remote start for 04 Envoy

[vetteguy96]

Anyone have any suggestions for a remote start for a 04 Envoy. The dealer wants $465. Anyone do their own? Thanks in advance, Guy

[ponchonutty]

Just did one last week and another the week before but that was an '05 although they have not changed any.

I suggest fessing up and paying that amount or atleast finding a pro to do the install. TB's have a very touchy electrical system that you can't guess on. I've heard about the big chain stores locally have had serious problems installing in these. Personally, I think it is very easy but that's just because I do them all the time.

I sell the Automate brand from DEI to dealerships. I charge only $225 for the unit, $35 for the Passlock2 bypass, and $35 for the 455g alarm interface. The retail on my unit is around $500 so anything under that would be great. Also, having the dealer do it, they are obligated to fix ANY problems you have later on. Getting it done elsewhere, they might try to push it off on the install.

I just had one where the lights flickered all the time by themselves. The dealer told the customer that they wouldn't fix it because of the aftermarket foglights. The problem was they forgot they paid me to install the aftermarket lights of which had nothing to do with the problem. Boy, was the customer pissed!

[GMMerlin]

Ponchonutty and I have disagreed about these many times...but I am going to give you my thoughts on remote starts.
it breaks down like this...many circuits on your vehicle use a low voltage communication data line (5v to be exact)..any modification to these cicuits can cause an excessive resistance causing a voltage drop across the circuit..the voltage drop effects the communication of the modules and can cause some very strange problems...been there, done that,got the t shirt.
now there are some on here that will want to discredit what I am saying about remote starts and aftermarket alarms (mostly because they sell or install them), but I am telling you from first hand experiance these things are headaches for dealers (matter of fact our dealer refuses to have them installed for customers) and for techs like me that have to diagnose wierd electrical problems.

In addition, GM may not authorize repairs to your vehicle involving componants effected by the remote start system..my suggestion is to not get one...

[ponchonutty]

GMMerlin, I honor and understand your point. The biggest problem is having people that have absolutely no idea what they are doing, trying to hack in a remote start system. People do not realize how much just simple voltmeters and other tools can be crucial to the install.

As for my problem with the TB(I assume you are referring to that), I completely unplugged everything even though I knew it wasn't me but they still have the same problem. Besides, I just used the gray/black wire at the back of the switch to activate a relay. There was no way I was going or having any currant loss or drop. The foglights were powered straight from the car's battery.

As for my remote start installs, I don't hook into much anymore. Just I few wires in the column then the purple wire at the OBDII sensor. That wire gets connected to a module specifically designed for the TB platform. From that module and one wire hookup, I can bypass Passlock2, lock,unlock,arm,disarm,parking lights, and horn just to mention a few.

My area dealers I try to talk to all the techs about once every 6 months about what I do and what I sell. That way they are use to what's going on and understand it. Lack of knowledge leads to major fear in this line of work.

Back to idiots messing with new cars, it's unfortunate. Especially if they know about the Magnuson-Moss Act. For me it's my friend if I have a dealer unable to fix a problem. For a dealer with an idiot that hacks up a car, it can be a nightmare.

Magnuson Moss Act

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Improvement Act, a vehicle manufacturer may not make its vehicle warranty conditional on the use of any brand of security system unless the manufacturer provides the system free of charge or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has specifically published that only the vehicle manufacturer’s product may be used. To challenge a false claim, ask the person to put it in writing, or request the vehicle manufacturer’s security system free of charge. If you are charged for the security system, or they refuse to give you a written statement, there may be a violation of Federal law.

This is the actual language of the act:

No warrantor of a consumer product may condition his written or implied warranty of such product on the consumer’s using, in connection with such product, any article or service (other than article or service provided without charge under the terms of the warranty) which is identified by brand, trade, or corporate name; except that the prohibition of this sub-section may be waived by the Commission if


the warrantor satisfies the Commission that the warranted product will function properly only if the article or service so identified is used in connection with the warranted product, and
the Commission finds that such a waiver is in the public interest.
The district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction of any action brought by the Attorney General (in his capacity as such), or by the Commission by any of its attorneys designated by it for such purpose, to restrain (A) any warrantor from making a deceptive warranty with respect to a consumer product, or (B) any person from failing to comply with any requirement imposed on such person or pursuant to this chapter or from violating any prohibition contained in this chapter.

