GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Want to know if it is possible to install a rke system on my 08 base vibe? The car didn't come with remote keyless entry, but boy would I like to have it. Can somebody please help me out here, I would like to install an oem rke system if possible, or will I have to go with an aftermarket brand? Any insight would be great, thanks

WestC4 wrote:Want to know if it is possible to install a rke system on my 08 base vibe? The car didn't come with remote keyless entry, but boy would I like to have it. Can somebody please help me out here, I would like to install an oem rke system if possible, or will I have to go with an aftermarket brand? Any insight would be great, thanks

Yes you can. If you don't have PDL, you'll need to add actuators in the doors. As far as OEM vs. aftermarket, I'd always go with aftermarket. OEM tends to not give you as much range and as many features for the same price you'd pay for a decent aftermarket.

If all you want is RKE, I'd recommend an Avital 2101. They can be found on eBay for <$40. Depending on how many doors you want to lock/unlock, you'll need actuators. These run $10-15 for quality ones. Then, you'll need a relay kit that runs about $10.

PDL is power door locks correct? My car has power door locks, sorry for not including this in my first post. So then I just need the keyless remote system right?

Thanks for the help. Since my car is equipped with pdl's, then do I just need the key fobs, or is there more than that to make it work?

WestC4 wrote:Thanks for the help. Since my car is equipped with pdl's, then do I just need the key fobs, or is there more than that to make it work?

You'll need to install an actual receiver and actuator. This will involve some wire splicing. It's not too hard, but you'll need to get under the dash and find some wires.

I've installed some alarm and remote start systems from AutoAlarmPro.com and been very happy. They include everything you need for your particular car including detailed instructions. For simple RKE you don't need to do a lot of work. Should cost about a hundred bucks.

Considering you already have power door locks, all you need is the system. For $40, grab one of those Avital units I posted earlier. Your OEM locks are controlled by negative pulse, so you won't even need relays. You can even pop the rear hatch if you want as well. Below is the wiring diagram for your car. If you have any questions, lemme know and I'll try and help. I've been installing these systems since 1993.

http://diagrams.marktoonen.nl/index.asp ... elID=18773" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I thought the RKE came with the PDL option? If that was the case, and you just did not get any remotes, I was going to say try the programming steps for programming a new factory remote and see if it flashes the lights and cycles the locks. If that happens, all you need is a $10 remote from ebay.

Programming instructions:
viewtopic.php?t=1102" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Good luck on it!

trb wrote:I thought the RKE came with the PDL option? If that was the case, and you just did not get any remotes, I was going to say try the programming steps for programming a new factory remote and see if it flashes the lights and cycles the locks. If that happens, all you need is a $10 remote from ebay.

Programming instructions:
viewtopic.php?t=1102" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Good luck on it!

While that might be an option if he has the receiver in the car, he takes the chance of wasting $$ on remotes if it isn't there. That and the OEM range sucks donkey (removed).

SlammedNiss wrote: While that might be an option if he has the receiver in the car, he takes the chance of wasting $$ on remotes if it isn't there. That and the OEM range sucks donkey (removed).

I wouldn't spend any money on OEM remotes until I had tested to see if the receiver is there. I would think running through the remote programming steps, and getting the locks to cycle closed and open by themselves, to signal the car is ready to add a remote should confirm that it will accept a remote. I agree the range is short, but it is good enough to open the doors before you get to the car.

ok, sounds good, where do I need to look to verify if my car already has the receiver installed to where I would just need the remotes? I understand that the oem range is pretty bad, but if all I need is the key fobs, that's great

WestC4 wrote:ok, sounds good, where do I need to look to verify if my car already has the receiver installed to where I would just need the remotes? I understand that the oem range is pretty bad, but if all I need is the key fobs, that's great

I don't see anything in my wiring diagrams about a separate keyless receiver, so just follow the steps in the thread I linked to.

Or click HERE: viewtopic.php?t=1102" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and follow the steps in post 6 of that thread. If the locks lock and then unlock at step 10, you should be able to buy a remote and program it to your car.

Thanks a lot guys

Just did the check via the post you told me about, and bingo the door locks cycled twice, sweet!! All I need is the fobs then correct

WestC4 wrote:Just did the check via the post you told me about, and bingo the door locks cycled twice, sweet!! All I need is the fobs then correct

I would think so. Like I said, you can find them on ebay from about $10 each.

Edit: Oh, and FWIW, I just checked my fob range at lunch, and in my work parking lot it is about 70-80 feet. I know it works through my house to my detached garage also, about 40-50 feet. Good enough for what I need.

trb wrote:

WestC4 wrote:Just did the check via the post you told me about, and bingo the door locks cycled twice, sweet!! All I need is the fobs then correct

I would think so. Like I said, you can find them on ebay from about $10 each.

Edit: Oh, and FWIW, I just checked my fob range at lunch, and in my work parking lot it is about 70-80 feet. I know it works through my house to my detached garage also, about 40-50 feet. Good enough for what I need.

that's great, thanks again for the info and help