Alarm Installed

woyster_00z71 · May 31, 2003

Well, I just finished installing a GM VSC3400 alarm in my Tahoe. This is an alarm that adds on to and works with the factory keyless entry system. It was a very easy install. Comes with wiring harnesses that plug in-line with the keyless entry system. The only wire I had to cut/splice was for the siren. I got it on ebay for $60 and it took me about 3 hours to install (un-experienced alarm installer). I would recommend it to anyone wanting to put an alarm on their GM truck.

B.J.

Muskoka · June 1, 2003

Does it list anywhere in the documentation that came with the system what years/models that particular system can be installed in?

I'm looking to add a system like that to my '96 Yukon with factory keyless entry and have seen both the VSC3400 and VSC3300 systems on eBay but can't really tell what the differences are.

Someone told me they don't think I can add the 3400, but were not able to say why (which suggests to me tht they didn't know in the first place )

Thanks

MountaineerTom · June 1, 2003

How do you know what all systems work with certain vehicles? I've seen 2400, 3300, 3400, 4200. I know those are all different level systems, but how do you know which ones will work with our trucks?

Muskoka · June 1, 2003

I just stumbled onto the GMPartsDirect Forum here and posted the question there (specifically about my '96 but it's a start). We'll see what they come back with.

woyster_00z71 · June 1, 2003

I just looked up GM alarm on ebay and the VSC3400 told me what models it worked on. It is only for new body style trucks. The instructions even show a dashboard drawing and it is of a 99+ truck.

1999-2002 SILVERADO

1999-2002 TAHOE & YUKON

1999-2002 SUBURBAN

1999-2002 SIERRA

2001-2002 AVALANCHE

with Factory Keyless Entry System

There is also a VSC3200 I was looking at but I determined that it isn't the plug and play version that the VSC3400 is. It says that it will work with any vehicle, GM or not. So to me that means it is all hard wired. The VSC3400 has a bunch of wiring harnesses with plugs that plug directly into your truck.

I didn't research all of the models you listed Tom, but I think the VSC3400 is the only one with the wiring harnesses that plug directly into our trucks which makes it the easiest to install.

B.J.

MountaineerTom · June 1, 2003

Cool, thanks for the info.

MountaineerTom · June 1, 2003

Also, does it come with new Keyless enty FOB's, or do you use your old ones?

woyster_00z71 · June 1, 2003

It doesn't come with new remotes...it works with the factory key fobs. My Tahoe only came with one when I bought it so my mom sent me two from her Suburban that she wasn't using and I programed them to work with the keyless entry system.

The only thing I would like the alarm to do is lock the doors when the alarm arms itself passively. This takes the relay kit that costs $12.50 from partszoneonline.com. I may have to do that sometime in the future.

B.J.

MountaineerTom · June 1, 2003

The only thing I would like the alarm to do is lock the doors when the alarm arms itself passively.

I'm sure what that means, could you explain it more.

mark w · June 2, 2003

Many alarms work in what is called a passive mode. Basically they arm themselves. Say you go to the store and when you get out you forget to hit the alarm button. The passive alarm will arm itself after a certain time (usually around 45 seconds). I guess what the previos poster was saying is that when this alarm arms itself it does not lock the doors.

MountaineerTom · June 2, 2003

Ah, I see. Sounds interesting.

woyster_00z71 · June 2, 2003

Yes, Mark W would be correct. I want the alarm to lock the doors in passive mode. It still arms and everything but doesn't lock the doors. I seem to forget to press the button quite often to set the alarm and lock the doors so the alarm has to do it for me. Anyway, I will just have to spend the $12.50 and get the GM relay accessories kit.

B.J.

Markeaux · July 27, 2003

I just installed a VSC3400 in my 01 Tahoe. Everything seems to be working fine with it except the the shock sensor - it does not seem to be very sensitive and it is adjusted all the way to max sensitivity (I tried it at both extremes) ... in fact it has not alarmed at all in any of my bump and kick tests.

Shouldn't there at least be a 1st stage of minor alarms for minor bumps, etc? For those of you who have the 3400, how sensitive is yours?

points · July 28, 2003

Mine was so sensitive that to was setting itself off every half a hour or so. I turned it down almost all the way and it works better. It will beep if the hit the cab hard and i mean hard. I do not want to go off if it rains hard. I'm happy

BTW... where did everyone put the shock sensor at?? I put mine by the e-brake on the metal support thing.

Markeaux · July 28, 2003

I loosely strapped mine to some cable harnesses under the dash near the ebrake. I had it securely strapped but then loosened it as the instructions say not to attach it solidly to a mount point. I guess mine is not working properly - maybe that's why it was selling for so low on ebay (I was the only bidder and got it for $25).

I just tested it by slightly tapping the shock sensor and the alarm went off. I guess I need to find a better way/place to mount it. I can really slam on the outside panels/bumper and it won't go off.

Points - Is yours mounted horizontally, vertically, diagonally or what? mine was horizontal, now it's sort of diagonal (thinking if it hung looser on one side it would be more sensitive). Please tell me how you mounted it and where - I see the steel bracket between the brake release and ebrake, is that where you strapped it?