Has anyone installed an aftermarket alarm on their tl-s, and does it still have the drivers recognition for driver 1 and 2. What brand is most popular, I've used viper on many cars before, and I would like to do the remote start thing on this car also. Just wondering if anyone has done it already, and if it works ok with the transponder key.

 

I would recommend Compustar...not sure about the memory seat thing..that depends on how much money you have and how talented the installer is. And you would have to have an uncut key made...not sure why this is...but that will allow you to use the remote starter.

 

I've got a CompuStar alarm and it comes with a new key fob. The "recognition" feature only works with the stock key fob. But I just press the button on the door and I'm fine!

V.

 

geeeeeee zusss.....not another question about what alarm to choose

 

I believe it has something to do with bypassing the factory immobilizer.

 

I don't understand why people have a need for going aftermarket on an alarm for their car. I used to work in the car audio and security field, and aftermarket alarms are just fancy noise makers that have all kinds of features. I am speaking from experience since I have had Code Alarm, Viper, Avital, and even Clifford. The stock alarm in the TLS is definitely up to par(safety wise) compared to aftermarket. Yeah aftermarket alarms will have more features, but SAFETY wise, no big difference except for the money blown on the alarm and installation. If we drove civics, then yeah, installing an aftermarket alarm is an upgrade, but TLS's ALREADY HAVE good alarms. My opinion is don't waste your time and money, and put that money towards some other mods.

 

Umm, that's a good opinion and all... but what do we say to the guy who just had his TL-S w/stock alarm ripped off? Or to the guys who just had their (stock alarmed) cars "blinded" by thieves?

SAFETY-wise? Huh? The only "safety" feature on an alarm that I can think of an "anti-car jacking" feature. When threatened, you just give up your car and a few minutes later your car dies causing the thief to abandon it. I mention this because I didn't buy my alarm for any safety features. But, perhaps you meant "safety" as in "keeping the car 'safe' from being stolen." If that's the case then I should point out that there are lots of things that can happen besides stealing your ride. The stock alarm addresses none of these.

However, fancy noise-maker or no, I wanted my alarm to PAGE ME when something occurred. I was tired of coming out to my car just to hear my alarm going off and seeing the damage (dent, broken window, kids leaning on the car, etc.). When the stock alarm starts giving immediate (remote) feedback then I'll consider not buying an aftermarket alarm. But until then, I'm pretty sure my aftermarket alarm system runs rings around the stock one (as long as it's properly installed).

And, when you think about it -- if an aftermarket alarm mod works well, makes you feel a little more secure when you park, and feels like money well spent -- isn't that a good mod?

< /rant >

V.

 

Yes I agree with vperskins2 the factory alam does almost nothing.
When I added my Clifford alarm the main reaon was the anticarjacking self recovery features. The factory alarm can't do that or does it have a pager or even glass breakage. All the factory alam does is sound when the doors are open. The Imobilizer is good to keep someone from poping your ignition & taking your car. But in most urban & now even rural areas you have carjackings at high rates. I even have my alarm sounds customized to make the alarm sound not like the normal sounds of other alarms. This may attract more attention to the car because it has different sound that I set-up custom myself.

 

The most important feature our alarm lacks is a shock sensor.

 

The factory alarm is basically just a keyless entry system. It offers almost no protection at all. First thing I did was add a shock sensor to the car.... best $11 I ever spent.

Eventually I will add an aftermarket alarm with a remote starter... maybe this fall.

 

I see aftermarket alarms as more convience rather than safety...if a thief wanted your car...he or she will find a way to take it.

 

Thanks for the opinions, I agree with the group that an aftermarket alarm is definately better than the stock. I wouldn't even call the stock system an alarm, more of a keyless entry, like "juniorbean" stated above. I want the alarm for the pager function, and remote start....I have kids (infants), and this is a nice way to get the ac rolling to cool off the New Orleans heat, as well as get the engine oil circulating before taking off. The "uncut key" goes in a module which has a transponder ring....this ring transmits the signal from the spare key to the cars computer, so it thinks the correct key is in the ignition, and will allow the fuel pump to run (start). I guess I will use my viper 550b with the remote start, since I want to use the memory seat option, 2 relays is all that will be necessary for this to work. Another good option to have is a self contained back up siren, to use when the thieves disable your alarm, the siren will continue to scream no matter what. Like when they drill 2 holes with a cordless drill, and long bit into your battery from below the car. The battery drains...no alarm. Thief break windows, and takes whatever he wants. This has happened to a friend of mine. Also a diode isolated back-up battery helps in this area also. Motorcycle batteries work good for this.

 

Damn! Thanks for that battery info! I've known for a while that I needed a standalone siren and battery backup. Guess it's time to finally get it!

Good luck with your install,

V.

 

good alarms my a$$!!! last night, my bumper got pulled/kicked off my car and the alarm didn't sound at all! does it sound like a good alarm to you if someone can jack your bumper without the alarm going off??!

 

:wow: I guess someone was trying to steal your headlights. Good thing you got there in time

 

i actually didnt get there in time...probably someone walked in on him (like i posted in my other thread). yah it was probably someone trying to steal my headlights. i had two sets of HID's in there too! good thing those weren't stolen.

 

Sorry to hear about your car Wilz, those bastards that did it should be beaten to death with a blunt object. But, the alarm isn't at fault. The stock alarm doesn't have a shock sensor. It can't sense a guy prying your bumper off. Adding one of those to your stock alarm might have helped in your situation. Adding a shock sensor to the factory alarm is definitely the most cost effective way to go because you will be getting a feature common on aftermarket alarms. But, I can't say that it wouldn't have still happened even if you had a shock sensor or aftermarket alarm. If the guy wants you headlights, he will get them no matter what. Thank God he didn't get your lights, and I hope you get everything fixed nice and quick so you can get back to enjoying your ride.

 

so what companies offer that anti-theift, drive away & car stops feature. Overall what is the best company... Drop your thougths............

 

i've got the viper550 which has the memory seat feature if installed correctly. the 550 also has an engine start but needs a separate module to make it work, which is on order at the moment. I should be able to install mine within this week and bring it to the meet The module bypasses the transponder and thats how it starts. there are a bunch of other sensors you can add to this alarm, there's also a pager function as well, just like compustar but without lcd screen.

After hearing bout Wilz's ride, I'm going to have put an aftermarket alarm now...not that it would help a lot, but it would sure scare them away when i add my hella horns

naw but really though...an aftermarket alarm with an aftermarket backup battery for it is a good solution if you're scared of vandalism or gettin yo **** jacked

 

The only one I've heard of comes from Clifford. I think it was called "Black Jax."

Take a look at their website (clifford.com) and check it out.

Later,

V.