I went to Future Shop to have them replace a Canadian Tire Remote Alarm / Start unit that CT couldn’t resolve the problem on.
I went to FS on the recommendation of an article on the Internet commending the installer at the store I was going to buy from.
I took the recommendation of the installer for the unit that would best suit me and put down a deposit. So far so good, but downhill from here.
I checked with the store and found that the unit had come into stock, but that there were some surcharges that were not quoted in the original price. I paid the surcharge and arranged an appointment for installation.
Installation complete, I left for an extended road trip.
First issue, I tried to use my windshield washers, they didn’t work. On looking around under the hood, I discovered that the original CT siren was still mounted on the fender wall, and the FS siren had been mounted on the firewall in such a way that the cover to the clutch reservoir was covered. When the hood was closed the bell of the siren pressed against the clutch reservoir and bent up against the tubing for the windshield washers crushing it. At the side of the road I removed the CT siren and put the FS siren in its place and extended the wire. Problem solved.
Second problem, the remote did not operate the way the manual said it should. After checking on the manufacturer’s website and googling comments on the web, as well as a phone call the manufacturer and email to Future Shop, I tried settings from another model and was able to get more of the features to work. A couple of months later on return from my road trip I found out from FS installer that the manufacturer had supplied the wrong manual with the system. I got a new manual from the installer and everything now made sense, except…
Third problem, the 2 way remote fob was intermittent. Since there was no way for me to determine if the problem was the fob or the system in the vehicle, I made another trip to FS for troubleshooting. Based on a large sign in the installation department advising of a lifetime warranty on installation, I expected resolution but was told that I had another surcharge to pay for extended warranty. Now I am getting upset, figuring that I still have not had even one day of a fully functioning system, as well as the accumulated frustration. So I speak to a manager who (on my eighth trip to the store) finally exchanges the fob…
Fourth problem. The manager gave me the wrong fob. On checking with the warranty company, their tech told me which fob is the correct fob. After a number of efforts to contact the manager, and request another exchange to get the correct fob, I am told that FS will only supply the fob I was given, and that FS is no longer stocking product from this manufacturer. They will order me a new fob for $159. At this point I tell the manager, that although I spent nearly $5000 at FS last year, this will be my last purchase. I ask him to mention my comment to the store manager which he said he will do.
