GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Has anyone tried to install actuators for remote keyless entry? I bought my Vibe without the power package, and now I realized that was a mistake. I think I read somewhere that the door lock system uses cables instead of the usual rods. Is this true? If so, how do you go about attaching the actuator?

I'm with you, I didn't get the power package, but would like to get power locks.Are you going to put authentic Vibe/Matrix parts in the doors, or are you looking at some aftermarket stuff, and if so which one? I haven't priced the parts from Pontiac, figured if I did I would decide it wasn't worth the $$, maybe I can hit up a junkyard for the parts, unless there's a good generic kit out there.I haven't had a chance to look in the service manual yet, there is probably a diagram showing how to install/remove those parts, I'll check it out this weekend and let you know what I find.

I installed keyless entry on my Civic, but didn't install any lock/unlock buttons. It would lock automatically when I started the car, and would unlock automatically when I turned off the car. It works out really nice and you don't ruin the factory look.As soon as I find out how these door locks work, I'll post install pics as I go along. So if anybody has any info on these doors, please let me know.

I looked in the vibe service manual, and it says Quote, originally posted by "p.555" »The power door lock actuator is not serviced separately, but as part of the door lockLooking at the section for replacing hte door lock, it has a picture adequate to show how to remove/install the entire door lock assembly, but does not show how the actuator works in conjunction wiht the rest of the assembly. So, it looks like the OEM power door lock is not separately replaceable fromt he rest of the door lock assembly, and the service manual isn't going to be any help in figuring out how to tie in some aftermarket actuator. It also looks like someone whould have to remove the whole door lock assembly from their car in order to see how it is put together, does not look like something you could see by just removing the door trim panel.Sorry for the non-help

I found out you can get actuators 4 for $16 on eBay. Does anybody know a good car alarm that is less than $100? I don't want to spend alot, and I mostly just want the keyless entry. The alarm is just a bonus. So if the alarm has internal relays that would save money. The only places I've looked so far are crutchfield and jcwhitney. Where else should I look?

I think Circuiot City sells a rattler KE system for a reasonable price...but I could be wrong...Justin?

Three systems, two if you really want the Keyless Entry. (These at Circuit City)Rattler 310D (Security + Keyless)Rattler 369D (Remote Start + Keyless)Both come with the doorlock relay module, and the instructions to install...it's a "Do-It-Yourself" system, so don't take any BS if the salesguy says they HAVE to install it.If you need any help installing any one of these systems, let me know, I have all the wiring info (these types of systems anyway)Depending on which one you want will range from $110 - $129 at the most..I think they're both on sale at the moment.. around $116 for the 369D (which is what Mike has)The 310D has two remotes, the 369D has one, but you can have up to four for either.

And, both of those systems have the ability to automatically lock when you start the car, and unlock when you stop it. But it can be turned off...As for how the actuators would go in? Not sure...I couldn't even think of a car without a power package.. (But then..I also got the Nav system..see what THAT tells ya..)

I installed the 369D on my car about a month ago. Took me a good day to do it, and that's someone with no wiring experience at all. Justin did a FANTASTIC job guiding me through the entire install (thanks again man.) Was a bit tricky, but sounds like you're pretty versed in electrical stuff so should have little or no trouble installing a system.BTW, I LOVE this system! Has "valet take over" which allows me to keep the car running but still remove the key. Great for keeping the engine running if I'm just running in to the ATM or something. Awesome system, highly recommended!

Did you have to install the door lock actuators? This is the only part that scares me. I design electronics for a living, so I'm not worried about breaking the electronics cause I can just fix it. If you installed the actuators, do you remember if the lock mechanism was a rod or cable mechanism?

I have the power package, I didn't have to install actuators, only the relay for the RS that sends the lock/unlock signals to the doors.

These products don't provide the solution that he is looking for. It only has the relays and receivers/transmitters. I don't know if you can order actuators seperately, but here is a link to the installation manual for the 369D in PDF format.http://www.directed.com/guides...3.pdfI recommend emailing these guys and seeing if they can hook you up:http://www.directed.com/default.aspGood luck!

It appears he already located actuators:Quote, originally posted by ebslopp »I found out you can get actuators 4 for $16 on eBay. Does anybody know a good car alarm that is less than $100? I don't want to spend alot, and I mostly just want the keyless entry. The alarm is just a bonus. So if the alarm has internal relays that would save money. The only places I've looked so far are crutchfield and jcwhitney. Where else should I look?

Sorry...misunderstood

No big!

The super-installer here says that attatching actuators to cable driven locks are..."Hehe..that's fun."So..yeah.

Well...I just bought the actuators off of eBay. As soon as they get here, I will attempt to install. I'll make sure to take pictures as I go along. Jahntassa, does your super-installer have any tips on installing to cable driven locks?

