Some questions to VX owners

[VX KAT]

Thanks so much! I'll check out all recommendations!

Another question I forgot to post earlier -- The car comes with only one key and no remote -- has anyone installed an immobilizer system on VX? If so, what did you install and how much time did it take? Also what other Isuzu models use compatible key blanks so I can find them on ebay easier?

Ah, also I'm a bit concerned about putting bigger than stock tires -- if I go for a wider tire (285/60) how can I ensure the fitment so that I wouldn't have to trim cladding?

thanks!

REMOTE KEY FOB: PART NUMBER: BAB237131-013 - 2-90101-701-0
I'm not sure if the alarm system was standard, so FIRST make sure you have the alarm system. The control box is WAY up under your left foot well and off to the left side. It's black, about the size of a in dash CD player and has a BRIGHT GREEN button on it. I have a picture of it if you need it, just holler.
I have the easy programming instructions for the remote, it's really easy to do.

Here's a post I made in Feb. that has several references:
http://vehicross.info/forums/showpos...5&postcount=10

http://www.originalkeyless.com/produ...&categoryId=13

There's currently 4 OEM remotes on ebay that will work. These are the genuine OEM remote, be careful and note that several are selling a knock off replacement remote...just decide which you want and make sure you are sure which one you're getting.
http://desc.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nk...sacat=0&_rdc=1


KEYS:
There's several Vehicross keys on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2000-...s#ht_500wt_698


TRIMMING CLADDING TO FIT 285/60-18 TIRES ON OEM RIMS:
I have that size tire on OEM 18" rims, and NO TB cranked, and no lift, no special springs etc....and this is ALL you have to trim off cladding...it's very easy. Since these are hand made cars, we've heard several instances where people encounter slight variances and tolerances, so you may have a slightly larger or smaller piece to cut, etc... vt. mav said he had to trim cladding to a slightly different degree on each side for his tire/wheel application, so there's sometimes slight variances, but all very doable.

[stangri]

Wow, thank you so much for photos, it's actually much smaller trim-job than I though! I'm guessing my little rotary tool would be inefficient here -- what did you use if you trimmed it yourself or did you have it done at the shop?

I've seen some cheap security systems which supposedly have immobilizer and the trunk release button on ebay. If I do install immobilizer I'll be saving about $120-$150 a year on insurance so I figured I better install the immobilizer than invest in remotes/new blanks.

Besides that there're two more gadgets I'm thinking of installing -- the TPMS (which I bought a few years ago for my landcruiser but ended up selling the truck before I installed TPMS) and the rear view cam/sensors. Last time I test-drove VX I forgot to take the measure -- what's the size of that insert in the rear door where JDM models have cam installed?

PS. At 25 bucks I think I better get the original remote just in case. Are the following the correct instructions for programming?

Open the driver’s door.

Insert key into ignition.

Turn the ignition switch to the ACC position and then to the LOCK position three times. (This step must be completed within 3 seconds – go as fast as yo can, or the system will not enter the programming mode.)

Within 10 seconds, close and open the door two times.

Turn the ignition switch to the ACC position and then to the LOCK position three times (again, do this within 3 seconds.)

Within 10 seconds, close and open the door. Verify that the power door locks cycle once to confirm that the system is in programming mode.

Within 20 seconds, press the LOCK button on the transmitter you are programming. Verify that the door locks cycle once.

Within 20 seconds, press the UNLOCK button on the transmitter. Verify that the door locks cycle once to confirm that the system has accepted the transmitter’s code.

Repeat steps 7 and 8 for each transmitter to be added.

Remove key from ignition.

