remote start advice audi s4 dball ads
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Security and Convenience
Forum Discription: Car Alarms, Keyless Entries, Remote Starters, Immobilizer Bypasses, Sensors, Door Locks, Window Modules, Heated Mirrors, Heated Seats, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=133488
Printed Date: May 17, 2024 at 8:12 PM
Topic: remote start advice audi s4 dball ads
Posted By: ahkim123
Subject: remote start advice audi s4 dball ads
Date Posted: February 02, 2013 at 3:20 AM
Hello, I’ve read a lot of the posts here and have talked with Directed, Compustar, and Best Buy about a remote start for my 2010 Audi S4. My car has an Auto Tranny and has the advanced key which includes PTS. I’ve got a bunch of questions and am looking for advice. By the way, I’m not an installer so I might not have all the details correct.
1. Probably the most important question: I like the DBALL because it offers remote start (RSR) via the Audi Keyfob. I’ll also add the Smartstart for longer range use. My concern is all the negative feedback about the DBALL. Assuming the install is correct, is there any reason to believe the system won’t work correctly 100% of the time? The Best Buy installer will hard wire it and not use D2D which sounds like is more reliable. What do you think? Should I avoid the DBALL and go with the ADS-AL-CA? I would lose the Audi Keyfob remote start feature but I prefer a system that works.
2. Directed told me I need to use the 556UW but the Best Buy installer said the DBALL covers that so I don’t need the 556UW, who is correct? Do I need it?
3. With the DBALL, I was told that I can use the Audi Keyfob, RF remote, or Smartstart App to unlock the car once after it has been remote started. Is the same true with the ADS-AL-CA with Compustar Remote? I’ve seen some youtube videos where people say you have to use the RF remote to unlock and that the Audi Keyfob doesn’t work. Can anyone confirm that I can use the Audi remote to unlock after the car has been remote started?
4. I was told by another Audi owner that the door touch sensor to unlock the car is disabled once the remote start is active so you have to use the remote starter or Audi keyfob to unlock the door, is there a way to keep the door touch sensor active?
5. If I go with the ADS-AL-CA, I’ll have both the Compustar Drone and Compustar RF remote. Does the drone app support “pitstop” or “stop and go” mode?
Thanks in advance! I’ll post a review once it’s all done.
Replies:
Posted By: ahkim123
Date Posted: February 04, 2013 at 12:43 AM
I setup my appointment with Best Buy for Wednesday so any input would be appreciated.
I'm really wondering if I'm making a big mistake by going with the DBALL. Is it really that bad if installed well?
Posted By: howie ll
Date Posted: February 04, 2013 at 4:21 AM
AFAIK the DB-ALL doesn't cover the immobiliser, I've always had to add a 556U on European cars here in the UK.
The unit IS controlled by the factory key , but you will need the VALET key for whatever type of by-pass used.
Can't answer any other questions I'm afraid.
IMO Smartstart is a waste of time and money, costs you 15c every time you contact the car and frankly I'd rather see my R/S or have confirmation via the remote (2 way).
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Amateurs assume, don't test and have problems; pros test first. I am not a free install service.
Read the installation manual, do a search here or online for your vehicle wiring before posting.
Posted By: dasbogie
Date Posted: February 04, 2013 at 8:34 AM
x2 with howie, you will have to give up a key for any installation of remote starter you choose. one thing to check before you have it installed is the doorlocks. you can easily start the vehicle as you always have, then try the keyless functions on the audi fob and the door sensor. If they do not function when the vehicle is running then it will be the same way when it is remote started. There is nothing that the installer disables during installation or the remote start or dball does to the vehicle, its how the vehicle was designed. As far as reliability of the dball, on chrysler they are fantastic. I have used them on a few volkswagens and they have been holding up. I have not used one on an audi though.
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Advanced
Posted By: shortcircuit161
Date Posted: February 04, 2013 at 8:38 AM
x2 with Howie on the 556U.
