ATL_TL

Which alarm would be best for my 99 tl? and what mods would I need to achieve the desired results? Things that I want from an alarm:

remote start
windows up and down
possibility of using factory remote
new horn for unlock/lock that beeps instead of honks
Better signal range for my alarm (less interference)
least expensive (I've got a budget of around $300 give or take)


Quick side note....can the new 2002-03 factory remotes be used with my car..99tl


Thanks...P

Napsoner

I have the viper 550esp alarm w/remote start and I like it alot. If you want to buy one I have a Clifford avistart alarm w/remote start for sale. I also have the dual proximity sensor also if your interested. Oh and it is brand new never installed.

Napsoner

I also have a 99TL. I bought the clifford after I installed the viper because I was gonna put it in my other car but I set up the factory remote with the remote start feature on my other car instead.

accordv6

how much did the viper 550esp cost with install? I've been looking into getting that one.

StreetEffectz

We charge $450 for the 550esp installed, with the remote start, the 555U interface for the key, door locks, trunk release, relays, etc etc. No hidden charges.

CincyR/T

Good luck finding a Remote/Start alarm installed for less than $400...let alone $300. We carry the Code Alarm PC7500 for $399 installed plus $50 for a 555U and it is a really nice unit. Remote start, alarm, headlight activation and rear defroster activation. We also have the Python 1500 ESP (same as Viper 550esp) for the same price. I usually charge $160/ pair of windows for window up/down (530T plus labor) On a side note---although I haven't used one yet won't the DEI 555H or the 555I work for a Acura TL so that you won't lose a key. Good luck. I'd also look into a Clifford Matrix RS3 or a Viper 790XV (both identical to the Viper 550esp but w/ a 2 way remote)

Napsoner

You know what ATL_Tl, I never understood why they have to take the spare key to install the alarm. My boys Qx4 got stolen and he had the club, clifford Matrix alarm and they still drove away with the jeep. I think some installers use that key to get into the car and do what they have to do to steal it. I just never understood why they need that valet key.

accordv6

I just saw the viper 550 esp on ebay for about 150........brand new. I'm wondering how much I should expect the install to be.

ckNJ

The TL needs the chip inside the key to start the car. Autostart alarms use the spare key to send the proper signal to tell the car that it's ok to start the engine, tricking the computer into thinking that the key is in the ignition. Without it, the car will think someone's trying to hotwire the engine and it'll never start.

Got the 790XV from StreetEffectz. Great two way remote and has reliably started every time for me. I used to have the CompuStar SSAS from another installer, but had some weird issues with it (OnStar/NAVI Voice), so I would recommend the 790XV since it's a tried and true alarm with lots of features and doesn't require an excessive number of taps to work.

ckNJ

ATL_TL

I really don't need an alarm. I just want the remote start and some of the other features. Is that possible....P

2007AcuraRL

ACCORDV6, DO NOT skimp on the install. An alarm is only as good as how it was installed. False alarms, dangling wires and all are a symptom of a crappy job. I would guestimate a price of $125-175 for a good alarm install with remote start. I was an installer for many years before moving on and that was the going rate in Fairfield, CT. you can probably find some flunky who will do it for $50-75 but its not worth the few dollars you'd save. As a rule of thumb, a good way to tell a good installer is if there is at least 2 dozen wire ties used during the install, and if the wires are run through a grommet on the firewall. All the butchers I've seen would just wrap the extra wire around different parts under the dash, and typically stuff the wire past the outer edge of a factory grommet - thats even worse that not using a grommet at all since the added pressure of the rubber against the wire and the metal of the hole is just begging for an electrical short. :wow:

randomwalk101

sounds like ones need to go and watch the installer when working on one's car with a shotgun. No zipties?? BAM!...do not use grommet? BAM!

2007AcuraRL

Randomwalk, you'd be surprised if you saw the crap that most installers get away with. Sloppy installs accounted for 95% of all the 'come-backs' (i.e. returns to the shop) of alarms when i worked at the shop. The sucky part is that i was always the one that ended up having to fix the other guys stuff. We used to call those kind of installers "nut and bolt men". They could unscrew a dash and mount a radio with a Metra or Schoche wiring and pre-made install kit, but give them something that required a little thinking and planning, and they couldnt do it. Funniest thing i ever saw was a guy who came to the shop with a Huge old 1970's Chrysler wagon to have us check out a front speaker that had stopped playing. Evidently the owner of the shop had done the car stereo install in one of the earliest days of his carreer, and he was one sharp business guy, but he wasnt the best installer. The speakers had been installed by being taped to the underside of the dash with duct tape. Actually i was surprised at how long it had held up. and the speaker wasnt really dead, it had just falled away from the tape and was dangling down under the dash near the brake pedal. YIKES! :wow: :wow: :wow: