i am really mad, inv-200 issues

I used to always use relays for positive pulse door locks on every install. I've done hundreds and most of them Autostart units. So I decide to try out the INV-200 to see if it will save me some time on the installs. It turns out I got a bad one and the really bad news is it fried TWO modules on me. The first module worked perfectly. After I buttoned everything up and put the dash covers back on I test everything again and the door locks don't work. As I'm scratching my head the locks suddenly go crazy and then SMOKE from under the dash! I quickly pull the fuses and open the dash up. No melted wiring, no sign of damage other than the stench of fried electronics from the module. I am meticulous in my work, but I checked every connection again and found nothing wrong. So I figured I got a bad module from the start. Being extra cautious I put a new module in and plug in one harness at a time. Everything is great until I plug in the INV-200 last. Right away I can hear internal relays kicking over. I unplug the INV-200 immediately and it was too late already. Now the second module's unlock(-) is stuck at full ground, the lock(-) shows 0.5V positive and neither one will change on lock and unlock. The rest of the unit functions correctly, but it's useless without the lock outputs. So, has anyone else had issues like this with the INV-200? Should I just go back to relays and not try one again?

Why would it cost you any money? You're going to send back those defective units for new ones, right? I would sure hope so. Personally, I prefer product that has flip-flop (positive and negative) doorlock outputs......playing with relays wastes time.

Chris, are  you talking about (internal) relay driven outputs or the ridiculous  DEI system where the green went pos lock and neg unlock and vice versa on the blue? More trouble than they were worth, would not talk properly to European cars with "polling" ie body control units thinking keys in door , ign etc. Needed diodes and sometimes relays any way! 

I know that a bad INV-200 is likely rare, but I don't think I'm going to use one again. It's back to good 'ol relays for me. That experience cost me a number of hours over and above the modules themselves.

I've seen 1 out of about 200 go bad Shaughn Murley

Install Manager, Dealer Services

Visions Electronics

Red Deer, Alberta