Why No Factory Alarm Available for the '06 Convertible?

[Laney]

I'm just curious - the dealer I bought the car from said there wasn't a Toyota alarm available for it, and on-line parts dealers have the Solara factory alarm marked "Not for Convertibles".

It looks as if they used to install the factory alarm on convertibles, even up to earlier '06s, but then stopped, but why did they stop?

If the factory alarm won't work, what's a good alternative alarm system? I'd rather have one that can use the factory remote.

Thanks for any info -

[PXLpainter]

Wow - that's really strange. Mine has the factory alarm. But I got mine in Jan of '06 so maybe that's the case... ???

Why would they discontinue providing that?

I know somebody made a DIY tutorial for installing a motion detector in your convertible to keep hands and arms OUTSIDE the vehicle while it's parked - but I haven't tried that one yet.

Sorry - can't recommend an aftermarket unit, but I'm sure others will chime in soon.

Oh - BTW - Welcome to SG.

[Gadgetjq]

It looks as if they used to install the factory alarm on convertibles, even up to earlier '06s, but then stopped, but why did they stop? If the factory alarm won't work, what's a good alternative alarm system? I'd rather have one that can use the factory remote.

Thanks for any info -

Laney,

Why there's no factory installed alarm on your car is a real mystery. You don't have the little red LED blinking on the dash, nothing in your owners manual about how to check the alarm? The OEM equipment listing shows the SE equipped with factory alarm ( http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2006-toyota-solara-2.htm )

I downloaded the manual for one 'port' installed Toyota alarm that indicated it couldn't be used in Solara's equipped with traction control. Maybe that's what your dealer is telling you? (just guessing here).

As far as aftermarket, many higher end alarms will work with your existing door switches and courtesy lamps. You'll just exchange the factory 'fob' for the one that comes with the new alarm.

Cheers

[netherland24]

well thats a better reason why to go get a Viper/python/Clifford Alarm... and remote start, and window roll down, and motion sensors, and back up battery, and ..... anything else you want

[philosophicaljt]

odd, its available for the 07's and 08's convertibles. And even certain 06 verts.

[Laney]

I'm not sure why either...

Everything from Toyota I've seen has the same warning: Not for Convertibles

Here's the usual description from any of the online Toyota parts dealers I've seen -

Description: The RS3200 Plus Security System with Glass Breakage Sensor activates when the glass is broken or door forcibly opened. Features include remote arming/disarming, remote locking/unlocking, panic mode operation, interior and exterior light operation, ignition controlled automatic door lock and starter disable.
Color:
Notes: Not for Convertible models.

It seems that somewhere along they line Toyota decided it wouldn't work - or they got too many complaints about something? Maybe it has something to do with the glass break sensor being in all alarm models after a certain time, and glass break not working well in an open car -

I'm curious, but I'm also interested to know which alarms work well and are easily installed in the car!

Laney,

Why there's no factory installed alarm on your car is a real mystery. You don't have the little red LED blinking on the dash, nothing in your owners manual about how to check the alarm? The OEM equipment listing shows the SE equipped with factory alarm ( http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2006-toyota-solara-2.htm )

I downloaded the manual for one 'port' installed Toyota alarm that indicated it couldn't be used in Solara's equipped with traction control. Maybe that's what your dealer is telling you? (just guessing here).

As far as aftermarket, many higher end alarms will work with your existing door switches and courtesy lamps. You'll just exchange the factory 'fob' for the one that comes with the new alarm.

Cheers

[Gadgetjq]

Laney,

I'm pretty sure the alarm system you're talking about ( The RS3200 Plus Security System ) is a dealer installed system 'not' a factory alarm.

Just to clarify, are you sure you don't have a factory alarm? I asked this earlier but isn't there a blinking red light on your dash when you lock your doors?

The system installed at the factory (assuming it's there) will set off the horn and lights if anyone forces a door open, it also disables the starter. You can add a motion sensor fairly easily and all you'd be missing from a fancy aftermarket system might be remote start.

Cheers

[Down2TheC]

Concur ^^^ The stock "alarm" isn't what he's talking about. The full alarm system probably has some things installed in the overhead. Maybe it includes a glass sensor?

Jeff was probably talking about the OEM deal with the horn blasting if you open a locked door without the key. That's in every convertible.

[PXLpainter]

Not sure but mine also goes off if the car gets tapped or a loud Harley drives by it. No matter how much they rumble the doors usually stay shut!

[Down2TheC]

Not sure but mine also goes off if the car gets tapped or a loud Harley drives by it. No matter how much they rumble the doors usually stay shut!

Don't think mine does that. She's nice and quiet after the fireworks on the fourth while everyone else's is going nuts. You must have something extra (or the '06 was enhanced with a motion sensor)

[Laney]

Jeff was probably talking about the OEM deal with the horn blasting if you open a locked door without the key. That's in every convertible.

Every convertible but mine...

My only comparison was my factory alarmed New Beetle Convertible - when the alarm was set, if I reached into the car and opened the door, it triggered the flashing lights and horn.

If I reach in and open the door in my Solara, it just quietly opens.

I think there is a flashing red light, but there was a flashing red light in my '02 MR2 Spyder, and that was all it was - a flashing red light. It probably indicates the ignition is disabled, but there's nothing to keep anyone from opening doors, etc., if the top's down.

I'm pretty sure I don't have an alarm. I can't use the one Toyota makes.

So - what's the best aftermarket alarm?

[kingkakyle]

pxl has the "VIP" alarm that was installed by the dealer
my mom's highlander has that as when....harley goes by or it gets tapped by something alarm goes off
but mine and most other peoples alarm only goes off if u force open the door...so i can break a window and it wont go off....
the "vip" alarm is a dealer added option which is integrated into the "stock" system

[philosophicaljt]

If I reach in and open the door in my Solara, it just quietly opens.

I'm pretty sure I don't have an alarm. I can't use the one Toyota makes.

Seriously. You have the alarm.

Do this: Turn on the car. Drive somewhere. Come to a stop. Turn off car. Take out key. Open door. Get out. Shut door. Lock door with keyless entry. Wait 65 seconds. Reach in and unlock door without opening door. If alarm doesn't go off, check fuse for alarm or horn. If fuse is fine, you have an electrical problem.

http://www.gadgetjq.com/solara/alarm.htm

enjoy

[Down2TheC]

Yup, you have to have it. Read your owner's manual and you'll see what it should do. If it doesn't do that, you have a warranty issue.

[Laney]

I have to drive to work this morning (flat tire on the 2 wheeler last night:cry: ) so I'll try that when I get into the parking lot. I do know the horn works, having pushed the wrong button once when using the remote to open the trunk. I can check the owner's manual too.

It's only an SE - could the alarm only be in the SLE?

Seriously. You have the alarm.

Do this: Turn on the car. Drive somewhere. Come to a stop. Turn off car. Take out key. Open door. Get out. Shut door. Lock door with keyless entry. Wait 65 seconds. Reach in and unlock door without opening door. If alarm doesn't go off, check fuse for alarm or horn. If fuse is fine, you have an electrical problem.

http://www.gadgetjq.com/solara/alarm.htm

enjoy