Dealer/3rd party installed alarm problems?

[Kidbyte]

I didn't get to order the factory alarm, so I am interested in what others have done. Allison at the Dallas Smartcenter says that they have been unable to install the alarms and get them to work with the standard smartcar key fob and have to use an additional fob. I really would like to have an alarm that you can control with just the standard smartcar key fob.

Anyone out there have any further information on this issue? Thanks a lot in advance!

Kidbyte

[brian r]

Not going to happen. In order to use the ignition key, you must have the factory alarm, and at this time it is not possible to retrofit it.

[Dunerunner]

That doesn't seem right, doesn't the unlock command from the smart key remote operate a relay somewhere? Couldn't you use that to drive an arm/disarm function in a third party alarm or is it just not that simple?

[Fredvon4]

Dunerunner.... yes sir it is that simple... but we are dealing with non technical folks in America these days who have no clue how things work and are escairt to learn, experiment and develop viable solutions

Then you have the Nervous Nellies who will convince them selves that stealing a signal off the back of the SAM unit will void the warranty...

The real crime is the stupid idea that this must be a factory install (smart alarm)... what absolute BS...just like the fog lights... all the wiring is in there...all the logic is already in the SAM and ECU... all that is needed is to install the individual modules and code the SAM and ECU to now know it is an Alarm enable version...

Someone at PAG/smart USA needs to get someone at MB/smart on the ball to develop the dealer install process and coding....

[LittleDuke]

Our car is ready to be picked up, but they did not install the alarm that we ordered. The dealer claims that any 3rd party alarm may void the warranty, and that we can wait another 22-months for the correct vehicle!

The person I spoke with at SmartUSA today on the other hand claims that the dealer should absolutely be able to install the alarm without voiding the warranty -- or we could try and find an 'orphan' vehicle that matches our requirements from another dealer (unlikely since there is only one dealer in MN)

Its a small thing, but the damage to goodwill is pretty high in terms of creating disappointment for us from day one.....