I actually didn't have a chance to ask him what his secret is. I'm pretty sure there's a couple of little hardware bits that might come with it..or you might be able to get from a hardware store, that'll "grip" the cable and allow the actuator to work it either direction..Probably a little piece of metal that'll sandwich over the cable and allow you to screw the end of the actuator to it. I'm just guessing at this, though.. I'll see if I can pry into his mind next time he's in.

Did you have a chance to talk to your "super installer" yet? I got the actuators and attemped to put them in today. I took off the door panel, and sure enough, cable system. I don't have good access to anything except the cable. The cable is like the cables that are on your bicycle to control brakes. So I'm not sure if you can cut the insulation on the cable or not. If anybody has any information, PLEASE let me know.

joatmon, can you post a pic of the diagram for removing the lock assembly? I've got a few ideas for attaching the actuator to the cable, but I'd like to see the inside of the lock assembly first.

well, according to the forum's posting guidelinesQuote »You agree not to post any copyrighted material unless the copyright is owned by you or by this forum.However, I'll work something out and IM you later.Don't get your hopes up. As I remember the pics in the manual, I don't expect them to be much help.

I've got mine done the way you're looking for "ebslopp".Now having remote starter with doorlock. The first place I went, the tech said "not possible - cause flexible cable" then I've found "the special technician" who did the right job, linking actuator with rigid rod to the handle (inside door handle).So, it's possible to do it but you have to get the right guy...I don't have digicam but will try to take some "regular pictures 35mm" to show you how he did it. Be patient my friend.

I would be most interested to see how he attached the actuator to the door handle. I just got my alarm system in the mail yesterday. It's going to be pretty sweet. It's a two-way FM alarm system with pager. They keyfob has a picture of a car and tells you which zones are triggered. I can't wait to put it in! Thanks for your help SCTM!

Ok...I found some great info on http://www.matrixowners.com. Lots of pics and even a quicktime movie on the setup! Click-Here: Power lock installationNow comes the true test, can I do it? I'll let you all know how it turns out! Thanks for your help.

Ok, I'm stuck. I've got all the actuators installed, but I can't figure out a good way to attach the actuator rod to the cable. Does anyone have any ideas? I wanted to do it like the guy on matrixowners.com, but I don't have access to a welder to spot weld the piece in place. There must be some sort of clamp that can be used here. Please help!

I think hardware stores might have something that'll clamp onto a cable.. I don't know specifically what it is, or what it's called...but have you tried the local Ace, Lowes, or Home Depot? They might have some good suggestions..

Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa »I think hardware stores might have something that'll clamp onto a cable.. I don't know specifically what it is, or what it's called...but have you tried the local Ace, Lowes, or Home Depot? They might have some good suggestions..yeah, i've been to nearly every hardware store in the area. Tonight, I'm going to a sailboat supply store to see what they have.

Have you figured out the power locks? I am currently trying to figure it out, and nobody has a clue! Will you please help!

I'm still looking for something to attatch the actuator arm to the cable. I have all of the actuators installed, and I just haven't had alot of free time this summer to work on the locks. How far along are you with the installation?

Try duct tape and bailing wire.Ok now seriously. Is there anyway you can attach an eye like what is used for ground wires. Then bolt the actuator to the cable?

Quote, originally posted by sloth »Ok now seriously. Is there anyway you can attach an eye like what is used for ground wires. Then bolt the actuator to the cable?That's a good idea. I might have to look into that one. SJVIBE is working on his right now, so we'll see what he comes up with.

Would small U clamps work? They make them pretty small for use in garage door support wires and other stuff. I have seen them small enough to clamp 2 #6 screws together. I have used electrical connectors to temporarily clamp things to wire rope. I split the connectors open (after tossing the plastic insulator), stuck the wires in, clamped them together, and then soldered all that. It took quite a bit of heat plus I used flux to help...Can you weave them together, like a rope splice? Ive seen some of those weaves take some impressive loads.

Quote, originally posted by cdFxer »Would small U clamps work? They make them pretty small for use in garage door support wires and other stuff. I have seen them small enough to clamp 2 #6 screws together. I have used electrical connectors to temporarily clamp things to wire rope. I split the connectors open (after tossing the plastic insulator), stuck the wires in, clamped them together, and then soldered all that. It took quite a bit of heat plus I used flux to help...Can you weave them together, like a rope splice? Ive seen some of those weaves take some impressive loads.The problem is, the actuator arm is a much bigger diameter than the cable in the door. The cable is about the diameter of a bicycle brake cable, and the actuator arm is quite a bit larger in comparison. With this in mind, I'm a little skeptical of the U connector. The actuator arm is actually one solid piece of steel, so braiding them together is not an option. I really don't want to solder them together, because I won't be able to make adjustments later on.

can the cable be replaced w/ a rod?