Factory Alarm and Factory Options

Hi, I'm new to the forum. I'm in the process of buying a 2008 Tacoma Access Cab.

I've been talking to a couple of Toyota dealers in my area trying to get the best deal, and the only one who has responded to me yet has said that in order for me to get the factory-installed Toyota RS3200+ alarm system, that I'd need to also get the "SR5 Package #2" option.

I'm wondering if that's strictly true, because it seems odd. Is the truck pre-wired for an alarm when you order SR5 Package #2? That's about the only way it makes sense to me, but I don't know much about Tacomas yet.

The "SR5 Package #2" seems to be all about trim and very little about electronics, except for variable-speed intermittent wipers. Granted, according to the Tacoma brochure, the "SR5 Package #2" includes something called the "Convenience Package" which is *all* about electronics and wiring (i.e., keyless entry, power windows, power doors, etc.), but why wouldn't the "Convenience Package" just come separately? The Configurator on the Tacoma website doesn't offer just the "Convenience Package". It seems it's their "Option B" or nothing; "Option B" being a combination of "Convenience Package" and "SR5 Package #2".

Needless to say, I'm confused, and want to be better-educated on this subject before I talk to the dealers anymore. Thanks for your help.

 

The available "options" choices give me headaches. When I bought my almost but not quite an SR5 access cab the dealer offered to install one of 3 different optional alarm systems. Unless there's a reason you want that specific alarm just buy the truck you want and get an aftermarket alarm. Don't be swayed by the "you'll get a discount on your insurance" ploy it's only 5 to 10% of the comprehensive part of the bill so it only saves you a few dollars a year.

P.S. Welcome to TacomaWorld!

 

Welcome to TW.

 

Thanks for the welcome, you two.

Yeah, it sounds a little old-school, options-wise. Oh well, we'll see what all the dealers say and then I'll make a choice.

Thanks for your help.

 

Get an after market alarm. You will have more/better option with it for the price the dealer is going to charge you.

 

Or go factory.

If you've got factory keyless entry, and the basic ability to read a wiring schematic you can go with this route

http://www.totallytwistedcreations.com/html/alarm_upgrade_0.html

This is the Gulf States Alarm, A Port Installed Option.

Has a shock sensor, glass breakage sensor, and will trip if any door or the hood are forcibly opened. It also has passive arming, ie: you forget to lock the truck, it arms itself 30 seconds after you remove the key from the ignition.

Great alarm, Toyota factory part so no warranty issues, and it really is pretty much plug and play, took me maybe 3 hours to install start to finish, but I am obsessive with cable routing and zip tie the shit out of everything.

 

lol!

Thanks for the advice; I'll check it out.

 

I do not think that is a factory option but a region option which is Gulf State region. That may still be considered an after market alarm.

 

The parts are all stamped TOYOTA, and a port installed option is still a toyota part as far as warranty is concerned. As well as it still uses your factory remote key fobs which means you are not stuck with some kind of ugly aftermarket fob that immediately tips them off when you go in for service.

 

Good to know.

 

Adam, Sorry to bring this thread back to life but I was wondering.
How much splicing had to happen for this or was it all adding / switching connecters around, etc.?
I like the factory option compared to the aftermarket for the reasons you stated. I'm also bummed my new truck doesn't have an alarm. It is a detoriant to any thief if an alam goes off when they enter a vehicle; they may grab something ovbious you left laying around but otherwise they're out of there.

 

unless the dealer if giving you the alarm free...i'd go with an aftermarket alarm. in fact thats what i did. when i first bought my truck it had an alarm already installed by the dealer...as i looked at the invoice it was $500 tacked on the price for that cheap ass BASIC alarm. i told them to take it out and got an after market one with more options. Like i got hte Clifford alarm for $300 installed and from the remote i can turn my headlights on, turn on my radio, control how sensitive the alarm is, panic(alarm siren), or just honk only the horn among other options. i even have it set to arm itself after a certain amount of seconds if i forget to. the best thing i like is that when i unlock it it unlocks all four doors with one press of the button instead of having to press it twice like on the factory keyless FOB. but i guess that part doesn't apply to you since you are getting an access cab.

bottom line: get an aftermarket....go for Viper or the higher end Clifford. both made by the same company.

 

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Toyota will only work on the port alarm kit under warranty if the dealer or the port center installs it. If the customer installs it; the part has a warranty, but the owner must troubleshoot and take part(s) to the counter and convince them the part is bad and have the dealer order a new one. Toyota will not reimburse dealers for labor on owner installs. Dealers out of the Gulf States area are not usually trained to work on other regional zones specific kits. So you are really no better off with the GST kit, versus a good aftermarket, and the dealer personnel don't give a crap about what is screenprinted on the fob, unless you want them to repair/troubleshoot the alarm under warranty, at which time they will see by the VIN that it had no alarm from port, and if you have no receipt for a Toyota dealer installation, you will be back at square one. So if you want an alarm; get what you want, even the GST one, but there are better units for less money out there.

 

Hey Adam,
You figured out how to set the sensitivity for the motion sensor yet? I've got mine programmed to arm and disarm silently and not turn on the headlights but only parking lights as well but damn that motion sensor is touchy.

 

OK - I have this alarm upgrade - how do you get it to passively arm? Also, 4x4x4trd mentioned something about adjusting sensitivity, and other options - where is the programming instructions for all this??

 

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Instructions for port/dealer options are usually put in the glove box with the owners manual and other pamplets. Look throught the black vinyl cover the trhe other papers are in and see if it is in there. The actual instructions will not be in the owners manual since it is a port/dealer item. If it was a dealer install (vs port) the installer may have neglected to toss the paperwork in the truck.

Just wait; and some one here will know how to tweak the unit, or look up the alarm model and see if details are posted online.

 

There is one harness that you un-plug, and plug a splice harness into, and then tap 9 other wires in addition to the hood sensor and shock sensor. I realize that seems somewhat complicated, but realistically it was not that bad, just a little time consuming. And the kit comes with T-splices so it really is pretty plug and play once you make sure that you have the right pin on the right plug.

I think all total it took me about 6 hours start to finish over two days.

 

The sensitivity is controlled by a dial on the shock sensor box which is located behind the driver's side kick pannel, and should have a small dial on it with an arrow and the numbers 0-7 on it. 0 being disabled, and 7 being the most sensitive.

 

Ok called Gulf States yesterday and got them to send me a manual, but I can't get any of the settings to take.

Are these the right manuals for the '08 Gulf States Security system upgrade??

 

Thanks Adam,

Also curious as to how many programmable features you received instructions for as I seem to only be able to get 5 features on mine to work with #4 being passive arming.