New to the 3rd Gen....any way to remove/disable factory alarm?

[FLYNAVY53]

I just inherited my family's old 2002 4Runner. My first order of business, how do I remove or disable the terrible factory alarm/keyless entry??

The key fob only works half the time, and while the key will unlock any door, it only disarms the alarm if used in the driver door which is extremely annoying. That combined with the fact that the alarm arms itself within 60 seconds of the door being closed, I find myself setting off the alarm multiple times a day.

I'd prefer to remove the system entirely and simply use the key to lock/unlock all of the doors.

Thanks for the help!!

 

[jkeith.w]

on our '96, I just unplugged and removed the brain under the driver's seat.

 

[Brian.]

These 4runners have an Alarm? You sure it's OEM? Mine is 100% OEM and is only keyless entry (lock, unlock doors and roll down rear window). The key is chipped for an immobilizer system, but that's just a start/no-start system. There's no siren, which is what I associate with an alarm.

Try checking the wiring loom that runs to the back hatch (next to the drivers side hinge of the hatch) for breaks/burns/damage as that's a known problem area and would impact the function of the keyless system (brains are in the hatch).

Maybe there's a difference between the '99 I have and your '02?

 

[ZSW99]

My 99 definitely has an alarm. I routinely set it off accidentally also. I did some research on how to disable the alarms and auto lock features but retain keyless entry a while ago but couldn’t find much information. My understanding is that there might be a few different versions of the system based on trim level and year. Hopefully someone will shed some light on it

 

[phattyduck]

The '99+ will all have OEM keyless entry, but the alarm system is optional.

Based on the features, it sounds like it might be aftermarket. Either way though, it can be removed.

Post a picture of the fob so we can verify if it is OEM first, then we can go from there.

-Charlie

 

[FLYNAVY53]

Thanks guys....definitely factory. Here are the pics of the key fob front and back, as well as the original window sticker. Its funny that it lists the keyless entry with remote, but does not say anything about the alarm...

 

[phattyduck]

The google links generally don't work for linked images. Try imgur or any number of other image hosts.

-Charlie

 

[Ghostrider]

I would be shocked if the sticker said alarm. I have had my 01 since new and it definitely did not come with an alarm. I believe any alarm is installed as a dealer option or third party

 

[FLYNAVY53]

The google links generally don't work for linked images. Try imgur or any number of other image hosts.

-Charlie

Charlie, are the photos not visible? I can see them with no issue, but perhaps that's because I posted them?

 

[FLYNAVY53]

I would be shocked if the sticker said alarm. I have had my 01 since new and it definitely did not come with an alarm. I believe any alarm is installed as a dealer option or third party

That would make sense. I may need to just start tracing wires backwards from the speaker to sort out where they go. It definitely has that terrible, '90s Lo-Jack alarm sound to it.

 

[Shadco]

My 2000 limited has factory alarm and it is malfunctioning.

.

 

[Endlessblockades]

My 2000 limited has factory alarm and it is malfunctioning.

.

My 2000 LTD has some kind of fancy factory immobilizer and horn alarm that works fine so far.

 

[Ghostrider]

I would be shocked if the sticker said alarm. I have had my 01 since new and it definitely did not come with an alarm. I believe any alarm is installed as a dealer option or third party

I might need to correct this. Mine is SR5 not a Limited. I still have the sticker and know for a fact that there is no alarm from Toyota. The Limited might be different.

 

[Brian.]

My 2000 LTD has some kind of fancy factory immobilizer and horn alarm that works fine so far.

Trust me, the immobilizer system is only a start/no-start thing. I've been completely through it to code new keys instead of paying Toyota ~$1200 to get keys. There's no alarm on that part of the system.

Maybe I'm doing it wrong (with regards to the alarm), what EXACTLY are you people doing to set it off?

 

[ZSW99]

Most common scenario is you open the door with the key but didn’t click unlock on the fob. This will always set the alarm off on mine. It happens every time my girlfriend drives my 4Runner because her 3rd gen doesn’t have keyless entry and she just habitually puts the key in the door first

 

[flyfisher117]

Let me talk to my bro. My 97 SR5 had a factory alarm that kept malfunctioning and going off. It went off in a store parking lot one day and wouldn't quit. He got so pissed he dealarmed it that day on the spot...

In his anger he also removed the horn. :rofl: don't do that part.

 

[Malcolm99]

My 99(mfg date 98) Limited with Immobilizer has the loud AF Horn alarm integrated from factory, it is a separate horn just for that purpose beside the ABS under the hood. I thought this was standard on all immobilized T4R's. Its a very good anti-theft system, so I wonder if yours is aftermarket, you can clean the key fob buttons so it is more responsive, maybe clean the battery connections inside aswell while adding a new quality battery. Or just unplug the noise maker..

Does the ignition ring on your 4R say "immobilizer"?, a good way to test the factory system is to roll down the window, arm the system wait 2min then manually lift the lock on any door, mine is so loud you'll jump outta your shoes and it auto relocks itself, horn blasting and lights flash until the key fob is unlocked or the key is put into the ignition, great for locking your rig with the windows down in the summer.

 

[FLYNAVY53]

My 2002 is an SR5. It does not have "immobilizer" written anywhere on the surround to the ignition. Additionally, the alarm does not use the horn, or even sound like a horn. It also does not illuminate the headlights.

This again points to a dealer installed option, although, my parents purchased this truck new, and never asked, or paid for, the alarm system. To that point, its so annoying, my mom tried to have it removed at some point many years ago, but the dealership wouldn't touch it.

 

[Endlessblockades]

Trust me, the immobilizer system is only a start/no-start thing. I've been completely through it to code new keys instead of paying Toyota ~$1200 to get keys. There's no alarm on that part of the system.

Maybe I'm doing it wrong (with regards to the alarm), what EXACTLY are you people doing to set it off?

Having never had a car with an aftermarket alarm, maybe I am calling it the wrong thing, but I call a super annoying horn honking that won't stop until you put a key in the ignition or press a fob button an alarm. It happens under the circumstances the gentlemen above described. I think my kid did it most recently - getting out when I had locked him in with the fob. So, If your car is locked and someone bips your window and opens the door, the 'alarm' would go off.

Edit - my ignition ring has the Immobilizer system wording.

Also, here in Bip City, the tool of choice is a spring-loaded center punch that shatters a window with a single impact and makes almost no sound. The local hardware store keeps them behind the counter due to their popularity.

 

[Bad Luck]

Thanks guys....definitely factory. Here are the pics of the key fob front and back, as well as the original window sticker. Its funny that it lists the keyless entry with remote, but does not say anything about the alarm...

Your pictures aren't visible for anyone