Bad Experience - Geek Squad install of Viper Smart Start

[cellphonechris]

Had the VSS4X10B installed by Geek Squad (Viper's Authorized Installer when verifying car compatibility on their site) on Monday. After picking up the vehicle, noticed a dash warning for "Vehicle Lights Malfunction" and discovered the backlights for my headlight control, steering wheel, and MMI weren't lit! Starting a claim with Best Buy, but have the feeling there will be a saga involved. I'll provide updates here.

I actually like the functionality of the remote stater, but have the feeling the Audi SA will recommend removing the entire unit in order to repair the issue.

*** UPDATE ***

Harness to headlight switch was disconnected during install. I actually reconnected this myself and resolved all issues. Smart Start working as advertised!

[JoshDub]

Lol good luck. There is a reason people don't install those things as well as a reason people don't take their cars to places like that.

[430hps4]

Best Buy will be non-existant soon enough...

I got a $50 gift card for xmas there. I spent almost an hour wandering around, trying to find SOMETHING I could spend it on. Even their open box TVs, to be used as a new computer monitor, were not that great. Costco had better prices on new ones...

[jcdeng]

Geek squad? lol you should see their hiring requirements. I think I would rather tackle the job myself than to trust a member of the "geek squad", and I know jack sh*t about electrical wiring.

[rayray]

Getting the "Geek Squad" to install your Viper is like getting "Matt, the Radar Technician" to rewire your calcinator.

[cellphonechris]

Before the thread turns into an "I told you so" fest, I did some diligence by verifying compatibility with my vehicle, and with the knowledge that the work (and any resulting damages) were fully warrantied. Hopefully the fix is simple and doesn't require the Smart Start to be removed. I'm not overly concerned, the car isn't ruined, and at worst I'll end up in a loaner while it's fixed. I may even have the airbag sensor recall done at the same time, if the fix is issued by then. That said, I posted the thread to inform others. Whether the issues are a result of incompatibility or poor workmanship, more forum users will be aware as a result.

[subterFUSE]

The good news is that modern car alarms are a lot less complicated than they were 20 years ago. A lot less wire cutting is involved now.

My guess is there is simply an unplugged wire harness under the dash for those backlights. When panels are removed, it's easy to overlook a small harness.

[HackDevil]

Hey easy guys... My first job as a kid was being a geek squad agent. They even gave us plastic badges.

[homelessNY_LI]

Hey easy guys... My first job as a kid was being a geek squad agent. They even gave us plastic badges.

Enough said

[cellphonechris]

The good news is that modern car alarms are a lot less complicated than they were 20 years ago. A lot less wire cutting is involved now.

My guess is there is simply an unplugged wire harness under the dash for those backlights. When panels are removed, it's easy to overlook a small harness.

I'm hoping it's something as simple as you describe. Also want to reiterate that this Viper unit is for remote start and GPS tracking only, it does not interfere with the factory alarm system.

[SHR]

Thank you for posting. I asked my dealer rep about this when I purchased my C7 and he told me they tried two installations of this same system and had issues. He said it had something to do with needing to leave a key in the car and disable the proximity sensor and other assorted challenges. I'm technically able and was thinking of tackling the installation myself but looking for a confirmed install before I do so. Very interested in this outcome as well, please keep us posted.

[cellphonechris]

Thank you for posting. I asked my dealer rep about this when I purchased my C7 and he told me they tried two installations of this same system and had issues. He said it had something to do with needing to leave a key in the car and disable the proximity sensor and other assorted challenges. I'm technically able and was thinking of tackling the installation myself but looking for a confirmed install before I do so. Very interested in this outcome as well, please keep us posted.

Install confirmed, very simple issue that was resolved - OP updated

[BlueSVT]

Well damn... good outcome.

I'm so leery about leaving a spare key in the car though. Doesn't that affect even the basic "lock" function, which it won't let you do with your key in the car?

[brianc21]

Well damn... good outcome.

I'm so leery about leaving a spare key in the car though. Doesn't that affect even the basic "lock" function, which it won't let you do with your key in the car?

It affects nothing. All smart lock systems work just as before, in fact now you can use the remote buttons while the car is running. My dealer installed mine and love it.

Thank you for posting. I asked my dealer rep about this when I purchased my C7 and he told me they tried two installations of this same system and had issues. He said it had something to do with needing to leave a key in the car and disable the proximity sensor and other assorted challenges. I'm technically able and was thinking of tackling the installation myself but looking for a confirmed install before I do so. Very interested in this outcome as well, please keep us posted.

Sent from my LG-H901 using Tapatalk

[BlueSVT]

It affects nothing. All smart lock systems work just as before, in fact now you can use the remote buttons while the car is running. My dealer installed mine and love it.



Sent from my LG-H901 using Tapatalk

So, to confirm, is there in fact a spare key left inside the car?

[brianc21]

So, to confirm, is there in fact a spare key left inside the car?

They used the chip from the little black plastic spare key you would use to manually unlock the car. They did not waste a full remote. I never used that little key for anything anyways.

Sent from my LG-H901 using Tapatalk

[cellphonechris]

They used the chip from the little black plastic spare key you would use to manually unlock the car. They did not waste a full remote. I never used that little key for anything anyways.

Sent from my LG-H901 using Tapatalk

Same install method here. The plastic key was previously collecting dust in a safe.

[subterFUSE]

*** UPDATE ***

Harness to headlight switch was disconnected during install. I actually reconnected this myself and resolved all issues. Smart Start working as advertised!

Man, I really hate being right all the time.

[cellphonechris]

Man, I really hate being right all the time.

You absolutely were, THANK YOU!