Edmunds Answers questions

Can you tell if a certain model has a factory alarm with the VIN?

prestigeins — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:29:29 GMT

alarm w/ VIN?

Do you know a good safety tool to break car window glass?

jtarnold — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 05:16:48 GMT

Looking for something in case of an emergency in the car

Has anybody used Mobiletrace GPS Tracking?

corolla_driver — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:56:40 GMT

If you have used Mobiletrace GPS Tracking in your car, what were the advantages and disadvantages for you?

What do you do about repeat auto vandalism?

msadventure — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 12:25:38 GMT

My car was broken into twice in the last week! Good thing I bought The Club after the first attempt. What do you think are the best options for this type of crime? It's been suggested to me to get a car alarm and/or kill switch -- what do you think would be most effective? I don't want to keep having to pay to fix my door locks!!!

How can I make my car air horn go off with my car alarm?

magnum10 — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 20:52:37 GMT

I have a Marksman M10 car alarm on my car and I want my air horn to sound when the alarm goes off.
I can’t use the wire that goes to the siren because it’s a steady positive (+) when the alarm goes off. If you know how to do this please let me know Thanks

01 SE. Security system locked my keys in car while key was in ON position. How can I bypass this?

ducatiracr1 — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:48:43 GMT

Need to know if there is a way to bypass security system in 01 SE. The ignition key was in the ON position in ignition and when I shut the door it locked all doors so now my keys are locked in the car

How do I synchronize the remote on my 98 Subaru Forester? I just replaced the car and remote battery.

svmaine1 — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 20:14:43 GMT

Nothing happens when I hit the unlock and lock button on the remote and I've tried to program it according to the directions on cars101.com and it seems like there's no signal coming from the remote. I think it has to be synchronized before it can be programed, but I can't find any info on the steps to synchronize the remote. On newer models you hit one of the buttons on the remote 6 times and that works but not on this one:(. I'll call the dealership on Monday but was hoping to find the answer beforehand.

TIA!

How do I deactivate the autolock feature on my 2000 Ford Windstar? Bought from private owner.

theviccor — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 23:55:44 GMT

I bought a 2000 Ford Windstar from a private owner. I need to deactivate the autolock feature but I have no idea who the dealer of the van was and no idea how to find out. How do I do this?

Car alarm for 2001 Toyota RAV4 goes off when door is open. Putting key in ignition is only thing that stops the alarm.

sid4711 — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 20:22:39 GMT

My car alarm goes off when I open my Rav 4 2001 door. Doesn't matter if I use the key unlock or manually unlock. The only thing that stops the alarm is by putting the key in the ignition. What the heck is wrong?

how shutoff the factory alarm in a mitsubishi 1995 3000gt

carlover18 — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 13:57:42 GMT

i try with the key on both doors and also desconected the baterery but still on

how can I activate my Honda 2005 civic factory security system?

yamanam — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 08:11:33 GMT

The remote only locks and unlocks the doors, and doesn't turn on the alarm system

Problems with Toyota Prius auto door locks that are supposed to lock in Drive but do NOT engage?

mypineprius — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 23:14:29 GMT

2008 Prius Touring 1180 miles. My Owners Manual States That The Doors Are Supposed To Lock Automatically in Drive or at 15mph BUT THEY DO NOT LOCK?
Had the Selling Dealership check why they won't lock using their computer. NO ADJUSTMENT LINKS ARE LIVE. They cannot change the door lock program?
Has anyone else had this problem, and is there a solution for this malady?
I read in a post that someone with a Prius was told by Toyota Canada that the automatic door locks cannot be activated? Is this true in the US also?
Thanks For any Help, Robert

The sercurity system on my 99 Acura CL goes off when the car is locked with the FOB or the key for no good reason.

mjs4359 — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 20:10:56 GMT

The siren goes off, but will re-set with the FOB. But when the car is re-locked, it happens again in 5 - 10 mins. If the car is left unlocked it's ok. I pulled the fuse for the security system but then the car will not start. I bought this car about 6 mos. ago and have not had any problems like this.

my experience with my 1999 911 porsche - unlocking the hood

bingcat08 — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 16:22:02 GMT

hi mr shiftright . the option of the red fuse to find boost to the battery was not available until 2002 . the lighter to lighter did not work for me .. i did find the emergency hood cable . which is located around the back of the passenger headlight . one must take the plastic liner off and feel and feel believe me it is there. it is there ; than give the battery a normal battery cable jump. hope this helps someone else AJL

