Alarm Upgrade (nbs Trucks)

TexasAl · February 19, 2008

So, many NBS truck owners have been wondering if there is some kind of add on that can detect "shock" on your truck, like a conventional aftermarket alarm. I was browsing the GM accessories webpage http://www.gmaccessorieszone.com/ , and I stumbled onto this product:

Vehicle Security Shock Sensor Package Help deter unwanted intrusion and protect the contents of your vehicle with the Security Shock Sensor. This security system upgrade integrates seamlessly with your factory alarm system package. It sounds the horn and/or flashes the lamps when someone, or something, strikes the vehicle.

Includes Sensor and Harness17800431$110.00MSRP - Excludes installation and taxes. Some accessories may require additional equipment and/or services. See your dealer for details.

I am going to go by my parts department tomorrow, and see if this is a DIY install, or if it will require a dealer installation. If anybody has done this upgrade, your help would be greatly appreciated.

-Al

tobias · February 19, 2008

So, many NBS truck owners have been wondering if there is some kind of add on that can detect "shock" on your truck, like a conventional aftermarket alarm. I was browsing the GM accessories webpage http://www.gmaccessorieszone.com/ , and I stumbled onto this product:

Vehicle Security Shock Sensor Package Help deter unwanted intrusion and protect the contents of your vehicle with the Security Shock Sensor. This security system upgrade integrates seamlessly with your factory alarm system package. It sounds the horn and/or flashes the lamps when someone, or something, strikes the vehicle.

Includes Sensor and Harness17800431$110.00MSRP - Excludes installation and taxes. Some accessories may require additional equipment and/or services. See your dealer for details.

I am going to go by my parts department tomorrow, and see if this is a DIY install, or if it will require a dealer installation. If anybody has done this upgrade, your help would be greatly appreciated.

-Al

Let us know. There will be many interested to know the results.

Live2FlyLow · March 30, 2008

After a rash of window "smash and grabs" at the parking lot of where I work (fire station - guess the people we protect enjoy ripping us off) I went to the Parts Department two days ago and checking into this item. They gave me a fax'ed sheet with some details outlining all three alarm system upgrades -- the shock sensor being one of them. It advertises an ability to sound two different types of alarm. The first for minor bumps against the truck activates a "warn away" series of chirps. A harder impact or glass breakage will cause it to go into full alarm mode with honking horn and flashing lights.

I ordered it for around 92.00 and should have it in two days. The guy in the parts department didn't know, and claimed he couldn't tell, if it was a DIY kit. However, the fax did show that labor time was estimated at .8 hours.

I'll post back within this thread onces it's installed.

tobias · March 30, 2008

After a rash of window "smash and grabs" at the parking lot of where I work (fire station - guess the people we protect enjoy ripping us off) I went to the Parts Department two days ago and checking into this item. They gave me a fax'ed sheet with some details outlining all three alarm system upgrades -- the shock sensor being one of them. It advertises an ability to sound two different types of alarm. The first for minor bumps against the truck activates a "warn away" series of chirps. A harder impact or glass breakage will cause it to go into full alarm mode with honking horn and flashing lights.

I ordered it for around 92.00 and should have it in two days. The guy in the parts department didn't know, and claimed he couldn't tell, if it was a DIY kit. However, the fax did show that labor time was estimated at .8 hours.

I'll post back within this thread onces it's installed.

Sweet. Thank for taking the plunge. We'll be anxiously awaiting the results.

Live2FlyLow · April 5, 2008

I had this alarm upgrade installed a few days ago and have been testing it periodically since. As of right now, I'm unsure if I'd recommend it to others. I was able to purchase the part for $92.00 from the local dealership and it is NOT "plug and play" and must be installed by a dealership. The installation cost me $62.00 and took about one hour.

Once you shut the vehicle off you get the option to press the "check mark" button to disable the motion alarm. (ie. If you have a dog or something in the truck.) If you don't and activate your door locks with your key fob the system becomes active. The sensitivity can be adjusted on the unit, located just above the brake pedal, via a twist knob. When set to the lowest setting I was never able to set the alarm off despite banging on the dash, dropping the tailgate, slapping the steering wheel and even tapping the control unit. Increased to full sensitivity, activation of the alarm is strangely random. You can very bang hard, with a fist, on the drivers window and not active it. Wait a few minutes and tap that same place and it will active. Hard thunder didn't set it off but a vehicle parked next to it set it off when they started their 4 cyl engine / shut their doors.

