Adding a Remote to a vehicle that has Power Locks

Looking for some folks' experience and recommendations for adding a remote locking feature (keyfob type thing) to a vehicle that already had power locks. The vehicle in question is my '91 Suburban, and Mrs. VCH says she likes having the locks on a keyfob rather than with the key. Also, the truck has the power rear window in the tailgate, and it'd be really cool to have the remote work that as well.

A quick google search brought up lots of power lock kits, but since this truck already has power locks I'm looking for something simpler, hopefully that would just adapt to the existing lock system (which works). Of course, throwing the rear power window control into the mix adds a bit to the complexity.

I know some people who can probably help integrate an OEM solution into your truck if that's what you're looking for. I'll also tell you that RKE stuff is dramatically overpriced. It cost the factory like $6 to make a transmitter (including labor) and something like $10 for a receiver. Some of that stuff is less integrated into CANBUS than others, but I don't know which offhand. I may have some contacts at one of the factories though.

I did this on my kid's 2003 Saturn with an aftermarket system. That one is CAN, it basically means adding a separate ground, controlled by relays, to the lock system. I don't think a '91 will have that. That one most likely has a factory power lock relay which flips the polarity to the lock motors. It's not terribly difficult as long as you have a FSM wiring diagram. Some aftermarket alarm systems already have internal provisions for this type system, btw.

In the process of doing this to my elky. Amazon for 30 bucks. Works well. I'll have to see what brand. Using suburban actuators, and thekit. Still have finish the job, but the locks click from abo 50 feet.

Yeah, definitely no CAN here, just a switch that flips the solenoids. Really just need a transmitter, receiver, and some relays. The rear power window might be a little more complicated....I'm thinking just a trunk release clicker, and you hold down the button to make the motor wind down?

A lot of guys with older BMWs (e28s, e30s, etc.) have used a door lock kit from J.C. Whitney with success. They connect it to the existing power lock actuator in the trunk. http://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?t=44841

You can buy wireless door lock kits but it's probably cheaper to buy a cheap auto alarm, add a couple of relays and you can control anything electronic in your car with the remote. Anyplace the installs car audio can sell you what you need or even install it.

evildky wrote: You can buy wireless door lock kits but it's probably cheaper to buy a cheap auto alarm, add a couple of relays and you can control anything electronic in your car with the remote. Anyplace the installs car audio can sell you what you need or even install it.

Based on every used car with an alarm I've ever seen ever, that way madness lies.

I added remote to DD#1's base 2002 Impreza by buying an OEM key fob and remote receiver unit from a similar-year OBS or WRX. It plugged right into the harness and mounted up under the dash. It cost me $30 from a parts breaker on NASIOC. My guess is that you can do the same with junkyard parts from and appropriately-optioned donor. Be aware that there may be a secondary subharness that goes with the receiver unit, which you would need as well. Late-'90s-'01 Imprezas are like that, '02-up just plug right in. Some google-fu should tell you if it's required for your vehicle.

volvoclearinghouse wrote: Looking for some folks' experience and recommendations for adding a remote locking feature (keyfob type thing) to a vehicle that already had power locks. The vehicle in question is my '91 Suburban, and Mrs. VCH says she likes having the locks on a keyfob rather than with the key. Also, the truck has the power rear window in the tailgate, and it'd be really cool to have the remote work that as well. A quick google search brought up lots of power lock kits, but since this truck already has power locks I'm looking for something simpler, hopefully that would just adapt to the existing lock system (which works). Of course, throwing the rear power window control into the mix adds a bit to the complexity.

Okay what you want is this. http://www.amazon.com/Viper-211HV-1-Way-Keyless-System/dp/B001ANXNIW

I put one on my '94 K1500, works great. Back in another lifetime I worked for Circuit City installing those things for a living. We also sold other brands but never had any comebacks for faulty hardware with the Vipers or DEI products.

That unit will have an aux channel that you can wire the rear window control into. You may have to purchase a window control unit for that though unless it's just a momentary push button to roll it down or up, then you could wire that in with a relay.

Here is the wiring diagram for that truck. Type A door locks are a little tricky to figure out but thankfully that unit has built in relays so is pretty easy to wire in.

Here's how to wire the door locks, you'll have to cut the factory wires like so.

If you run into issues just let me know and I can walk you through it.

In reply to t25torx:

Awesome info, just what I was looking for. Yeah, my concern was getting some off-brand garbage that would work for 9 months and then be a non-functioning POS. I had looked for something from Viper or another decent brand. Thanks for steering me there.

The truck's going to get a decent stereo install, too, so that may happen simultaneously. As long as I'm in the electrical mood.