Concerns about 791vx in 2004 Denali

I had the 791vx put in my 2004 Denali and have noticed a few things that I'd like some opinions on before I go back to have them addressed.

Lots of questions...you'll see.....so I'd rather only bring up the things that are really problems and not stuff that I'll have to live with.

First and most worrysome...when I remote start, the ABS, traction control, airbag, etc warning lights are all showing failed (lights on).  After I insert my key and take over control, all appears normal.

Second...I'm allowed to remote start the truck with the hood open.   I'm pretty sure that there is supposed to be a pin switch on the hood to prevent this.   Is this a common omission?   Doesn't seem like a good idea to skip an obvious safety step.

Third...If I remote start and then remotely turn off the car...the radio stays on.   If I go open the door, it turns off.   I haven't tested how long it actually stays on if left alone.   But this could potentially run down the battery.

Fourth...The installer didn't install the valet switch.   It's set for active arming only (so not a huge problem), but that switch is my only real interface to do basic programming.  Again, common omission?

Finally...I haven't been able to get my shock sensor to go off.   I hit all windows with my hand (pretty hard) and no response.   Is this enough of a test...or should I try something else.  (I'll bring this one to the installer regardless).

Did I get an installer in a hurry or am I just worrying too much?

Thanks for your help.

Whoa there now.  I'd take it back to where you got it installed.  If they did all this to your truck, point out the problems and watch them.

2004=data bus interface, most easy if they used a bypasskit from here: https://www.bypasskit.com/index.asp

#1 yikes, I wonder if they used a bypass module. and if they connected all the necessary wires. including the second ignition.

#2 Whomever installed it should've installed the hoodpin.

#3 RAP-retained accessory power, turns off in 15/20 mins. , or send a - pulse to the door pin wire gray/black to shut the radio off

#4 Not a common omission, you need it.

#5 I zip tie the shock sensor around the steering column, where I could adjust if necessary.

Did you get an install in a hurry?  Where did you get it installed?-Take it back.  You are not worrying too much.  I'd be very angry.

Thanks to everyone for their enthusiastic replies for another visit.

I went back this morning and they quickly fixed the second ignition wire causing all the warning lights/messages and installed the remote starter disable.

They say that the shock sensor had come unplugged during their work on my first return visit.     That was reconnected (and obviously not tested I learned later, cause I can't get it to go off as described above).   Further prodding about the valet switch produced an installer with it in hand.  

I'll head back once more this week for an adjustment of the shock sensor, install of the valet switch and programming of a to be purchased 2nd remote.   This isn't so complicated...I just don't understand.

Question (just out of curiousity)...why would the lack of second ignition wiring cause transmission problems?

Thanks again to all members of this forum.  It's been a great help.

bcrawfo2 wrote:

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Question (just out of curiousity)...why would the lack of second ignition wiring cause transmission problems?.

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It would damage it because the second ignition powers up your tranny, and when the car is RS the traznny is asked to work, but is not getting lubricated or anything for that matter, so sooner or later you would start loosing your 4th gear and then on down.  Hope this helps, basically the tranny is not getting lubricated duiring RS.

kgerry wrote:

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I hate seeing when a customer puts a hi-end product in a hi-end vehicle and then has the install done by a 5 cent installer. It really does give all of us in the industry a bad name. i would doubt this installer in certified, or for that matter even trained... a sign of the big box stores is getting young guys in as cheaply as possible..showing them the ropes for, oh, a day or so and then letting them loose to work on unsuspecting customer's vehicles. It really is a shame, there are too many real professionals in our biz for customers like this ( who actually seemed quite calm about it all ) to have to experience a sloppy, shoddy install like this on his new vehicle.

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I agree.   It is very frustrating.   I paid the going rate (didn't pick a store on price basis).  I actually did check around before choosing this store.  It's a small (3 store) local chain that specializes in auto audio and security.   It came recommended from several sources....both long time locals (smallish town) and younger car nuts.

You'd think these "kids" would take more care and caution when dealing with a $55k vehicle that is only 10 days old.

Hopefully I didn't do any transmission damage.   I'd guess I remote started 15-20 times...split between 1 minute and 5+ minute runs.

Thanks again.   Why can't they all be like ya'll