Is it worth replacing the factory alarm?
 

I was just wondering if it is worth replacing factory alarm or going to the dealership to upgrade it. Mine has every thing I need except a shock sensor and siren (one of the few without shock sensors). Is the factory alarm worth a shit or is it better to replace it? The only other feature I would like to have, but not necessary is remote start. It is a 5 speed so technically I know I am not supposed to be able to install that feature, but understand there is a way to do it. I know I can order a siren or find one on Ebay (monotone not any DEI siren like everyone has). I know that if some one wants something, the alarm won't exactly stop them, just looking for some deterrants.

MiStErT

I emailed the dealership and no word on how much a shock sensor is. Bastards won't email me for a small part like that nor contact me via phone. I guess I'll have to try to contact them from work if not too busy! GRRR!!:mad:

MisterT

get a alarm, this might help with your decision. Go to your car roll you window down, shut your door and set the so-called alarm.
Reach in the window and unlock and open, No Alarm will sound.
It's basicly just keyless entry/ no alarm.

Mine has alarm, but only with pin switches and perhaps starterkill. I don't have a shock sensor though. The horn will go off though when door is opened or trunk. I really miss remote start on these hot summer days! I had it on my full size 88 Jimmy. Thing was sweet. Only 100K miles on it when sold. I could start it up from across the street of the 6th floor of a hospital I worked at. I only know because it was when working evening shift, I could see lights flash and when parking lights stayed on, the car was running. I could do so 15 minutes before clocking out and it would be chilled or warm, depening on season. People were freaked out though (it was a new thing at the time) plus the LED was still flashing because the alarm was still armed when it was running. I miss that truck! V8, flowmaster exhaust, and 4 wheel drive (no redneck looking shit, but a tight ride)!

MisterT

Car Alarm
 

I'm installing the Hornet 554T in my Protege 5 within the next couple of weeks. It's not very expensive and includes the Remote Start capability for the manual transmission.

Check it out:
http://asianwolf.com/caralarms.htm

It looks sweet. I plan on doing a How-To on the installation, so I'll follow up with that information when I have it. I definately would go with a different alarm than the stock one. I have had my MP5 broken into twice, and the stock alarm is a joke. Plus it's only a couple hundred bucks for the Hornet 554T. The feature set on it is amazing.

Later

I miss the remote start feature, I don't have a shock sensor, so basically some one can break window reach down to pop hood and DC battery, and lastly, I don't care for the horn going off "cheap, cheap, cheap, cheap!" I may do that, but never attempted to do an aftermarket alarm. I would think with an alarm already in place it shouldn't be too hard, but the remote start may be a little tricky. Let me know how yours turns out.

thanks

MisterT

Crash, did you have a shock sensor on your factory alarm or just the pin switches like mine?

mistert