Remote Starter for Avalanche

HelmutK · August 27, 2001

I just had a DEI (Valet) remote starter installed in my Avalanche by a supposedly reputable local auto accessory store. Problem is that the factory alarm gets confused and is set off if I use anything other than the DEI remote to lock/unlock the truck. The installer claims the Avalanche has no factory alarm bypass wire so I have to avoid using the factory remote or door locks. Does this sound correct?

Thanks...

adrianmt75 · August 30, 2001

Quote: from HelmutK on 1:32 pm on Aug. 27, 2001
I just had a DEI (Valet) remote starter installed in my Avalanche by a supposedly reputable local auto accessory store. Problem is that the factory alarm gets confused and is set off if I use anything other than the DEI remote to lock/unlock the truck. The installer claims the Avalanche has no factory alarm bypass wire so I have to avoid using the factory remote or door locks. Does this sound correct?

Thanks...

That's incorrect. My truck is the exact opposite. My DEI remote for the Valet remote start will initiate my alarm or panic mode (no one has figured it out which one it is yet) whenever it wants to. There is no set pattern relative to my alarm sounding when I press the lock/unlock button on the DEI pad. Some times it triggers sometime it doesn't. The only way I can get it to stop is to turn the truck on with the remote start.

I imagine you have to press your unlock key on your factory remote either three or five times to initiate the remote start timer. Right? I had mine configured for five times initially but my truck would turn over if you hit the button three times. Which quite a few of us are prone to due if we do not see our corners flash. So I went back to the shop and had it set for three. With the three setting the truck would start constantly when I didn’t want it to being it was so close to two. The shop had no answers or solutions for any of these issues. Now I use the DEI remote to start my truck then I use the factory remote to unlock it. It’s a bit cumbersome but it works.

I've heard that GM has been slow releasing the wiring schematics for their new trucks (Envoy and its brothers and the Avalanche) so some of the techs have been installing these remote starts by the seat of their pants. I have blown three fuses already with mine.

In addition, I've heard that the valet by itself is not a good idea with the factory alarm. It is best when used with a Viper or other DEI relative anti-theft. The only problem with this is that installing an aftermarket alarm is (1) pretty costly for a descent one (2) it disconnects numerous features (illuminated entry, puddle lights etc) that came with your vehicle and if you want these features when you buy your alarm you have to pay extra for the modules of the features you already had (3) and you already paid for an alarm when you purchased your truck.

USRobo · September 4, 2001

I just added a remote starter and additional security with extra siren to my Avalance and I am having no problems. It is by Audio Vox, I think it is called "Persuit". I use my original remote for all functions and the car does not get confused at all. By the way I love the remote starter and confirmation beeps. I can also turn off the beeps. The really nice feature is during the winter I can set the car to turn on every 4 hours and run for 15 minutes to stay warm. If you need further info I can provide to you about the Audiovox.

Quote: from HelmutK on 1:32 pm on Aug. 27, 2001
I just had a DEI (Valet) remote starter installed in my Avalanche by a supposedly reputable local auto accessory store. Problem is that the factory alarm gets confused and is set off if I use anything other than the DEI remote to lock/unlock the truck. The installer claims the Avalanche has no factory alarm bypass wire so I have to avoid using the factory remote or door locks. Does this sound correct?

Thanks...

HelmutK · September 5, 2001

Thanks;

My remote Valet starter has a two button remote and requires pressing both buttons simultaniously to start the truck. Nice, because I never get a false start. I did not get the DEI alarm option because I figured I would continue to use the factory alarm. This setup works OK as long as I only use the DEI remote to lock/unlock the car. If I use the power door locks or factory remote I must set the locks back to the state they were in when I used the DEI remote last to prevent accidental alarm triggering. I think I can live with this in order to get the convenience of remote starting.