Programming Garage Door Opener...

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dan2112

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 1, 2016
Messages
107
Ok silly question I know, but I could not find it in the owners manual - so.... how do you program the Bolt to open the garage door. It doesn't have Homelink like on my Leaf and the pictures of the interior don't show the standard Chevy three button openers.
 
dan2112 said:
Ok silly question I know, but I could not find it in the owners manual - so.... how do you program the Bolt to open the garage door. It doesn't have Homelink like on my Leaf and the pictures of the interior don't show the standard Chevy three button openers.
You use the one that came with your opener (some openers are wifi enabled and you can use a cell phone app).
I'm sure cost was a factor in many manufacturers moving away from Homelink. You can add Homelink to the Bolt for $250 (plus installation costs):
https://www.amazon.com/HomeLink-60-HMLKV5BLK-Wireless-Control-Headliner/dp/B00A79G9FY

I'll just use the remote that came with my opener, thank you very much. I have never used any of the other functions (light control, turn on appliances, etc.) anyway.
 
Or try this 2" alternative:
2vbsd1d.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018IQ9I2I
 
I ended up getting an LT with auto-dimming mirror, no rear view camera on the mirror. As such, swapping in a mirror with Homelink seems feasible, such as this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Gentex-40ADMHG-Auto-Dimming-Mirror-HomeLink/dp/B00C9Z3PTM

Can someone with a bit more experience on automotive modifications offer a few pointers on doing this:

1) The auto-dimming mirror in the LT requires power, right? So I should be able to use the existing 12V power run to the mirror?

2) Is there a particular style of mirror I need to get in order to make the swap out as easy as possible? E.g. different ways of mounting the mirror, or some other configuration difference? I'm coming from a Nissan LEAF, so the order of buttons on the one linked above is familiar.

3) Any other gotchas that I haven't thought of?

Thanks,
Wayne
 
The manual doesn't mention a garage door opener. The tech that delivered the car said there wasn't one. Is there?
 
I am using GarageMate on my door: https://bluemate.com/
Works great. I got the kit and installed it myself
 
dan2112 said:
I am using GarageMate on my door: https://bluemate.com/
Works great. I got the kit and installed it myself

+1 - I've also used the GarageMate.
I bought mine on Amazon, same product, same price, less typing since Amazon already has my payment info :)
https://www.amazon.com/GarageMate-garage-Android-Simple-Secure/dp/B01MCV1QZF/
 
marta said:
dan2112 said:
I am using GarageMate on my door: https://bluemate.com/
Works great. I got the kit and installed it myself

+1 - I've also used the GarageMate.
I bought mine on Amazon, same product, same price, less typing since Amazon already has my payment info :)
https://www.amazon.com/GarageMate-garage-Android-Simple-Secure/dp/B01MCV1QZF/

If you have a soldering iron and are not afraid to use it they offer a DIY kit for $35 + 3 shipping: https://bluemate.com/diy-kit.php
It took me all of 20 min to put together :)

Dan
 
Why is everyone so against using the remote that came with the garage door opener?

It seems the logical solution. There is even a flat area on the bottom of the Infotainment center that is ideal for velcro-ing a remote. I have mine there, and it is more easily accessible than any Homelink button on any car I've had.
 
dandrewk said:
Why is everyone so against using the remote that came with the garage door opener?

It seems the logical solution. There is even a flat area on the bottom of the Infotainment center that is ideal for velcro-ing a remote. I have mine there, and it is more easily accessible than any Homelink button on any car I've had.

Not against using one that came with the garage door - I don't have a spare one and this is cool :geek:

And it does have a little better security than a standard door opener. Also nice to have when you go for a walk and want to open the garage door when you get home.
 
phil0909 said:
dan2112 said:
I am using GarageMate on my door: https://bluemate.com/
Works great. I got the kit and installed it myself

Is it compatible with Android Auto?

I don't think so - it is a separate app. I have asked them to integrate it with CarPlay and better Siri integration - "Siri, open the pod bay doors". They have a "click" when the app opens setting so you can launch it w/ Siri, but no command integration yet. If enough people ask they will do it. If you have one give them feedback :)
 
dan2112 said:
dandrewk said:
Why is everyone so against using the remote that came with the garage door opener?

It seems the logical solution. There is even a flat area on the bottom of the Infotainment center that is ideal for velcro-ing a remote. I have mine there, and it is more easily accessible than any Homelink button on any car I've had.

Not against using one that came with the garage door - I don't have a spare one and this is cool :geek:

And it does have a little better security than a standard door opener. Also nice to have when you go for a walk and want to open the garage door when you get home.

Not sure what you mean by "little better security than a standard door opener". What device are you referring to?

You can buy generic door openers that have standard programming for most openers for a lot less than the BlueMate, and there is no physical installation required.

BTW, I have the BlueMate, but only use it (like you) for walking around, and so my kids can open the garage door when riding up with their bicycles. But for a car? Way too inconvenient to have to pull out my phone, turn it on, activate the app and then press the screen button.

Different strokes, I guess. But for me, I don't miss HomeLink.
 
dandrewk said:
dan2112 said:
dandrewk said:
Why is everyone so against using the remote that came with the garage door opener?

It seems the logical solution. There is even a flat area on the bottom of the Infotainment center that is ideal for velcro-ing a remote. I have mine there, and it is more easily accessible than any Homelink button on any car I've had.

Not against using one that came with the garage door - I don't have a spare one and this is cool :geek:

And it does have a little better security than a standard door opener. Also nice to have when you go for a walk and want to open the garage door when you get home.