The bypass (DEI or idatalink) only offers convenience features on that car (factory alarm control, locks, trunk release, door status, tach output, etc) but not immobilizer. You will need to relinquish a valet key regardless.
I've not had experience with a DBALL on an Audi but from other cars I've used them on in the past, I can't stand using the DB-ALL for anything. It's too inconsistent for me. It programs when it wants to and most times not at all. I use idatalink modules about 98% of the time and Fortin for everything else. Idatalink modules have never given me an issue programming to a vehicle. It works the first time, every time!!
In either case, as long as the DB-ALL programs properly to your car, it should work out fine.
Good Luck!!
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Posted By: howie ll
Date Posted: February 04, 2013 at 8:54 AM
Should work on an Audi the same as a VW BUT they aren't in synch on their CAN and other data protocols,their change cycle is every three years, Skoda and Seat, then VW, then Audi by which time Skoda Octavia (aka Jetta, aka Seat Leon aka A3) will have new lines of code.
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Amateurs assume, don't test and have problems; pros test first. I am not a free install service.
Read the installation manual, do a search here or online for your vehicle wiring before posting.
Posted By: ahkim123
Date Posted: February 04, 2013 at 9:20 AM
Thanks for the replies. I'm still on the fence as to which way I'll go. (DBALL vs ADS)
The guys at Best Buy are aware I need to give up a key but they seemed to think the DBALL covered that part. I'll talk to them one more time to let them know they need the 556UW.
Interesting comment about smartstart costing 15c per use. When you think of it that way, it does seem like a waste. It's probably even worse cost wise considering I'll use a remote more often than the startstart. However, I look at the $40/per year and that doesn't sound so bad.
dasbogie - I can confirm that my fob and sensor are disabled once the car is running. What's weird is that someone on the Audi forums reported their audi fob working even after remote starting. They did not use the DBALL but some other unit.
Posted By: ahkim123
Date Posted: February 04, 2013 at 9:24 AM
Just as a clicked Post on the last reply, I got an email from Drone Support so I'll post their answer here:
Does Drone Mobile on the iphone support “pitstop” or “stop and go” mode?
>Drone does support this option all you would have to do is initiate the remote start from the app when the vehicle is running.
Does the basic plan include web access so I can start my car from my browser?
>Web access is included with the basic plan and you would use the same login for the app as you would for the web.
Posted By: enice
Date Posted: February 04, 2013 at 12:07 PM
Not to sound like im talking trash but if they do not know the basic knowledge that nearly 99% of German vehicles need a valet key then be very careful with the installation process with this store. BTW I would stick with Idatalink too. Using a BLADE AL(compustar setup) or a ADS AL CA will take care of the job.
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Eric
Audiomaxx
528 East Fordham Road
Bronx NY 10458
Compustar Top Gun Dealer Award 2012-2013
Posted By: enice
Date Posted: February 04, 2013 at 12:14 PM
Not to sound like im talking trash but if they do not know the basic knowledge that nearly 99% of German vehicles need a valet key then be very careful with the installation process with this store. BTW I would stick with Idatalink too. Using a BLADE AL(compustar setup) or a ADS AL CA will take care of the job.
-------------
Eric
Audiomaxx
528 East Fordham Road
Bronx NY 10458
Compustar Top Gun Dealer Award 2012-2013
Posted By: metz35
Date Posted: February 04, 2013 at 12:17 PM
Not to throw my 2 cents in. But.....
If you notice almost every thread in this forum is trouble with a viper....
I wouldn't let my worst enemy use a db-all
ADS is the way to go./ compustar
Not being a cheerleader by any means.
16 years experience.
Posted By: lucasoil4u
Date Posted: February 04, 2013 at 4:17 PM
Everytime I use Xpresskit Modules I can wire them up D2D or W2W it usually has an issue or doesnt work all the way. One thing will not work or the Thing wont program. I just dont use them anymore.