[hyperkid]

I'm saving up for this bad boy

http://www.lesscoelectronics.com/MIT...0-genk3545.htm

Gentex 50-GENK3545 3.5" Electrochromic rearview mirror monitor

??*Built in 3 button Homelink garage door opener
??*Auto-dimming rear view mirror
??*Built in compass
??*Built in map light
??*Monitor is completely invisible when off
??*Built in map light
??*Unit is designed to mount to factory rearview mirror mounting point
??*High brightness 3.5" 800 nit LCD monitor
??*Operating Voltage: 9.0 to 16.0 Vdc
??*Operating Temperature: -40º to 140º
??*Storage Temperature: -40º to 165º
??*Maximum Current: 1.5 amps
??*One RCA video input
??*Dimensions: 10.5" (W) x 3 1/4" (H)

It's similar to Marlin's mirror but with lots more goodies

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...earview+mirror

[Riff Raff]

Ah, also I'm a bit concerned about putting bigger than stock tires -- if I go for a wider tire (285/60) how can I ensure the fitment so that I wouldn't have to trim cladding?

VX-KAT--- Excellent post, with excellent pictures. This shows exactly what area of the front cladding that is trimmed when using fatter 285 series tires, and specifically the 285/60R18 (31.4" O.D.).

STANGRI--- Most tire shops have air-powered circular "mini-saws" and can easily cut through the plastic cladding like butter. Just take a little bit off at a time, until the desired clearance is acheived. If you're still a bit skittish about going under the knife and trimming your front cladding, then perhaps come down to a slightly narrower/smaller tire to size 275/60R18 (31" O.D.). The skinnier 275 series won't invade into the front cladding as much and will still give the VX a more pronounced wider stance than stock. You won't know if they rub until they're actually fitted on the VX; however the narrower 275 width combined with the reduced O.D. of 31" will "likely" fit bolt-on perfect without any rubbing. Each VX is slightly different from the factory-- what clears on one VX, might barely rub on another VX. You'll just have to test-fit to find out.

I also wonder if you consider my previous A/T recommendations having a too aggressive tread design to your liking or lifestyle, and leaning too much to the off-road flavor. With that in mind, I re-focused my tire search for a more "street" tire designed for a rainy wet environment with the majority of your travels on the pavement with an occassional gravel road. Here are my recommendatons in the smaller 275/60R18 (31" O.D.) size:

A. Nitto, NT404 in 275/60R18 (31" O.D./41 lbs). This tire has a great looking modern tread specifically designed for wet/rainy environments like the PNW and would really compliment the modern VX style with a more "street" type of flair. This tire is worthy of your serious consideration.

B. Falken, Ziex S/TZ04 in 275/60R18 (31" O.D./40 lbs). Another upscale tire for the street, but with slightly less water evaluation properties when compared to the more radical Nitto. Eric has these on his VX with commendable remarks (previously stated in this thread).

C. Yokohama, Geolandar A/T-S in 275/60R18 (31" O.D./39 lbs). This is the only true A/T tire made in this unique size. A great rain/snow capable tire, and for venturing off-road when the mood strikes. There are multiple members who have praised this tire on their VX.

The DiscountTire website has a really neat tire calculator that will adjust for your O.D. difference to get your new speedometer reading (most reasonable aftermarket tires will be about 5 MPH off (+/-) from OEM speedometer reading). As with all tires, please read the customer reviews where available on various websites (TireRack is a great source). For example, the Good/Year - Fortera TripleTread (all season & snowflake/mountain rated) tire wears-out like crazy due to its soft rubber compound and is extremely noisy after only very minimal miles. Many people had thought their wheel bearings needed replacement which was actually excessive tire noise from the G/Y Fortera TripleTread.

[VX KAT]

At 25 bucks I think I better get the original remote just in case. Are the following the correct instructions for programming?

Open the driver’s door.

Insert key into ignition.

Turn the ignition switch to the ACC position and then to the LOCK position three times. (This step must be completed within 3 seconds – go as fast as yo can, or the system will not enter the programming mode.)

Within 10 seconds, close and open the door two times.

Turn the ignition switch to the ACC position and then to the LOCK position three times (again, do this within 3 seconds.)

