I am looking to add a remote start to my 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
My biggest roadblock is understand what will be able (if any) to interact on the factory keyless entry.
I dont know if there is any way to hook into the factory system or would I just hook something else up to the appropriate wires and never use the factory remote again.
The current system operates door locks, dome light, horn, headlight and trunk. I know many systems will do this, but something I dont want to mess with or lose is: The doors lock when you reach a certain speed, and unlock when the ignition is turned off.
Any recommendations would be appreciated
As far as the speed and key off door lock controls are concerned you will not lose these features as they are a function of the car.
IMO. The easiest way to add a remote start to your vehicle would be to use a system like the Valet 561T. This system does not include remotes, it is activated by monitoring a wire in the vehicle and if it sees the correct number of pulses it will activate. I normally use the door lock actuator wire to activate a add-on remote start like this. You would lose none of your factory installed features. The down side to this type of system is operating range. The operating range of factory remotes is inferior to that of after market systems. If operating range is not a concern then my suggestion would be the 561T, or maybe even the 561R or Avital 4100. These systems would allow you to hook up the remote starter using the factory remotes and the included remotes. There are a lot of options available to you. The one missing feature of these systems is that they do not offer a dome supervision output. This means that the dome light would not turn on when unlocking if the vehicle is running under remote start. To achieve this you would have to move into the Valet 562T or the Avital 4200, these systems provide a low current negative dome supervision output. I am sure there are a large selection of other brands and model numbers out there that would fulfill your needs, but these systems are the ones I normally use and have proven extremely reliable.
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Installer, IT support, and FFL. I need less hobbies.
I'm 99% sure that lock/unlock and trunk release via the factory remote should function perfectly well on your vehicle with any remote start you choose. (I did a 2000 Malibu once where it didn't but I don't believe the Grand Ams were built that way) - to verify you can just get in and with ignition on and doors closed operate the keyless remote.
The auto lock with speed/unlock with ignition off will not be affected...this is important for a reason I'll describe in a minute.
Domelight supervision, perimeter lighting(headlights when you unlock), and panic button will NOT work with the car running (either with the remote start or with the key).
As mentioned by Twelvoltz, you can get a system such as the 561T/561R/Avital 4100 which will work off of the factory remote. The downside is that you'll definitely lose the above features since those remote starters don't support them.
If they are important to you, you'll most likely be happier with a remote start/keyless combination unit. The 562T/Avital 4200 and the Scytek Galaxy 2000RS have built-in lock, unlock, panic, trunk release, and dome supervision functions. A competent installer will be able to turn the headlights on with the dome supervision as well - PM me if you need further info on that.
Also, since your car unlocks when the ignition is turned off, it will do the same if you remote start, decide not to go anywhere, and shut it off with the remote. If you end up using the factory remote to do everything you'll have to remember to press lock again once the car turns off.
The Galaxy 2000 has an option where it can lock the car automatically after shutdown, which would take care of the problem for you. I'm not sure if the Valet units will do that or not.
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C Renner's Auto Electronix
My service is cheap, quick, and good - pick any two
seems like the 4200 or the 562 are the way to go from what you guys have said.
And if I opt to use those remotes instead of the factory, to confirm, i shouldnt lose anything by switching to the aftermarket remotes?
also, if I want to consider something long range and/or 2way, are there any other opinions?
python 571 has the better antenna and remote. the 1/2 mile radius and 2 way feature.
The python 571 looks good, but nowhere can i find any technical data for it. Other manufactures have wiring diagrams at least for the unit (not the car)
Also programming seems to require some programming device, what does the home installer do for programming?