2005 Chevy Colorado - The horn seems muffled when locking/unlocking car - normal otherwise - is this adjustable?

gtnuke — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 15:33:09 GMT

Volume is reduced and sounds muffled on the alert when locking or unlocking the vehicle, but normal otherwise, as if it has been adjusted, but I can't find any reference to it being adjustable. Any ideas?

chrysler sebring 2000 jxi

jerry7230 — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 15:10:52 GMT

how do i program the remote door opener on this auto

how do I reprogram a remote on a 99 Pontiac Grand Prix

derkens — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:20:27 GMT

How do I reprogram a factory remote on a 99 pontiac grand prix

Steering Wheel Lock - Anyone have one that they like? ... or know where I can find reviews of them?

watrfloggr — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 22:19:21 GMT

I have a Jeep Wrangler and I'm looking for a theft deterrent, sort of like "The Club" but I've heard those don't work so well. The Gorilla is where I'm heading, but can't find any information on it other than from the manufacturer. How well do these things work? Are there any other options for deterring vehicle theft?

I have a 2008 Toyota Tacoma, Have an remote but did not get keyless package. Does a dealer need to activate?

loggette1 — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 19:12:58 GMT

I have a keyless remote for my 2008 toyota tacoma but it does not work. I have tried to program it the way I was told. Does the dealer need to activate the alarm and locks? Or is there something I can do myself?

How good is the factory installed security system in the 2007 Honda Accord EXL?

cabanuchi — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 03:50:11 GMT

The dealer suggested that I install an aftermarket security system that will provide additional protection such as shock sensors and a siren.

I have a 2003 Hyundai Sonata and my car alarm keeps going off.what is going on?

jladika — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:53:08 GMT

mostly at night my car alarm keep going off.
not sure of what is doing this?

2004 Chrysler Crossfire, 2nd owner. Alarm lights but does not function, everything else works? Checked fuses where is it unplugged?

cmorebutts — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 21:46:38 GMT

everything else works! light flashes in console but I bought it off a lot so no history maybe unplugged but where. I checked all fuse locations but they are generally in line with other functions that are working.Wish i could see a schamatic??

Chrysler Crossfire alarm system not fuctioning

cmorebutts — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:48:50 GMT

Hey I bought a 2004 Crossfire w/25000 and all works except the alarm system. It shows blinking light likes it is armed but w/ window down so I can break in nothing? It does not even bep or show it sets up except for flashing light on board? I have checked all fuses but they run paralell
with horns or running lights and that stuff al works. So before I get defeated I was wondering how I could see a wiring diagram and maybe trace or see an in line fuse or unplugged by prvious owner?

I have a 04 Chevy Malibu Maxx and all of a sudden my keyless entry stopped working, and my key will not open my car door

kenni — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:42:10 GMT

All of a sudden, my key pad stopped working. I changed the battery on the keyless entry pad, but it is still not working. I only received one key when I purchased my car, so I assumed that the ignition key was also the door key. Since my keyless entry pad stopped working, I tryed to open the car door with the car key, but it did not work. I have been locked out of my car twice. What is causing this problem and what can I do?

Having radio frequency problems in opening and closing Jaguar S Type with remote. Any solution?

diana15 — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:11:48 GMT

Also occurs with 2nd car - Toyota Rav4. Can you insulate or shield against?

My 2000 Accord EX security alarm sounds spontaneously and continuously and sporadically.

ferg1948 — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 07:04:07 GMT

Even with the doors unlocked at times. 2 dealerships could not sove the problem. I have to disconnect the battery at night to deactivate it.

I can't get the alarm off on my 2003 Hyundai Tiburon and the car won't start

mcilwain — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 19:32:50 GMT

this problem just started today - when i use the remote the alarm does not diactivate - any suggestions?? maybe the remote needs to be reset?? not sure how to handle this problem - i put a new battery in the remote but that wasn't the problem.

I just purchased a 2009 Toyota Corolla and security light is blinking.

lhayes2 — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 21:29:01 GMT

I just purchased a 2009 Toyota Corolla and noticed that when taking the key out of the ignition and locking the doors that there is a security light blinking. Is that normal?

