Remote start.

[torq455]

I'm looking for a good remote start system that'll be reliable long-term for my 04 Grand AM. Anyone have one, or have had problems with one? Don't care about an alarm. Are they a bitch to install, or are some plug-n-play? There's a crap ton on ebay. Maybe point a few good ones out? Thanks!

[3100 MPFI]

Mare sure you find one that is either compatible with you BCM, or comes with a lot of relays.

The grand Am is one of the more complicated systems. You might want to consider having it professionally installed.

[torq455]

oh i am. even though some have CD's and tech support, i'd hate to screw up some wiring. the grand am's seem to be sensitive to wiring glitches.

why have one with a lot of relays? to eliminate feed back through the system?

[3100 MPFI]

for example, the lock wires need 2 relays. One for lock and one for unlock.

In a normal car, you have 2 wires for the locks. 1 for the LOCK signal, and 1 for the UNLOCK signal.

The grand am only has 1 wire. The lock switch sends a full strength signal for LOCK, and the UNLOCK signal goes through a 1.5k resistor (built into the switch) before it goes to unlock.

Since there is only 1 wire, then you have to put 2 relays in that one line to activate the locks, but BOTH of the relays have to have a DIODE to keep the signals from activating each other, and the UNLOCK relay has to have the 1.5k resistor as well.

The grand am is the epitome of FIND SOMETHING SIMPLE AND COMPLICATE IT.

I wanted to add keyless entry and came across this. In the older cars, you can just get an RKE, wire it in, and it will work. In the Grand Am, there is only 3 wires (power, ground, and DATA), and the BCM has to be reprogrammed with the RPO code for factory keyless entry to work.

[torq455]

dunno why GM had to complicate things so much other than to try to keep up with Honda and Toyota's quality. it's like they are struggling to keep up and all the little shit goes wrong ie. the clicking turn signal and intermittent no/hard starts. pretty sure i won't buy another GM. that and they don't want to take care of the customers that have problems.

sooooo advice on a remote start? as in recommendations on a brand?

[3100 MPFI]

Can't recommend anything, but one of the reasons GM did the BCM cars is to save MONEY. Less wires.

You want a hassle, get a DODGE, My mothers 2005 Dakota Laramie V8 has been in the shop over 20 times and it still has problems. She does not want to file LEMON on it seeing she likes it, but she is getting sick of the issues.