a the dealer. It would be like $450 once the body control module programming gets added. It's been 20yrs since I've ordered anything from JC Whitney, but I know they used to sell universal power window kits, door lock kits, etc.. Honestly, if you don't have PL or PW, just leave it as is. It is what it is, an economy, entry level car.

Joel

I own a company that specializes in upgrading base model vehicles especially the Cobalt for dealerships. You can have aftermarket items such as power windows, locks, keyless and yes cruise control. Here in Ohio we charge $60 per door for power locks, $100 for remotes, $350 per pair for power windows, and $225 for cruise control that works with the cars BCM and is mounted to the steering wheel. Those cheapo cruise controls from JC Whitney won't work on this vehicle because there is no throttle to attach the cables to. You have to use a computerized style of cruise.

.. and $225 for cruise control that works with the cars BCM and is mounted to the steering wheel..

That's a great price. The shop that my dealer contracts this stuff out to quoted me something like $250 for the unit & install, then it had to go back to the dealer for BCM programming for another $150-200. They wouldn't budge on the price when I checked last spring.

Joel

The GM dealers that I work with let me grab their TechII programer and unlock programming myself for free. I can't believe they get $150-$200 to hit a few buttons for maybe 5 minutes!!!!! That's just crazy talk. The real kicker is that when the Cobalts and G6 first came out the cruise functions were turned on from the manufacturer. After GM caught wind of this they turned them off so the dealerships could collect some money on the deal.

:banghead: Man I wish your shop was a tad closer to Buffalo. You'd be getting some business, that's for sure.

Joel

You know it's all relative to where you are at. I constantly get people trying to barter with my prices. Good thing though is that I stay busy enough not to worry about it.