Keyless Entry Bulldog in 2004 Vibe - Any Advice?

[Blueridge9]

Vibers,I have a 2004 Vibe, automatic, 1.8L without a remote/keyless entry. I was at Sears and saw a "Bulldog Secuity remote vehicle starter with keyless entry and trunk remote". Has anybody installed one of these and were you satisfied? It's much cheaper than what a dealer wanted.

[random]

I know Bulldog has some one wire and two wire alarms that make install super simple, they claim like 10-20 minute installs.Myself, I had a Valiant installed, I took my Vibe over to Mexico and the guy that did mine had been working in auto electric all his life including some years in the US. It ended up taking him several hours and it was a simple alarm with easy directions, the ones with remote start require a lot more know how, so unless you are really good with electrical, I would leave it to someone else.BTW, trunk remote is useless on a Vibe IMO, as the trunk is opened when all doors are opened....maybe someone may have an idea about the trunk option but it seems redundant IMO.

[altimar]

The "trunk remote" would probably be intended to pop open the rear glass. The thing to realize about those kinds of kits is that they usually require power locks already installed. The kit itself is more or less a remote control box. You have to hook it up to door lock solenoids which you have to buy yourself if the vehicle doesn't have them. Generic-fit aftermarket door solenoids would probably be at least $25 apiece and require 30-60 minutes each to install. If you want the OEM solenoids, I heard someone on here say they were $200 each.Wiring everything up is not for the faint of heart. You need good information about the car's wiring harnesses and you can potentially blow fuses or your airbags if you're not very careful. Dealers have refused to do warranty repairs due to damage to the wiring system. If you've never done anything with automotive wiring before and don't have a very knowledgeable friend, I'd recommend you have a system professionally installed. Hope I didn't ruin your day.

[Blueridge9]

Altimar and Random,Thanks for the information and caution. I certainly don't want to blow any fuses or airbags.Yes, I will leave it to a pro to install and focus on the simpler keyless entry. I also searched it on Amazon and the reviews there said it took several hours and a few calls to Bulldog tech support for clarification.