BrooklynMike
Full Access Member
A few months ago I got a Viper remote start installed (http://www.viper.com/car/remotestart/product/4105v/viper-entry-level-1-way-remote-start-system) with a iDatalink bypass module (http://www.idatalink.com/product/product/product_id/1). The 1st issue I had was whenever I used the remote to lock the doors, and then try to use the remote start, the engine would crank but not turn over. Once I unlocked the doors then the engine would start fine remotely. I called Directed and spoke with their tech support so see if it's something they've ever heard of and said no, and suggested I go back to the installer. I took it back and he made a change to the wiring to fix the issue, and said it was weird. He had never seen that happen before.
Now the 2nd issue: I noticed that sometimes the truck struggled to start, and one day the battery died for some reason. The installer tested the battery and it was a bit weak, and about 4 years old. I went and got a new battery that day and within a week the new battery died. Now I'm like WTF?! I took it back to the installer and he put in brand new Viper and iDatalink modules. He also did a battery drain test and found nothing wrong. I mentioned that I had an iPod adapter (http://www.pac-audio.com/productDetails.aspx?ProductId=37&CategoryID=36) connected to my factory radio and he said he's seen issues with that model before, and said he thinks it's what's causing the battery to die. I've had it since 2009 and never had any problems with it. Each time the battery died, the last thing I did was lock the doors using the remote. For the next few weeks I only locked the doors using the interior button on the handle and not the remote, and the battery did not die once. Then one day after I parked and was going up the steps to my door I saw my parking lights flash. The remote was in my pocket and the lock button must have gotten pressed inadvertently. I didn't think anything of it and went inside. The next morning the battery was dead again! I contacted the installer and he offered to remove the remote start system and give me a full refund. I just wanted to fix the problem and keep it, so I called Crutchfield and Directed tech support to see if they've ever heard of this issue and both said no. Both also suggested that the problem could be with the bypass module and suggested I have the DB-ALL module (http://www.xpresskit.com/product.aspx?productid=461) installed. I figured I would give this a shot since I wasn't really pleased with the performance of the iDatalink module anyway (the response seemed delayed and the perimeter lights didn't come on anymore when the vehicle was unlocked at night). I asked the installer if he thinks it could be the bypass module causing the issue and he said no, but he had it in stock. A few days later I took it to him and he installed it for me. The response with the DB-ALL module works much better than the iDatalink & I'm glad I got it swapped. I locked the doors using the remote and the following day the battery was dead AGAIN! I spoke to the installer and told him I would disconnect the iPod adapter from behind the radio and see if the problem goes away. It's been a few days and I've been locking the doors only with the remote and so far no dead battery!
This was a weird issue! I ordered a new head unit (http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entertainment/In-Dash_CD_Receivers/Double_DIN_Receiver/DPX500BT) to replace the stock radio since I can't live without the iPod adapter.
Just wanted to share the experience in case anyone else ever comes across it...
Now the 2nd issue: I noticed that sometimes the truck struggled to start, and one day the battery died for some reason. The installer tested the battery and it was a bit weak, and about 4 years old. I went and got a new battery that day and within a week the new battery died. Now I'm like WTF?! I took it back to the installer and he put in brand new Viper and iDatalink modules. He also did a battery drain test and found nothing wrong. I mentioned that I had an iPod adapter (http://www.pac-audio.com/productDetails.aspx?ProductId=37&CategoryID=36) connected to my factory radio and he said he's seen issues with that model before, and said he thinks it's what's causing the battery to die. I've had it since 2009 and never had any problems with it. Each time the battery died, the last thing I did was lock the doors using the remote. For the next few weeks I only locked the doors using the interior button on the handle and not the remote, and the battery did not die once. Then one day after I parked and was going up the steps to my door I saw my parking lights flash. The remote was in my pocket and the lock button must have gotten pressed inadvertently. I didn't think anything of it and went inside. The next morning the battery was dead again! I contacted the installer and he offered to remove the remote start system and give me a full refund. I just wanted to fix the problem and keep it, so I called Crutchfield and Directed tech support to see if they've ever heard of this issue and both said no. Both also suggested that the problem could be with the bypass module and suggested I have the DB-ALL module (http://www.xpresskit.com/product.aspx?productid=461) installed. I figured I would give this a shot since I wasn't really pleased with the performance of the iDatalink module anyway (the response seemed delayed and the perimeter lights didn't come on anymore when the vehicle was unlocked at night). I asked the installer if he thinks it could be the bypass module causing the issue and he said no, but he had it in stock. A few days later I took it to him and he installed it for me. The response with the DB-ALL module works much better than the iDatalink & I'm glad I got it swapped. I locked the doors using the remote and the following day the battery was dead AGAIN! I spoke to the installer and told him I would disconnect the iPod adapter from behind the radio and see if the problem goes away. It's been a few days and I've been locking the doors only with the remote and so far no dead battery!
This was a weird issue! I ordered a new head unit (http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entertainment/In-Dash_CD_Receivers/Double_DIN_Receiver/DPX500BT) to replace the stock radio since I can't live without the iPod adapter.
Just wanted to share the experience in case anyone else ever comes across it...
