Going to install a Viper 5901 Myself...

After calling the local "alarm/tint/stereo" shops in my area I've decided I'm doing it myself. Price quotes have ranged from $489 to $899, averaging about $599 . On my previous truck I had a local shop install the Viper 5900 for $500; with 1 extra remote. They did a good job, but they're never open when I can get there and they screwed the window tint up on my Tacoma bad so I'm done with them. I've installed 3 alarms on 3 different cars over the past few years. I know you really need the pin-out diagram for the car you're working on!!!! I found a online vendor that is selling Viper 5901's new in box for $239 to your door with a vehicle specific pinout. Money is very tight right now and I'm VERY anal about work being done to my vehicles. So... Has anyone esle here done a alarm install on a newer taco? I'm not even sure how the dash comes apart, but I'm willing to take all day and figure it out. Figure it's a avg saving of $401.93. If I pay myself $20/hr I have 20hrs to do the job!!!! And know it's done right. Any tips on these newer tacos?

 

If you find out how, post it in the mods section. I'd like to do the same later on.

 

http://www.the12volt.com/installbay/vehiclewiring/1/yeard/Toyota.html

Just pick your model year!

 

I'm toying with the idea of doing this as well, since my truck didn't have the usual dealer aftermarket crappy alarm installed. Plus I need to make a few other modifications to the electrical system along the way, might as well bang em all out at once.

 

Good luck with AAAAAAALLLLL that.

Can't say I blame you with install prices like that. Considering the economy, you'd think a smaller profit would be better than no profit.

 

Here's a question maybe worth looking into -

The viper website shows all the available accessories for the alarm kits. Tilt alarms, broken glass sensors, etc. One of the accessories is a "make" compatible xpress kit interface module (their terminology). For the life of me I can't figure out WHAT IT DOES except cost 99$. Is it just some sort of wiring harness that makes install go faster? I really have no clue.

Hoping we get someone who installed these things to chime in. Not threadjacking... thread ADDING. I think.

Editing to add- Vipers site says it leaves the factory engine immobilizer intact while remote starting. So does the immobilizer get immobilized (har har) without it? I would dig up the installation notes from their site but I have yet to find em. If anyone has... would love to see them so I can guage if I can bang this out myself or not.

 

It's an immobilizer bypass. There are two kinds, the basic leave a key in a box and mount it in the car (amplifies the signal from the key to the immobilizer) and the xpress one that doesn't require leaving a key in the car (stores the immobilizer sequence). Get the xpress one. The leave a key in the box one is sometimes difficult to get the signal to amplify.

 

So it just stores/mimics the code for remote starting. Makes sense. But for 100$?!? Theres gotta be a cheapers source out there. Ill have to dig around.

 

There are cheaper sources. I purchased mine for 47 shipped about a year and a half ago. It's pretty easy to install as well.

http://www.autotoys.com/x/product.php?productid=6181

 

I plan on getting the Viper "MODULE" b/c it plugs right into the 5901 alarm box. making it much simpler/cleaner of an install. Plan on getting the glass break sensor as a add-on only. I wonder what viper recomends for wire tapping....

and yes I was very suprised about those install prices. Most good shops are doing these installs in 3-4hrs tops! Do you know wht $/hr profit that is.... And they probably pay less than $239 for the alarm itself b/c they're a dealer and buy in bulk. And you are correct, with the current economic status we're all in, I'm suprised these tint/alarm/stereo shops are still charging what they did 2-3yrs ago, if not more. They got a good gig going... they make a lot of money. Let's break this down for grins.

$599 installed + 7% sales tax = $640.93 out the door. Subtract $339 (includes module) from 599 for the alarm (cheapest I've found to buy it out right)= 301.93. divide by 4hrs = $75.48/hr shop rate!!!! Get the f'k out of here! That's what lawyers and stuff make. I understand you want a clean install, but jeez... talk about a bamboozle job. I'm in the wrong business. Heck good mechanic shops charge about $50/hr shop rate, for ASE certified techs that spent $10k + of their own money in tools. these 21yr old kids bought what... $100 of tools and have a H.S. diploma. Not happening dude. $640.93-$339=$301.93 saving to me directly. Divide by #hrs it takes ME to install it.. say 8hrs = $37.74/hr!!!!!! What a bamboozle. Amazing these shops are in business. And think, one shop quoted me $899 + tax!!

 

Installed price seems pretty high but don't forget to calculate in the extras like that immobilizer module and whatever else you're going to need. Some of the older alarms I installed had separate kits for remote start and required extra relays for different things. I'm not sure whats included with the viper 5901 alarm but its worth checking into.

It would be great to do a write up tech article on this.

 

youre right. I forgot to factor in the $100 module that i have to buy, they were including that intheir quotes. However I did not have them quote me the glass break sensor. there I edited my price break down. for $37/hr I'll install it. The 5901 has everything built into it. no relays or anything. you just need the vehicle specific module which costs $99. + wire connectors, zip ties and elec tape and beer.

 

I've been looking to install my Python 1400XP remote start for awhile now, I picked it up for 40 bucks when Circuit City went out of business. I know its going to be a PITA. I have electronics knowledge and can create a clean job easily, but the trick is getting it all to work together. The guy down at the local store whos done tons of them before claim its VERY easy to do on a Tacoma compared to others, and he gave me a little confidence in doing it, but after talking to a few people who have done it, I've lost that confidence. PLEASE keep us posted on how it works out for you, take LOTS of pictures.

 

Nothing can be worse than our 91 Turbo Supra. that was a bear.

 

FL, have you shopped other alarm brands? The viper seems nice enough, but they're on the higher end of the price spectrum with less stuff included - gotta add the glass breakage microphone, car make module, etc. Just curious.

 

I'm looking for the best alarm I can get, price really isn't an issue. Viper 5901 seems to be the highest I can find.... anyone know of something higher end?

 

I'd be interested in that info too.

I did find this old thread where another member posted some install notes. Pretty helpful stuff.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/40413-2009-tacoma-alarm-rs-install-notes-long.html

 

Would be neat to price out comparable alarms in here. Viper seems to charge a bit just for the name itself, that's why I am asking. I wouldn't mind having a "roll windows down" function, or a "start with AC on" function as well.

 

you can add the rolls windows down function module. Start with AC has to do with what you left it on last. Leave it on... start with it on. I've had awsome luck with Vipers on 2 previous cars.

 

Just got the viper 5901 installed yesterday cost is $850.00 done by a viper dealer.it included the module,blue leds installed behind my rear view mirror and the glass breakage sensor.love the autopaging and remote start.