Customer Reviews

Python 991 Responder LC3 SST Security/Remote Start System

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Bought this awhile back ago cause I was determined to not get into a 100+ degree car as I left work in Arizona. Had this installed by a local dealer and it's functioned great. The range is fantastic, I have been in a conference room on the third floor of my building and was able to start my car which was parked in the parking structure next door.

I would have given this 5 stars if not for the gripe that the remote do not really take wear and tear well. After only a year usage, the remote has not had pretty much all the paint chipped off and the screen has scratches in several areas.

All in all would recommend this remote start/security from Python however if they could only improve the quality of the remote construction I would be a lifetime buyer of future products by Python (DEI).

this is the best remote starter ive had by far. ive been an installer for five years and python is the brand i recommend to all my customers, they have a 1% failure rate out of about 1000 installs. thats really good for anything electronic in a vehicle. and the fact that you can charge the remote is the best feature, i dont know how many aaa batteries ive went through in the last 4 years with my old 881xp remote starter but it has to be about fifty. if your in the market for a remote starter with 2 way remotes look no further, the python will be there for you, if its 20 below, or its 100 degrees you'll get in your car at the right temperature with one look at the remote the temperature is right on the display!

I was skeptical at first because it sounded like kind of a high price for some of the same features as some other remote start but I am GLAD I got this. It works perfect. I have a 94' 300zx that I wanted to protect with all my heart and this does it. The remote start was just icing on the cake. I had Frys Electronics install it. Cost 200 but it took them several hours and it works flawless.

One of the best parts about this is the LCD remote. It goes up to a mile away and it really does do everything. One thing not mentioned here is you can change the LCD color in the menu options which is awesome, the default display annoys me haha. But seriously, this is a great product, the brain of the alarm is massive and you better have some real good knowledge of what you are doing with this thing, it has a bunch of relays and seriously if it malfunctions at some point, I may be helpless. But Python is a great brand and I am really pleased with this purchase. The blue indication light (also is a lcd antenna) is a great deterrant light (bright LED Blue).

I tried to break into my own car (which I know how to do quite well from a few lockout issues and this really does work good. The shock sensor picks up attempts and does a low warning tone, anything in excess of that and it goes into a full scale alarm siren and your lcd remote will vibrate/flash. I also tried the tilt sensor add on and it really works great, I jacked up the car about a foot off the ground and my alarm went off. Im curious as to if i parked on a hill if this would also be the case (or a long driveway) but I havent tested that.

What else can I say I love this alarm system, and got it on amazon for 224 at the time with free 2-day shipping, cant find it in stores for under 300....

Oh and I highly recommend you get their added bundle its well worth it, the backup battery and tilt sensor are well worth the extra few dollars if you are buying this system.

Thats it, get this alarm you wont be sorry!

Ok, this is my first Amazon product review... so here goes.

I had this alarm / remote start installed on 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, and although it has only been installed for 3 days, everything works perfect. The alarm part of this system works flawlessly, with easy access to the valet button, which also happens to be the antenna for the system and the blue LED light as well; so mount it high, perhaps above the rear view mirror on your windshield, so you insure a good signal, let thieves know you have a alarm (they will see the flashing blue LED) and it is easy to press the valet switch. Not much more to really say about the alarm... it's an alarm; it's loud and annoying, which is pretty much what you want from an alarm.

The remote start part of this system also seems to work without any real hickups (thus far anyway). You just press the remote start button, and in about 4 - 5 seconds or so, it starts up just fine. Just remember to set your vehicle temp the way you want it before you get out. Also, the alarm will stay enabled while the remote start is running, until you press the unlock button to disarm the alarm. After you get in, just turn your key to ON (not start - your car is already started) and press the break and your normal functions take over from there. Try pressing the break or putting it in gear without the key in, and the engine will die. The engine will also die if you open the hood without the key in. I did notice the second night I had it, I started the truck at night, got in, and turned the key to START instead of just ON (old habit now), and the lights wouldn't come on. I had to turn off the truck and start the car like I normally would... don't know if this is some kind of glitch in wiring or what, but haven't had it happen again... just remember that once you remote start, all you have to do is insert the key to the ON position, and then step on the break, before putting it in gear. You can also set the remote start run time to 12 mins (default), 24 mins or 60 mins; more about this below.

