Dealer installed Remote Start.

[anrios]

I know this has been discussed before; and that remote start can, in-fact, be added to trucks that didn't have it from the factory. Actually, I don't care about the Remote Start itself, I just want Keyless Entry but figure I might as well go the whole way. My problem is convincing the dealer to do it. I have a 2018 1500 "Custom". It has power locks, windows, and the TPMS. I have the installation instructions from the Chevy website; and it seems clear that even in a truck without AQQ, all that is required is programming. I have been on the phone several times with my local dealer's service department and they keep promising to call me back, which they don't follow up with.

Earlier today I was told the kit wasn't available, and wouldn't be for over a month. When I told the service manager that I actually had the kit, he got extremely annoyed and said he would call me back. (I don't think that's going to happen). 

I'm in Northern CA (SF Bay Area). Has anyone near me done this, or does anyone know of a dealer in the area that has a decent service department? I'm willing to spend the day driving and waiting to deal with someone who doesn't think this is impossible...

[lowpro]

Absolutely, they should be able to do this for you. We just had a remote start installed on the wife’s 2018 Acadia. Ordered the fobs at the parts counter and scheduled the install at service. https://accessories.chevrolet.com/product/2018/Chevrolet/Silverado 1500/remote-start-kit-84424015?categoryId=12001

[tbarn]

 

 

22901614

Kit Usage

This kit adds remote start to vehicles without option BTV. The vehicle must also have AQQ and an Automatic Transmission. Both can be verified by using GM Vehicle Inquiry System (GMVIS). For proper operation of the remote vehicle start system, a hood status-switch equipped hood latch is required. For 2014 to 2016 light duty trucks only, a jumper harness addition is also required in order to complete circuit 109, Hood Status Signal to the Body Control Module. Adding remote vehicle start also requires programming of the vehicle. This is done using the Service Programming System. The installer must call TCSC to obtain a VCI number. United States and Canada (English) 1-800-828-6860 Canada (French) 1-800-503-3222. The TCSC will provide a Vehicle Configuration Index (VCI). The VCI is good for only one specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You must have the vehicle’s VIN that will be upgraded and the Authorization Code from the label on the Installation Instruction Sheet included with the kit. This will allow you to access the software to enable the remote vehicle start option.

Programming of vehicles that do not have Keyless Entry (AQQ) will require additional calibrations to be updated to add the Keyless Entry feature so that the Remote Start feature will work properly. TCSC can provide the software reconfiguration to add keyless entry to the vehicle. There is a reconfiguration fee associated with this change.

[lowpro]

1 hour ago, tbarn said:

22901614

Kit Usage

This kit adds remote start to vehicles without option BTV. The vehicle must also have AQQ and an Automatic Transmission. Both can be verified by using GM Vehicle Inquiry System (GMVIS). For proper operation of the remote vehicle start system, a hood status-switch equipped hood latch is required. For 2014 to 2016 light duty trucks only, a jumper harness addition is also required in order to complete circuit 109, Hood Status Signal to the Body Control Module. Adding remote vehicle start also requires programming of the vehicle. This is done using the Service Programming System. The installer must call TCSC to obtain a VCI number. United States and Canada (English) 1-800-828-6860 Canada (French) 1-800-503-3222. The TCSC will provide a Vehicle Configuration Index (VCI). The VCI is good for only one specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You must have the vehicle’s VIN that will be upgraded and the Authorization Code from the label on the Installation Instruction Sheet included with the kit. This will allow you to access the software to enable the remote vehicle start option.

Programming of vehicles that do not have Keyless Entry (AQQ) will require additional calibrations to be updated to add the Keyless Entry feature so that the Remote Start feature will work properly. TCSC can provide the software reconfiguration to add keyless entry to the vehicle. There is a reconfiguration fee associated with this change

 

[duquephart]

On 12/21/2018 at 5:11 PM, anrios said:

I know this has been discussed before; and that remote start can, in-fact, be added to trucks that didn't have it from the factory. Actually, I don't care about the Remote Start itself, I just want Keyless Entry but figure I might as well go the whole way. My problem is convincing the dealer to do it. I have a 2018 1500 "Custom". It has power locks, windows, and the TPMS. I have the installation instructions from the Chevy website; and it seems clear that even in a truck without AQQ, all that is required is programming. I have been on the phone several times with my local dealer's service department and they keep promising to call me back, which they don't follow up with.

Earlier today I was told the kit wasn't available, and wouldn't be for over a month. When I told the service manager that I actually had the kit, he got extremely annoyed and said he would call me back. (I don't think that's going to happen). 

I'm in Northern CA (SF Bay Area). Has anyone near me done this, or does anyone know of a dealer in the area that has a decent service department? I'm willing to spend the day driving and waiting to deal with someone who doesn't think this is impossible...

 

"I'll call you back" is dealerspeak for "f--- off".

[anrios]

5 minutes ago, duquephart said:

"I'll call you back" is dealerspeak for "f--- off

I have pretty much come to that conclusion... I’ve also decided that service managers and parts managers are extremely lazy. (I know that’s a huge generalization; but oh well). I have the parts and know this can be done, but these guys act like I’m the idiot. 

I hav always liked Chevy, but these guys are making me rethink that.

Merry F’n Christmas...

 

Really though, Merry Christmas. I’ll find a service department somewhere that will help me out...

