extended range remote start

trevsilv14 · July 30, 2015

Hey guys I'm on the fence regarding remote start. Either OEM 22997089 extended range or a viper 2 way 1 mile installed at bestbuy. Definitely want good range since I work on 8th floor of hospital and truck is parked way out in lot where I often can't even see it. Is the extended range OEM very good or should I go with viper. Both should end up costing around same (roughly 380-400). Thanx for any advice.

SteveBBB · July 30, 2015

Did you install the OnStar app on your phone? It works great from any distance there is phone reception and tells you when the truck starts if you can't see it.

kevin_nj · July 30, 2015

I wouldn't let any best buy touch my truck under any circumstance. MAYBE if I was in the shop supervising.

I'm in a similar situation where my truck is parked too far away. I love the OnStar app. The BEST part of it hands down though is making sure my my furd driving coworker sees me using it.

Not sure about your 2014, but with my 2015, the remote start portion is free for 5 years as long as it was used once within the first x months. That feature was not well publicized, but I know it's been discussed on here before.

Britt Lifsey · July 30, 2015

I wouldn't let any best buy touch my truck under any circumstance. MAYBE if I was in the shop supervising.

I'm in a similar situation where my truck is parked too far away. I love the OnStar app. The BEST part of it hands down though is making sure my my furd driving coworker sees me using it.

Not sure about your 2014, but with my 2015, the remote start portion is free for 5 years as long as it was used once within the first x months. That feature was not well publicized, but I know it's been discussed on here before.

Big smile on the coworker seeing you

My salesman had me install app and do the remote start on delivery day to be sure it worked and I got the 5 yr feature in.

srheug · July 30, 2015

Another great thing about the Onstar App is remote unlock. My wife has locked her self out of our truck twice and I've unlocked it from work, 12 miles away. No distance limitations.

MikeNH · July 30, 2015

OnStar app worked great. No distance limitation. Just to try I did the remote start command while I was in Saudi Arabia. Obviously I couldn't verify it but it did say the remote start was successful.

And back on topic, say no to best buy. Go to a real car accessory shop.

Stevens03 · July 30, 2015

The extended range remote isn't worth it in my opinion. I had it on my last truck and the remote is huge, and the range isn't too much better than stock. The OnStar app is awesome. Anywhere at any time you can start and unlock your truck. It also gives you a confirmation that the vehicle is running. Hands down I'd do that over either..

If you have to have a remote, then viper is number 1 in my book, but as stated, I wouldn't let bestbuy ever touch your trucks. Find an authorized viper installer.

SteveBBB · July 30, 2015

A few months ago, I was 80 miles from home and called my wife. She said she was in the garage potting flowers next to my truck, so after I hung up I remotely honked the horn. She didn't think it was near as funny as I did.

ember1205 · July 30, 2015

I wouldn't let Best Buy touch my vehicle in any capacity for any reason if THEY paid ME. Used to work in retail, and I can't tell you how many horror stories were told to me about their audio install clowns.

14 Silverado · July 30, 2015

OnStar app

trevsilv14 · July 30, 2015

Thanx guys for all the replies especially stevens14 with info on actual extended range performance. I have already heard that standard oem rs wasnt good but thot maybe extended might be better. I was kinda wanting to keep it stock appearing and it would be a gm dealer to install. Unfortunately for me i never used or downloaded onstar app during trial because i didnt have rs and also i could unlock doors with keyfob. Are u sure onstar app wouldnt work if i got onstar reactivated for say a 6 month retrial period at cheap rate. Really dont care for onstar otherwise however i do like my discount xm radio. As far as viper goes i know from many people testimony that it does work great, esp with range. Our local bestbuy installer has a really good reputation. His name is rocky and id make sure he did my install. He has done several of my coworkers to their highest praises. I guess i do feel bestbuy is a huge insured corporation unlike some of the smaller local shops. Anyway thanx again guys.

SteveBBB · July 31, 2015

Call OnStar and ask them. I didn't renew mine, but they have sent me 2 or 3 cheap offers since then.

Newfydad · August 4, 2015

The Onstar customer service people are pretty reasonable if you talk to them nicely. My Onstar trial had expired before I learned about the RemoteLink Mobile App. I called them and explained that I didnt really have a need for an Onstar subscription but I'd really like to use RemoteLink for remote start and remote lock/unlock. They re-activated my Onstar for 2 more months for free and walked me through the installation and use of the RemoteLink App on my Samsung smartphone. The lady spent over half an hour with me, and didnt end the call until I tolally understood how everything worked (she had me try out the remote start and lock features while she was on the phone to make sure it was working ok) and, overall, I thought the service and attitude was terrific considering I wasnt spending a penny. BTW the App works great!

jay15892 · August 5, 2015

The app is way faster on the 2015 with the 4G LTE.

savageman46 · August 18, 2015

It sounds like you can remote start from the app even if your truck doesn't have it on the fob. I don't have that. Am I missing something or reading it wrong? I've been looking into adding the factory plug in system number 22997089.