[vetteguy96]

Thanks for the replies guys. Some very good points. I think I will probably forget it. It sounds like more trouble than it is worth. It is not really the money that bothers me, it sounds like I am at the mercy of the installer. If I get someone that does not know what they are doing , I'm screwed. My wife thinks I can just go out and buy one for $59.99 and install it myself. I am fairly mechanical but I'm not willing to risk it on this one. There are too many things that can go wrong. You guys sound very knowledgable, I wish I could pay you to do it. A friend just had a system put in @ Tweeter, $500. Now his power locks do not work. Thanks again, Guy

[ponchonutty]

Originally Posted by vetteguy96

Thanks for the replies guys. Some very good points. I think I will probably forget it. It sounds like more trouble than it is worth. It is not really the money that bothers me, it sounds like I am at the mercy of the installer. If I get someone that does not know what they are doing , I'm screwed. My wife thinks I can just go out and buy one for $59.99 and install it myself. I am fairly mechanical but I'm not willing to risk it on this one. There are too many things that can go wrong. You guys sound very knowledgable, I wish I could pay you to do it. A friend just had a system put in @ Tweeter, $500. Now his power locks do not work. Thanks again, Guy

Yep, sounds like you might have made the right choice. You could always wait and see how your friend makes out. If the place handles the situation correctly, then I'd go for it. Word of mouth is the only way I go. I only advertise in the local paper around X-mas time and that's it. My bizz'z phone# isn't even published! I'd take a referral over a "seen your ad" call anytime.

Also, the knowledge you gained here can be used when you talk to any shop. If they repeat what is said here, you should be OK.

BTW, just set appointments for 2 more Trailblazers for next week. They are both going with the Python 571xp 2-way responders.

[cme2c]

I had a Python 571 installed in my Envoy XUV recently. Now my "Service 4wd" light is coming on. I took it to the dealer and they " fixed it" Coming back on two days later. Could the Python be causing it???? It was at least a month between the install and the first time I noticed the warning.

Second quick question for the installers out there. I want to have an MP3/CD changer put in. It can't go in the cargo area in an XUV. Will a ten disc changer fit under the passenger seat, or any other suggestions where I could put it???

[jurban9395]

Originally Posted by cme2c

I had a Python 571 installed in my Envoy XUV recently. Now my "Service 4wd" light is coming on. I took it to the dealer and they " fixed it" Coming back on two days later. Could the Python be causing it???? It was at least a month between the install and the first time I noticed the warning.

Second quick question for the installers out there. I want to have an MP3/CD changer put in. It can't go in the cargo area in an XUV. Will a ten disc changer fit under the passenger seat, or any other suggestions where I could put it???

Just to let you know I have been thinking about a remote starter and replacement radio with GPS system. I have had starter and alarm systems installed in the past, but more recently my wife's 97 Grand Prix has encountered problems with the electrical system which according to the local GM dealership is attributed to the Starter / Alarm system. They claim the system is causing interference in the vehicles computer system specifically the low voltage data flow to and from the ancillary systems. However, the installer indicates the equipment he installed could not possibly effect the vehicles, but when I took the car to him to diagnose the problem he ended up replacing the ignition system wiring harness which happens to have been tapped into for power to the starter / alarm. I happen to be a computer technician and have done my fair share of audio installations over the years and have my doubts as to the validity of my installer’s assessment. Additionally, I have my concerns about the integration of the new radio / GPS systems the existing On Star operations as well as affects on the secondary rear passenger radio controls operation.

Any ones input or suggestions on equipment would be appreciated.

By the way I have not as of yet tampered with the vehicle yet, however, I have experienced the same "Service 4wd" light is coming on situation too...perhaps this is indicative of another inherent problem with the truck and not related to your Python 571 installation.

Let me know how you make out on that. Regards J.

[ponchonutty]

Originally Posted by cme2c

I had a Python 571 installed in my Envoy XUV recently. Now my "Service 4wd" light is coming on. I took it to the dealer and they " fixed it" Coming back on two days later. Could the Python be causing it???? It was at least a month between the install and the first time I noticed the warning.

Second quick question for the installers out there. I want to have an MP3/CD changer put in. It can't go in the cargo area in an XUV. Will a ten disc changer fit under the passenger seat, or any other suggestions where I could put it???

Sorry, I don't do a whole lot of changers anymore. Everyone that seems to be in the market for that goes for the XM or Sirus radio.

