Remote Keyless Entry on an 89
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
Remote Keyless Entry on an 89
Todays project was to get rid of all the wires hanging in the engine compartment and under the dash. When I pulled the panel under the dash I got a nice surprise 
. Someone hacked the wiring harness to death and installed "a few" alarm systems, the wiring for the radar detector and jammer were still there, and it had a Smart window box which I am guessing rolls the windows down remotely. All togehter I must have pulled about 5 pounds of wire out of the car; and reassembled the wiring harness the best I could.
Now I too would like remote keyless entry, one that actually functions. I am not interested in an aftermarket alarm, infact I want a remote keyless entry that will work with the Factory alarm thats still in the car. I have not purchased a system like this in years. What is the best system to get, and by best I mean easy install, good range; simplicity but quality.
Dan
. Someone hacked the wiring harness to death and installed "a few" alarm systems, the wiring for the radar detector and jammer were still there, and it had a Smart window box which I am guessing rolls the windows down remotely. All togehter I must have pulled about 5 pounds of wire out of the car; and reassembled the wiring harness the best I could. Now I too would like remote keyless entry, one that actually functions. I am not interested in an aftermarket alarm, infact I want a remote keyless entry that will work with the Factory alarm thats still in the car. I have not purchased a system like this in years. What is the best system to get, and by best I mean easy install, good range; simplicity but quality.
Dan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,050
Likes: 147
From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
klueless
check Mid america, Zip's, Eckler's, Summit Racing.com, and Jegs.
They all have kits that compliment factory alarms of 80's vintage cars.
Call and talk to a sales person, and they can look up in their cheat sheets what might be best. also ask about their return policies if you don't actually install it, but you don't like it once you open the box.
They all have kits that compliment factory alarms of 80's vintage cars.
Call and talk to a sales person, and they can look up in their cheat sheets what might be best. also ask about their return policies if you don't actually install it, but you don't like it once you open the box.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 473
Likes: 7
From: Houston Texas
I've had a Viper alarm in my car since '91 and it is interfaced with the factory alarm and VATS. It has all the sensors + extra sirens w/battery backup.
It will lock/unlock the doors while arming/disarming the factory alarm as well as the Viper the same time. It will also pop the hatchback from the remote.
I have issues with just the factory alarm because there are no glass breakage sensor, no jackup/tilt/towing sensor, no motion sensor. I wanted the factory alarm with all the extra protection of these extra sensors as well as secondary starter kill (kept the VATS also).
I've had zero problems with it since the original install except I had to replace one sensor (jackup/tilt/towing) that was mounted under the hood and the heat/humidity/age got to it.
I'd highly recommend a Viper with a GOOD professional installation.
I do my own mechanical/electrical on most everything in the car (aftermarket stereo/amp/DVD) but I left the alarm to the pros.
They know all the tricks/tips on each model car if you go to a good installer.
Just my 2 cents!
It will lock/unlock the doors while arming/disarming the factory alarm as well as the Viper the same time. It will also pop the hatchback from the remote.
I have issues with just the factory alarm because there are no glass breakage sensor, no jackup/tilt/towing sensor, no motion sensor. I wanted the factory alarm with all the extra protection of these extra sensors as well as secondary starter kill (kept the VATS also).
I've had zero problems with it since the original install except I had to replace one sensor (jackup/tilt/towing) that was mounted under the hood and the heat/humidity/age got to it.
I'd highly recommend a Viper with a GOOD professional installation.
I do my own mechanical/electrical on most everything in the car (aftermarket stereo/amp/DVD) but I left the alarm to the pros.
They know all the tricks/tips on each model car if you go to a good installer.
Just my 2 cents!
Last edited by davidnclearlaketx; Jul 17, 2007 at 02:05 AM. Reason: more info
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,315
Likes: 245
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
I installed a Bulldog KE1702 keyless entry. Got it from Ebay for $20, probably only $50 retail. It unlocks the doors and hatch and doesn't mess with the factory system. It also flashes the parking lights for confirmation. It will will bleep the horn for confirmation too, but while testing that option, I found it too loud.
