Mobile Audio Systems & GPS

[jwino]

I had a Viper Smart VSS4000 installed in my 2011 Ford Taurus a couple of weeks ago and ask at the time of install if the rear defroster could be turned on when starting with iPhone. This is only the second Smart Start the tech had installed and he was hesitant about doing mine due to the problems he had with the his first install. After looking at what was required for the Taurus he said he thought he could accomplish the installation. He thought the rear defroster could be wired in and was going to get back to be with the answer. I did not hear back and after a week I emailed Directed and asked about the defroster and received a reply that it could definitely be done.

 I printed the email and visited Best Buy and spoke with the tech and he was to look into what was required and get back to me. Again I heard nothing and I contacted Directed via online chat and ask if the tech could access Directed tech support for answers to his questions and I was given a dedicated tech support number for the Best Buy tech to use. I called the Best Buy tech and gave him the number and he was again to get back to me.

It has become apparent the Best Buy tech is either not interested or lacks the knowledge to perform this task.  I would like to find a tech near me I that could complete this task. The Smart Start is working and I have had no problems with anything else since instillation.

Thye VSS4000 does have the neccessary connection to make this happen.

[858_Autotech]

I haven't done it myself in one of those cars, but it seems to be just one wire in the vehicle that is needed to make it happen and the wiring information is available to us.  What area are you in?

[jwino]

The Dirested tech said exacly that "connect one wire and program output to turn on the defroster"

I'm in Central MO. 65101

Thanks for the response

[jwino]

.........I also just discovered there is no kill switch??

Started with iPhone app unlocked door, pulled hood latch and opened hood engine remained running. I did not insert key in ignition

[858_Autotech]

That is definitely sad to hear.  The safety shutdown switch is what is considered a "non-negotiable" part of the installation.  While it is no excuse, it is possible that you got an Autotech that was inexperienced on remote start installations and simply didn't know these things.  I would call the store that did the installation and ask for their Autotech Lead.  That would usually be the best person in the store to talk to about your installation.  If they don't have a Lead or that happends to be the same Autotech, he best idea might be to click here and enter your zip code.  From there, you can find the next closest store's information.  I would give them a call and explain what you would like to do and what is going on with the hood pin.  As long as you have the installation paperwork (yellow copy), then they should be able to take care of the hood pin issue for you at the very least and most likely would be able to make the defroster work. 

[jwino]

I believe your assessment is correct in regard to the autotech that installed my Smart Start. The autotech is the one and only at my local Best Buy so I took your advise and called the next closest, 30 miles away. This autotech sounds like he has the experience to correct the mistakes and connect the defroster with no problem. I have an appointment 2/19 and I'll post how it goes when complete.

[858_Autotech]

Good to hear.  If that is a new Autotech and is the only one at the store, I hope the other Autotech can reach out to him and hopefully help him out with some training.  Let us know how it goes. 

[jwino · Accepted solution]

Took the Taurus to my appointment 30 miles away yesterday. I had spoken to Autotech when I made the appointment and explained my local install problems and also made him a list of those concerns.

Auto tech called 4 hours later and said I was ready to go. I checked out the problems corrected and everything is as should be.

I appreciate the suggestions by 858_Autotech!

Jim

[858_Autotech · Accepted solution]

Fantastic!  I really hope they get the Autotech at your local store sorted out.  It saddens me to hear of any Autotech struggling to do quality work for any reason. 

[klein]

Glad to hear you got it worked out. I'm assuming that you were either at the Jeff City or the Columbia location originally (and the other for the fix).