I am having a problem with the alarm system going off for no reason. Help?

kercheval — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:46:08 GMT

It started with the door ajar alarm and light coming on. Then it progressed to the alarm going off for no reason. Does anyone know how to disconnect the alarms for either or both of these?
Help!

Anyone know how the theft deterrent on a new Pontiac Vibe works?

crimar30 — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:07:44 GMT

I read somewhere that it wouldn't work with OnStar.

Hyundia XG 350 2005 Remote door lock-light acknowledgment

dryheat1 — Sat, 17 May 2008 18:09:24 GMT

When locking or unlocking doors with the remote unit, I used to have acknowledgment with 4 yellow corner lights. Now ONLY the left side (2) work, I've checked the bubs -OK ALL other lights seem to work OK
There appears to be a separate filament in the signal light bulb.

Can I install factory keyless entry on my GMC Sierra 1500?

jreide — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:58:37 GMT

The truck is a 2008 Sierra 1500 WT. The truck has electruc locks. Here is what I can find in print. If the truck is equiped with RPO code AU3 (power door locks) then it will have keyless entry and come with 2 FOBs, but if another option 5B5 (power lock, power windows and power mirrors then the keyless entry becomes an option AU0. Okay I can't really say that all of that makes any sense but all the same thats what I am able to find out so far. I quess my real question....is the wiring for the receiver for the keyless entry installed. If so it seems that one could buy the receiver and the FOBs install same and factory keyless entry. It is my understanding that the receiver or wiring for it will be in the rear overhead above the back glass. Thanks for any and all help.

J

My 2008 Nissan Altima alarm goes off sometimes for no reason. I live in a townhome with other townhomes around.

poarchman — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 16:38:22 GMT

The car alarm has gone off 2 times at the townhome with no one around, what should I do?

Jeep Grand Cherokee. Lost key, only have the spare. Is there any way to drive it using the spare key? Bypass the Smartkey?

kp9999 — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 23:11:13 GMT

I lost the key to my Jeep grand Cherokee. I have the spare key. The car shuts itself off when I start it with the spare. Is there any way to drive it with the spare until I can get another key?

How can I get a Toyota Celica Owners Manual? I just need the 1991 GT edition. Thanks

braves — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 21:11:12 GMT

I just bought the car and need it for some info.

I want to buy and install a car alarm in my car. What are the best? What ones are decent? Any issues to watch for?

blackadder5639 — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:50:18 GMT

I am thinking of installing a car alarm in my car. Actually, the car already has one, a basic Black Widow alarm, that was installed by the previous owner but I don't like it and that's why I want to replace it.

But there are so many brands. I have no idea what brands are good and what ones to stay away from. I don't want something too fancy: just something basic with starter disable and selective unlocking (so I can unlock the driver's door only if I want to).
So what brands should I aim to buy and within what price range?
Perhaps suggest a few models?

What are the issues to watch for with car alarms. I noticed that one of my locks sometimes doesn't unlock when all the others do unlock.; could this be because the alarm currently in my car is not the best?

Where are the best places to install an alarm? Should I simply go to the local Best Buy? Or are there better options?

Thanks and regards.

My Suzuki Grand Vitara keys won't open the doors or tailgate but the keyless remote works. Any suggestions?

msgrand — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 23:54:30 GMT

I can't program the second remote, the instructions are confusing and don't work. The working remote unlock button is sporadic and I stood in a parking lot for five minutes unable to open the car because the remote wouldn't work and the keys don't either. Anyone know what is going on?

What is the name of the thing that you can break your glass with?

patrick51 — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 03:56:00 GMT

I am looking for the name of that tool that you can break through your windshield with, or a passenger window or something in case of an emergency.

If your car has manual locks can you buy a keyless entry system? Will it work? Toyota Corolla.

jnpop20 — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:24:15 GMT

Just bought a 2008 toyota carolla. It has manual locks and looking at buying a keyless entry just want to make sure it works.

How do I deactivate the car alarm on 2000 Hyundai Sonata?

factorhead — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 03:03:19 GMT

left parking lights on draining battery. recharged battery headlights working interior lights, everything battery resding 12.6 volts but car won't start. alarm red l.e.d next to panel dimmer switch and cruise control keeps blinking even when key is removed and doors closed. i've been told that the alarm needs to be reproggramed or the car won't start. i
would rather go without an alarm than to go through these problems. HELP !!!!

