Security / Alarms for the Toyota Yaris

[bigsky2]

I opted not to have Toyota install one of the several factory alarm/security systems because they are overpriced in comparison to aftermarket installs.

Just wondering if Yaris owners out there have installed an aftermarket security/alarm system, and specifically which one?

I'm probably going shopping for a security system this weekend and I would love to hear some feedback from those of you have installed one.

For the sake of discussion, does anyone feel that a paging system is more effective than a non-paging system alarm?

[as400g33k]

Keyless entry/engine immobiliser is standard in Australia, but I had ours upgraded to a full alarm system by the dealer. I'd have to get back on you with regards to the price and the brand that was installed.

I'd look at a paging system if I wanted to 'prevent' my car from being stolen and actually even recover if it was stolen. But it had to be very special car for that kind of system, like a porsche or something. On the other hand, I'd look at a non-paging system as more like a 'deterrent' for ordinary cars.

[why?]

What is a paging system?

Just got the thing from my insurance company, I can get 36% off my insurance if I install the right alarm system.

I'm so there once I finish getting the tach/tint/foglights installed.

[bigsky2]

There are various types of paging systems, but they boil down to the following:

Two-Way Paging Alarm System
Basically your car is equipped with a standard alarm, and an add-on paging system is installed. This paging system will alert you if your car is being tampered with such as a warning signal, or if you alarm has actually been triggered. There's various levels of reporting, with minute details like "left glass shock detected" to a generic "car alarm triggered".

Usually a 2-way paging system will have a special keyless entry remote which has a small LCD or monochrome screen that shows a graphical representation of a vehicle, and the various zones that are being monitored.

Range of the paging response is limited of course, and can be interfered with by objects such as concrete, buildings, vehicles, etc. The better paging alarm systems run on FM frequency (older and poor systems run on AM freq) which typically have a better range. I believe "good" range is 3km, but of course that is under ideal conditions.

Paging Alarm System w/ GPS
This is the premier alarm system; standard alarm features, paging system, hijack deterrent, and if it's physically moved, a GPS tracker. If your car is hijacked, ie. the alarm detects the car door opens during the vehicle is on which would prompt you for a valet password, and the thief makes off with the vehicle, the car will shut down after pre-determined amount of time (and as an added option the doors can be locked from the inside).

This type of alarm is reserved for truly expensive vehicles, imo, and is can get very expensive with the number of options available.

Alarms in general are only as good as the install, so I suggest seeking a professional installer who has installed several different types of alarms and is familar with positioning of the horn, alarm "brain", and other components. They can be strengthened by moderate add-ons, such as a hood release bypass, phony horn, and so on.

[faulkton]

I was wondering about the alarm listed as an accessory for the US yaris...is that a dealer installed thing, or does it have to come from the factory with it?

Does it have remote start (on a 5 speed) and keyless?

[Uglyboyed]

theres many different alarm system available.. i was going to get the viper for $200 but found out that i may lose my warrenty by getting it done somewhere else.. im still trying to do more research, but getting it done at the dealer sucks. your can also just get a regular alarm system which if done professionally will cost you around 100-150.. I live in florida so i can get it done pretty much anywhere (swap shop) but i really dont wanna lose my warrenty

HAMMER TIME!!!
380

[NateBalditch]

I bought a 3 door liftback this week (blazing blue), but the power package was unavailable anywhere in the area (it was hard enough finding the color I wanted somewhere in IL)...

Anyway, I'm going to Circuit City to do an install of an alarm plus keyless entry. They sold me the actuators, and a 2-way alarm with keyless entry, with installation for around $350. Seemed like a good deal to me. I'm taking it in on Wednesday. I'll post how it works, and the model numbers, etc., after it's done.

The reason I'm getting the alarm is because I plan on putting in an Eclipse double din navigation unit as well, and I feel like it'll be a deterant from someone breaking into the car to lift that.

[corey415]

I was wondering about the alarm listed as an accessory for the US yaris...is that a dealer installed thing, or does it have to come from the factory with it?

Does it have remote start (on a 5 speed) and keyless?

It doesnt have remote start.

[why?]

theres many different alarm system available.. i was going to get the viper for $200 but found out that i may lose my warrenty by getting it done somewhere else.. im still trying to do more research, but getting it done at the dealer sucks. your can also just get a regular alarm system which if done professionally will cost you around 100-150.. I live in florida so i can get it done pretty much anywhere (swap shop) but i really dont wanna lose my warrenty

HAMMER TIME!!!
380

No way they can yank any warranty if someone else installs an alarm. That is total BS.

[NateBalditch]

So I went to get my actuators/keyless entry/alarm installed today, and they couldn't do it.

Aparently the actuators don't work because there's no rod connected to the lock like an most cars without keyless entry. Instead there is some cabling that won't be compatiable with the standard actuators.

Anyone have any experience adding keyless entry to a non-power lock Yaris?

