Databus Modules - Get On The 'Bus - Truck Tronics
After carefully removing the driver-side door panel, Willard quickly and methodically tied four diodes and two relays into the door's computer wiring with cutting, splicing, and soldering. This part of the install also involved 10 connectors for the relays, plus four more for the diodes if the installer doesn't solder. Keep in mind that every connector without solder is a potential failure point. Total time for this expert installer to complete the driver's door installation? Approximately one hour, which would then be repeated on the passenger door, and then at the Body Control Module (BCM).
By contrast, the installation of the appropriate databus module was simple. It involved connecting power and ground and then connecting a single wire to the GM databus. This is followed by a one-minute procedure where it "learns" the vehicle, during which the module recognizes the specific model year of that particular vehicle and then broadcasts the appropriate digital "words" onto the bus, commanding the door computers to lock and unlock the doors when the user pushes a button on a remote. Total installation time: 25 minutes.
"Most vehicles are just a pain without databus, but some absolutely require it, like the VW Toureg and Porsche Cayenne, which operate on the CAN 'bus-CAN data is just now becoming available to us," said Willard. "No one at the automakers is saying 'I wonder how we can make things easier for the aftermarket.' It's up to the aftermarket to keep their research and development as close to the cutting edge as possible, so we can continue to customize the electronics on new cars and trucks.
The bottom line for consumers? Next time you go shopping for a security or remote-start system, ask the installer if there is a databus module for your vehicle. If there is, that's your cue to hop on the 'bus!