flyrv9
New member
As I remember, in one of the threads, the owner got the dealer to remove the alarm and even replace the lower dash panel the indicator unit was screwed to. It wouldn't hurt to try to have the dealer remove everything including the kaar wiring and return the harness back to original. I doubt you will get them to replace the harness.
My concern would be - how good a job are they going to do? On the plus side is if they did the work, then any future issues would be on them. If you (or have someone) do it - then they can claim any future issues would be on you. I think I would defer to them and have them make a record of it in your dealer maint record for warranty purposes.
My concern would be - how good a job are they going to do? On the plus side is if they did the work, then any future issues would be on them. If you (or have someone) do it - then they can claim any future issues would be on you. I think I would defer to them and have them make a record of it in your dealer maint record for warranty purposes.
So I went to the dealer and said that I want it removed and they said it cannot be, it's in all their cars, but on the stage of purchase I can either activate it and get charged for it, or I can refuse to. I explained that I wasn't presented the option of not activating it (which is totally true), and I don't really need it, and if I knew then I wouldn't activate it as I opted out from all their additional charges.
So after all their explanations about how dangerous it is outside for a car like that without an alarm, they said they would de-activate it though usually they don't do that. After some time they said that to appease my state of mind they would even completely remove it. And indeed, they did remove it, it took them like 10 mins (lol, nice alarm system). I checked the area near the fuse box, the additional T-shaped wiring is gone though the red T-shaped connectors are there, the grey box zip-tied to the car body is gone, the stupid green light is gone.
I was promised to be sent the $695 refund in couple days.
And I got two empty screw holes in my new car as a keepsake.
Thank you guys for all your support. I'll make sure to talk them to make a record for these operations too.
RE: how good the job is. From what I've seen yesterday, they just cut in the wires near the fuse box, and that's the only place. And they use something like this:
10pcs! Quick T Type Splice Crimp Terminal Wire Cable Terminal Electrical Wire Connector Set for Car Audio Tool Junction Box|Terminals| - AliExpress
So what they've done to remove it is just cut off the "|" part of the T, and the horizontal line is the car's wire is left as-is, with the connector dangling from it. I hope that's more or less okay integrity-wise.
So after all their explanations about how dangerous it is outside for a car like that without an alarm, they said they would de-activate it though usually they don't do that. After some time they said that to appease my state of mind they would even completely remove it. And indeed, they did remove it, it took them like 10 mins (lol, nice alarm system). I checked the area near the fuse box, the additional T-shaped wiring is gone though the red T-shaped connectors are there, the grey box zip-tied to the car body is gone, the stupid green light is gone.
I was promised to be sent the $695 refund in couple days.
And I got two empty screw holes in my new car as a keepsake.
Thank you guys for all your support. I'll make sure to talk them to make a record for these operations too.
RE: how good the job is. From what I've seen yesterday, they just cut in the wires near the fuse box, and that's the only place. And they use something like this:
10pcs! Quick T Type Splice Crimp Terminal Wire Cable Terminal Electrical Wire Connector Set for Car Audio Tool Junction Box|Terminals| - AliExpress
So what they've done to remove it is just cut off the "|" part of the T, and the horizontal line is the car's wire is left as-is, with the connector dangling from it. I hope that's more or less okay integrity-wise.
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flyrv9
New member
The panel with the 2 screw holes is the one the other member got his dealer to replace; as he felt a brand new 4Runner shouldn't come with unwanted damage.
Actually cutting the Kaar wire at the splice isn't all that bad. I would make sure the little end left in each splice can't short out on anything. You'll just have to look around for those splices; unless they gave you a drawing or description of the connections. If it's cut flush, you can cover the end with nail polish or something to insulate it. If in the future you start getting strange electrical symptoms, remember those splices are there and may be involved. I'm guessing they are the kind of splice that snap around the wire and pierce the insulation with pin that the Kaar wire is connected to. Odds are that you should be ok.
Actually cutting the Kaar wire at the splice isn't all that bad. I would make sure the little end left in each splice can't short out on anything. You'll just have to look around for those splices; unless they gave you a drawing or description of the connections. If it's cut flush, you can cover the end with nail polish or something to insulate it. If in the future you start getting strange electrical symptoms, remember those splices are there and may be involved. I'm guessing they are the kind of splice that snap around the wire and pierce the insulation with pin that the Kaar wire is connected to. Odds are that you should be ok.
97BlackAckCL
Elite Member
Yeah, definitely make sure to remove those T tap adapters and tape off the tapped wires, I would be so pissed if a stealership did this to my brand new truck, yikes
Finally removed my Karr system. Left the t-taps on and just removed the connector.
The way this alarm is wired up, its failure mode is to allow starting which is pretty funny. Just unplug the controller and you’re good to go. So much for the dealer claiming it was the ultimate system haha. Glad I never paid for it.
The way this alarm is wired up, its failure mode is to allow starting which is pretty funny. Just unplug the controller and you’re good to go. So much for the dealer claiming it was the ultimate system haha. Glad I never paid for it.
GrimJeeper91
New member
What security features do 4R's come with from the factory? I'm taking delivery of a TRD Off-Road in about a month and wondering if I should insist that the KARR system is not installed. I believe there was mention of it.
flyrv9
New member
I suggest you insist the Kaar alarm system NOT be installed. I would then research systems and go with the one with the best reviews, after you take delivery. This gives you the choice and takes away a discount POS system that is solely for dealer profit. I would check and be sure by saying they are not going to install it, doesn't mean they installed and removed it! You'll have to check the wiring and if there are holes in the panel down by the steering column where the indicator panel would have been mounted. In otherwords, I wouldn't believe them without checking.
flyrv9
New member
As I understand it, the standard Toyota alarm system (may be some differences with keyless entry) locks/unlocks doors, turns on/off the alarm and immobilizer which disables starting without the key present or inserted. Aftermarket systems have better security, are harder to clone the key signal and are easier to customize to what you want (what doors unlock, etc. Some (I think because I really haven't looked into it) will send a signal to you if the car is broken into or stolen and can track the vehicle.
GrimJeeper91
New member
It seems to be more common with dealers in the southwest. A Honda that we purchased a couple months ago came with it. We just kind of accepted it since it was already on the car but after researching it some more I'm leaning toward asking the Toyota dealer to not have this installed when my 4R hits port in early January.
GrimJeeper91
New member
Yes, I believe it's main benefit to the dealer is to protect their inventory. A secondary benefit is being able to make additional profit by marking it up 10X. I'm hoping my dealer will let me pick it up the day it arrives in the hope that they won't be compelled to force this on me.
I doubt it, this karr system is worthless. Cut one wire to the relay or disconnect the control module and it’s effectively “bypassed”. The main purpose for these are being able to unlock/lock any vehicle in their inventory with a single fob. Then they try to sell it to customers to recoup their money.
If it was truly for insurance purposes they would just use a GPS box as the Toyota security system is way better than this junk.