If anyone else has some insight as to the operation of unit, I’d be interested in hearing it. Meanwhile, I’ll keep testing it and trying to find a decent sensitivity setting.

TexasAl · April 7, 2008

I had this alarm upgrade installed a few days ago and have been testing it periodically since. As of right now, I'm unsure if I'd recommend it to others. I was able to purchase the part for $92.00 from the local dealership and it is NOT "plug and play" and must be installed by a dealership. The installation cost me $62.00 and took about one hour.

Once you shut the vehicle off you get the option to press the "check mark" button to disable the motion alarm. (ie. If you have a dog or something in the truck.) If you don't and activate your door locks with your key fob the system becomes active. The sensitivity can be adjusted on the unit, located just above the brake pedal, via a twist knob. When set to the lowest setting I was never able to set the alarm off despite banging on the dash, dropping the tailgate, slapping the steering wheel and even tapping the control unit. Increased to full sensitivity, activation of the alarm is strangely random. You can very bang hard, with a fist, on the drivers window and not active it. Wait a few minutes and tap that same place and it will active. Hard thunder didn't set it off but a vehicle parked next to it set it off when they started their 4 cyl engine / shut their doors.

If anyone else has some insight as to the operation of unit, I'd be interested in hearing it. Meanwhile, I'll keep testing it and trying to find a decent sensitivity setting.

Very interesting. I had been interested in purchasing this item, but my dealer said that I'd be better off waiting to see what I read on it. He had no other info, and I was very skeptical, so I decided to wait. Do you think it is worth the

$150+ you invested in it, or would you go with an aftermarket alarm system? We appreciate you help in listing the details about this item.

-Al

jnpaddison · July 8, 2008

+1 - veryhappy with the unit - i also was a victim of a smash and grab

bowtie2007 · July 9, 2008

+1 for me also. I have had it for a few months now and I like it.

When you order it, there are instructions in the box on how to hook the sensor into the BCM. It was fairly easy to install, I did it in about 30 minutes. Then, you have to take it to the dealership for programming. Or if you don't mind someone else messing with your truck, you can have the dealership do it all.

If anyone wants to see the instructions, I can post them.

coyotefreek · July 9, 2008

I've got this as well but I really am disappointed with its lack of sensitivity. I'm sure it would go off if someone bashes in the window or hits the car hard. However I can literally get on the back of the truck and start jumping on it and it wont set it off. So its definitely not to protect from the casual thief hopping in the back of your truck. I have mine set about a quarter turn away from its most sensitive setting. Any more sensitive and you will get false alarms from people driving by or starting a car near you like someone else mentioned.

I've had an after market shock sensor on my old car which I thought worked much better. But you really cant add it to the factory alarm on the NBS trucks, the modules for the interface and everything are very costly. You would be forced just to add an additional alarm which means keeping 2 key fobs on you.

Ideally I would like a proximity sensor to add to the back of the truck. But again cant really add it to the factory alarm.

j.roffel · July 9, 2008

I've got this as well but I really am disappointed with its lack of sensitivity. I'm sure it would go off if someone bashes in the window or hits the car hard. However I can literally get on the back of the truck and start jumping on it and it wont set it off. So its definitely not to protect from the casual thief hopping in the back of your truck. I have mine set about a quarter turn away from its most sensitive setting. Any more sensitive and you will get false alarms from people driving by or starting a car near you like someone else mentioned.

I've had an after market shock sensor on my old car which I thought worked much better. But you really cant add it to the factory alarm on the NBS trucks, the modules for the interface and everything are very costly. You would be forced just to add an additional alarm which means keeping 2 key fobs on you.

Ideally I would like a proximity sensor to add to the back of the truck. But again cant really add it to the factory alarm.

What if hyou bought a second one and installed it under the bed and spliced them together? It would be a little expensive experiment but the only issue I could see would be power available, but I can't imagine it draws much if any...

coyotefreek · July 10, 2008

I've got this as well but I really am disappointed with its lack of sensitivity. I'm sure it would go off if someone bashes in the window or hits the car hard. However I can literally get on the back of the truck and start jumping on it and it wont set it off. So its definitely not to protect from the casual thief hopping in the back of your truck. I have mine set about a quarter turn away from its most sensitive setting. Any more sensitive and you will get false alarms from people driving by or starting a car near you like someone else mentioned.

