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I have the viper smartstart, no issues, no problems, works everytime couldn't be happier.... Pretty fun to show off, especially to those people that still use flip phones
 
i had a viper on my old chevy and i never had a problem with mine. it was pretty funny in highschool to start my truck while i was still in class then walk to hear it running. ive been wanting to get a 5902 for my dmax just havent gotten around to it. NEVER buy directly from viper or other companies u can find them online for like half the price and then get it installed by a professional
 
You're going to hear of people having issues with them. Its electronics. Shit will go wrong. And the people that had problems are always going to speak up a lot more than those who didn't. Its not nearly as bad as people make them out to be. I've had 6 vehicles with Viper remote starts and never had a single issue on any of them.

On my dmax, I have the Viper 5301 (two way). It wouldn't get through the walls at work, so I also added the Smart Start (starts the truck from my phone). Very cool. Works flawlessly with no issues.

Viper - Viper 5301 Responder LE 2-Way Remote Start System

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I have been using DEI alarms since the 90's lol I currently have the viper can remember the model right now (5902 I think) It's the one with the screen on the remote tht does everything. We have the same alarm on both my truck and the wifes Hummer both installed by best buy we have had them both over a year now no issues.

The only times I have seen issues was either installer messed something up or they used the wrong bypass unit.Or it was some cheap internet special alarm. I have had including the 2 I have now about 12 or 13 different DEI units mostly Viper to include my first was the one that said "protected by Viper stand back" lol

After working in a body shop for a rew years, I have come to reaize there are tons of junk alarms and just as many people that say they know how to install them and they really don't.

The reason I had Best Buy install the ones we have now was there dedicated alarm installer came highly recommended
 
The reason I had Best Buy install the ones we have now was there dedicated alarm installer came highly recommended
The installer is key. The shop I went to is the one that all the local dealers send brand new cars to if the customer wants a remote start. They are also the only shop that has the highest level installer (master?) in the whole state.
 
I've had Viper, DEI, Astrostart, you name it. Always running remote start or alarms on my rigs. I currently run the Astrostart RS on my duramax now. Last few rigs I bag the alarm and just install blinking LED's as the built in factory alarm does the job and save the coin for performance mods.

I can like being able to start my truck from a mile away and turn the heated seats on while i wait in the heat :)
 
Only because it's the highest selling system out there is why you here about more problems. I've had mine for 2 years with zero issues. 3 other people I know have Viper and also have had no issue's. It's all in the installation.
I agree! I have had two seperate systems. The first viper two way for 8 years and now the 5901 on my truck for 3 years with no major issues, nothing any normal electronic devices might have over years of constant use. I like to save the $600 for the installation tho and do it myself, but then again I am an electronics engineer so I dont ever sweet riping into electronics. This way I know the quality of install that was done, may take me an extra 4-6 hours than an installer could probably do it, but I know it is all soldered perfectly and I can hook up any and all of the optional features I desire perfectly the first time.

I will always install DEI in my vehicles.
 
Looking at doing this as well. What would be a good one with remote start only and two way. Dont care for alarm fuction. Im looking for a model number to purchase. Thanks
 
Looking at doing this as well. What would be a good one with remote start only and two way. Dont care for alarm fuction. Im looking for a model number to purchase. Thanks
Viper - Remote Start

I would say any of the top four on this page. It really is going to be up to you on what you want for features vs price. If you want door lock and unlock capabilites the fourth one wouldnt be a good solution for you.

The DEI units do come with a lifetime warranty if you buy then from a dealer, not sure whether or not you would get that from the online resellers or not. But I pay maybe a little bit more for the unit from a local dealer so I can take the unit and the receipt in if I where to ever have an issue and they will send it in for you.

Another good reason to go to a DEI dealer is they will usually give you a copy of the wire color codes for your vehicle. Does anyone on here have a good way to find the color code of the primary wires that are required for installation if you dont get it a DEI dealer?
 
Thanks for the info. Looks like the 5301 is the one for me.:thumb I checked Best Buy and its $319 installed. This dont sound to bad. Thanks
 
AstroStart - Remote Start

I've had the 2ways on my last 2 rigs now and no problems. Did have the Viper (alarm functions too) on my 01Dodge before that and liked it, but not near as well as the Astrostarts
 
I bought my truck used and the prev owner had an Avital Remote start/keyless entry system installed. It works great, has the delay for the glow plugs etc. The only issue I've had (which has been intermittent) is that sometimes when I remote start it and climb in the DIC has a "Service Brake System" message, with the ABS light lit up, and the E-brake light also lit up. I've talked to a couple of installers, and the consensus is that occasionally when the truck is remote started, and the ECU does its scan of all the electrical sensors/systems (such as ABS) the truck might have started before the scan had been completed meaning it never got a response from that sensor and thus gives me the error message in the DIC.

What I've found is that if I throw it into Drive and go about 20-30ft the lights all go off and everything runs/works perfectly. This tells me that the computer rescans the system after driving a few feet and realizes the sensors are there and running fine so it self deletes the error message. Again this happens rarely/randomly so I've just gotten used to it.
 
I bought my truck used and the prev owner had an Avital Remote start/keyless entry system installed. It works great, has the delay for the glow plugs etc. The only issue I've had (which has been intermittent) is that sometimes when I remote start it and climb in the DIC has a "Service Brake System" message, with the ABS light lit up, and the E-brake light also lit up. I've talked to a couple of installers, and the consensus is that occasionally when the truck is remote started, and the ECU does its scan of all the electrical sensors/systems (such as ABS) the truck might have started before the scan had been completed meaning it never got a response from that sensor and thus gives me the error message in the DIC.

What I've found is that if I throw it into Drive and go about 20-30ft the lights all go off and everything runs/works perfectly. This tells me that the computer rescans the system after driving a few feet and realizes the sensors are there and running fine so it self deletes the error message. Again this happens rarely/randomly so I've just gotten used to it.
I get the same "Service Brake System" message on mine. Not sure why, maybe the brake system is on a 3 assesory feed that isnt getting power during a remote start?? But I wasnt worried about it cause it after it goes in gear and barely drive it goes away.
 
Thanks for the info. Looks like the 5301 is the one for me.:thumb I checked Best Buy and its $319 installed. This dont sound to bad. Thanks
Just be aware they dont always include things like rear defrost and things like that for the $319 and you will most likely need a module or two for door lock and the imobilizers on top of that for around $60/each.
 
Well damn! I think I will have to pass on this creature comfort. Will spend that $500 on go fast stuff..:gearjamin Thanks for clearing this up.:drink
 
Well damn! I think I will have to pass on this creature comfort. Will spend that $500 on go fast stuff..:gearjamin Thanks for clearing this up.:drink
I not saying you cant get it for that price and if you fight for the price they quote you then you may still get it for that price.
I was just trying to make you aware of possible issues and questions to ask when you look into getting one.
One of the other nice options that mine has at least it the turbo cool down feature, that I installed a tiny button next to my key and before I turn off the key I push the button and then take out the key and the truck runs for 3 mins (adjustable) or until I hit the remote start button on my keyfob to turn it off.

It can definently be a creature comfort, but once you get one you will wish you always had one.... :D
 
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