[duquephart]

29 minutes ago, anrios said:

I have pretty much come to that conclusion... I’ve also decided that service managers and parts managers are extremely lazy. (I know that’s a huge generalization; but oh well). I have the parts and know this can be done, but these guys act like I’m the idiot. 

I hav always liked Chevy, but these guys are making me rethink that.

Merry F’n Christmas...

 

Really though, Merry Christmas. I’ll find a service department somewhere that will help me out...

 

Already having the parts might have something to do with it. Kind of like bringing some bread dough to a bakery.

[anrios]

23 minutes ago, duquephart said:

Already having the parts might have something to do with it. Kind of like bringing some bread dough to a bakery

Maybe, maybe not. Originally I didn't have the parts. I just told them what I wanted to do; told them I had seen the kit on the Chevy website, and gave them a part number. The first response was "that's just fobs, won't do anything for you..." When I respectfully asked that they look into it some more, the did, and said they would try and figure out how long a tech. might take to do this, and call me back. (Which they never did...) I just went ahead and ordered the part because it was on sale online. Then I called them back... and that's where we are. If they were interested in making the money on the parts they shouldn't have been a..holes.

[duquephart]

28 minutes ago, anrios said:

Maybe, maybe not. Originally I didn't have the parts. I just told them what I wanted to do; told them I had seen the kit on the Chevy website, and gave them a part number. The first response was "that's just fobs, won't do anything for you..." When I respectfully asked that they look into it some more, the did, and said they would try and figure out how long a tech. might take to do this, and call me back. (Which they never did...) I just went ahead and ordered the part because it was on sale online. Then I called them back... and that's where we are. If they were interested in making the money on the parts they shouldn't have been a..holes.

 

You'd think there would be book time somewhere, although probably pretty ridiculous. They clearly aren't interested.

[Leevon]

Maybe go in person and find an advisor who is friendly.  Or you can find an independent shop with programming ability.  Anybody with current GM subscriptions and the right hardware can do it.  

[tbarn]

7 hours ago, Leevon said:

Maybe go in person and find an advisor who is friendly.  Or you can find an independent shop with programming ability.  Anybody with current GM subscriptions and the right hardware can do it.  

Not always. In the OP's case, the person would have to have Techline availability. Not just anyone can call there. Standard programming will not work. Techline has to update the VIN to reflect the added option. Not that is all that complicated but there is a charge for it. The dealers are being stupid. There are bulletins to explain it all. Just be prepaired to pay for the programming and the Techline upcharge.

[EZTundra77]

9 hours ago, Leevon said:

Maybe go in person and find an advisor who is friendly.  Or you can find an independent shop with programming ability.  Anybody with current GM subscriptions and the right hardware can do it.  

I would agree with this.  However, I have only once had an aftermarket shop do remote start once.  Reputable shop.  I had been told of a strange malfunction that cause the remote system to fail to recognize the vehicle had started and just kept trying.  Sure enough, one day I came out and the car was just repeatedly grinding the starter every 3 seconds.  Bad.  But I'm not sure newer cars let the starter engage once started.  I would just look into that.

[Leevon]

On 12/26/2018 at 1:07 PM, tbarn said:

Not always. In the OP's case, the person would have to have Techline availability. Not just anyone can call there. Standard programming will not work. Techline has to update the VIN to reflect the added option. Not that is all that complicated but there is a charge for it. The dealers are being stupid. There are bulletins to explain it all. Just be prepaired to pay for the programming and the Techline upcharge.

Us independents can do it no problem as long as we have current TDS subscriptions.  I will say we probably sit on hold a lot longer than the dealers lol.  I did it on my own, not really any different than updating other calibrations the only difference is we have to call with the code in the kit.   Got the VCI calibration download, updated the BCM and good to go.  Hardest part was updating the firmware I use to operate MDI from my laptop, always seems to be something expired.  I probably wouldn't want to do this infrequently just due to the time it takes vs. what I could charge.  But I would if a customer requested.    

[tbarn]

Not to worry. Dealers wait too. It has gotten better in the last year or so. Now they want to do it by email. "We'll get back to you in within 24 hours or so." Not so good for waiters. Which all seem to be.I did do a deep dive and found no bulletins though. Just the instructions that come with the kit ( or are downloaded ). As a guy who spent 36 years between 3 dealers, I am constantly astounded when I read these posts on this forum. A lot of the things  I read about what dealers do, I thought went the way of the 60's. Would never get away with them at the shops I worked at.

[anrios]

On 12/26/2018 at 11:07 AM, tbarn said:

Not always. In the OP's case, the person would have to have Techline availability. Not just anyone can call there. Standard programming will not work. Techline has to update the VIN to reflect the added option. Not that is all that complicated but there is a charge for it. The dealers are being stupid. There are bulletins to explain it all. Just be prepaired to pay for the programming and the Techline upcharge.

I’ve kind of given up on this for now. Maybe I’ll try different service departments in the coming months. It seems to me that the cost of the “kit” is mostly for the programming (from GM), as the kit only includes the fobs. I know the installing dealer would still charge their hourly fee also. An older version of the kit included the hood latch, but no more. I believe 2018 trucks already have the latch with the sensor in them. The other part that makes me think this is that the instructions clearly say if vehicle is not equipped with AQQ; there is an “added” fee for programming to enable remote door lock/unlock so that auto-start will function correctly.

 

I met the owner of my local dealer a couple years ago, seemed like a very nice person. He knew my employer at the time. Makes one wonder if he knows, or cares what his service department is like.