Thread: Avital 5303 Security & Remote Start Issues

I have a 2008 GP and was looking to have a security & remote start system installed. I went to the local guy here and according to my wants/needs he suggested the Avital 5303. He stated that he had everything he needed and quoted me a great price for everything. First day he said the "brain" on the system was bad and that a special one programed just for my car had to be ordered. Ok no problem i said. The next day i call and he said he is finishing up the last couple things to button it up... I said ok cool. I got dropped of down there only for him to say he had to remove the system because my dash gauges were jumping all over and etc. He said that the Avital system i wanted wasn't compatible with the a certain year range of GP's... i found this to be surprising.

Has anyone installed a 5303 or know anyone who has installed one on their GP?

He did state that for all the trouble... he will find an equal replacement or better to install at the quoted price.

Thoughts?

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

However..didn't all GP's 04+ have remote start built into them?

I thought they did or atleast have the ability to program the BCM or etc. I called the car lot and spoke to the parts/service manager and he needed my vin. Apparently some years/VINs aren't capable of the OEM system. Thats why i looked into the aftermarket stuff.

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

I'd go straight to a nice Viper like 5901 or better.

The installer did mention viper. I know they are a bit higher priced but he said he would only charge me what he quoted me for the Avital. I just require some certain features. 1. remote start 2. Two-way remote so i know it started. My office is in a casino and has NO windows so i can't look outside to see if it started.

Has anyone installed a viper system on a Grand Prix? Any issues? Has anyone even heard of the dash gauges going nuts with an aftermarket system?

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

I have the 5901 on my Regal. Hence why I suggested it. It's the black and white two way remote vs the color remote. No issues. I'm thinking he tapped into something that he shouldn't have. Like the class 2 data lines.

Yeah i dont need a color remote... lol black and white will work for me... i was looking at Viper's systems on their site and the only two systems they show are 5904 and 5704. I dont care which one the installer wants to use as long as it will work with my car...

I agree with you... he probably did hit a line he isn't suppose to have hit... this was a three day ordeal that i almost regret. But seeing how he is offering to install most likely a viper system and only charge me the $325 for the system, parts and install... I'm still halfway satisfied thus far. That price is just too good for this area.

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

I believe I paid $200 3 years ago for mine. Installed myself and no extra parts were needed. Kept it cheap and easy, like any W body owner.

I thought about installing on my own but with cars being all computerized and etc anymore I am slight intimidated that I'll jack something up. I play with electrical stuff all the time I just get paranoid... plus it will have the warranty if done professionally... Plus its still cold here in Indiana so i'll let them freeze installing something... I'm just getting frustrated that he had a lack of communication and that I always had to call or show up to get the update... supposedly the system will be at his place on Thursday and he will come to my work to get the car in the morning and will return it to me... That way i dont have to make the 40 mile round trip.

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

Sounds like he's being a stand up guy about the issues. That's nice to see these days.

yeah i thought so... but we shall see monday... lol

Originally Posted by JTeske88

that is a bottom of the list ebay alarm, i would know i been lookig at em all day, viper or better man.

I did some investigating and the Avital 5303 did have some good reviews and had the same features that I wanted... so with the recent events taking place... looks like i will be getting a Viper system.

Just to update the thread... I dropped of my car this past Monday. I checked in with the installer via txt message and he said everything was fine thus far and that my car will be ready by 4pm. I left work at 4pm to pick her up. He had to leave early for his child so i have no idea about anything. The bypass/valet switch location and etc. The funny thing of it all is he installed the EXACT system I originally want that he said wasn't compatible with my car!?!?!?! Anyway, it works and works great... i love that by the time i walk out of works door and across our huge parking lot my car is warmed up for my drive home.... no more driving while its cold... Only issue i have is the rear defrost isn't coming on like it is suppose to. So, I guess a phone call to the installer is in order.