You need an extra relay to due the lights or horn. I used the supplied relay(for ign kill) to open the hatch.
You need an extra relay to due the lights or horn. I used the supplied relay(for ign kill) to open the hatch.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
I installed a Bulldog KE1702 keyless entry. Got it from Ebay for $20, probably only $50 retail. It unlocks the doors and hatch and doesn't mess with the factory system. It also flashes the parking lights for confirmation. It will will bleep the horn for confirmation too, but while testing that option, I found it too loud.
You need an extra relay to due the lights or horn. I used the supplied relay(for ign kill) to open the hatch.
You need an extra relay to due the lights or horn. I used the supplied relay(for ign kill) to open the hatch.
I've had a few alarms in my cars and after about a year or so, I pull them out. First off, all the ones I have had always lock me out of my car, usually when the keys are inside. They are too sensative at times and go off in the middle of the night, when the animals come around and stand on the hood. As for theft, I live in New York, if they really want the car a 1 wire siren is not going to stop them. First thing they usually do is pop the hood and cut the siren out, then they have a good 10 mins to cut the alarm out and get the car running. If the really want the car I'm sure they will just wait till I stop at a stoplight, put a gun to my head, and take it.
Just my $0.02
DG
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
check Mid america, Zip's, Eckler's, Summit Racing.com, and Jegs.
They all have kits that compliment factory alarms of 80's vintage cars.
Call and talk to a sales person, and they can look up in their cheat sheets what might be best. also ask about their return policies if you don't actually install it, but you don't like it once you open the box.
They all have kits that compliment factory alarms of 80's vintage cars.
Call and talk to a sales person, and they can look up in their cheat sheets what might be best. also ask about their return policies if you don't actually install it, but you don't like it once you open the box.
DG
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,307
Likes: 111
From: Tucson AZ
Great topic. I have been thinking about adding a remote lock/unlock to my 85.
I am concerned about the unlock function. After the alarm is set, if you unlock the car from inside using the electrical pushbutton switches (this would be the same way the remote would unlock it), the alarm will go off as soon as you open the door.
How did you get around this?
Thanks
I am concerned about the unlock function. After the alarm is set, if you unlock the car from inside using the electrical pushbutton switches (this would be the same way the remote would unlock it), the alarm will go off as soon as you open the door.
How did you get around this?
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,315
Likes: 245
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Great topic. I have been thinking about adding a remote lock/unlock to my 85.
I am concerned about the unlock function. After the alarm is set, if you unlock the car from inside using the electrical pushbutton switches (this would be the same way the remote would unlock it), the alarm will go off as soon as you open the door.
How did you get around this?
Thanks
I am concerned about the unlock function. After the alarm is set, if you unlock the car from inside using the electrical pushbutton switches (this would be the same way the remote would unlock it), the alarm will go off as soon as you open the door.
How did you get around this?
Thanks
As for range, haven't tried to see how far away I can be.
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Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 462
Likes: 21
From: Kansas City Missouri
Mid-America has just the lock and unlock keyless entry system for 99 bucks thats supposed to work with the original alarm. Circuit City has one that utilizes the horn and flashes the lights, pops the hatch and doors also for 99 installed. They told me that they could make it work for my 86. Haven't tried it though. Might be worth looking into though.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
Mid-America has just the lock and unlock keyless entry system for 99 bucks thats supposed to work with the original alarm. Circuit City has one that utilizes the horn and flashes the lights, pops the hatch and doors also for 99 installed. They told me that they could make it work for my 86. Haven't tried it though. Might be worth looking into though.
DG
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: Muskogee OK
http://www.batee.com/corvette/index.shtml
This site has a good write up on the install of a GM system.
This site has a good write up on the install of a GM system.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 477
Likes: 1
From: Jefferson Georgia
http://www.batee.com/corvette/index.shtml
This site has a good write up on the install of a GM system.
