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Anti-Theft vs. Vehicle Immobilizer

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Red Solitaire, May 10, 2008.

  1. Red Solitaire

    Red Solitaire New Member

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    Sorry, I know it's an old thread, but even after reading the postings and my manual, I still don't get it. I got the "vehicle immobilizer" system as standard equipment on my '08 Touring. I got package #3 which includes "anti-theft system". I know I have an alarm /panic button on my wireless key thingy, but I think that's standard also, right?

    So what is the "anti-theft" system, i.e., what does it do or prevent? I emailed the salesdude, yesterday, but so far no response and my curiousity is killin' me.

    Man, I love this car! I can't stop driving it! I put over 1,000 miles on it in two weeks, just pleasure driving and taking day trips. And I don't feel guilty!!!

    Thanks in advance for any info,
    Red
    [​IMG]
     
    #1 Red Solitaire, May 10, 2008
  2. Turbogizzmo

    Turbogizzmo New Member

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    Re: Anti=Theft vs. Vehicle Immobilizer

    Anti-theft is the part where the headlights flash and horn beeps if someone forces a door open.

    The immobilizer part is the fact that the prius "technically" cant be started by any other means but with the smart keys.

    This is just what i gather....on my old Supra the "Alarm" was the horn beeping and lights flashing....the "immobilizer" was the fact the starter disabled till you properly unlocked the doors.

    just my .02
     
    #2 Turbogizzmo, May 10, 2008
  3. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Re: Anti=Theft vs. Vehicle Immobilizer


    The Toyota Theft Deterrent System (anti-theft) is basically Toyota speak for an alarm. It will sound the alarm if:

    - the doors or hood is forcefully opened
    - the battery is disconnected then reconnected
    - the door(s) is unlocked from the inside

    Right now, most, if not all vehicles must have an engine immobiliser as standard equipment (it used to be packaged with the theft deterrent system). This is the unit that cuts the ignition or fuel pump to prevent or at least make it very hard for thieves to hotwire the car.
     
    #3 Tideland Prius, May 10, 2008
  4. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    Re: Anti=Theft vs. Vehicle Immobilizer

    Does it include arming the glass breakage sensors also? In any case I didn't buy it as it doesn't actually make the car any more difficult to steal, just more obvious if someone breaks in.
     
    #4 richard schumacher, May 10, 2008
  5. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Re: Anti=Theft vs. Vehicle Immobilizer

    No. The Glass Breakage Sensor (GBS) is a dealer-installed accessory. It's useful if the area you frequently park has a high rate of smash 'n grab thefts. (i.e. they don't want your car, just what's inside of it)
     
    #5 Tideland Prius, May 10, 2008
  6. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    Re: Anti=Theft vs. Vehicle Immobilizer

    It's foolish to keep anything visible inside a car. No antitheft system can prevent smash-and-grabs or vandalism, so it's a useless expense.
     
    #6 richard schumacher, May 11, 2008
  7. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Re: Anti=Theft vs. Vehicle Immobilizer

    Some thieves tap the glass to check if the blinking light is real or a dud so it has its uses.
     
    #7 Tideland Prius, May 11, 2008
  8. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    Re: Anti=Theft vs. Vehicle Immobilizer

    Hmm. I wonder how many times they discover that it's real but nonetheless decide to break in and steal the laptop and briefcase sitting on the rear seat? :_>
     
    #8 richard schumacher, May 12, 2008
  9. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Re: Anti=Theft vs. Vehicle Immobilizer

    .............................

    jeez you're really adamant about getting your point across. You're talking about thieves that take things out in the open (e.g. laptop on seat). I'm thinking of small timers that look for change under the seat and in the glovebox, CDs, anything that they think they can sell.
     
    #9 Tideland Prius, May 12, 2008
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