New 2-way Remote Upgrade

athenstiger · July 24, 2009

I recently purchased the new 2-way remote start remote from GMC to upgrade the crappy stock remotes. Just wanted to offer advice to anyone interested in these. First, the dealer/installer had never seen one of these, and he did not know how to install and program. It should've been 45mins -1hr install, and it took 3hrs. After install, the range, which was supposed to be at least 3times the stock remote, was crappy. I had to be really close to get it to work. This was almost useless. Also after the install, the tire monitoring system started messing up, and I had to replace the remote module to get it working again. I just had this fixed yesterday, and I had them relocate the antennae to try and get better range. Now the tire system works great, and the range is very much improved. I went to the end of my street(about 150yds), and the remote worked. It would prob work further. GMC finally got it right, and their cust service was great. It was just a pain to make three trips to get it right.

Adam

SparkySparks · July 24, 2009

Where did they end up mounting the antennae and what did this upgrade run you? I've been thinking about adding remote start, did you have remote start already and you just upgraded the better remotes or did you only have the lock and unlock remotes?

jf781 · July 24, 2009

Do you have any more information or link for the remotes? Haven't heard of them until just now and I'm to lazy to search....

athenstiger · July 24, 2009

My truck already had the remote start package, and I just upgraded the remote to the new 2-way one with the lcd screen. If you google 2-way gmc remote, you will see what I'm talking about. I ordered it from the dealership. The remote was around $150, and they charged me one hr install. They had to replace the antennae and start module. It all came in the kit. The mechanics had trouble programing the remote, and they put the antennae in the back side panel. They ended up moving it to the bottom of the back window to get the extended range. I will post the pics of the factory remote beside the new 2-way remote.

thanks

Adam

Stevens03 · July 24, 2009

Thats awesome!.... I've wanted one of those for a while now. Glad to hear in the end it worked out good. Shame the dealership didn't know how to program it faster for you, but sounds like it worked out.

What all does the 2-way monitor now?

athenstiger · July 24, 2009

It pulls up mileage, fuel level, tire pressure, and you can change your radio preset stations with the remote if you are tailgating. I used mine while washing the truck this morning. It's pretty nice. I just wish the install and programing went smoother. They were clueless at the dealership when they first saw it, and it is a GM accessory.

Adam

androgelrx · July 28, 2009

It pulls up mileage, fuel level, tire pressure, and you can change your radio preset stations with the remote if you are tailgating. I used mine while washing the truck this morning. It's pretty nice. I just wish the install and programing went smoother. They were clueless at the dealership when they first saw it, and it is a GM accessory.
Adam

Adam,

I'm thinking about buying one of these remote for my new truck. Can you tell me if you have the AP3 or the AP8 with your truck? It looks like there are 3 different ones available. I'm pretty sure mine is an AP8 so I have to check again. It is strange that the price ranges from 150-292. According to gmpartsdirect, the AP8 is 182.

norm28 · July 28, 2009

go aftermarket!!! you can get systems that have up to a mile range! who needs a 2 way remote when you have to be that close to use it???

mpaulus1 · July 28, 2009

I have heard about this for a little while now and some people have been complaining about the size. It does not look bad from the picture but is it thick or annoying in your pocket?

bemr · July 28, 2009

I also have the 2-way remote and it works great. The antenna is mounted just under the rear window and the range is awesome. The only negative I can say about it is that I wish the remote was a bit thinner - it's about twice as thick as the regular remote. I keep my keys on a carabiner so it's not too bad, but it would be a bit bulky for a pocket unless you wear cargo or combat style pants.

V8nuts · July 28, 2009

go aftermarket!!! you can get systems that have up to a mile range! who needs a 2 way remote when you have to be that close to use it???

really? What aftermarket system pulls up fuel level and tire pressure 2 very cool and usefull features . Please let us know the company that has this on an aftermarket alarm. I will be ordering mine from GM this week.

vdubmurray · July 28, 2009

go aftermarket!!! you can get systems that have up to a mile range! who needs a 2 way remote when you have to be that close to use it???

Aftermarket gives the dealer more fuel to void a warranty claim if something ever went wrong. Why aftermarket when the GM system is cheap and plug and play? I wouldn't want to be a mile away from my truck when it starts anyways.

ap0352 · July 28, 2009

I'd still like to find out if this is the only thing I would need in order to get the remote start since my truck didn't come with it....

Doesn't it include everything in the package?

athenstiger · July 28, 2009

Now that mine is mounted under the rear window, the range is awesome. This thing works like I was hoping it would. The remote is a little bigger than the factory one, but it is not that bad. I carry mine in my pocket all the time. If your truck is not remote start ready, then you would need more than just the remote. My truck already had the remote start package, so I just upgraded the remote. Your dealer should be able to tell you what you need to add this accessory.

Adam

bemr · July 28, 2009

I'd still like to find out if this is the only thing I would need in order to get the remote start since my truck didn't come with it....
Doesn't it include everything in the package?

If your truck has RPO code AP8 (remote starter prep package) then your dealer can order in the kit. It has the module, antenna, and remote. I believe the dealer needs to reprogram the truck once the kit is installed.

J.