viper 771xv, ’02 dodge ram 1500

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trippy

Member - Posts: 4

Joined: January 17, 2008

Location: South Carolina, United States

Posted: January 28, 2008 at 7:08 AM / IP Logged

Can anyone help me with some pictures of an alarm system install in a Dodge Ram pickup?

Best Buy did the initial installation of my system. I've taken it back to them once, it still doesn't function correctly and the work doesn't look very professional. I'd rather not have them in my truck again and would like to see how the system components should be installed. Here's a link to the pictures of the Best Buy install:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/restinpeace/sets/72157603798525524/

Thanks!

Twelvoltz

Platinum - Posts: 2,384

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Joined: March 24, 2005

Location: New Jersey, United States

Posted: January 28, 2008 at 8:29 AM / IP Logged

Wow! Where to start on this one? You say Best Buy put this in, I find that a little difficult to believe, as I thought Best Buy had trained techs? Yeah, I would not consider that a professional installation at all. Was the system removed from another vehicle then installed in that truck? The LED hanging out of the top of the dash, the ground to an underdash bracket, etc, etc, etc. The brain being accessible right behind the knee bolster is not a very 'secure' location for components that are meant to protect your vehicle. It's a shame because that 02 Ram has plenty of spaces to hide the brain in, or at least put it up out of the way. The resistor that was crimped into a butt connector is a pretty good sign that the installer was either being lazy or just plain should not be doing unsupervised installations.

Installer, IT support, and FFL. I need less hobbies.

trippy

Member - Posts: 4

Joined: January 17, 2008

Location: South Carolina, United States

Posted: January 28, 2008 at 9:11 AM / IP Logged

The Viper alarm was given to me brand new in the box as a gift this past Christmas. It was purchased from Best Buy so I decided to let them install it. After the initial install, the doors would not set off the alarm, I couldn't find the valet switch, I couldn't find the bypass switch, I couldn't find the hood switch. However, I could see the LED flashing from under the kick panel. The only thing that worked was the auto start and door lock/unlock and shock sensor (which can be seen tie wrapped to the kick panel support).

I took it back and showed it all to the Best Buy install bay manager, who said he would take care of it himself.

He said that they never install the bypass switch or hood pin switch because it just disables the system. (I actually thought is was for safety so someone wouldn't cut off their fingers while working under the hood.)

Now, the pictures you see are after the Best Buy install bay manager "took care of it".

It still does not work correctly and to top it off, my truck's heater fan doesn't work half the time...my children really dislike that part for their cold morning ride to school. I guess Best Buy also messed up the truck's wiring harness integrity. On the bright side, after a few good hits on the dash, the heater fan will sometimes start up for a while.

I don't really feel comfortable letting Best Buy work on it again, considering this is how the install bay manager left it.

I am in the process of looking for someone else to remove it, repair my wiring system and then reinstall the viper correctly. I'll be paying twice because the install bay manager and store manager both refuse to refund my money.

Any suggestions?

Twelvoltz

Platinum - Posts: 2,384

Joined: March 24, 2005

Location: New Jersey, United States

Posted: January 28, 2008 at 9:35 AM / IP Logged

As far as the hood pin is concerned, if it is an alarm system it should have it installed. I normally do not install a hood pin on my RS systems because here in South Jersey they all go bad over time, however ALL of my installs get a kill switch installed that allows the owner to disable the RS when taking the vehicle in for service.

As far as the blower motor is concerned this may not be a fault of the install it may just be going bad. But without having the vehicle in front of me to test it there is no real way to tell for certain.

My suggestion would be to call the national support phone number at 1-888-BEST BUY and explain to them your problems. I would also suggest contacting the Better Business Bureau in your area and tell the Best Buy national help line that you are contacting the BBB. Also make sure they know you posted pictures of the installation for all to see. No retail store likes bad publicity.

I would also post exactly which Best Buy store this was, there are some Best Buy installers that help out on this board, I am sure they would be interested in knowing who did that installation.

Installer, IT support, and FFL. I need less hobbies.

StealthEs

Copper - Posts: 326

Joined: September 04, 2003

Location: New Jersey, United States

Posted: January 28, 2008 at 9:44 AM / IP Logged

I am going to have to confirm that this is more likely then not a Best Buy Install. When I worked there that is how must people installed them, aside from myself I always took pride in my installs . A big ball from hell, I would just take it back, get it uninstalled and get back all of your money. When you take it to a new shop take these pictures with you. Tell them you are looking for a REAL professional install, not what they see in the pictures. This should get you the results you are after.

Cris

trippy

Member - Posts: 4

Joined: January 17, 2008

Location: South Carolina, United States

Posted: January 28, 2008 at 9:50 AM / IP Logged

If anyone has any pictures of how an install should look please post them so I can see them.

My install was done in Spartanburg, SC.

StealthEs

Copper - Posts: 326

Joined: September 04, 2003

Location: New Jersey, United States

Posted: January 28, 2008 at 9:51 AM / IP Logged

Call 1-888-BESTBUY, tell them whats going on, offer to email them the pictures. This will usually get you what you need, the unit completely taken out and a full refund. Also make sure they fix your heater problem. If not have them write that they cant fix it and take it to the dealer to be fix at their expense. Be honest though, if this problem was there before don't try to pass the blame onto someone else.

If that still doesn't get you a full refund tell them your lawyer will be calling them.

Cris

trippy

Member - Posts: 4

Joined: January 17, 2008

Location: South Carolina, United States

Posted: January 28, 2008 at 10:12 AM / IP Logged

The receipt states the cost of labor and/or installation is not refundable.

...like a box of chocolates, huh?

StealthEs

Copper - Posts: 326

Joined: September 04, 2003

Location: New Jersey, United States

Posted: January 28, 2008 at 10:33 AM / IP Logged

Yes but they did a doodiety job and it doesnt work properly according to you. I use to work there a long time ago. You can get all your money back just call the 1-888 number.

Cris

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viper 771xv, ’02 dodge ram 1500

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