2001 Tahoe Remote start

 Hey guys can anyone give a few pointers on what kind of remote start to buy and install on a 2001 Tahoe? Should I look into ones that also have a security system with them, such as Designtech,? All I want is to use the factory door locks along with my remote start, without two key fobs. I honestly don't think that the factory security system is so great, so if I can disable it or add on to it to make it better then great.  I can buy some electronics wholesale so I thought the DesignTech with the added security would be nice? Please any input? Thansk...Robert

I won't be cruel and bash the Designtech units too much, but most professionals don't like them too much. The brain is awkwardly shaped, range is poor, and you usually only get one remote. And they don't have a lot of the extra outputs a pro installer would want, for dealing with some of the newer, harder cars.

But the truth is, I have installed a couple and they do work.

I install Audiovox all day and I recommend them highly. Fairly easy and simple to install, all the inputs and outputs you could ask for, TWO attractive, reliable remotes, and a fair amount of range. (Anytime I've heard a range complaint from a customer, it turned out to be an install issue or the customer wasn't using the remote properly.)

The only downside to the Audiovox stuff is that the manuals are poorly written.

Also, your Tahoe has GM's PASSLock II anti-theft system. (Not the factory alarm that goes off when the door is opened----this is something different to keep the car from being stolen.)

To do remote start, you need to interface with PASSLock somehow. There are many ways to do this, but cheaping out will probably leave you stranded. Buy a module that programs itself, like DEI's 556U or Audiovox AS-GM4. And bypasskit.com should have something too.

If you see a module that instructs you to measure the car's PASSLock resistance with a meter, it's a timewaster and also can be unrelaible---again, stick with the self-programming units.

The factory alarm system in the Tahoe is perfectly useful, and I would keep it. With the Audiovox, it's not too hard to arm and disarm it with the aftermarket remotes.

Go look on eBay, you can get Audiovox stuff almost as cheap as the pros can. It will hardly cost any more than DesignTech.

RS, keyless: Prestige APS-55LRA, Pursuit PRO-9555A

RS, keyless, panic: Prestige APS-686T, Pursuit PRO-9275T

RS, keyless, panic, alarm: Prestige APS-786T, Pursuit PRO-9775T

RS, keyless, panic, alarm, WITH TWO-WAY REMOTE: Prestige APS-996, Pursuit PRO-9800