What is the best car alarm?

[gshadow325]

I have the sr5 so no push start system. That blows if aftermarket remote starter would still do that.

Great question. I didn't even realize that all this time we were only referring to the PTS limited with proximity key.

My dumb butt assumed that everyone knew this only happens with pts vehicles made by Toyota/Lexus and Honda/Acura. Nissan/Infiniti can do take over. Meaning no shut down when door opens.

its not the remote start system that kill the engine, its inherent to the way the push start system are designed.

[MENTION=1032]NoDak[/MENTION] correct not remote start system shutting it down. It's actually in the way the software is written for these peticular brands to get it to start.

If you take the way a pts Toyota is wired up and then a pts Nissan then compare the two. Nissan are actually mimicked by the remote start. Down to pressing on the brake pedal. Toyotas do not need the brake pedal to be pressed on remote start sequence. Started all thru data commands.

With a normal keyed ignition, remote start unit has to energize and mimic actual sequence of the key turning and send a start command. This eliminating the need for shut down and restart.

I hope all this makes sense to you guys that have push to start (pts) vs conventional regular physical key. It sounds right to me lol.

 

[Canon_Bob]

Giving this thread a bump, as I have to install an alarm system because my insurance rider on my camera gear requires it. In my FJ Cruiser, I had a Viper system. Pretty basic, but made noise and had the glaring blue strobe to warn would-be "snatch and grabbers" that the vehicle was alarmed. I'm definitely going to look into Compustar after reading this thread! I wanted to have remote start and also ability to control the alarm remotely and be warned at considerable distance that the alarm was going off. These were features I didn't have with the basic Viper system I had in my last vehicle.

Like some others pointed out, I'm not so worried about the vehicle being stolen as I am about breakins to steal things from the vehicle. I'm sure that's why my insurance carrier wants it too in order to keep my rates reasonable.

 

[cd121082]

sorry i didnt see this post.

you can do remote start only with the oem fob and have smart phone control too. why limit yourself to winters, it can cool down a hot car in summer too!



I have read that fortin bypass modules can. Fortin | Bypass modules, remote starters and alarm systems there are 3 major interface companies out there.

fortin Fortin | Bypass modules, remote starters and alarm systems
omega research then trilogix then bought out by DEI and turned into expresskit XpressKit.com - Interfacing the Past, Present and Future.
Analog Data Solutions aka ADS iDatalink - Home

I used all 3 in the beginning. Then trilogix had tons of failures. Moved to fortin and idatalink. then when technology went lights years ahead with the blade module from idatalink. i put all my eggs into the idatalink basket and never looked back.

idatalink's approach to start toyota and lexus is thru data. they do not offer take over since they want the vehicle to shut down after it has been remote started so it can revalidate the proximity key. this will eliminate error codes

each manufacture takes a different approach to this. i dont have experience with the fortin bypass module so i cant offer a expert opinion on that.



I wish aftermarket installers were factory backed. I think you might be thinking more along the lines of independently back by each individual dealership.

Little insight into aftermarket work performed thru dealership.
-as long as their hands are in the cookie jar. they make money on being the middle man. so a remote starter can cost to the dealership, example $300 + markup = consumer cost is $599
-where as you go to a quality independent installer you would probably pay the same price as the dealership pays.

hard part is, how do i know these guys are good? how do i know these guys know what they are doing? You dont, you have to trust your instincts from talking to the potential shop you choose. Ask others for referrals.

btw- there is no such thing as voiding your warranty. its such a loosely used term. Magnuson?Moss Warranty Act - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


video as promised on how a Compustar Remote Starter works with a 2014 Toyota 4Runner Limited with proximity key. click on the picture to load the video in a new window

how would the compustar remote start and alarm work with the sr5 key?

 

[gshadow325]

how would the compustar remote start and alarm work with the sr5 key?

like normal, no shut down or anything. does that make sense?

 

[NoDak]

how would the compustar remote start and alarm work with the sr5 key?

on a keyed ignition, the remote start systems mimic the key in the ignition turning. since the ecu is seeing a phantom key it doesn't shut down on door opening. on the push/start keyless systems, since there is no key ignition tumbler, you cant simulate a key, so there is no way around the ecu.

BUT, I have heard there is a module out there that gets around the ecu shutdown, after seeing the disclaimer ME personally I wouldn't use it.

in a nutshell the disclaimer says that they take no responsibility on the install/functionality even when a qualified installer installs it.

 

[gshadow325]

in a nutshell the disclaimer says that they take no responsibility on the install/functionality even when a qualified installer installs it.