Posted By: ahkim123
Date Posted: February 04, 2013 at 4:41 PM
Thanks for the input - sounds like I should stay away from the DBALL. It's too bad since I like the Audi Fob remote start feature. Also, their support group has been really helpful.
I'm going to go with the ADS AL-CA bypass. Do I need a 556UW with that as well? Also, can I use Viper products with the ADS AL-CA?
As for the Best Buy installers, I agree that it's not a good sign that they don't think I need a 556UW but they did know I need a valet key. The good thing about them is that they will fix it until it's right and their prices are hard to beat. I would say $200-300 cheaper than the next price I got.
Posted By: howie ll
Date Posted: February 04, 2013 at 5:21 PM
Yes to your queries.
-------------
Amateurs assume, don't test and have problems; pros test first. I am not a free install service.
Read the installation manual, do a search here or online for your vehicle wiring before posting.
Posted By: howie ll
Date Posted: February 04, 2013 at 5:24 PM
Just a though but if you're only using a remote start rather than security-R/S, you may only need the valet key and a 556U.
Unless of course the you need to control factory alarm as well.
-------------
Amateurs assume, don't test and have problems; pros test first. I am not a free install service.
Read the installation manual, do a search here or online for your vehicle wiring before posting.
Posted By: ahkim123
Date Posted: February 04, 2013 at 7:26 PM
howie ll wrote:
Just a though but if you're only using a remote start rather than security-R/S, you may only need the valet key and a 556U.
Unless of course the you need to control factory alarm as well.
Interesting. So you're saying that I don't need a bypass module if all I am doing is the remote start? I have no plans to install an aftermarket security module. If I understood your comments correctly, why does it seem like many of the remote start installations I've seen use the ADS AL CA module? By using the bypass module, does it make the installers job easier or does it help with the performance of the system? Sorry for all the Noob questions but I appreciate everyone's help.
Andy
Posted By: ahkim123
Date Posted: February 04, 2013 at 11:34 PM
So I've been thinking about this and I'm starting to reconsider my trust in Best Buy. There's another shop that does a lot of remote starter work and specifically on Audis but it's a 2 hour drive. I 99% confident that they would get it right, but my main issue is if something goes wrong, I've got to drive 2 hours each way and spend the whole day. They also carry Compustar Pro series remotes. At least with Best Buy, it's 5 mins from my office.
As experts, what do you guys think? I'm willing deal with a little risk of the install not going right with Best Buy, but it's unlikely they can do major or permanent damage, right?
Posted By: howie ll
Date Posted: February 05, 2013 at 2:07 AM
If you are only installing an R/S, why would you need lock and unlock, door triggers etc,
Most of those functions on an A4 are hard wired at the factory lock/alarm module any way.
Quick definition. If the instructions say anything like go into doors, then use a module.
The company 2 hours away, speak to them, get a feel for their answers, are they talking from experience or off of a script.
Yes I saw the S/bowl best buy advert and thought, eff it, just like walking into PC World UK, even the uniforms are similar.
In regard to the derogatory comments about DB-ALL, I've installed 2 units, the first worked perfectly on R/S but some of the aux functions didn't enable,
the second was all over the place, both wired D2D, yet with the second I had to hard wire the hood switch and the parking brake, both Euro GM cars, an 08 and an 09 sharing the same electrics.
But then my first Fortin was DOA   ------------- Amateurs assume, don't test and have problems; pros test first. I am not a free install service.
Read the installation manual, do a search here or online for your vehicle wiring before posting.
Posted By: ahkim123
Date Posted: February 05, 2013 at 2:10 AM
Thanks Howie. It turns out the shop is only an hour away so it's not as bad as I thought.
Posted By: kreg357
Date Posted: February 05, 2013 at 2:52 AM
Another two cents...
