Engine immobilizers

[Redeye]

:confused:Hello,
I am thinking of buying a used Yaris sedan and have found that only the 2008 models and newer comes with an engine immobilizer and not the 07s or earlier. Can someone please verify this. And I've read it was September 2007 that these were mandated on ALL new cars.
Thanks.

[b_hickman11]

US Yaris does not have the engine immobilizer so if you are buying a Yaris that was originally shipped to the US it will not have it.

[gaffo]

WTF is an "engine immobilizer"?

??

[tetzyamis]

WTF is an "engine immobilizer"?

??

Copy/pasted from toyota.com:
An ID code stored in a transponder embedded in the ignition key is compared to the ignition transponder. If the codes match, the immobilizer is deactivated and allows the engine to start. If the codes do not match, the engine will not start.

It comes with power package in U.S.

[Brian]

I have one on my '07 but it cost extra. Don't remember how much though.

[Havana]

My 2009 LB has it. As I understand it, the car can't be started without one of the official Toyota keys that has a transponder or some such device within the key. In other words, it supposedly can't be started by hot wiring or with a non-Toyota made copy of a key. I think it's just a gimmick like most theft deterent systems. I just see it as an unecessary complication. It's a Yaris not an Aston Martin.

[MadMax]

Agreed, for a car that could almost be picked up by four adults, an engine immobilizer is pretty useless...

Cheers! M2

[tetzyamis]

True. It would've been better if the car doesn't have immobilizer and $500 or so cheaper :p

[rtom]

How effective are these engine immobilizers at actually preventing car theft, anyway? Anybody ever seen numbers?

I just bought a 3-door LB without the power package, and I did not realize until today that I don't have the immobilizer. Since my area has in the past had a problem with car theft, and since we're still in a deep recession, I'm now wondering whether I should have sprung for the power package -- though this is the only part of the power package that I wish I had since I hate power windows and doors.

I guess I could add an aftermarket device if I get really worried about theft.

[Yaris Hilton]

I expect Yarises are far down the list of most often stolen cars.

[supmet]

I expect Yarises are far down the list of most often stolen cars.

Civic, accord, camry, sentra, corolla, all have made the top 10. Aston Martin has never made the list

[YarisOwnersDad]

See, the Yaris is not listed in the top ten! The engine immobilizer is working!

:biggrin:

[hop]

In Canada all cars trucks, etc 2008 and newer, base or tricked out models all have engine immobilizers, I believe, thats what my dealer said.

My 2008 base model yaris has an immobilizer.

[Red Horse]

yaris sedan 2008 has engine immobilizer, cause someone tried to steal my car, my car was unlock and my fuse box in the hood was open. I already report it to the police

[Chuck G]

yaris sedan 2008 has engine immobilizer, cause someone tried to steal my car, my car was unlock and my fuse box in the hood was open. I already report it to the police

I guess it works!

[why?]

yaris sedan 2008 has engine immobilizer, cause someone tried to steal my car, my car was unlock and my fuse box in the hood was open. I already report it to the police

Good thing some dumb criminals found you. That must be scary though.

[edmscan]

How can you tell if you have an immobilizer installed ? I have included a pic of my key for my car. I do have power locks on my Yaris, which I really like.

[Chuck G]

I believe it's the black plastic ring around the ignition (immobilizer)
Vs a metal ring (no immobilizer)
Did I say that right?

[edmscan]

I actually found another thread ... which will help anyone decide if they have the immobilizer or not. (Complete with pictures ..)

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37095&highlight=immobilizer

[why?]

I believe it's the black plastic ring around the ignition (immobilizer)
Vs a metal ring (no immobilizer)
Did I say that right?

you did. Since Toyota seems to like giving plastic keys to everyone, it is the easiest way to tell.

[harda toenail]

Mine has the immobilizer. It is an option.

They must not work very good as my brother's corvette was stolen last year and those cars have high end immobilizers.

On my gf's eclipse a spare key can crank the starter but the fuel injectors don't turn on without the proper key.

[CTScott]

Mine has the immobilizer. It is an option.

They must not work very good as my brother's corvette was stolen last year and those cars have high end immobilizers.

On my gf's eclipse a spare key can crank the starter but the fuel injectors don't turn on without the proper key.

I am not sure about the vette one, but the Yaris is like the eclipse, where the starter will crank, but the ECM won't fire the injectors without seeing the transponder key.