Correct, that's just to limit their liability. Look up the recall that dei just put out. Even the manufacture of the bypass messes up tons of cars with bad firmware.

 

[NoDak]

Correct, that's just to limit their liability. Look up the recall that dei just put out. Even the manufacture of the bypass messes up tons of cars with bad firmware.

but at least compustar and viper and other major brands warranty factory authorized dealers/installers.

this guy wont even do that. that's the issue I have. he wont even back up even a 30/90 day warranty.

 

[cd121082]

like normal, no shut down or anything. does that make sense?

my only worried is that Best Buy installer wont know how to get that to work.

 

[medelstein169]

Compustar Auto Start / Alarm

Hi i am new here and i just purchased a 2014 4runner SR5. I am looking to get an alarm and i dont know what to pick. Any advice will be helpful. Thanks

IMO I have the compustar starter / alarm 1 mile range, 2-way. Got it for the 1 mile range starter due to the distance my T4R is from my office (yes ~1/4-.5 mile walk from parking spot to office)

The alarm was just part of it and never intended to have it but it works well. I will say that the dealer had to disable some factory horn / light features due to the two conflicting. Damn truck looked light a christmas tree in Mardi Gras the way everything went off initially.

The unit is very reliable just don't lose the remote (expensive to replace). Compustar has good feedback and ratings and most I know have a variation of this system.

 

[gshadow325]

but at least compustar and viper and other major brands warranty factory authorized dealers/installers.

this guy wont even do that. that's the issue I have. he wont even back up even a 30/90 day warranty.

For every one good shop there are at least 5 bad ones that gives the good ONE a bad name in general.

I suffer that all day every day.

I'm awesome, yes I did just say that. Why? Push to start cars are one of my favorite money making cars out there, no one wants to touch it and when they do it gets fubar. I'm great at what I do. My customers know it, my dealerships know it.

I support compustar because they support me as a dealer. You got a problem, I can take parts from my existing inventory and get you on your way within the hour. Compustar will replenish my stock no questions asked.

Viper/dei, good luck getting it back in a timely manner if at all. They will charge back missing parts, good luck trying to get remotes warrantee.

Auto page, let's hope you don't have a older system that was from the old owners back in the late 2000s, those remotes are no longer available.

Compustar, systems dating back to 2001 still can one way or another get remotes programed to it!

IMO I have the compustar starter / alarm 1 mile range, 2-way. Got it for the 1 mile range starter due to the distance my T4R is from my office (yes ~1/4-.5 mile walk from parking spot to office)

The alarm was just part of it and never intended to have it but it works well. I will say that the dealer had to disable some factory horn / light features due to the two conflicting. Damn truck looked light a christmas tree in Mardi Gras the way everything went off initially.

The unit is very reliable just don't lose the remote (expensive to replace). Compustar has good feedback and ratings and most I know have a variation of this system.

Read above. ....1 good shop vs 5 bad. The dealer doesn't need to turn off anything. It's all in programming your compustar properly.

I get cars fresh in the wrapper from the dealership for remote starters. Like today, 8 miles on a 2014 Nissan pathfinder. Intelligent key, hit lock 3x and it will start. Oem alarm goes off when it starts, I forgot to program disarm when start pulse. That simple, yes. Before that programming, display said invalid key code, please consult your Nissan dealer.

Btw, that Nissan was a 1 hour install yes I'm that good lol.... you guys reading this probably saying steve full of it haha...I am sometimes hehehehe. I'm not that good there are guys that are better, I'll settle for ok.

 

[medelstein169]

For every one good shop there are at least 5 bad ones that gives the good ONE a bad name in general.

I suffer that all day every day.

I'm awesome, yes I did just say that. Why? Push to start cars are one of my favorite money making cars out there, no one wants to touch it and when they do it gets fubar. I'm great at what I do. My customers know it, my dealerships know it.

I support compustar because they support me as a dealer. You got a problem, I can take parts from my existing inventory and get you on your way within the hour. Compustar will replenish my stock no questions asked.

Viper/dei, good luck getting it back in a timely manner if at all. They will charge back missing parts, good luck trying to get remotes warrantee.

Auto page, let's hope you don't have a older system that was from the old owners back in the late 2000s, those remotes are no longer available.

Compustar, systems dating back to 2001 still can one way or another get remotes programed to it!


Read above. ....1 good shop vs 5 bad. The dealer doesn't need to turn off anything. It's all in programming your compustar properly.

I get cars fresh in the wrapper from the dealership for remote starters. Like today, 8 miles on a 2014 Nissan pathfinder. Intelligent key, hit lock 3x and it will start. Oem alarm goes off when it starts, I forgot to program disarm when start pulse. That simple, yes. Before that programming, display said invalid key code, please consult your Nissan dealer.