[eight_heads]

i'd like to know the same, i was going to add actuators, but if it's cable locks, that changes things

[Uglyboyed]

i was wondering the same thing. i wanna add power locks into my car but none of the toyota dealerships will do it for the yaris for some reason. so i may have to go aftermarket. but i wanna know if there was anybody else out there that done it already. I do know it require cable actuators because of it being a new car. usually any car above 2003 uses cables these days.

[why?]

Im prolly going to be having it done in the next few weeks. I'm way too paranoid not to have an alarm.

When I have it done I'll let you guys know about the kit that was used. From what the guy at the shop said it is relatively new.

[punch]

just a note the alarm night make you feel better, but i've experiance a few break-ins, and the alarm going off, just means the theif has to work faster, (more damage) and if he's working in a pair, one guys is at work on the alarm (spray foam, wire cutters etc..) one vehicle i owned they did more damagae to the car trying to find the alarm siren's, and brain : )



and to make you really feel sick, make sure its a good shop, becuase these fly-by night operations will program a secound remote, which they keep, a week later they send out joe blow crack head with the secound remote, one button push alarm is off.. they then re-sell the sterao to you, or the next sucker coming to the shop.

[Toddhata]

For you guys wanting to add power door locks, there are some car alarm shops that can do it, apparently the late model corolla is supposed to have the same cable type system instead of rods. I had all 4 doors done, they had a part time toyota mechanic working at their shop so he knew how to do it properly. I would just call around and find someone that's sounds like they know what they're doing.

[why?]

just a note the alarm night make you feel better, but i've experiance a few break-ins, and the alarm going off, just means the theif has to work faster, (more damage) and if he's working in a pair, one guys is at work on the alarm (spray foam, wire cutters etc..) one vehicle i owned they did more damagae to the car trying to find the alarm siren's, and brain : )



and to make you really feel sick, make sure its a good shop, becuase these fly-by night operations will program a secound remote, which they keep, a week later they send out joe blow crack head with the secound remote, one button push alarm is off.. they then re-sell the sterao to you, or the next sucker coming to the shop.

LOL, I know if a professional thief wants to steal it their is prolly nothing I can do to stop him.

However I highly doubt a pro will want to steal an econobox.

As far as the fly by night thing, that wouldn't surprise me one bit. Thankfully I have 2 shops within about 100 feet of each other that have been where they are for a few decades at least.

If you don't mind me asking, what vehicles were you driving that were broken in, and where were they broken in, as in was it a city environment type place?

My father had his 1982 Toyota Supra stolen one night when he didn't set his alarm. Lucky for him he called it in and the cops were in the right spot. The theifs managed to outrun the cop cars because the roads were very curvy, they managed to take out the entire interior, but only actually stole the wheels.

[punch]

LOL, I know if a professional thief wants to steal it their is prolly nothing I can do to stop him.

However I highly doubt a pro will want to steal an econobox.

As far as the fly by night thing, that wouldn't surprise me one bit. Thankfully I have 2 shops within about 100 feet of each other that have been where they are for a few decades at least.

If you don't mind me asking, what vehicles were you driving that were broken in, and where were they broken in, as in was it a city environment type place?
.

a pro doesn't want your econobox, but he may want your stereo..

1990 hyundai excel hatch, with $5000 worth of stereo (16 years ago), it got ripped off 3 times, with alarm system installed. ( underground garage)

then i had a 5.0lx mustang similiar equipment, ripped of 1 time, again alarmed (underground garage)

1980 cutless 442 (outside parking sometime between 3am-7am) alarmed, people told me the next day they heard the alarm, then it went silent so no-body did a thing.

1998 dodge dakota, $5000 of todays dollars into system, no alarm, no tint, never played it loud in my subdivision, no theft..

First thing some teens going to look for is the cool, souped up, tinted window car.. or he may follow you from a bar, or school where your showing off the system to your house for later removal...

[plushDJ]

It's all crackheads around here doing it, Red Deer has a huge drug problem. I pity whoever tries to steal from my car, I'd murder the guy and plead insanity :bonk:

[why?]

a pro doesn't want your econobox, but he may want your stereo..

1990 hyundai excel hatch, with $5000 worth of stereo (16 years ago), it got ripped off 3 times, with alarm system installed. ( underground garage)

then i had a 5.0lx mustang similiar equipment, ripped of 1 time, again alarmed (underground garage)

1980 cutless 442 (outside parking sometime between 3am-7am) alarmed, people told me the next day they heard the alarm, then it went silent so no-body did a thing.

1998 dodge dakota, $5000 of todays dollars into system, no alarm, no tint, never played it loud in my subdivision, no theft..

First thing some teens going to look for is the cool, souped up, tinted window car.. or he may follow you from a bar, or school where your showing off the system to your house for later removal...

Ouch.

So it sounds like they were all stolen in more urban type areas.

I'm still not sure I'm going to put in an expensive stereo, but I am leaning in that direction.

We'll see.

