Mystery Alarm System

Hey everyone, first time posting but have been snooping around the forum for a few months now. Have learned so many things already and looking forward to more.

I was recently gifted a 97 Tacoma and am just getting around to doing some tune ups. Installed the deck plate mod last week and took off the negative on the battery. Drove around fine until I parked it to head into the gas station. Came out and car wouldn’t start anymore.

My tail/headlights are flashing and the “lights on, doors open” ring is beeping inside the cabin. A quick google search showed me that there is probably an old alarm system that I’ve triggered.

Long story short, I was able to get it started after a while but it’s been sitting in the garage since. I’ve opened it up and have found a bunch of things that I was hoping you folks could maybe help me identify. If they’re part of an alarm system, is it worth trying to get a receiver and keeping the system (It did in fact prevent me from stealing my own car) and if not, what’s the easiest way to turn it off?

Here are some pictures of items I think may be part of the security system, but correct me if I’m wrong. Thanks in advance!!!

 

1 vote for removing the system.

These are kind of a pain. Follow a YouTube video for complete removal. Remove it completely.




Last month I was able to find a replacement fob on eBay for the VIPER system dealer-installed on my 2001 Celica and get it programmed properly. But it kinda sucks. To activate the flashing lights, etc, it taps into the entire lighting / ACC ON circuit, which is why your door chime was going off.

On mine, it basically makes every friggin light flash on the car (interior, low beams, running lights, radio, door chime). Even when unlocking & locking the car with the fob. Annoying.



If you do want a security system... get a newer one (after returning to completely stock wiring). Fobs are more available and reliability/features are usually much better than these older ones.

These have a history of getting lots fobs, only allowing so many programmed fobs without a dealer reset, having special dealer-only accessible settings, etc. Also lots of random button push combinations, key fob combinations, & ignition switching & button pushing combinations to change settings & activate security & things... Super annoying.


The black button in the bottom of your last picture is the programming / trigger button. But it has so many functions (as mentioned) you'll have to research into your specific control unit and figure out what it can be used for.

 

Yours does look like a Viper / Directed Electronics system.

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/806697/Viper-500-Esp.html#manual

Might not be the right manual for you.



These systems were very common in 2000s.

If you want to find a fob... use the FCC I/D... I couldn't find a fob for your number,
EZSDEI544 / EZSDEI544N
but there might be another number somewhere else on one of those modules.

I was able to find mine because they gave me a broken fob with the right number on it, with the car

Obviously the Fob# must match the receiver #.

 

Alternatively, I'm not sure about Tacomas.

On the 7th-gen Celicas, Toyota opted to have Dealerships install these VIPER/alarm systems on cars as a $$$ dealer option... to around 2003.
2000-2005, on some Celica models, Toyota included the factory, Toyota Keyless Entry module in the Celicas (for a $$$ factory option).
There are exceptions

However, almost all 2000-2005 Celicas have the wiring & connector for the Toyota Keyless module installed as a part of the factory wiring (if they have power-door locks).
If I am able to find a Toyota Keyless Entry module for my Celica, I should be able to drop it in, buy a new fob, and have factory Keyless entry.

I have done no research on the system for Tacomas, but it is possible the case is the same. If you don't already have a Toyota fob w/ keyless entry, you may be able to find a 1st gen toyota tacoma keyless entry module on eBay or at a local junk yard. In theory, you just need to buy the toyota FOB / ebay FOB with matching FCC ID, plug in the module, PROGRAM (good luck!) and you will have functioning OEM keyless entry.

The modules change from year to year & model to model. The FCC numbers also change with these modules. You will have to check compatability.

Like.. either the Echo or Matrix keyless entry module also hooks up to the Celica wiring harness, but the FCC ID is different, so I'd have to find a matrix/echo fob.

(some of the modules have brackets on the left for mounting, some have brackets on the top for mounting, some have a larger connector for extra fob functions (van power doors, trunk release).

 

Ain't nobody gonna steal her. Only GOOD people attracted to Tacomas!