Btw, that Nissan was a 1 hour install yes I'm that good lol.... you guys reading this probably saying steve full of it haha...I am sometimes hehehehe. I'm not that good there are guys that are better, I'll settle for ok.

I wouldn't call my shop "BAD" , they have been very good to us. In this case, they missed re-programming a couple factory settings. My dealer is much closer so I opt'd to just go 1/4 mile down the road and spend the 10 minutes it took for the dealer to plug in their computer and turn some factory settings off.

 

[NoDak]

For every one good shop there are at least 5 bad ones that gives the good ONE a bad name in general.

I suffer that all day every day.

I'm awesome, yes I did just say that. Why? Push to start cars are one of my favorite money making cars out there, no one wants to touch it and when they do it gets fubar. I'm great at what I do. My customers know it, my dealerships know it.

I support compustar because they support me as a dealer. You got a problem, I can take parts from my existing inventory and get you on your way within the hour. Compustar will replenish my stock no questions asked.

Viper/dei, good luck getting it back in a timely manner if at all. They will charge back missing parts, good luck trying to get remotes warrantee.

Auto page, let's hope you don't have a older system that was from the old owners back in the late 2000s, those remotes are no longer available.

Compustar, systems dating back to 2001 still can one way or another get remotes programed to it!


Read above. ....1 good shop vs 5 bad. The dealer doesn't need to turn off anything. It's all in programming your compustar properly.

I get cars fresh in the wrapper from the dealership for remote starters. Like today, 8 miles on a 2014 Nissan pathfinder. Intelligent key, hit lock 3x and it will start. Oem alarm goes off when it starts, I forgot to program disarm when start pulse. That simple, yes. Before that programming, display said invalid key code, please consult your Nissan dealer.

Btw, that Nissan was a 1 hour install yes I'm that good lol.... you guys reading this probably saying steve full of it haha...I am sometimes hehehehe. I'm not that good there are guys that are better, I'll settle for ok.

trust me, im a compustar fanboy

have a old 9002 1m 2way range remote start in the wardens Tacoma and have had zero issues with the alarm. now the remote fob cant keep time for sh*t but then again we don't care. and I love that the remotes take regular AAA batteries instead of those dinky watch batteries.

about to have a 2 way G9 installed in the daughters 2014 rav4 and I am looking seriously into getting the drone mobile for my 4runner, but its not critical I get one since my seat heaters make up for not having a remote start.

and for those that are looking here are the bypass kits for compustar

http://www.compustar.com/products/bypasskits/

from what I hear the blade and idata are the better bypass kits.

 

[gshadow325]

trust me, im a compustar fanboy


about to have a 2 way G9 installed in the daughters 2014 rav4 and I am looking seriously into getting the drone mobile for my 4runner, but its not critical I get one since my seat heaters make up for not having a remote start.

and for those that are looking here are the bypass kits for compustar

Bypass Kits | Remote Starters | Car Alarms | Compustar.com

from what I hear the blade and idata are the better bypass kits.

I can help you with the drone i have 4 in stock.

About the 2014 Rav4, is it a PTS Vehicle? Then you can do a remote start without loosing a key. Non-PTS you will have to loose a key since the "H" key code has not been cracked yet.

My mother in law just bought a 2015 PTS Rav4 and i am installing the following.
-RF-7000 controller aka alarm/remote starter
-Fortin Evo-All, this unit does take over and does not make the car shut down then restart.
-Drone Mobile smart phone interface
-Touch RPS
-EZ-Go

EZ-Go will be set to lock the vehicle when she walks away. OEM will only unlock when you get to the car. This will eliminate the need for the keys to ever come out of her pocket. It will start by hitting lock 3 times.

Touch RPS is if there was ever a need to get into the vehicle without the keyfob closeby.

All alerts and start functions when she is far away from the vehicle will be performed via Drone.

Now back to your regualrly scheduled programming.
********2014 4 Runner with regular key************
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/129154214@N04/15523470549" title="20141104_090921 by steven sze, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3945/15523470549_23b287fab7_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="20141104_090921"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/129154214@N04/15524335299" title="20141104_111704 by steven sze, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3952/15524335299_a017969db0_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="20141104_111704"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/129154214@N04/15710912552" title="20141104_090939 by steven sze, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3939/15710912552_ea53f980bb_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="20141104_090939"></a>

This next part will clear up some confusion on what can and cant be done with the compustar.

I made a video for you guys.

