New Predator owner needs some help

[Kronos[X]]

Hey guys just got my Predator today for my 06 SXT 3.5L charger, and have a few questions.

I see there is an update revision released on June 30th. I believe my Predator was shipped a coulpe days before that, so do I need to update my Predator. Can I check what revision is on by using the power adaptor in house? I also see in the install instructions that you need a serial cable. the USB interface should work instead right? I don't have a serial port on my current rig, that's why I got the USB interface. The power adapter i was sent is a class 2 transformer, but is only a 9VDC and 600mA, compared to the 12VDC and 1000mA you have listed in the instructions. Will this be good enought?

I also have an aftermarket Viper alarm system installed, is there any concerns I should have?

I don't seem to have 93 octane gas here, but have 94. Can I use 94 octane gas with the 93 tune.

Thanks for any help. Can't wait to get this baby installed.

[Xavier]

- You can plug the Predator into the car to check the version if need be.

- USB interface will work, it should have a serial connection on one end (to plug into the Pred) and USB on the other end.

- The power adapter... that is odd. Mine is indeed 12v but you never know, the Predator itself could run at a different voltage and is just protected with a voltage limiter inside the internal circuitry, but I'd wait for someone from DS to chime in on that one.

- No concerns I can think of regarding the alarm system.

- You have only 94? Thats odd, the only place that sells 94 around me is Shell and they offer 87, 89, 93 (Premium) and 94 (V-Power). But yea, the 93 tune will suffice, though to get the most you'd definitely want a CMR tune.

[mikel]

Alarm could be an issue....especially if it has a starter kill...
Consider disabling it if possible when flashing the car.

Thanks

[Kronos[X]]

Alarm could be an issue....especially if it has a starter kill...
Consider disabling it if possible when flashing the car.

Thanks

I wasn't planning on having it armed while flashing the car, is this what you mean.

How about the power adaptor mike, am i good there.

Xavier thanks for your post. Good stuff man.

[Quick]

No. He means disabled -- as in pull the fuse on the main power lead for the alarm system.
I have a Clifford (same company right). I have to pull the fuse or it fails when I try to up/down load a tune.

If you have an auxiliary siren (for when the power is cut) turn that off first with the little key that goes into the siren.
If you have the GPS unit you have to call them to have them disable the low battery and battery disconnect functions (otherwise it will send a position alert every minute or so and use up your alert/connection allotment). You cannot disable that from your end using the web interface. They are there 24/7 but only for theft emergencies from midnight to 8. Costs you a connection to turn it off and a connection to turn it back on. Been there, done that

[Kronos[X]]

Ok thanks. I guess I'll have to go too the shop who installed it. I have no clue where the fuse would be.

Man everyone said this was easy Just not my year.

Thanks for the help guys.

[Quick]

Well... Usually an alarm installer will run the power directly off the battery. Usually a fairly heavy gauge wire too. They should put a fuse inline on the power lead off the battery. Usually right there close to the battery. Go look at your battery in the trunk. See if there is an extra wire coming off the positive post with an inline fuse within the first foot. If not, then check the power distribution box under the hood. Pop the cover on that and look for the same thing. They got those posts on the front power distribution box for using jumper cables and battery chargers. Maybe they tapped in there. (I'm assuming the SXTs have the same setup)

[Kronos[X]]

I'll check it out Friday, when I get my car back. I didn't get a key for the siren, so I'm assuming I don't have that auxiliary siren you mention, but will check that first anyways. I probable won't flash it to next weekend anyways, since I have a scheduled oil change coming up.

Thanks for all your help Quick

[mikel]

The power supply is fine.

[Kronos[X]]

Ok thanks mikel.

[Quick]

I didn't get a key for the siren, so I'm assuming I don't have that auxiliary siren you mention, but will check that first anyways.

A backup battery for the alarm might do the same thing. Once you disconnect power to the unit from the main battery it won't effect the Predator any more. It's just that your neighbors might not appreciate your tuning with a siren going off the whole time.

Try it. If you find the inline fuse for the alarm system, just pull it and see if anything goes off.

[Kronos[X]]

The guy who installed it tells me there's a black box underneath the dash and to unplug the harness from it. I looked under the driver side dash and see a lot of black boxes sigh! I see the stock keyless entry box, and some attach to the pedals, but nothing like he described. I'm going to look online for pic.

Can I just try it, or will it cause damage to the computer?

[Quick]

No damage. You can try it. If it doesn't work the Predator might tell you it can't get you original backup or more likely just hang. No one has had any problems, it just doesn't work.

[Kronos[X]]

Ok thanks I guess I'll try it and see what happens. I hope it works, because having to disable my alarm everytime to load a tune is BS.

[johnc]

A dealer would have to do the same thing with their factory tool. It is the unfortunate nature of the beast.