Customer Reviews

Python 1401 Remote Start/Keyless Entry System

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

This was an unbelievable price for this item especially with the number of features it has. The product name has a good reputation as far back as I can remember. I used to be an installer for a small company about 15 years ago and not too much has changed as far as installation goes. Newer vehicles have changed a bit but the basics remain the same - this goes for wire colors as well on Viper, Python, Clifford, Avital, generics, etc.

The wire harnesses are good quality especially the remote starter bundle (10 AWG) but be aware that the auxiliary wires and non power handling wires are 18 AWG or smaller. Just be sure to have all size wire connectors available so you don't have to interrupt insallation. There are four aux channels to wire up all your vehicle goodies in addition to the dedicated trunk release. I used channels three(down) and four(up) to signal a window module controlling the rear windows. I need to purchase another window module which I will install in channels one and two. Channel two is currently controlling my headlights which is linked to the unlock function which will activate them for 30 seconds.

Installation was standard; detailed directions are NOT included as this product is marketed and sold mainly to professionals and installers who have paid DEI for support. Included in the box is a wire sheet which details the harnesses and what they connect to but no details are included. A simple internet search will yield the Viper 5101 install directions which is essentially the same product, but beware, there are a few differences. The Python 1401 has a new accessory harness and an extra auxiliary output which will not be in the Viper's instructions but it is easy enough to sort out what goes where. You should be able to install and program the unit using the supplied install sheet if you have had some experience with alarms.

Operation is great. I like the remote control and the way it feels and functions. It seems like it would be hard to accidentally start the car as the buttons do require a firm press. The LED flashes for each press so you can keep track of how many presses you have made (this is helpful when using the advanced features or using the auxiliary channels. The trunk release is the AUX button, which is right below the remote start button. You will need additional relays in case you want to have a starter interrupt while the car is locked and if you want to have your dome light wired, trunk release, or have certain types of locks. A NO pin switch is in the box included for your hood trigger.

The bottom line is that this is a great product, especially for the money. It interfaces with factory alarms as well as vehicles without. It might be a pain to install if you don't know what you are doing but keep at it and use the internet for help for finding your vehicle's wire locations and colors(the12volt.com).

Over all I am happy with the item. It's as advertised. And the remote connection works through walls and buildings. Maybe it works too good for some folks. I can start my van from my office desk; walk downstairs, through our front door, walk around the building to the back (where the parking lot is) and voila....it's on.

The reason I gave it 3 stars is because I had to really dig and search for installation instructions on the internet. Eventually, not finding any for the Python 1401, I had to download some from identical products from Viper and Clifford. Plus, I am confident with myself when it comes to installing stereos, navigations, and even tearing out the engine and reinstalling, but this system had me scratching my head without the Viper and Clifford instructions. The diagram the Python came with almost meaningless to me (perhaps not to others).

I think the item is great for the price and after installed, is reliable.

not as easy as i had hoped to install and i have a lot of electrical know how. I am a mechanic of 10 years. but the product is great and your local car alarm guys can install with ease or if you have electrical know how and electrical schematics on your vehicle

This is a great base modle Remote Start/Keyless Entry. It also costs about $100 less than buying at Best Buy. Best Buy sells this same system under the Viper branding. I took my Python system to Best Buy Mobile and they installed it for me. Best Buy was the lowest cost install in Kansas City and one I felt more comfortable taking my car to than those local hole in the wall garage audio shops.

I had this installed on a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix and there was only one relay for the trunk to buy, it was around $10 extra. When you have Best Buy install they wont warranty the Kit, but will guarantee they're work.

If your looking for a simple car starter and keyless entry system you wont find a better option.

a little backround: i have been a technician at a shop for three years

this kit is meant to be installed by a shop belonging only to the [...] group. it comes with everything you would ever need to wire any feature it offers, but comes with no instructions. it has a quick reference guide that explains nothing but what each wire in the harnesses provided do. all i wanted was to hook the kit up with the bare minimum to start my car in the winter. the guide does not explain which wires are absolutely needed and which are not.

the system does not specify with it is to be wired in parallel to circuits or in series. now i'm stuck determining whether i want to put in the time to spend a day developing a plan to do this or not.

the website it gives for information does not allow you access to needed information to install. you must be a dealer that installs these kits to be allowed access. i wanted to buy the diagram for my car, but there is no option for that.

I bought this a month ago, refurbished, and saved a little money. It does not come with install instructions or owners manual, but they are both easily found online. Installation is a little complicated, but if you can get your hands on a vehical specific tech sheet it will make installation alot easier. Works and looks new. I could not be happier with this purchase.

Ok, so I just got the product a couple of weeks back. I installed it on my Mazda6 07 last week, took me 2 days to do it. Turn it on it keep telling me Neutral Mode is disengage. Tested everything and re-check the wires and manuals, still it doesnt seem to start up. I realized that I programed it wrong. This is my first Remote Start install, and yes there are no instruction for "How to",I had to do alot of research online. So there was a couple of sleepless night and alot of bad french word involved with the install.
Once it's up, this thing is GREEAT!!It starts up when the temperature reach 32F or 100F, LONG RANGE too by the way!
Also, for the pre-install make sure you plan out where all the wires are going and tape them nice and neat, or else it's going to be a big mess of electrical wires.

After trying to connect to a 2003 Impala, wouldn't start the car. It turn on, all the lights would come on,but no crank. Not sure what was going wrong, but I gave up on the project all together. The device itself responds to the remote no problem, but running diagnostics from the starter shows low battery? which was puzzling. To make your life easier get the xpress kit with it for your car to do locking/unlocking etc.

I liked it so much I purchased another one shortly after installing this on for another one of my vehicles'! It was a Python Remote Start only, with a two way remote. A must if distance is a problem. It takes a little bit of comprehensive reading to figure out how two manipulate all the options, but it seams to be a good product.

Not a smart purchase for the do it your selfer. Will not work with most vehicles unless you are a certified installer with the correct software