Factory Remote Start Extender?

mdrew · May 7, 2015

I'd like to get more range from the factory remote start and two way comms to the key fob. Call me lazy, but sometimes I just don't want to be screwing around with a smart phone and the Onstar app. One of the local truck accessory shops sells one. He says its basically an antenna that attached to the windshield, and there is an adapter that just connects to the factory remote start. Two options, one with a range of a half mile, the other has a one mile range. Before I give him to nod to get this ordered, I thought I might ask about other options first, and if anyone has done this mod. I did not get the manufacture name, but can when I call him back.

SouthernSilveradoGuy85 · May 7, 2015

Well you have to press the lock button on the fob first before it will remote start so unless you can extend that also then this would be useless. Unless it can bypass the lock button, but I'd rather have to press the lock button so I don't accidentally press the start button and have the truck run for no reason.

austingta · May 7, 2015

The Viper One (maybe different part name now) will work for a really long way and is a two way remote. Not factory, clearly, but good. I had one in my 2008. Great alarm too.

Darmichar · May 7, 2015

As much as I hate to type this, the OnStar app will remote start the truck from anywhere you have a cell (or wifi) signal with your phone.

I called and cancelled the free OnStar trial it pissed me off so bad, but that *is* an option.

mdrew · May 7, 2015

I do have OnStar. Sometimes cell receptions sucks where I live. Plus, I'd rather just hit the remote button at times. I had a similar system in my 08 Denali, and it worked great. The remote was programed to just hit one button, one time. Had to hold it for a couple seconds is all...

Darmichar · May 7, 2015

I do have OnStar. Sometimes cell receptions sucks where I live. Plus, I'd rather just hit the remote button at times. I had a similar system in my 08 Denali, and it worked great. The remote was programed to just hit one button, one time. Had to hold it for a couple seconds is all...

Well, if you do decide to go with a range extender, I'd be interested to know how well it works. I refuse to pay for OnStar's 'service' and would love to start my truck from the office in the winter.

mdrew · May 7, 2015

Well, if you do decide to go with a range extender, I'd be interested to know how well it works. I refuse to pay for OnStar's 'service' and would love to start my truck from the office in the winter.

Oh I'm gunna have it installed..... I, like you, do not wish to be held hostage by OnStar. I just got rid of a Ram that had their pitiful version of OnStar (U=connect), and it was the same thing. It was ridiculous. I'd spend five friggin minutes getting the phone to connect wit the truck, then hit the start button to only have the start command hit the truck as I was walking up to it ten minutes later....ten below zero, snow, ice covered windshield... Screw these phone/remote start things.

txchevy4ever · May 7, 2015

Remote start is free. No subscription required. All you have to do is use it once during the free trial.

tyrich88 · May 7, 2015

Remote start is free. No subscription required. All you have to do is use it once during the free trial.

You are referring to the Onstar remote start correct?

txchevy4ever · May 7, 2015

You are referring to the Onstar remote start correct?

Correct... it's good for 5 years from the activation of the app in the trial period, regardless of if you get a subscription.

TJay74 · May 8, 2015

Exactly, as long as you use the App once during the free trial it is free for the next 5 years. Nothing else will beat that system in the long run.

mdrew · May 8, 2015

Talked to my accessory guy today. The remote extender is made by Viper. It adds one mile of range. Consists of an antenna that mounts to the windshield, and that communicates to a module via RF. The module just plugs into the OEM wiring harness directly with no splicing. The kit comes with two fobs. One is digital and the other is a back up, with no screen. My installer will swap out the back up with a digital for a small price adder. I'll be having this installed in a couple weeks when the canopy and wheels/tires show up at his shop. http://www.viper.com/car/remotestart/product/4706v/viper-lcd-2-way-remote-start-system

morrislee · May 10, 2015

This looks dangerous, but anyone tried this on the new remotes? LOL

austingta · May 10, 2015

This looks dangerous, but anyone tried this on the new remotes? LOL

50K+ truck...why not a gangsta mod?!!?

mjj · May 10, 2015

Talked to my accessory guy today. The remote extender is made by Viper. It adds one mile of range. Consists of an antenna that mounts to the windshield, and that communicates to a module via RF. The module just plugs into the OEM wiring harness directly with no splicing. The kit comes with two fobs. One is digital and the other is a back up, with no screen. My installer will swap out the back up with a digital for a small price adder. I'll be having this installed in a couple weeks when the canopy and wheels/tires show up at his shop. http://www.viper.com/car/remotestart/product/4706v/viper-lcd-2-way-remote-start-system

I wish I would have got the viper instead of the dealer installed factory remote. What waste it is. Poor range and doesn't work with the OnStar App. Good to know the Viper can be added onto the factory one. Let us know how it works out.