Now with all the good out of the way, let me get to the one bad thing... the remote. My problem is not with the features, they are great. You can set the LCD screen color to your preference, you can set whether you want the time, temp or run time to show once you enable the remote start. You can choose whether you want the remote to beep, beep and vibrate, just vibrate, or be silent. You also get rid of the annoying remote start run time count down reminder, so that you don't get beeped or buzzed 3 mins and 1 min before your remote start times out and turns off. There are actually a lot of things you can customize to your preference, just read the manual, it covers all the remote settings. F.Y.I., to enable the temp on the remote and also quickly show it while the remote start is not running, simply press the Function button once, and then press and hold it again for about 2 sec, manual says 1 1/2 sec, but it's 2, and then the temp will flash. To make the temp show all the time when the remote start is active, simply change the setting to temp. for remote start view; sadly this is not an option when the remote start is not enabled, all you get is the time, other than the quick check just described above.
No, my main complaint about the remote is its size. The 2-way LCD remote is pretty fat and wide. I'm learning to deal with it, but it's still pretty cheaply made. I really would prefer the 2-way remote on the Python 872 system (looks just like the skinnier 1 way remote, but with lights to yet you know whats active). The manual says that this remote isn't compatible however, but I'm still researching this... have to get back to you.

Now, with all that said, I would like to add a couple of more things. First off is changing the remote start run time... what a freaking pain.
So you don't get install instructions, or if they did come with it, my installer didn't give them back to me, and your manual does not tell you how to change the run time for the remote start from the default 12 mins to 24 or 60 mins. What good is 12 mins when it's like 10 degrees outside; car needs a little longer than that. So either ask your installer to change it for you, or just follow these instructions:

I found this with much, much, much searching on the internet. I actually found the the install manual for the Viper 5901 system, which is the same system here, just different name. I'll try posting the link here: [...]

Steps to change Remote Start Run Timer (please don't try this with other older or newer models, I don't want to be responsible for you messing up your system):
1) Disable/Unlock Alarm
2) Leave your door open
3) Insert key and turn to ON (NOT START), and turn back to OFF (Leave it in)
4) Press and HOLD the Valet Button... you will hear a chirp/horn honk/light blink after 3 sec (depending on how your alarm is wired to your vehicle). Keep holding the valet button until you hear/see the 3rd set of chirps/honks/lights blink... there will be a pause between each set; you want the 3rd set. After the 3rd set of whatever noise or sight your vehicle is making, let the valet switch go. You are now in the 3rd menu of the setup.
5) Now, within 10 sec, press and release the valet button 4 times, and then press and HOLD the valet button a 5th time. The alarm should chirp/honk/blink the corresponding number of times you pressed it; in this case 4. You are now in the 4th sub-menu of menu 3, which is Remote Start Runtime.
6) Now, while still holding the valet button, press the LOCK button on the remote/key fob; 1 time = 12 mins (default), 2 times = 24 mins and 3 times = 60 mins. The alarms should do its sound or visual confirmation when you press the LOCK button. i.e. one honk or LED blink is 1 (12 mins), 2 is 24 mins, and 3 is 60 mins.
7) Once you have your desired time set, simply let go of the valet button and close your door, take your key out, etc... you are good to go! Give it a minute or two, and then try out your remote start with your LCD 2-way remote and check the timer to confirm you did it correctly.

I know that sounds like a lot, but after you do it a time or two, its really quite simple. The other thing you might want to do is change the default setting of "Vehicle Temp Auto Report." This is stated in the install guide as, "When programmed ON the main unit stores the interior temp in its temporary memory. When the vehicle's interior temp changes 1 degrees Celsius, the main unit automatically sends the interior temperature message to the remote screen." The default for this option is OFF (for some stupid reason). Just follow the same steps as above, except this time in Step 5, instead of pressing the valet button only 4 times, you have to press it 17 times, and hold it on the 18th! Yeah, I know WTF??, but just make sure you count 17. Once in the sub-menu (and still holding the button on the 18th time), press the LOCK button on the remote twice; there's only two options here: 1 = OFF (default) and 2 = ON, listen for the confirmation as before.