Not sure what you mean by "little better security than a standard door opener". What device are you referring to?

You can buy generic door openers that have standard programming for most openers for a lot less than the BlueMate, and there is no physical installation required.

BTW, I have the BlueMate, but only use it (like you) for walking around, and so my kids can open the garage door when riding up with their bicycles. But for a car? Way too inconvenient to have to pull out my phone, turn it on, activate the app and then press the screen button.

Different strokes, I guess. But for me, I don't miss HomeLink.

Better security in that it can't be stolen out of the car. I am not saying that is "the reason" to get this - just one less thing in the car tempting somebody to break a window. Easy to give to kids, etc. You know better security :)
 
Or keep the tiny aftermarket one on your keychain, if you are worried about someone stealing it. I think that's why they call it a keychain remote. It's smaller than the Bolt key.
 
EldRick said:
Or keep the tiny aftermarket one on your keychain, if you are worried about someone stealing it. I think that's why they call it a keychain remote. It's smaller than the Bolt key.

I may end up doing that if I get tired of unlocking the phone to use the app in the driveway. :)
 
wwhitney said:
I ended up getting an LT with auto-dimming mirror, no rear view camera on the mirror. As such, swapping in a mirror with Homelink seems feasible
So an update:

This situation also exists in recent model year Volts, and there are a couple threads on gm-volt.com on changing the mirror to a Homelink auto-dimming mirror. Here's one thread that deals with the situation of a unpowered OEM mirror, so power needed to be run from the console fuse panel, the pictures at the mirror area look the same as my Bolt LT:

http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?271337-Homelink-mirror-install-on-2017-Volt-LT-w-hardwired-radar-detector

Of course, if you already have power at the mirror location, it's a lot easier. If you are willing to cut off the factory mirror connector, you can use more or less any aftermarket mirror, by appropriately splicing the factory connector to the mirror harness. I am under the impression that the mechanical mounting of the mirror is standardized.

I would prefer a plug and play solution, no splicing. This ebay vendor sells used auto-dimming Homelink mirrors with a short adapter cord that fits the wiring coming down from the headliner on Volts with auto-dimming mirrors:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NICE-Gentex-Homelink-Mirror-Upgrade-Kit-PLUG-PLAY-For-2011-17-Chevrolet-Volt-/152310835105

I emailed him a photo of the plug on the wiring coming down from the headliner on my Bolt, and he says it is identical to the Volt. So I ordered one and will provide a further update after installation.

BTW, on the factory mirror, the wiring comes through the mounting arm so it is all concealed. On most of these aftermarket mirrors, there is a separate wiring connector on the backside of the mirror, so the wiring ends up exposed behind the mirror.

Cheers, Wayne
 
wwhitney said:
there are a couple threads on gm-volt.com on changing the mirror to a Homelink auto-dimming mirror. Here's one thread that deals with the situation of a unpowered OEM mirror, so power needed to be run from the console fuse panel, the pictures at the mirror area look the same as my Bolt LT:

http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?271337-Homelink-mirror-install-on-2017-Volt-LT-w-hardwired-radar-detector

. . . I would prefer a plug and play solution, no splicing. This ebay vendor sells used auto-dimming Homelink mirrors with a short adapter cord that fits the wiring coming down from the headliner on Volts with auto-dimming mirrors:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NICE-Gentex-Homelink-Mirror-Upgrade-Kit-PLUG-PLAY-For-2011-17-Chevrolet-Volt-/152310835105

Update: I got the new mirror today, and it installed easily and works on my Bolt LT with autodimming mirror. Below is a text only description of the process. For relevant photos see the gm-volt thread above.

BTW, someone asked why go to the trouble and why not just use garage door remotes? In my case, there are three different remotes needed. Homelink on the mirror is a more elegant solution, plus it is what we are used to coming from the Nissan Leaf.

Cheers, Wayne


1)The black trim ring behind the rearview mirror is held on by two plastic tabs on each side. So I stuck my fingers between the trim ring and the windshield on one side and pulled with moderate force. The first time was harder than subsequent times. After one side is off, just shift the trim ring towards the other side to disengage the other clips.

2)The trim ring in is two parts. The upper section mates into the lower section with two hooks at bottom of the upper section and two tabs at the top of the upper section. So at the top, pull the upper section away from the rest of the ring until the tabs separate. Then move the upper section up to disengage the hooks and separate the two sections. Now you can remove the trim ring.

3) The mirror is held onto the windshield bracket with a single T20 screw. Remove the screw. Then slide the mirror up until its bracket separates from the windshield bracket. The mirror is now loose but still connected by the wiring. Above the mounting bracket on the mirror is the wiring connector, and on the backside of the connector (facing the windshield) is a little tab you need to push in. This will let you separate the plug on the factor wiring coming down from the headliner from the connector on the mirror.

4)The new mirror has a different connector on it than the old mirror, so the venodor above supplies a short pigtail that plugs into the new mirror and provides a connector compatible with the plug from the factory wiring. This pitgtail takes up extra space, and it seemed like the space behind the trim ring was limited, so I ending up attaching the pigtail to the factory wiring from the headliner and sticking that connection up into the headliner, with only the pigtail cord coming down. The headliner opened up enough just by tugging on it, and there's a little cutout in the headliner for the wiring, so when you push it back against the windshield the wiring doesn't get caught between the headliner and the windshield. Note there is a second wire coming down out of the headliner in the same place, that goes to a humidity sensor mounted on the windshield below the rearview mirror.

5) Now just reverse steps 1) to 3)
 
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