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 W2W
fashion.  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 authorized
registration on the iDatalink WEB site.

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Soldering is fun!

Appreciate the replies!

kreg357 wrote:

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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.

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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:

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

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

I may be running a new game-plan. Based on the requirements for proper firmware update before installation of the ADS-* bypass modules I'm thinking to take the advice of switching to an all-in-one solution supposedly factory preloaded with firmware covering my '09 Malibu -- Compustar's T-GM2-1WG6 (also made by iDatalink). This seems like an even simpler option as it's a single component box AND includes P-n-P wiring harnesses for the non-elective connections.

Now I just have to ask if anyone familiar with this product can verify that out of the box this is preloaded with the firmware required for my vehicle. Although it is at odds with what I believe I was told the install instructions state "Firmware flashing is required prior to install, module is not preloaded". Hopefully this is only for additional vehicle model compatibility.

Everything idatalink makes requires a flash. I've seen a lot of times guys post in the forum that they bought stuff online already flashed with the proper firmware. I just don't know where the best place to buy it from so its ready to go. Maybe someone can post a link or two

Because everyone here has been so helpful I just wanted to clarify a few things related to this thread which may benefit other non-industry visitors (like me) stumbling upon it in the future.

The T-GM2-1WG6 is actually sold by Firstech. Basically a 1/3,1/3,1/3 collaboration between them Compustar and iDatalink. It was originally shipped pre-flashed for a select number of vehicles but all current units require firmware installation/update prior to use (as just noted by blanx218).

As for me, I've decided this was a no-brainer. Now that it's getting colder her in MD I'd like to spend as little time under the dash as possible (no heated work area). The T-harnesses which encompass most every connection should go a long way to expediting the install. The system as a whole does just what I need in that it totally replaces the factory remote entry, alarm activation and trunk latching (the two first of which no longer operate and req $$$ for factory parts & programming) while adding the sought after remote start option. The only thing not available is a rear-defrost option but no biggie.

Thanks again to everyone for sharing your knowledge.