Sorry for the long, detailed steps, but the person who installed my unit, didn't bother to ask me how I would have liked it setup, not that I would have have known to ask. Just thought I would help those in the same position, as there is very little on the internet for these processes, and they vary by model age; and it was almost impossible to find the install guide on the internet as well. And Yes, I would definitely recommend having this unit professionally installed by a reputable dealer.

My only other advice would be to add some extras, your getting a pretty good deal on Amazon, might as well add some cool extras to your alarm to really help protect your valuables, and Amazon has some of the best prices on these too. These are the three I got installed along with my unit, there are a few more, but I would definitely recommend these three ( I won't review them b/c I haven't really had time to mess with them yet, and b/c most of you have already stopped reading this super long boring review):

Install Essentials 507M Tilt Sensor (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GAYN3E)

Directed Electronics 520T Back-Up Battery System (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CIY5NS)

Directed Electronics 506T I.T. Audio Sensor (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CJ24VM)


Also, if you happen to have a Dodge Truck (2004 - 2011), the only thing you should need to hook up the remote start is this module (get it here, it cost twice as much if the installer has to get it for you):

Directed Electronics Chall All-In-One Door Lock, Transponder, and Key Interface for 2004-2010 Chryslers (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002VWG3W4)

After buying the Python 991, the above extras and the module, I paid around $400 for just install labor. It would have been less without the extras, but like I said, they are worth it. Well, I think that's it... How about that for a first time Amazon review!!!!

First off I was an installer for four years and have installed many, many alarms/remote starts over the years. I have always been partial to any DEI product (Viper,Python,Clifford,etc..). This one is downright amazing! The range is outstanding (however there is sometimes a small lag from when you push the button, to when it actually responds but nothing bad though). You can check the temperature inside your vehicle when it's remote starting too. It's built right in! The antenna, valet switch, and blinking warning blue LED are all one easy plug in module too. Makes it much easier, but limits your placement somewhat. I actually added on a discontinued module that allows me to hook up more LED's to it. I actually ended up putting an LED into each one of my front corner lights, and my two back-up lights so they all flash when armed. COOL LOOK! From an installation perspective all of the relays are built into the brain so it is just one reasonably sized brain box to mount. The remote's backlighting can be programmed to whatever color you want too. Since the main remote is a two-way it will tell you whatever is going on in easy to read format. It also has a clock on it, which is a nice feature too. The rechargable feature is amazing too. The older product used to eat through batteries. I have had it for 3 or 4 weeks so far and have charged it once. Right now it is showing only one bar missing! I honestly don't think I have one complaint other than it has an occasional lag (which doesn't really bother me). Seller was prompt with shipping, and I would highly recommend this product. I would recommend letting a professional handle the install if you don't know what you are doing though. AWESOME PRODUCT!!!!!!!!!!!

With 100 degree summers and freezing winters in Maryland, I was determined to get in a comfortable car. After researching many different units online and at big box stores I finally settled on this unit. It has everything I want and more in a remote starter. Not only does it provide remote start capabilities but it also provides security and key-less entry! The range is fantastic and I have started my car a couple hundred yards away!

I like the idea that it has 2 fobs, 1 basic and 1 with a LCD screen that provides alarm notifications, temperature readings, time, run time duration and much more. The LCD remote has an internal rechargeable battery which is great and the other a standard watch battery. The rechargeable battery seems to last about a month on a charge. Some reviewers have mentioned that the remotes do not take wear well. Too bad this is not exactly the case. Of course if you throw your keys around or they get wet it will break, its an LCD screen!

I cannot comment on installation as I had this installed at a local shop, the idea of car wiring scares me and seems very complex. I had this installed on a manual transmission vehicle so yes it is possible as others have said it is not.

Pros
- Affordable @ only $200 (you will pay at least $600 at major retailers)
- Great range (even inside!)
- Simple to use
- So many features
- New remotes can be paired with this unit

Cons
- Replacement remotes are very expensive

The LCD remote came dead, or so I thought. It would not power on even after charging. Turns out the battery was so drained that it had to charge overnight for the indicator to even appear.