[Mattiepl]

The cable system is possible to install aftermarket actuators to. It is def. a pain the butt just because it has a tendency to slide on the cable if not hooked up correctly. Like they are saying though make sure you go to a good shop and even in a good shop there might be crappy people. My best suggestion is to start up normal conversation and find out how long the guys have been doing the installs. If you can get a installer to help you that is even better because you can get a feel if they know what they are talking about. My recommendation for a product would be any DEI product(Clifford,Viper,Python... ect.). 2way paging systems are nice if you tend to forget to lock your car. They tell you on the display if the car is locked so you don't have to see the car to know. Also if you are going with remote start system you can see if the car starts without seeing the car. Just becareful if you are going to try and get a remote start on a 5spd. Most places will not do it first off. Secondly I know first hand what can happen. I always knew to not park in gear but for some reason somebody else drives your car it can be trouble. My sister took my old Jeep Cherokee and ran it into a post and did about $1500 in damage with my remote start. Explaining that to the ins. company was fun... "Who was the driver?" Welllll...... lol

[eight_heads]

anyone have any pics of how to install rod actuators on cables? thanks

[casterqc]

There is 3 possible reasons to steal a car:

1- Joy ride: Mostly young kids without their licence, they mostly steal cars from idiots that leave their key in the ignition because they think: "I'm just gone for 1 min in that store...not long enought for someone to steal my car!" DUH!:confused:. Or those who leave their car with unlocked doors.

2- To commit a crime:Criminals that want to commit a crime wont use their own car...obviously. They will mostly look for "easy-to-steal" cars(ex:chrysler), not too "flashy" cars...with enought space in it to hide something or to carry stolen stuff (ex:mini vans)

3- For the market: The pro IS interrested by your econobox. The reason is simple. If the yaris (for example) is owned by many people, it means that that their will be more accidents that involve that same car...wich also means that the black market will need more parts (motors, bumpers, etc.) to repair these cars. People have to stop thinking that their car wont be stolen because it is not a mercedes!

There is many solutions avaible on the market to protect your car...but remember that the same guys that install your alarms are the same that steal the cars. A 500$ viper alarm system will never be as good as an homemade system. Of course, if the thief can choose between a car with an alarm and another one without any kind of protection...he will choose the second option...but if the car you own is the only one around that has all the equipment that he is looking for...he could probably do the extra effort.

Do your search...and find what's best for you.:thumbsup:

[fnkngrv]

What about hooking up the ground for your battery cable to a toggle switch or remote and setting it to your chasis so that it is electrified when you "arm" ? Why is it my fault some jack ass decides today that they want to become a krispy critter? :evil: :flame:

[eight_heads]

i personally like the jet flame setup that shoots fires out of the sides from under the car to prevent car jacking... too bad it's illegal in the u.s. :p

[fnkngrv]

i personally like the jet flame setup that shoots fires out of the sides from under the car to prevent car jacking... too bad it's illegal in the u.s. :p


I wonder if you had an exterior side mount extinguisher if then it could be legalized...you would have a slight chance at least to grab it depending on output of your throwers....just a thought....:drinking:

[marcus]

how do you add a pager on the dealer keyless remote!!

[sqcomp]

My thought on the stereo system is, if you're bumping loud enough to advertise your stuff...you deserve to get ripped off.

If you put so much "flash" on your car...it screams, "steal me".

be wise about your stuff. I put up a post here earlier of tips.

[Kitt]

but then what will be the point of installing an expensive sound system on your car... i mean is like putting yourself in jail and leave the thieves outside...

[Spades]

My thought on the stereo system is, if you're bumping loud enough to advertise your stuff...you deserve to get ripped off.

If you put so much "flash" on your car...it screams, "steal me".

be wise about your stuff. I put up a post here earlier of tips.

some of us like our loud "flashy" stereos...most of us are just smart enough not to bump them near our homes or near places where we will park our car.

I have heard stories of people running a coil off their battery and hooking it the the car so anyone that touched it got zapped, but that was back in the day before cars had computers...do that now and you can kiss your cars ECU and your "flashy" stereo equipment goodbye...

The best antitheft system I know of is to park in a well lit neighborhood with people that have a neighborhood watch and lots of guns.

[MrJester]

As for the keyless entry and actuator questions I have been trying to get this done myself the rear doors on the sedan do not have any power running to them and so you will have to have holes cut into your B Pillar to run the cable into. Its not a very easy job to do actually. The lowest quote I qas getting on mine was $700 I did end up finding a guy who just di it on the side wanted $450 to do it but I have yet to do it cause I really don't want to go cutting holes in my car. :(

[eTiMaGo]

I'd want to integrate one of those old Nokia security cameras that are motion activated and send off a picture to your phone by MMS... Best way to know who is messing with your ride, not to mention how it will help the police apprehend the criminal.

[sqcomp]

Spades,

I agree with what you're saying. Just remember to place yourself in the path of the scumbag thief as he's running away...then pull the trigger!

Concealed weapons permits are nice out here...however, there's nothing that really substitutes for the sound of a shoutgun's slide action!