Prestige APS997Z, 2016 Chevrolet Silverado, Bypass?

Hello, I've been installing (as a side gig, 4-5 units per year) for a while now. Trying my second Prestige APS997Z, the first install didn't require a bypass. I tried flashing this module with an Idatalink BLADE-AL unit but the Idatalink site says "Blade cartridge not compatible with starter". I see on the Audiovox site it states to use FLCART from Flashlogic, I assumed the BLADE-AL would also be compatible. Anyone know which bypass I actually need? I'd like to use a slide-in module but the ALCA would be acceptable. Thanks!

The install is on a 2016 Silverado 1500 w/OnStar and V8 but I haven't gotten that far yet, obviously.

Never tried it that way. I have used Blade-AL's in Conpustar units with no issues. You are probably correct, you must use a FLCART in a Prestige system. If you have the ADS USB cable and can log on to the iDatalink site try logging on to the FlashLoigic Fladoodie site. Here is the Link : https://www.flashlogic.com/ Short of that, you would need the actual FLCART for your Prestige 997Z unit or you could go with a ADS AL-CA. The 997Z's data port can be set to ADS or DBI so you can flash the ADS AL-CA as either native ADS or DBI protocol for D2D use. Soldering is fun!

Thanks. Yeah, after some time I tried the flashlogic site with the same error. I'll provide an update with what I find out. Planning on calling the idatalink/audiovox support on this, not available on the weekends.

I contacted Audiovox tech support, they stated that Idatalink BLADE units have been "locked out" from programming with the Prestige units. He stated to purchase the Flashlogic FLCART. I placed one on order, hopefully that will solve the issue.

It should. I believe some of the reason for the non-interchangeability of the Blade-AL and the FLCART has to do with firmware licensing. AudioVox pays iDatalink fees for each Firmware they want to have available for their dealers use with the FLCART. Being as iDatalink must support everything possible they prevent flashing and using Blade-AL's in other brands R/S units and visa-versa. It's the same with Omega and the OL-Blade-AL cartridge.Soldering is fun!

Received my FLCART today and was able to flash without issue. Lesson learned!

Thanks for the update. The Blade cartridge is great and makes for a nice clean, compact install, but I still keep a good supply of ADS AL-CA's so I can use them with any brand R/S system, even hardwire if necessary.Soldering is fun!

I read all these posts and unbelievable amount of info. Wish I found it sooner. As far as the prestige aps997z, am I understanding right that flcart is the easiest way to go.I have a Fortin I was gonna use but sounds like I can avoid a headache by just using the other. Don't know much about those or the companies that make them. Thanks for any input. gsb

Yes, the FLCART is a cartridge that installs in a slot on the APS997Z. Depending on the vehicle it not only handles the immobilizer bypass, but many other functions as well (door trigger, door locks, trunk release, etc.). I never used an FLCART but have used a Blade-AL, which is very similar. If it's like Idatalink you need to create a login and get a flash cable. See more at the Flashlogic website: https://www.flashlogic.com/ If you put in your vehicle, you can see what functions are supported and download the manual with wiring and programming instructions. Make sure you flash your firmware first.