Python and Viper are the same company (Direct Electronics).

I bought this intending to install it myself. It does not come with any installation instructions at all. The quick reference guide refers to the Directed Electronics website for an installation guide, but if you are not a dealer or registered installer this does not work. Their website itself will not allow you to open any of the menus unless you have a number given to you by the dealer you bought the unit from. I bought it here at Amazon, so I don't have this magic number. There are no phone numbers at all, in the box or on the DE site, when the "contact us" link is clicked on the DE site, it takes you nowhere. I called Amazon twice, even they had a hard time finding any good contact info for for Directed Electronics. (DE customer service 800-753-0600). I called DE twice, both times I sat on hold for about 20 minutes before talking to a live person. I was told by DE customer service that since I bought through Amazon, if I have it installed by a local dealer, (even a dealer listed on their website as one of their local dealers), I would not be covered by the DE warranty. Very disappointing. I think when I do get a system, it will definitely not be a DE system. I am returning this one to Amazon.

I bought the Python LC3 991 Remote Start system and installed it myself. The system works well but the installation was quite a chore. I'm an electronic hobbyist and I've installed plenty of gadgets in my various vehicles over the years so I know what I'm doing.

INSTALLTION
The biggest obstacle to installation was the poorly written installation guide, which BTW, is not included. I had to find an e-copy on the internet. Make sure it's for the LC3 991, not the LC 991. You can tell that DEI protects it's dealer/installer network by making the install docs cryptic and lacking important detail. For instance, there's little detail about relay pin-outs. At least in the docs I was using. Worse, DEI's knowledgebase requires dealer credentials! Those toads!

I downloaded the factory wiring schematic for my vehicle (Toyota RAV4 2008) and that helped a lot. A DVM, test lights, and alligator clip test leads all helped in getting the wiring right. I solder and heat-shrink all my connections. Electrical tape fails in the heat, don't use it. If you must, always secure your tape-ups using vinyl zip-lock wire ties.

Run a 12ga master wire through the firewall to the battery for your constant +12VDC input and fuse it. The 991 has four separate leads for +12VDC. They are all common, so one wire to the battery will suffice.

If you are comfortable installing a ceiling fan, understand wiring and electricity, and are otherwise handy around the house, there's no reason why you should not be able to install this remote starter. But be warned: The lack of detail in the install docs may confound your efforts, sending you to Google repeatedly looking for more information.

After that, just figuring out how to remove various interior panels without damaging the retaining clips took some time. My car has nary an exposed screw. Everything is held in place with hidden clips. Don't want to break them.

DEVICE FEATURES
The LC3 991 is a feature-rich device, offering a number of built-in functions including remote start with many sub-options, door lock toggle, trunk release, security, aux input and outputs, and a lot more. You can read the specs yourself. I was uninterested in most of these features. I simply want to start my car from afar to cool it down as I live in the south of Florida. This unit offers fairly long range and telemetry feedback to the remote control. I was able to start my car, parked in the back forty by the way, from inside Costco at the farthest check-lane. When I reached my car it was nice and cool! Sweeeeeet.

If you are into alarms, there's a number of plug-in modules that offer proximity protection (please step away from the car!), tilt sensors to detect wheel theft or tow-away attempts, audio sensors for breaking glass, battery backup to protect against battery-disable thefts, etc. Personally, I believe car alarms are a nuisance so I didn't connect any of those features. But they are there aplenty.

If you only want the remote start feature, then you'll only connect a few of the nearly forty wires that come out of the brain. Additional wires add other functions.

OPTIONS
The PK-ALL module works as advertised. It bypasses the factory immobilizer without sacrificing a key. You must purchase this device if your vehicle has an immobilizer on it. Most newer cars do. Costs about $30. On Amazon, search for PK-ALL

Another useful optional device is the BitWriter. This hand-held device gives you full programming access allowing you to program and fine-tune the 991 brain. You can do some rudimentary programming without the BitWriter by using the control button and listening for the siren chirps, but that approach is time-consuming, ultra-tedious, and doesn't even give you full access. The BitWriter let's you do it all. It's about $80 or so. After you program everything, sell it on eBay if you want. I'm keeping mine so I can tweak things as I want. On Amazon, search for BitWriter.