This site has a good write up on the install of a GM system.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Yeah but does it arm the system if you hit lock when the doors are already shut? I bet not.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
Did you actually witness this act?
Yea thats pretty much what I figured. I stopped by best buy today to take a peek and most of there "electronics specialists" are just out of high school. I really don't need another hack job wiring the car. I think the safest bet is to do it myself even if cost is the same; in the long run it might just be cheaper.
Thanks for the links to the sites guys,... this is definitely the next thing I will be doing, just want to be sure that I choose the right system before and have all the info before I make the install.
DG
Yea thats pretty much what I figured. I stopped by best buy today to take a peek and most of there "electronics specialists" are just out of high school. I really don't need another hack job wiring the car. I think the safest bet is to do it myself even if cost is the same; in the long run it might just be cheaper.
Thanks for the links to the sites guys,... this is definitely the next thing I will be doing, just want to be sure that I choose the right system before and have all the info before I make the install.
DG
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
I decided to order a GM VKE1000 from Auto Tech Security Systems. Don't know anything about the company, supposedly they have a large selection of alarms and security systems at decent prices. I also ordered an Add-On Remote Start System for my 96 Impala
. Ill post results when I get it.
DG
. Ill post results when I get it.DG
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
I installed this system too. Let me know if you run into any issues when you dig into it. I highly suggest getting the factory wiring diagram for your year and sketching out your wiring plan before you even start. The VKE instructions are very detailed.
I don't know exactly about your year, but here's some tricks that required additional wiring/relays on my 85 to work with the factory alarm sequences:
To arm system: Door open, send lock signal, door closed
This means, if you already have the door shut and want to use keyless to lock and arm it, you'll have to trick the keyless into thinking a door is open by using a relay to ground the door plunger circuit. Otherwise it will just lock but not arm.
To unlock door: Ground disarm circuit, unlock door
You can also set whether it honks a horn or not during locking. I deactivated this annoying feature.
I don't know exactly about your year, but here's some tricks that required additional wiring/relays on my 85 to work with the factory alarm sequences:
To arm system: Door open, send lock signal, door closed
This means, if you already have the door shut and want to use keyless to lock and arm it, you'll have to trick the keyless into thinking a door is open by using a relay to ground the door plunger circuit. Otherwise it will just lock but not arm.
To unlock door: Ground disarm circuit, unlock door
You can also set whether it honks a horn or not during locking. I deactivated this annoying feature.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
I installed this system too. Let me know if you run into any issues when you dig into it. I highly suggest getting the factory wiring diagram for your year and sketching out your wiring plan before you even start. The VKE instructions are very detailed.
I don't know exactly about your year, but here's some tricks that required additional wiring/relays on my 85 to work with the factory alarm sequences:
To arm system: Door open, send lock signal, door closed
This means, if you already have the door shut and want to use keyless to lock and arm it, you'll have to trick the keyless into thinking a door is open by using a relay to ground the door plunger circuit. Otherwise it will just lock but not arm.
To unlock door: Ground disarm circuit, unlock door
You can also set whether it honks a horn or not during locking. I deactivated this annoying feature.
I don't know exactly about your year, but here's some tricks that required additional wiring/relays on my 85 to work with the factory alarm sequences:
To arm system: Door open, send lock signal, door closed
This means, if you already have the door shut and want to use keyless to lock and arm it, you'll have to trick the keyless into thinking a door is open by using a relay to ground the door plunger circuit. Otherwise it will just lock but not arm.
To unlock door: Ground disarm circuit, unlock door
You can also set whether it honks a horn or not during locking. I deactivated this annoying feature.
I actually don't have a factory service manual, is there anywhere online I can get the wiring diagrams and anything helpful I will need to do this install. At the same time I am installing this I am going to need to button up the mess, of the 3 other alarm systems. Any color coded diagrams would be helpful!
DG
P.S. Batte.com looks like it may be helpful.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 473
Likes: 7
From: Houston Texas