Within 10 seconds, close and open the door. Verify that the power door locks cycle once to confirm that the system is in programming mode.

Within 20 seconds, press the LOCK button on the transmitter you are programming. Verify that the door locks cycle once.

Within 20 seconds, press the UNLOCK button on the transmitter. Verify that the door locks cycle once to confirm that the system has accepted the transmitter’s code.

Repeat steps 7 and 8 for each transmitter to be added.

Remove key from ignition.

That's the first set of instructions I got, and they're a bunch of hooey!
Here's the easy/simple/correct instructions:

PROGRAMMING INSTRUCTIONS
VEHICROSS: 99-01
Remote added or replaced:

1. ACCESS THE PROGRAMMING BUTTON ON THE REMOTE ALARM CENTRAL LOCKING CONTROL MODULE LOCATED ABOVE THE LEFT KICK PANEL – GREEN BUTTON
2. TURN IGNTION TO ON
3. PUSH AND HOLD THE PROGRAMMING BUTTON FOR 2 SECONDS
4. THE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE FOR 5 SECONDS
5. WHILE THE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP IS LIT UP:
- PRESS AND HOLD THE REMOTE LOCK & UNLOCK BUTTON
6. THE WARNING LAMP WILL EXTINGUISH
7. AN ACOUSTIC SOUND IS EMITTED ONCE & THE PARKING LAMPS WILL FLASH ONCE
8. TURN IGNITION SWITCH TO OFF
9. Confirm successful programming by locking and unlocking vehicle.
10. Repeat above procedure to program remaining remotes.




Many of us have had a hatch popper installed, with a switch wired to somewhere in the dash. I put mine in the "fuzzy hole" on the left side. I had my audio shop do it all and it was like $135 for parts & labor. That includes installing the solenoid and popper thing in the hatch. Don't think anybody has ever been successful in getting the 2nd button on the OEM remote to pop the hatch however. I found one post here from a guy a long time ago that claimed to get his to work, so I gave his instructions to my shop and they said it wouldn't work....so, I didn't pursue it. If you don't pop the button, you have to open hatch with the key.

You can see my black button on the right side of the fuzzy hole. (That's my CB mic hanger in the front BTW). Wasn't sure you knew what the "fuzzy hole" was, so thought I'd include the picture.

[RickOKC]

Hey Stangri,

I used a sawzall with a "fine" blade (for metal.) It cut through the cladding like a light saber through gravy - just effortlessly! Riff Raff mentioned that most tire shops have something available to trim the cladding, but that's not a guarantee. The worthless POS jack-wagons where I had my tires mounted were dead set on making sure my tires would not fit. I don't know if they were monumentally stupid or trying to prove me wrong when I said they would fit or were just hoping I would pay to have the old tires put back on and then pay a third time to re-mount my new tires after I had trimmed the cladding and brought my VX back. So, be prepared - bring your own cutting tool and be prepared to use it yourself. There is a high probability that I'm the only person to ever encounter this situation, but that's how my life works.

One other thing to keep in mind - taller tires mean your speedometer & odometer no longer register correctly. I don't know if that will bother you or not, but it could mean your speed is off by as much as 10%.

The little removable piece for the back-up camera in the half-moon is 2-1/2" wide. The height is 1-1/8" on the sides and tapers up to 1-1/4" tall in the center.

I didn't actually read what you posted regarding programming a new key-fob remote, but there is a set of instructions posted here.

Best of luck,
--Rick

[VX KAT]

Hey Stangri,

I used a sawzall with a "fine" blade (for metal.) It cut through the cladding like a light saber through gravy - just effortlessly! Riff Raff mentioned that most tire shops have something available to trim the cladding, but that's not a guarantee. The worthless POS jack-wagons where I had my tires mounted were dead set on making sure my tires would not fit. I don't know if they were monumentally stupid or trying to prove me wrong when I said they would fit or were just hoping I would pay to have the old tires put back on and then pay a third time to re-mount my new tires after I had trimmed the cladding and brought my VX back. So, be prepared - bring your own cutting tool and be prepared to use it yourself. There is a high probability that I'm the only person to ever encounter this situation, but that's how my life works.