My only gripe with the 991: Crappy installation guide that's not even included. Everything else is great.

I purchased this alarm/remote starter to protect my car and the things I have installed in it. I was looking for something that had a two way feature, was loud and would deter anyone from trying to break into the car. After looking around for a bit, I found this and all the great reviews it had on it. I can only add to how good the Python 991 is.

The alarm comes with everything you need to set up the system in your car, minus the additional accessories such as the tilt sensor that you can buy. It comes with a brochure style install guide which gives you hints and tips about installing the product, the description of what the wires are and what they need to be hooked up to, as well as a owners manual that will walk you through programming your system should you want to change any of the settings. I have some experience with working on cars and such, however what I heard from most people was to have it professionally done. I had Bestbuy install it because they do a lot of these types of jobs and have been told that they are very good at it.

After getting the car back, I took it to a empty parking lot to test it out. The lock button will lock all your doors and trunk and will activate the alarm. After reaching in through the window, unlocking the door and opening it, the alarm did three warning chirps before it went into full alarm mode. The alarm is very loud and has a multitude of different sirens in which you can pick and choose which ones you want to use. I just left it as is because I was satisfied with what it was already doing. When in alarm mode, the two way remote lights up and vibrates indicating that the alarm has been set off. I believe it also has the capacity to beep when this happens, but I have not looked into how to set that. Turning off the alarm is as easy as pushing the unlock switch. When you push to lock the car, the remote beeps acknowledging the command, the car beeps once, and the lights flash once. The same occurs for unlocking except the car will beep twice.

The remote start is very convenient and great to have. Being able to start your car before you even get in it is a great and all you have to do is turn the key to on and drive away. If you do not do this the car will remain running until either the timer runs out or the brake pedal is pushed. I tried to drive the car without the key in there and it was pretty much impossible. Touching the pedal will kill the engine instantly and you will not even be able to get it out of gear.

The 991 also comes with a AUX button in which you can wire the trunk to open if you have a electronic trunk release. Older cars such as mine may not have that feature. I also have seen that you can customize the two way remote to provide different information, have a customizable back light for the remote, and even see the internal temperature of the car which helps when its snowing like crazy outside. Other than that I have not used the two way too much because the battery has not fully charged yet. The one way remote just acknowledges the command with a beep and a light at the top, but that is it.

Overall I am very satisfied with the product and the install service. I know I will be able to sleep better at night now that my car is protected by this system. I would suggest this product to anyone who is looking for all three features, or just two out of the three.

I recently installed this unit in my Honda Accord. It works flawlessly, and has a huge range of features, including voltage-sensing in lieu of running a tach wire and programming for just about every concievable sensor and option. I even used the built-in status output to turn on the relay for rear defrost on the cold days. This unit works with the PKALL Directed Electronics PKALL Encrypted Key Data Tranponder Bypass Kit for many factory starter disables, including mine, and the PKALL likewise works flawlessly (the old security solution required sacrifiving a valet key). It is important that the installer have experience with these types of installs, and it helps if you know DEI units, since both install and programming are not for the faint-of-heart. I am a former mobile electronics installer, and this took a friend and I about 6.5 hours to complete. The large install manual is not in the box (but it is available online), and it is very helpful to have a "tech sheet" showing the wire colors and locations for your specific vehicle. You MUST know what type of security/starter disable your vehicle utilizes, along with lock polarity, etcetera. Programming without the optional bitwriter is possible, but takes some practice pressing the valet key and remote buttons in appropriate sequences. Also, I would strongly recommend programming the PK-ALL and the tach learn FIRST, before doing other programming functions. Finally, for installers, PLEASE NOTE that the factory default is for MANUAL transmission, and you must switch the programming to automatic before it will start an automatic. This took about an hour of head-scratching before we sorted it out. All-in-all, I am very happy with this unit, and look forward to having a warm car during the winters.