Is there a remote start/alarm that can...

I'm doing some researching on remote start systems. I wish Toyota made a factory model, but I'm out of luck...


So I'm curious how aftermarket remote start/alarm systems work. Do they wire in and create new circuits? Or do they just tap into the factory keyless entry, etc? i.e., does the aftermarket system just mimic the factory remote signals, or do you have to tap into the wires and create a new signal???


Also, alarm sounds: Do you need to use the aftermarket siren? Or is there a way to tap into the factory horn/door entry beep??? (I find the aftermarket sounds annoying...and almost unprofessional, since I tend to associate the noise with a lowered pimped-out 1992 honda accord).


It seems like a lot of Tacomas on the lot around here have the VIP system already installed. Will this prove to be a problem if I get an aftermarket remote start system?

Ideally, I'd like to have a remote start system that provides me with the functionality of remote start, but also ties into the factory alarm system.

 

You can get an add on remote start and keyless entry unit such as this Viper 5101. It will consist of a brain, antenna, a bunch of wires.

What it will do is this. It has its own wires to lock and unlock your doors when you press the corresponding buttons. In the Tacoma, those same wires also are the factory alarm arm and disarm wires. Therefore, when properly wired, when you press the lock button, it will lock your doors and the factory alarm will arm and function like normal. When you unlock the doors, it disarms the alarm. It has no siren, and ties into your horn to honk once when you lock doors, twice for unlock. It has a bundle of 12 gauge wires that tap directly into the ignition system of the truck.

It does not replace the factory alarm at all, but rather just ties into it for door lock and unlock only.

You will have to use the remotes that come with the new unit however, and your key fob that came with your truck will no longer be needed.



All of the above should be accurate for most remote start and keyless entry units.


Now if you get a remote start/keyless entry/and alarm unit, these have a more advanced and feature rich alarm (expandable to do ALOT) than the factory one, but the factory one is still in the vehicle. Depending on how the install of new alarm is done, the factory alarm can still function in conjunction with the new alarm unit.