Anybody installed a VSL 4200 alarm in 01 or 02?

Markeaux · June 19, 2003

Has anyone installed a VSL 4200 alarm in their 01 or 02 that already had keyless entry? I have heard it just plugs right in between an existing harness so wondering if it's something I can do of if I have to get it professionally installed.

Pics of the unit show remote keyless entry key fobs but I already have same so wondering if that functionality will interfere with the existing keyless entry system.

VSL 4200

GM# 12497742

woyster_00z71 · June 19, 2003

I installed a GM VSC3400 add-on alarm to my '01 Tahoe a few weeks ago. My Tahoe had the factory keyless entry system and the VSC3400 plugged into that system with just a couple wiring harnesses. Very easy installation that I did myself and I have never installed an alarm before. The only thing I had to do was mount the siren and run the wires to the brain. It still uses the stock keyless entry key-fobs. I picked mine up on ebay for $60 and it works great!

B.J.

MountaineerTom · June 19, 2003

BJ

I got mine earlier this week, but havn't got to install it, and have a couple questions for you.

Were you able to run the wires for the siren through the factory grommet in the firewall?

Is there plenty of room undert he dash to mount the boxes that come in the kit?

I'm thinking about mounting my LED on the overhead console, between the front map lights or on the face plate I made for my cd changer controls and making a quick disconnect up there so I can unhook it if I need to remove the overhead console. I had to drill a hole in my Denali dash bezel.

woyster_00z71 · June 19, 2003

Tom,

I was able to take a screwdriver and pry back the large factory grommet. I then pushed the siren wire through that opening...worked great with no drilling. I then installed the siren on the passenger side under the hood hinge and ran the wire under the insulation all the way to the grommet.

I found there to be plenty of room for the boxes. I kinda forced the larger box under the lower dash piece and I mounted the alarm brain to a crossmember down there. However, a friend told me to move the brain and attach it to a wire bundle under the dash somewhere since the shock sensor is in the brain and the wire bundles are more sensitive to shock although they aren't as sensitive to thunder. I have yet to move it though.

Your location for the LED sounds interesting. You will have to extend the wires but that is no big deal. My Tahoe had a quasi-alarm installed before I got it. It was basically just an on/off switch, an ignition cut-off, and an LED. Anyway, there was already a hole in my dash bezel with the LED. I used this LED instead of the one that came with the alarm because the LED bulb would slide out of the housing enabling the dash bezel to be easily removed.

One thing I forgot to add was the toggle switch. I mounted it to an existing hole directly under and a little to the right of the steering column. Again, no holes drilled.

It really is a very simple install. With all of the mods you have performed so far, it should be a no-brainer. Good luck!

B.J.

MountaineerTom · June 20, 2003

Sounds good. I've seen that gromett before, but never really looked at it closely, but I figured I could go through there.

I didn't even realize the kit came with that little switch. Your mounting location doesn't lend to hitting it with your leg while driving, does it? If not, sounds like a good place to mount.

Hopefully I'll get a little time this weekend to mess with it. Thanks.

GnatGoSplat · June 20, 2003

I don't think VSL4200 is the easy plug-in kit.

I'm pretty sure VSL4200 is what i installed in my wife's old car, and it is a complete alarm/keyless entry manufactured by DEI. It just had a big wire harness and a bunch of loose wires that you had to splice into factory wiring.

Like the other guys have said, VSC3400 is the easy plug-in kit.

Markeaux · June 20, 2003

I don't think VSL4200 is the easy plug-in kit.
I'm pretty sure VSL4200 is what i installed in my wife's old car, and it is a complete alarm/keyless entry manufactured by DEI. It just had a big wire harness and a bunch of loose wires that you had to splice into factory wiring.

Like the other guys have said, VSC3400 is the easy plug-in kit.

OK man I really needed to know that! Thanks!!

I saw the VSL4200 as an option on an 01 Sierra Pro http://media.gm.com/news/releases/011029_sierra.html and on the 02 Tahoe http://www.jerrybarkerchevrolet.com/Tah%2002.pdf so thought it would be a simple plugin, too. Now I also see on that latter link that the 3400 specifies itself as the simple plugin harness version.

And the info and pics at https://www.1stchevyparts.com/acatalog/Onli...ystems_116.html aren't much help.

Does anybody know where this line of alarms is (well) documented? I thought for sure one of the 4xxx alarms was the simple "plug in-between two existing long connectors" type but then also had the separate wires for led and siren.

woyster_00z71 · June 20, 2003

I had a hard time finding any information on the GM alarms myself before I bought the one on ebay. I just decided that I would take a chance on it and it turned out great. Very simple install with all the features of aftermarket alarms.

Tom: The location of that switch is such that is doesn't get in the way of my legs. It is also hidden so that it isn't easy to find either. I guess I just lucked into the mounting hole down there but it seems to be working pretty good. I think I did have to use a washer on one side of the switch to make it hold onto the larger hole a little better though.

B.J.