One other thing to keep in mind - taller tires mean your speedometer & odometer no longer register correctly. I don't know if that will bother you or not, but it could mean your speed is off by as much as 10%.

The little removable piece for the back-up camera in the half-moon is 2-1/2" wide. The height is 1-1/8" on the sides and tapers up to 1-1/4" tall in the center.

I didn't actually read what you posted regarding programming a new key-fob remote, but there is a set of instructions posted here.

Best of luck,
--Rick

One thing I like about dealing with privately owned shops, they can do what they want...my tire shop cut the cladding for me no problem, no hesitation. I can imagine the chain stores might decline to do it.

Here's a real nice "tire calculator" with great visualization of the difference between 2 tires sizes, it also provides all the calculations (width, tall, circumference etc)....plus it gives the speedometer differential so you'll know exactly what your real speed it. Mine came out to be 10%...nice and easy to calculate.
http://www.rimsntires.com/rt_specs.jsp


And yes, Rick's link to the key fob programming instructions are correct, same as the one I listed above.

[hyperkid]

Here's your option button

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...=option+button

[RickOKC]

One thing I like about dealing with privately owned shops, they can do what they want...my tire shop cut the cladding for me no problem, no hesitation. I can imagine the chain stores might decline to do it.

Here's a real nice "tire calculator" with great visualization of the difference between 2 tires sizes, it also provides all the calculations (width, tall, circumference etc)....plus it gives the speedometer differential so you'll know exactly what your real speed it. Mine came out to be 10%...nice and easy to calculate.

Ha ha... you nailed it - it was a chain store that wanted to create problems where none existed!

How funny - my speed is also exactly 10% off. I gotta agree - it makes the math real easy (although I have been cheating by keeping the ScanGauge II attached.)

[stangri]

Wow, thank you all guys.

hyperkid -- for $500 I don't see many of VX owners getting those mirrors unless they play DVD, have built-in Bluetooth and Navigation and get you out of tickets. Even then, it'd be more suitable on an Escalade.

Riff -- thanks again for your valuable feedback on tires, I'm really hoping to get 2k miles out of the tires currently installed on the car so that I could get the new tires on closer to home. I'll see which ones will be easier/cheaper to get between Nitto NT404 and Geolandar as I've heard a lot of good comments on both these models previously when I had a little truck. However if trimming is that easy I might as well go for 285 tires as they would provide more grip especially in rain/snow.

KAT -- Finally!!! I've seen the similar button in a similar location on one of the VXes here in WA (which I passed on because it was too rusty) and both me (understandably) and the dealer (surprisingly) were clueless as to what did it do! Well, now I know. And thanks for the programming instructions. I also wanted to share the tire calculator I've used: http://www.kouki.co.uk/utilities/vis...ize-calculator not because it's better or anything, but you know, some sites go down from time to time, it's nice to have options.

Rick -- thanks for the feedback on trimming, programming and the backup cam sizes.

I realize it might not be the smartest move to plan putting that many gadgets (immobilizer, backup cam, tpms) in at the same time, but if I end up removing dash -- then why not.

I'm concerned about the immobilizer tho. I believe to be counted for an insurance discount it has to be passive (auto-arming) and it has to cut both the ignition and the fuel-pump power supply and I'm having problem finding a suitable system even within $200-$300 range. I've checked the usual suspects (clifford, viper, pyton) but there's surprisingly very little information about the immobilizer feature (or maybe it's not worded in layman's terms I'd understand). Anyone has any feedback?