How do I reprogram the Factory Alarm on a 2000 Chrysler Concorde LXI so it doesn't go off when someone walks by?

phoenix29 — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 18:32:37 GMT

Hello,

I had someone rear ended my car damaging the rear bumper. I had the rear end replaced but since then the car alarm been going off when it senses a little vibration. Is there a way to reprogram the alarm or sensor to make it not soo sensitive?

Is there a way to do it with the remote? Heard from someone by pressing two buttons and hitting somewhere on the car to adjust the sensor but he wasn't sure if it work for the chrysler one.

Thanks for any help.

Alex

How to set auto lock feature to 08 MINI Cooper?

aiiiyaya — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 23:57:44 GMT

Followed the 2008 "S" Owner's Manual. Unable to set the automatic locking feature. Appreciate any advice.

When I enter or exit my 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid the car buzzes until I shut the door. Can the buzz be disabled?

carlee1 — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 15:43:57 GMT

I recently purchased a 2008 Nissan Altima hybrid. When I open the front door to enter or exit the car, the car buzzes until I close the door. This is a very annoying feature because I cannot leave the door open without the buzzing noise. Can this feature be disabled?

Do you know of an incompatibility problems installing a remote start in an 06 Dodge Durango (by dealer)?

robin1214 — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:50:02 GMT

My husband had a remote starter installed in my 2006 durgano for mother's day for me. It didn't work correctly & had to be replaced before leaving the dealership. Subsequent to that we experienced a series of electrical problems ranging from the car not starting, to the radio/dvd/satellite radio not working correctly, to hearing a beeping noise constantly in the car to the lights flickering, etc. It has been back to the dealer 3 times and kept there for the better part of 6 weeks. Finally they took the remote start out, against my wishes, but the electrical problems still remain. The dealer told me Chrysler told them a remote start from Chrysler was not compatible with my durango because it has an alarm. I bought the car used when it was 1 year old with 12,000 miles on it. The alarm was factory installed. However, a diffent Chrysler dealer told me they knew nothing about this. Does anyone have an information. I still want the remote starter installed? Thanks.

Starter cut off switch for a Toyota 4Runner?

bandit10 — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:23:01 GMT

waggawee, I have a 1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 V-6 2WD. I saw on one of your answers that your an automotive electrician. My question is this. Some time ago I had a Mustang 5.0 with an alarm. But I wanted more security. I found An Auto-Marine company and they put in a toggle switch hidden only where I could find it. Even if the thief bypassed the alarm, and had a key, the dash lights would come, and when the turning the key to crank the engine all that happened was the lights dimmed and and no starter motor grind. It was a family business and they have all since retired. I would also like this type of security on my SUV. How do I tell if an Auto-Marine shop knows it's business and does what I want. I ask this because On my Harley I had a starter kill switch installed, the bike wouldn't start, but the starter motor still engaged. I want too avoid that. Can you give me some input please. Thanks, Bandit10

2003 Chevy Impala radio settings do not offer alarm on/off or trunk control option. Can it be re-programed?

impala2003 — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 21:31:59 GMT

My 2003 Impala has remote keyless entry and the alarm is a standard feature but my settings does not show the option to turn on or off the alarm, the settings also does not show the trunk remote options. I don't know if it needs to be re programmed or what. Any advice is appreciated.

Looking for the location of the security reset button on a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am?

51dave — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 10:51:29 GMT

Security light on dashboard came on so I shut the vehicle off. Tried to restart without success.Had it towed to a dealer, they said the security reset button needed to be reset, but did not reveal the location.

Key pad on door of Ford 2003 E150 conversion van

ken87 — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 17:02:38 GMT

I just purchased an E150 conversion van with a keypad on the door. How do I use the key pad, and how do I find the numbers to use?

Any problems with your remote Pontiac Torrent entry?

torrent314 — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:17:49 GMT

Somehow the remote learning was activated on my Pontiac Torrent and now it works when I first get out of my car but when I come back it does not work and neither does my remote start. I have tried to turn off the remote learnign but that does not seem to help. I brought it to the dealer and they supposedly reset the remotes but I am still having the same problem. Help! I am going to try another dealership but I was hoping maybe someone else has had the same problem. Thanks for an info you can give me.

Hi. I just bought a shift gear 2005 Nissan Altima. Winter is approaching. Can I install a remote start?

mmurad — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:39:28 GMT

Nissan 2005 Altima shift Gear