viper 160xvr, 98 grand am

Sorry if someone has already posted similair questions, but I couldn't find them.

I recently had Best Buy install this remote starter since I was told that they are complicated installs and the warranty is a must.

Well, it must have been complicated because it took the guy over six hours, many calls to tech support, and my reading the troubleshooting guides that he had pulled up to get it installed correctly. He promised it done in 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

My questions are simple:

Can I have him hook up the AUX button to honk the horn to find my car? He seemed to want to get me out of there when I was questioning whether the AUX button was hooked up (he tested it like he wasn't sure, what a joke.)

Is there a way to boost the range, maybe with another remote and antenna. I know the 160xvr use 2/66 rolling codes and so it might be more complicated to get a SST 1 mile range setup. In one topic, someone suggested swapping out the brains and antenna. Where would you get this without buying the entire thing again? This would be great when in the office.

Also, he didn't hook up the on/off switch or hood pin, is this important at all for safety reasons?

Thanks for your help, I wish I knew more about this stuff and would have just bought the 160xvl with the 1 mile range to begin with.

Oh, and Best Buy can't be recommended, but where else do you go?

Thanks again.

I don't think he had to take out the radio. The reason why I can't recommend Best Buy is because it's overpriced, and it's overpriced because of the huge amount of staff. The staff always seemed to have very little to do. I watched a football game with six staff members. Some staff members were just standing around. And one time when I tried to call it took 20 mins, people kept transferring me to the back, I kept saying... please don't transfer me again, it wasn't cool.

Back to the guy. I feel sorry for him that it took that much work and it's understandable. But overall, I feel like I didn't get my money's worth. The first time I came in I was told to wait for the installer and 20 mins later was told that I would have to come back next weekend and to give the guy a few hours to do it. I came back but the guy was leaving early. I asked him if my car would run into any problems and he said no, it would get great range and cost $50 extra for a bypass. I said lets do it but after he got started said that the bypass was $80 but it was worth it b/c of the install included in price. He went over his time and asked if I would come back the next day. I said sure, showed up 10 mins later than I was told to (drove there) and was turned away b/c he had inventory. He said to come back another day. The other day,. he hurt his back, understandably postponed again but he said it would take 45 mins tops to program the car (this entire time the wires are sticking out, steering wheel covers off). So I come back again and he takes almost three hours and doesn't vacuum the wire shards.

Again, I don't want to blame the guy, but still...

Long vent I know, wonder if anyone will read it.

as you didnt really ask a question i will address the original post.... as mentioned already the unit does have a panic mode feature that you can hook up to your horn to help locate your vehicle... it is not activated via Aux, but via the lock button...

you can upgrade to a Venom SSt or Responder SST unit but you would have to replace the brain, antenna and remote, so essentially you are buying a new unit....which in hindsight you should probably have done in the first place....

I always install the hood pin and the valet switch both..... to not do so is lazy and potentially dangerous....

where else to shop besides a box store??? how about a small local dealer that you feel comfortable with?  shop your small local dealers and the one that instills confidence in you, go with....