I got the Coastal EV mod and istalled just like video posted and following directions.. very easy install, no problems. Except.. didn't work the first couple of times I tried it out, then mysteriously worked once, but would not cancel when requested. Now won't work at all. I've looked, looked, and relooked at all the connections and everything is done correctly. It is very simple to connect btw. Anyone else have this issue? Is it possible I just have a defective unit? My CC works as it should and see no other indications of a problem.
I noticed when I installed mine that it sometimes takes longer than the 2 seconds stated in the installation instructions. I have gotten in the habit of hold the cc cancel lever for 5 seconds just to be sure it works and haven't had any problems since. Hopefully this will be the case for you. If not, it may be time to contact Coastal.
thanks larry... I've tried that too, to no avail. It's not a huge investment; it's just disappointing. I'll call Coastal today and see about exchanging it for a new one.
The most common cause of the symptoms you are describing is the pin not being fully inserted into the connector. If you are 100% certain that the pin is fully inserted and making good contact, then you may have a bad EV module. It happens occasionally. Unfortunately Coastal's support isn't as responsive as many people around here would like. My brother-in-law purchased an EV module from them, and it worked intermittently for him. I checked it for him and verified that the pin was all the way in, then he and I traded EV modules. Mine worked fine in his car, and his continued erratic behavior in my car. That seemed to be a pretty conclusive test that the module was defective. Unfortunately he hasn't yet received a response to his multiple emails over the past 2 months asking about refund/replacement of the faulty module.
hmm.. not encouraging. Again today I tried it and it didn't work the first couple of times but then did once. I can see the pin inserted properly in the plug, so it must be the module. We'll see what they say.
I have to ask as to why people continue to buy from this group? I know some have had a good experience, but there are SO MANY situations like the one above where it's reported that Coastal won't even return a call or e-mail! That is so not acceptable to me, and it shouldn't be acceptable to anyone. It seems that if a new company stepped up , they could take the bulk of Coastal's market share just by supplying average customer service. I would support such a company/individual. ... Brad
There's your question. And there's your answer. Nobody else is supplying anything as convenient and easy to install. When it works it's great, but it's best if you know about the lack of reliable service before you make the decision to take the risk.
This is my first experience with them and I've only purchased the one item for $45. Believe me, if I have a bad experience with them, I won't ever use them again and will absolutely share that experience with the forum. I didn't search the forum for any issues with Coastal before I bought, and I'm not making any judgements yet as I just got this item yesterday. Will definately keep people informed how it turns out. If it is a defective module and they replace it, then no worries. Sometimes things go bad, not a big deal. How they handle it is a big deal!
It's a growing market and whom ever steps up and produces the aftermarket goodies most of us want, will make a killing. Adequate customer support is a given and anything less is unacceptable.
Right - that's my point. If someone were to begin to sell comparable products that they SUPPORTED, they would make a killing. ... Brad
update.. ok, the module seems to have started working regularly for some reason. Maybe it needed a break in period! who knows.. in all fairness, it's only been a couple of days, but no response from Coastal Tech on phone call or email. I'll let you know in a week if they do or don't respond.
. CT has answered and even returned ALL my calls to the non toll free number - they even leave messages on my voice mail! Forget about e-mail though. CT rocks (imo) .
UPDATE: fortunately, the module seems to be working regularly.. However, as of a week later, I have not received any response from Coastal Tech on their non toll free number or through email.. Will definately NOT do business with them again.
I'm considering this mod. Are there any other options right now besides Coastal? If not, I suppose a credit card chargeback would be a good defense against the unresponsive customer support. Also, after it's installed, is there any kind of visual indication that the car is in this mode, besides the engine not running? Just wondering how you know the mod is doing its job.
the only visual to know you're in EV is that it will move to energy screen showing you the battery level.. if you're on that screen already, nothing changes.. if you're not able to go to EV (battery too low, waiting too long to engage, etc) it will say "Cannot go into EV mode now" or something to that effect... nothing to indicate you turn it off, but when it shuts off itself (battery too low, speed too high, etc) you get three(?) fast beeps
Coastal EV Mog Kit. Has anyone looked inside the shrink wrap to see what the conponent is. It may be a common component that can be found on-line. I don't want to rip Coastal off, but if they are not responding to calls or email. I doubt that it's a custom chip. I've emailed them twice with no responce. I have a request for an option that would make it even more stealty. It would be 100% removeable without leaving any trace, which the tap connectors leave. That is assuming whoever intalls/removes the mod is careful not to muck anything up. I'm concerned about the dealer looking for an excuse to void warranty. It's a simple and easy change and only slightly more difficult than installing the kit. If anyone peeked at the component I would greatly appreciate it if you would share it. Thanking anyone in advance that may reply.
I have a "home-grown" version. Sigma Automotive also sells one. You can tell it has activated when the ICE power arrows disappear in the Energy display.
That (horrid customer support from Coastal) is SUCH a common theme on this board ... I just wonder why people still support them. I really like several of their products and would buy in a heart beat if they were a quality company with good (or at least average!) customer support. However, I prefer to do without rather than take my chances with Coastal. ... Brad
