I was searching the boards for more responses but couldn't find enough info.

I'm looking to get the Viper alarm with remote start for my automatic tC. I was wondering if anyone out there has this and want to know how it works with the engine immobilizer and all. I'd like to get some feedback here before going to Best Buy and finding out what they have to say..

Thanks!

 

the remote start viper, is basically the same thing as the clifford responder, which I have on my tC. Works good, just have to hide a chip in the car to remote start. I would not take it to Best Buy to get it done. from what I have heard from others they f up your car. Take it to a car audio/alarm shop. They'll do a better job.

 

That's great advice. Take it to a reputable car audio shop who specializes in ONLY car audio. They'll be far more careful with their work.

 

yes i would be careful of going to best buy. i worked at circuit city and customers that don't buy into the warranty program usually gets crappy customer service.

i'd like more info too cuz i'm same as OP. want to get viper alarm on my auto tC. (picking up today at dealership finally hurray!!)

 

price, model #'s.. any links? if i had a clue to where to start

 

I've always had good luck with Clifford stuff, but since DEI owns Clifford, Viper, and almost every other car alarm brand out there you can't go wrong with any of them. I had a Clifford Intelliguard back in my old Civic and it was great.

 

I agree with everyone else about taking your tC to a car audio shop. However I do not recommend putting this on your car if it is not an automatic. Not to mention, most shops will not install remote start on manual tranny cars because it's a big liability.

 

the viper 791 xv is the top of the line unit with remote start,2way lcd screen,and all the whistles and bells. dei is the only product i would consider in my car . they make viper,clifford,ungo, hornet,wasp,python,valet etc.
http://www.directed.com/
it doesnt show the ungo because the were acquired from clarion electronics and the havent updated it on there site .......the top ungo unit is the sr 5000

and as far as the chip dont quote me but the part number u need to make it work should be dei/555f or 556u . and dont let any shop charge you any more than $50 installed for this part

 

You can go to directed.com for more info as stated above, I was charged 50 for the chip housing box so that estimate was right aswell.

 

I have the Viper 650 w/ remote start and I like it alot. You don't get the cool LCD remote with this model, but you can always buy that afterwards. I believe with install it cost me around $300. Remember, with remote start, you lose you valet key, if that matters to you.

 

Forgot to add that the guy who installed my alarm is an alarm/car audio specialist - he's located in Edison, NJ, and regularly has people come from as far away as CT and VA to have their stuff installed by him. He only sells Viper. Send me a PM if interested - an easy drive from NY.

 

I had this guy at tweeter install my viper 791xv on my car and its the best alarm out there. I got mine brand new for $200 shipped from electronicsbonanza.com in long island ny. The pager is the best feature if your a deep sleeper and may not hear your alarm going off at 3am but you will hear that damn pager going off if you put it close enough to your bed lol.

 

So what's to stop someone from breaking into your car, finding the valet key, and bypassing the immobilizer? Am I missing something here, about the valet key?

How does the bypass unit use the key? Can I just snap off the metal part of the key, and then place the chip inside the box????

I'm going to pick up my tC on thurs, but I chose not to install the factory alarm. Going to get the viper 791 but im not sure about leaving a working copy of the key in my car....

thanks in advance.

 

First of all, the chip is hidden somewhere in your car so that you cant just get the key without ripping stuff apart. Second of all, they only need the chi[ in the key, not the key itslef, so I just got the shop to take the chip out and let me keep the key part.

 

Yeah just the chip goes in the dash. Don't worry about that. I don't have the remote start feature cause I'm driving 5speed. I did have it on my stratus though with no problems with the chip etc.

 

Yes, you can take the chip out, but I decided to use my valet key. Doesn't really matter.

 

Sounds like some good advice in this thread

 

moved...

 

I've known a few people to get the remote start functionality in their cars, but when I talk to them about it, they tell me not to do it because the units stop working properly after a while (I've known 2 people that told me this).

How long have people had this installed in their cars and how dependable are these things?

I used to have a truck with shaved handles / door poppers and the damn thing didn't work intermediately and eventually stopped working after about a year. I had to get the handles put back on! I'm a little apprehensive about getting myself into this trouble again...

 

sorry for sounding like a newb, but i wasn't sure. well, i know the viper w/ remote start comes with warranty if its installed by an authorized shop. i dont think i'll DIY this one.

thanks for the advance about the chip. so i guess the valet key is pretty much useless without the chip.

how much does it cost to get another key btw from dealer, or other (like those online sites)? i've heard upwards around $80-$100.