I've had an after market shock sensor on my old car which I thought worked much better. But you really cant add it to the factory alarm on the NBS trucks, the modules for the interface and everything are very costly. You would be forced just to add an additional alarm which means keeping 2 key fobs on you.

Ideally I would like a proximity sensor to add to the back of the truck. But again cant really add it to the factory alarm.

What if hyou bought a second one and installed it under the bed and spliced them together? It would be a little expensive experiment but the only issue I could see would be power available, but I can't imagine it draws much if any...

I think its more then just location, the sensor just plain sucks. If I try to jump around in the cab of the truck it still doesnt set it off. What would be interesting is if you could open up GM's shock sensor module and graph a new sensor itself onto it.

slimjim2525 · July 10, 2008

It doesn't sound to be very sensitive. Maybe it's time to look into aftermarket options.

shepherd · July 18, 2008

I'd have to go -1.

The dealer "installed" both the Shock and Tilt sensors on my 08 1500 however after holding the truck for 4 days, they were unable to program the computer to accept either sensor. They claimed as soon as the code was entered for the devices the comp would knock out existing codes however this is the first I have heard of the issue and I have been unable to find anything on the Net thus far to back up their claims.

After being stuck with bill and the new parts not working I can't say I'm impressed thus far but to be honest this could be a matter of a tech not having a clue so anyone with experience installing these components or more familiar with these "known issues" feel free to drop me a line.

tobias · July 18, 2008

I had mine stolen. -1

firemanchuck · May 29, 2009

Had 1 20' rim and tire stolen in march of 09......insurance covered the rim, tire, tpms sensor, center cap and lugs.....came out to be $1,062.58...wow...any ways i already had the NEW GM 2-way advanced remote system installed in the my 08 1500 crew cab...so i decided to go ahead and get both the GM shock sensor and GM Tilt Sensor put on my truck due to the theft....was a whooping $580!!! for parts,installation and programing (requires programing) 580$ is alot!! could have gotten aftermarket for like what??....250$.....tops!! BUT i choose to stay GM with everything i put on my truck....Any ways, the new system worked fine for a about a month....then it would go off for absolutly no reason!!! no "warn-away" just full alarm!! I would have to use the Over-ride when i came to work at the Police Dept becuase i work the night shift from 10pm to 6am and it would go off in the parking lot with residence living around....finally getting frustrated with having to always overridng it, leaving it completely useless for what i got it for, i took it to the dealer that installed it....first trip: they came up with the conclusion that the sensitivity was too high...and was nice enough to adjust it for me at no charge! (BOO!! i could have done that!! its a knob for crying out loud)..ok took it home....5 min after parking it and going in side....HONK!! HONK!! HONK!!! yup still doing it....called them up and said id be back tommorrow...second trip:..they contacted GM tech support and stated that my Key FOB battery being low may be setting it off.....hmm...ok...ill give it a try...went to hang out with a buddy, pulled into his house...walked inside..and...yup HONK!!!!......by now im PISSED!!! called my service writer and said "look!! its not fixed and its not being fixed....paid a lot of money for this crap...and so on and so on....told me to bring it back and they will try agian/replace the unit....mind you the first trip i paid for my rental....got a little Saturn Aura (nice car btw)...second time i made them pay for the rental cuz the problem wasnt fixed....they gave me a Cobalt....super gay...hahaha...sooo i took in the truck for the THIRD time this week...and said "Now guys....dont give it back to me unless it is 100% fixed or replaced.....THEN!!!! hahah had to wait an HOUR and a HALF for the Enterprise people to get there...they open at 7am and they didnt show up till 830am!!!! man i was hott!!! BUT!!! instead of sticking me in yet another cobalt/aveo/corolla thing, mind you im a big guy, that why i have a truck....enterprise thanked me for being so patient and gave me a tahoe!!! woohoo...loving the tahoe...but they dealer never called me to say my truck was ready...so we'll see some time today what is going to be the outcome......i REALLY REALLY hope they can fix it.....so right now i dont recomend the upgrade....really cuz of the price and apperently the quality of it...since someelse is having issue with it too...sorry so long ha!