Think I would trust the Compustar Pro dealer. Their Compustar training and Audi experience along with the quality
of the Compustar product line and its' lifetime guarantee should provide best "bang for the buck". As most installers
will tell you, a properly installed system will provide trouble free operation for the life of the vehicle. Typically, the
only issues will be batteries for the remotes and mis-treated / abused remotes. ------------- Soldering is fun!
Posted By: metz35
Date Posted: February 05, 2013 at 5:14 AM
X2 will have no problems with ADS / compustar
Plus it's easily upgraded.
kreg357 wrote:
Another two cents...
Think I would trust the Compustar Pro dealer. Their Compustar training and Audi experience along with the quality
of the Compustar product line and its' lifetime guarantee should provide best "bang for the buck". As most installers
will tell you, a properly installed system will provide trouble free operation for the life of the vehicle. Typically, the
only issues will be batteries for the remotes and mis-treated / abused remotes.
Posted By: enice
Date Posted: February 05, 2013 at 11:20 AM
ahkim123 wrote:
As for the Best Buy installers, I agree that it's not a good sign that they don't think I need a 556UW but they did know I need a valet key. The good thing about them is that they will fix it until it's right and their prices are hard to beat. I would say $200-300 cheaper than the next price I got.
In other words... a if the "F Up" your car its ok because they will eventually get it right? lol. Good logic. In no way shape or form am I razzing on best buy. You may have some good installers there since every location is different. I cannot not judge them as a whole.
Also.. just because they are an "authorized Viper dealer" or "Compustar Pro dealer" doesn't mean that they are good... choose wisely sir. Good Luck ------------- Eric
Audiomaxx
528 East Fordham Road
Bronx NY 10458
Compustar Top Gun Dealer Award 2012-2013
Posted By: ahkim123
Date Posted: February 05, 2013 at 1:28 PM
enice] wrote:
ahkim123 wrote:
As for the Best Buy installers, I agree that it's not a good sign that they don't think I need a 556UW but they did know I need a valet key. The good thing about them is that they will fix it until it's right and their prices are hard to beat. I would say $200-300 cheaper than the next price I got.
In other words... a if the "F Up" your car its ok because they will eventually get it right? lol. Good logic. In no way shape or form am I razzing on best buy. You may have some good installers there since every location is different. I cannot not judge them as a whole.
Also.. just because they are an "authorized Viper dealer" or "Compustar Pro dealer" doesn't mean that they are good... choose wisely sir. Good Luck
I'm hoping to avoid the big f-up by asking the right questions and knowing what product to request. I'm willing to take some risk to save money and you guys have been helpful in educating me. I already feel a lot better about going with the ADS AL-CA over the DBALL, in fact, the guys at Besy Buy said they prefer that.
One last question, what difference is there between the Idatalink ADS-AL-CA and the Flashlogic FLCAN? I've heard so many good things about ADS. I know someone who has a viper RS system with the FLCAN with my same car and the audi keyfob does unlock the car which is important to me. I don't know if the ADS will allow the audi keyfob to unlock.
Posted By: metz35
Date Posted: February 05, 2013 at 2:53 PM
FLCAN and ADS-AL-CA
Are the exact same thing.
Just branded different.
Only real difference is the ads comes with a d2d data cable for viper and compustar
Where as the flcan only comes with a data cable for prestige
Posted By: metz35
Date Posted: February 05, 2013 at 2:57 PM
P.s
I'm really wanting to jump threw the computer and just do the install myself
Lol
Posted By: ahkim123
Date Posted: February 05, 2013 at 2:59 PM
metz35 wrote:
FLCAN and ADS-AL-CA
Are the exact same thing.
Just branded different.
Only real difference is the ads comes with a d2d data cable for viper and compustar
Where as the flcan only comes with a data cable for prestige
Thanks. I just talked with the Compustar PRO dealer that's an hour away and I waiting for a quote. If their price is reasonable, I'll go with them. They have a promo to include the EZGO rfid entry system as part of the package so that'll be nice. Also, their going to install a hidden "pitstop" mode button in the dash so I can activate it without having to use the remotes.
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