[hyperkid]

Pyle makes one that includes the backup camera display + bluetooth and is around 100 bucks. there are other manufacturers that make them with bluetooth and NAV. And it's not really $500 that was just one vendor I found the same model I was looking at before for $200 less i just didn't do enough searching. the Rydeen model is pretty slick

http://www.google.com/products?q=blu...kup&hl=en&aq=f

And I think cool gadgets like that are perfect for the VX. I get more heads turning on my VX than any escalade.

I may even think about this one and take out my garmin.

http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...rt+mirror&aq=f

I'm gonna start a thread on this would love to get some input.

[VX KAT]

Wow, thank you all guys.

hyperkid -- for $500 I don't see many of VX owners getting those mirrors unless they play DVD, have built-in Bluetooth and Navigation and get you out of tickets. Even then, it'd be more suitable on an Escalade........ AutoWeek Magazine calls them a 'SCLADE

KAT -- Finally!!! I've seen the similar button in a similar location on one of the VXes here in WA (which I passed on because it was too rusty) and both me (understandably) and the dealer (surprisingly) NOT SURPISING AT ALL!! MOST HAVE NEVER SEEN ONE AND HAVE VERY LITTLE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THEM......YOU'LL ALWAYS KNOW MORE THAN THE SALES PERSON! were clueless as to what did it do!

[hyperkid]

My friend in WV has a SCLADE and he constantly has issues. His traction control system always says it needs serviced and has been in and out of the shop for transmission issues. About a month ago his tailgate stopped working.

UPDATE - just talked to him he says he was driving and the heat turned on blowing very HOT air and wouldn't turn off no matter what he did.

[VXR]

Don't use any synthetic fluid in the transmission...it won't like it.

???? I put Royal Purple MAX ATF synth transmission fluid in over a year ago. Several other forum members use it too...what's the issue with using synth in our transmission?? Did I miss something significant?

I have Mobil 1 in the trans now with no problems

[Riff Raff]

If trimming is that easy I might as well go for 285 tires as they would provide more grip especially in rain/snow.

STANGRI--- Glad to be of help. Yes, the 285/60R18 is the absolute perfect size to mount on the OEM 18x7 Stock Rims and may require just the tiny inner triangle of the cladding to be trimmed as in the pictures from VX-KAT. However; do not trim until after the tires are test-fitted first, you may discover that no trimming may even be required at all.

I was curious about your winter weather in the City of Burnaby, BC so I checked out the statistics on Wikipedia.com. It said..........The elevation of Burnaby ranges from sea level to a maximum of 370 metres (1,200 ft) atop Burnaby Mountain. Due to its elevation, the City of Burnaby experiences quite a bit more of snowfall during the winter months compared to nearby Vancouver or Richmond. Overall, the physical landscape of Burnaby is one of hills, ridges, valleys and an alluvial plain.

In addition, the weather chart shows Burnaby gets about 12" of snow per month during the dead of winter and about 40" total snow for the entire winter season annually.

Having said that, my original recommendation of the lightweight Pro-Comp, All-Terrain in 285/60R18 might be your very best bet to combat Burnaby's rain and snow. Here's why:

Pro-Comp, All-Terrain in 285/60R18 (31.3" O.D./43 lbs)

o All-Terrain (A/T) tread pattern.
o Snowflake/Mountain rated (a rarity in itself).
o Extremely lightweight at only 43 lbs each for low unsprung weight.
o Super-deep tread depth of 18/32nds (normally only found on M/T tires).
o 50,000 mile tread warranty.
o $202.20 each at www.Tires-Easy.com. They also normally come on sale at www.4WheelParts.com with a Buy-3, get the 4th free deal.

I challenge you to beat these combined specifications of ANY other 285/60R18 tire made in the world. You'll quickly discover no other A/T tire can even come close in comparison in that specific size.

For awesome close-up pictures of this tire mounted on a 100% stock non-lifted VX using the OEM 18x7 Stock Rims, please visit the photo gallery of fellow VX member "BoarderCross2000" from Sacramento, CA (click-on "Members" on left-side of homepage). You might even send him a PM or E-Mail and ask his opinion of the tire.