rvs/immobilizers programming required?

I'm a bit frustrated attempting to decipher whether any special programming equipment is required for key immobilizers. I've done a fair bit of research and it seems many that are designed for specific vehicle makes add a caveat cautioning that a firmware upgrade (via a proprietary loader) may be required for proper operation. Yes, no or depends? I've been contemplating an Avital 4103LX & DLPK in a 2009 Malibu for a relatively inexpensive RVS not requiring a dedicated pass-key. Not having yet purchased any items I'm definitely open to suggestions for alternate hardware. Based on this forum's quasi 2008 Malibu RVS install pictorial thread and informative quick guides installation looks to be a snip. Any info appreciated.

you would not need any equipment to program the DLPK.

Appreciate the reply blanx218! Good to have that info. As stated in my first post I'd welcome anyone's suggestion for alternate hardware on this install. Expect I'll be ordering either tomorrow or Tuesday so that I can get this driveway upgrade completed for my 80yo mother before it gets too cold here in MD.

I've been using the 4103s for years. Basically all DEI stuff is the same just different remotes. However, I personally would use an ADS-AL-CA from idatalink. The DLPKs can be troublesome. Ive had a bunch of occurrences where it would only give me successful transponder bypass and not function correctly for lock, unlock, and trunk release.

Fabulous. Thanks for the quick reply! A quick look at the ADS-AL-CA and DLPK reviews side by side highlight your experience. Glowing reviews for one and very mediocre (even mostly negative) for the other. That heads-up likely saves me a bottle of Tylenol.

At risk of being a pain in the bum I have to ask... I'll definitely be going with the Avital 4103XL combined with an iDatalink bypass module. Just to be sure regarding the latter, I was wondering if there is, in your experience, any difference between the ADS-ALCA vs. ADS-ALSL GM other than additionally covered vehicles? And to be doubly confident -- With this combo (4103XL & ADS-*) I'll have all I need for completing an operational install?

Anything from idatalink is a good choice.

    +2 with Blanx218

Just a bit of additional info on the iDatalink ADS AL CA.  For your 2009 Malibu application, it must be flashed with the

ADS-AL(DL)-GM2 firmware.  The bypass would be set to Installation Mode = Standard Mode and wired up in the W2Wfashion.  While I haven't tried it, if the bypass module was flashed with the DBI- AL(DL)-GM2 flavor of firmware, it could be connected to the 4103 via D2D with the correct harness.  The ADS AL CA bypass module is very flexible and can support  a wide variety of vehicles and R/S systems, when flashed with the correct firmware.   The flash process requires the ADS USB cable ( $50 ), a PC with internet access and authorizedregistration on the iDatalink WEB site.

Soldering is fun!

Appreciate the replies!

kreg357 wrote: Just a bit of additional info on the iDatalink ADS AL CA.  For your 2009 Malibu application, it must be flashed with the ADS-AL(DL)-GM2 firmware.

This leaves me with two questions. 1. Does this flashing requirement hold true for ADS-ALSL GM which looks to be a more specific product. I really don't require universality which the ADS-ALCA provides. 2. If firmware flashing is a must am I going to find the required USB cable for flashing is proprietary? If so, could you advise where I might buy the module pre-flashed?

golem wrote: 2. If firmware flashing is a must am I going to find the required USB cable for flashing is proprietary?

Scratch that question. I see it also requires authorization which my not being an install shop likely wouldn't get.