[ponchonutty]

Originally Posted by jurban9395

Just to let you know I have been thinking about a remote starter and replacement radio with GPS system. I have had starter and alarm systems installed in the past, but more recently my wife's 97 Grand Prix has encountered problems with the electrical system which according to the local GM dealership is attributed to the Starter / Alarm system. They claim the system is causing interference in the vehicles computer system specifically the low voltage data flow to and from the ancillary systems. However, the installer indicates the equipment he installed could not possibly effect the vehicles, but when I took the car to him to diagnose the problem he ended up replacing the ignition system wiring harness which happens to have been tapped into for power to the starter / alarm. I happen to be a computer technician and have done my fair share of audio installations over the years and have my doubts as to the validity of my installer’s assessment. Additionally, I have my concerns about the integration of the new radio / GPS systems the existing On Star operations as well as affects on the secondary rear passenger radio controls operation.

Any ones input or suggestions on equipment would be appreciated.

By the way I have not as of yet tampered with the vehicle yet, however, I have experienced the same "Service 4wd" light is coming on situation too...perhaps this is indicative of another inherent problem with the truck and not related to your Python 571 installation.

Let me know how you make out on that. Regards J.

Well, let me say that I am a serious GM nut. My main vehicle is an '01 Silverado loaded with all kinds of goodies like Python remote start and DVD entertainment system. My Jeep Liberty is my first and last non-GM purchase. The reason I am stating this is because of what I am going to say. Almost all new cars, especially GM's, have major problems with their electrical systems. The worst is the Trailblazer,Envoy,Bravada lines. Those vehicles are so littered with problems it is not funny. With Gm vehicles, if it isn't the Passlock 1,2,3, or 3+ systems going haywire preventing owners from starting there car its the BCM or PCM or any one of the 1,000 sensors, modules, or servos they are hooked to. I work inside many GM dealerships and they all have awsome mechancal techs but everyone of them cringes the idea tracing down a electrical problem. Heck, even GM's techline people will ask right up front if you have an electrical problem to the dealer..."is there any aftermarket items installed especially a remote start..." The sad thing is that nothing is noted if there ISN't anything installed but the minute there is, it's emediately the RS or what ever else that's aftermarket. End of rant!!!!

Sorry about this guys

[theaudiocartist]

I have been doing car audio/security for 18 years now..I have had exactly 1 problem with a gm(03 escalade,maybe 02..anyway..) the instrument cluster was dropping out intermittently..I have seen huge keychains actually turn the ign to off,that wasnt it..he went to 3 different dealers,
at least 3 different non-dealer shops,no one could find it,they ALL said it was my contraption..Iv'e done at LEAST 100 databus GM R/S's.. i tried checking power from the ign switch with my snappy vantage,leaving it in the car,and having the customer save data..to no avail..
turned out it was a ground on the rear of the intake! it took a car audio guy to find it..well i am ford eec4,and nissan eec trained..but that was a while ago..
otherwise,some user error here and there,but to get to the point....
IF you find a competent installer,you SHOULDN'T have any problems..
I would suggest only a remote start,with the proper databus interface(see:www.bypasskit.com)
they have keyless bypasses for the passkey 3,and they have some that easily roll windows up/down(pending vehicle) and arm/disarm the factory security system..i would just add a shock sensor ,make it panic the vehicle(again,the databus interface allows for this) use the second stage for this(the harder strike setting/wire,then hook the pre-warn stage directly to the horn wire(w/a relay..) the shock is the major missing component to the factory security system..starter kill doesnt do you much good(passkey...passlock..,and on the envoy,the anti grind isnt needed either! try grinding the starter,it won't!(antigrind is a feature that prevents you from grinding the starter when remote started..your first reaction to getting in the vehicle is to turn it to start,so if you do,you wont hurt the starter..)
enough babbling..you get the idea..
if in doubt,use your head..if you even THINK the guy you want to do it is not 100% knowledgeable,dont do it! you have already resolved to not do it,so just take your time,and ask alot of questions!
Part of me thinking i am a "know-it-all" is knowing i dont know it all!!!
so if the guy has a question,or reservation,this isnt always a bad thing!
I have only done 1 merc I/R key r/s(cost the guy over 3500 dollars,but i made sure i told him i (nor many others!) have never done one...Needed an entire other ign system,hidden in vehicle,and one HECK of a relay bank,and 3 days of research with my vantage,and alot of paper!!
it can ALL be done,you just need to find the person! they are out there..this is my life,and i make it known(didn't i say enough babbling a little while ago?)..
L8r CarPeople..