OEM remote on the key will do the following
-Lock will arm the compustar
-Unlock will disarm the compustar
-Lock button pressed 3x will start the vehicle

OEM remote will NOT do the following
- when vehicle is started, the unlock function will not work. if you used key to unlock vehicle it will set off the compustar alarm. work around is A: EZ-Go, B: extra key fob that will give you longer range and do disarm functions, C: Drone mobile for disarm. I listed my preferences in order, i also have all of the above installed

Video, i just started using flickr so i'm not sure how this will work.
#1
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#2
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[NoDak]

nope its a key start rav hence the hold on the daughters install.

I really don't want to use the spare in case she loses the key or something else.

we keep the spare in the house in case of an emergency, we can just run home and get it.

 

[05Rrunner]

As many have said, pass on the alarm . Nobody cares when they go off , it's just a hassle. Have your insurance up to date and go with the flow, most likely never need it.

 

[NoDak]

well I don't buy them for the alarm, I buy them for the remote start.

and that is the norm for up here and higher north.

 

[gshadow325]

nope its a key start rav hence the hold on the daughters install.

I really don't want to use the spare in case she loses the key or something else.

we keep the spare in the house in case of an emergency, we can just run home and get it.

It's just a matter of time before they Crack it. The highlander was just released a few weeks ago that also had a similar "h" key.

As many have said, pass on the alarm . Nobody cares when they go off , it's just a hassle. Have your insurance up to date and go with the flow, most likely never need it.

Is this advice coming from a person that never had their vehicle broken into? Some members have tons of mods that need protection. Most insurance carriers will not cover non factory add ons. It's a huge headache to be on the one trying to get things covered when the time comes. I have too much experience with insurance companies. It's a constant fight for every nickel and dime.

I have, it's not fun. My stuff belongs to me and when someone likes it more than I do, I would like to know when this is happening. I don't want to be a statistic, so I take precautions to deter that from happening.

I would not be scared to park my truck in a dark street in the roughest part of any town. I will get my alerts either from my smart phone or my 1 mile range two way remote.

Beauty of compustar, it's always upgradeable. Unlike other brands out there.

Btw my posts are here to clear up confusion and have fellow members know what compustar can do. How it works since I probably know more about this stuff than the average t4r.org member.

Sharing is caring lol

 

[Canon_Bob]

As many have said, pass on the alarm . Nobody cares when they go off , it's just a hassle. Have your insurance up to date and go with the flow, most likely never need it.

I find it interesting that virtually EVERY insurance company I got quotes from for my photography gear insisted on an armed car alarm in order for theft protection while in my vehicle. Do you suppose that they might have some statistical data that contradicts your opinion? I'm betting they do.

Besides that, the newer systems actually alert you now that they are going off....so you have a good chance of thwarting the theft yourself if you're close enough to respond. To each his own, but I think they make a difference. They probably won't stop a simple "smash and grab", but they will likely discourage something that takes more time. If nothing else, you get the satisfaction of knowing they had to put up with that annoying siren while they were doing the deed.

 

[NoDak]

thanks for the update [MENTION=93434]gshadow325[/MENTION].

just waiting it out so I can have it installed.

 

[05Rrunner]

It's just a matter of time before they Crack it. The highlander was just released a few weeks ago that also had a similar "h" key.





Is this advice coming from a person that never had their vehicle broken into? Some members have tons of mods that need protection. Most insurance carriers will not cover non factory add ons. It's a huge headache to be on the one trying to get things covered when the time comes. I have too much experience with insurance companies. It's a constant fight for every nickel and dime.

I have, it's not fun. My stuff belongs to me and when someone likes it more than I do, I would like to know when this is happening. I don't want to be a statistic, so I take precautions to deter that from happening.

I would not be scared to park my truck in a dark street in the roughest part of any town. I will get my alerts either from my smart phone or my 1 mile range two way remote.

Beauty of compustar, it's always upgradeable. Unlike other brands out there.

Btw my posts are here to clear up confusion and have fellow members know what compustar can do. How it works since I probably know more about this stuff than the average t4r.org member.

Sharing is caring lol

This coming from a person that had a full custom truck stolen , several broken into all with high quality alarms. The police and the insurance agent laughed when I brought up the alarm. They basically said they go off all the time people don't even give it a second look or do not want to get involved period. Alarms are for honest people or kids joyriding , a real thief stole my full custom 4x4 in a busy gym parking lot and it was never found. Police said crooks flat bed them with alarms blazing and nobody cares. Of course the insurance company thinks its a good idea for you to spend your money to help them protect there investment. Yea I know "But they give me a small credit" to each there own , funny thing is since I stopped buying alarms I have had no problems. Go figure.