Viper 5901 Remote Start Question

[CamaroCleve]

Ok. I should've done my own research (rather than trusting the opinions of BestBuy's "experts") but I was told that I would have to purchase the 5901 Viper model (with 1 mile Remote Start) in order to have both the 1 way and 2-way digital remote, so I found a new model for purchase on Ebay. The installation guy told me that I also must purchase a Universal Start Interface Module that you have to place your key in, and its hidden in the car (which I also found cheaper on Ebay) in order to get the remote start to work.

I told the BestBuy guy that my car came with remote start standard, and gave him my spare flip key...the next day, he tells me that because of how the key is made by GM, it can't be used for the remote start...he also says that GM doesn't make "regular" flat keys that can be used (which was also confirmed by my dealership). This is AFTER he DESTROYED my spare key (BestBuy is reimbursing me for it), but essentially, as of now I cant even use the 1 mile Radius Viper Remote Start......

Is there anyway around this to get the Viper Remote Start to work?

Thanks in advance!!

[spi]

this may be a dumb question...but y do u want to put a remote start on a car that has remote start?

[CamaroCleve]

spi, thats not a dumb question, since its the same question I asked prior to buying the alarm system. I wanted a similar system WITHOUT remote start (since I already had it). Bestbuy told me that system didn't exist, so because I figured I didn't have a choice, I bought the one with remote start, and figured the 1 mile radius on the Viper remote start was a perk (since the remote start that comes standard with the car does not go that far.)

[SRFnSNO]

I had to give up a key fob to get the Viper to work.
The camaro will not take comands from a external sorce due to the codes & chip set in ignition.

I went to the dealer for general service @1500 mile; picked up a 3rd Fob and had all 3 matched. One is now in camaro Viper workes fine.

The companys that do the firm ware at the time did not have the correct Info on the 2010 so no good firm ware. I do not know where they stand now.

My $0.02

[CamaroCleve]

@SRFnSNO-Thanks for the info!

[strauchpete]

Idata link has a bypass for the car that from what I have read works fine.
Also ... come on what did you expect from best buy they are just some person off the street they are not anything close to specialists.

If you wanted a 2 way digital remote 5901 and 5902 are the only ones offered by viper.

As for ebay.... how to even start with this, I run a retail store and we do not price match online prices, you have no exchange warranty from online, viper does not authorize online selling via ebay or any site like that so you will not have the life time warranty like if you buy it from a retailer.

I agree with the saying you get what you pay for.
If you save $50 on a 5902 off ebay, say you then take it to a shop and the unit is bad, you not have to spend the money for the shops time, and most shops wont give you any warranty on non store bought equipment, now have to contact the seller, if they will respond to you, you will have to ship it back, wait a couple weeks for a new ones and then start all over again. When if you get it done at a retail store if there is a bad one they will just put another one in right then and there.

Some things are good to buy off line like from ebay, BUT I would never buy electronics you never know what you are getting.

[SS Drifter]

CamaroCleve, I ran into the same road block and decided to hold off until the alarm companies caught up the Camaro. IMO, it just a bad idea to leave a key FOB in the car to defeat the build-in security so you can add aftermarket security. Strauchpete is right about ebay and grey market stuff. I went through a similar experience with an ebay purchased cell phone. When I had trouble the mfg would not warranty it.

[CamaroCleve]

SS Drifter and Strautchpete, thanks for the feedback...and I agree, I HATE the idea of having a Keyfob ANYWHERE in the car, "hidden" or not!!!

SRFnSNO- How did they manage to get the keyfob to work in the car?

[SRFnSNO]

They did it old school.
The way it was done before Co. started writing Firm ware and interfaces.

I waited 6 months for the Co. to come out with a Firm ware that worked with the 2010. So finally gave in and got it finished up.

[spi]

i'm in pretty good with a local shop that installs remote starts and security systems. they install avital systems and as far as i know they have a set up for security systems with out the remote start, but i dont know for sure i can find out for you next time i talk to them if u want. now idk if they have the firm ware or not

[FIREWOLFF]

Avital is owned by the same company that owns Viper they are using the same bypass unit just re-badged for Avital. Stauche is right when saying you shouldn't buy off ebay or most online sites for that matter. There are only a few authorized online dealers and always research the products website to see if the online dealers is legit. You always get what you pay for.