Help w alarm system plz

[mnormand]

Sorry for another alarm question, but I sure need some help.

2004 4R SR5 4x4 V6
Alarm is -probably- the system installed at the dock when entering US. I understand from searching here, that SR5's and Sports do not have factory alarms, only the Limiteds alarms were orig equip when assembled. Mine has the typical red light/button left of steering wheel, above left knee, by the other switch locations. I bought this 4R used 7 years ago. The alarm is the truck horn.

My wife left 4R at our friends house yesterday, and armed it. I came into town very late with friends from a long distance hunting trip, and had only a chipped key, she had our only alarm fob at home. I somewhat expected to open the door with the key, the alarm would go off, and get cancelled as soon as I started the truck. Exactly like my prior 1993 SR5 4R would do.

Well it would not go off. I could start the truck, and it was still sounding. I paniced and killed and restarted a few times, also pressed the red light/button, if that really is a button?

The alarm(horn) would sound for the usual 1 minute or so, then go off if I had stepped out the car. If I went back in and restarted, it would start sounding again.

What could I have done to cancel the alarm as I had a valid chipped key??? This is the first time this has happened, and surprised me to say the least. I need to solve this for certain as I'm out in the boonies alone very often with this truck. I don't like not arming the alarm out there. And I keep a valid chipped key hidden on frame in case I lose my keys and fob in the field.

Thanks much, please help me understand this. Not good for 55yr old guy to be surprised like that!
Mark

 

[mnormand]

ttt...

Any suggestions out there ?

 

[DC runner]

You sure about that? I was under the impression that the red light on the left was an aftermarket install?

I have a sport and I have a factory alarm system, as well as engine immobilizer and I do not have a red light. For me, I have a flashing icon on my center led display (where the ac/ info is) that blinks to let me know my engine immobilizer is active.

Which, by the way is awesome.

Edit: Chipped? You sure? Only vehicles with the engine immobilizer have a chipped key.

 

[mnormand]

Thx DC, I finally found my booklet...

Sure enough I can turn it off w/o transmitter. I'll have to locate the window sticker I have stored away to see if it list engine immobilizer.

 

[ryanbt]

Yes, the red light is a port/dealer install, however it is a Toyota part and is integrated into the Toyota fob. You can buy the RS3200+ system http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/34580-rs3200-alarm-system-help-2003-4runner.html, (I did this, and it was easy) and it shares the same light with the immobilizer next to the A/C.

I'm pretty sure all 4th gen T4Rs have immobilizers.

There is one thing to check, that happened to my 3rd gen. The switch on the frame that lets the truck know the door is shut or not had failed so I was having problems arming/disarming the system. It's easy to check, just push it in with the door open and see if the dome lights and open door light on the instrument cluster light up when you release.