I've read that all Priuses include the Theft Deterrent System (car horn sounds and lights flash when door is opened without the key or the remote entry system), but that some of the packages come with the system turned off. Some posts at priuschat indicate that a dealer can activate the system in about a minute and a half with Scantool (and presumably charge for an hour's labor). Is there a way to activate the system on without a dealer's intervention? Ron
OK Danman32, what’s up with this? I have a 06 pkg #3, do I have an alarm that can be activated? If so, do you think that there is a charge for this at my Toyota dealer? What about the glass breakage thingy? If I buy whatever it is that I need for this option, can that be activated on my little Grasshopper (Prius)? Come on and spit out some of that massive knowledge you have at your neuron fingertips. Inquiring minds want to know.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(grasshopper @ Dec 28 2006, 06:53 AM) [snapback]367636[/snapback]</div> I hope we hear from Danman... meanwhile to add to the mystery, I've now contacted service departments at two dealers, one of which seems to know nothing about the system; the guy at the other says if I bring the car in he can "check to see if the security system is installed; it's only installed as an option on some models" -- which seems to be at odds with the notion that it is installed on all Priuses but comes activated only with some packages. So what's the real deal?
If you really want a reply from him, best to PM him. He might not read every thread. I know I don't. I was under the impresion that every Prius has the engine immobilizer, which basically means you cannot start the car without the fob, but that the alarm was a separate option.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(daniel @ Dec 28 2006, 03:43 PM) [snapback]367853[/snapback]</div> I have sent him a personal message. My impression, and I have to say I'm not sure from where, is that the basic deterrent system (open a door without a key or fob and the horn and lights start beeping) is on every car but not necessarily activated (the manual seems to suggest this), in contrast to the window-breaking detection which is truly a separate option. Funny that it is so hard to get this info.
Yeah, the engine immobiliser is standard but the alarm is optional. Dan said that on packages without the alarm, the technician can simply activate it for you.
Yes, all Prius MY 2004+ have the hardware (horn) /software (part of body ECU) to provide alarm, but some packages have the alarm deactivated. The OEM alarm 'add-on' simply adds glass breakage sensor, and provides instructions to activate the alarm. The dealer's scan tool is required to activate the alarm. The dealer needs to follow the instructions provided with PN 08586-47840, skipping over to page 12 where the scan tool instructions begin. It was found that if the glass breakage sensor is added to a Prius with a factory disabled alarm, then a yellow wire needs to be cut/removed as described on page 10. However, if the sensor is not added, then the wire can be left alone. This wire is not documented in the Prius wiring diagram. The dealer can get these instructions from TIS. It really is a quick procedure, so a 'nice' dealer may not charge for this. However, I wouldn't put it past a dealer to charge for this, or even decline doing it. I know Toyota wouldn't sanction it, as they want to charge you for the feature. Rick57 (I think that's his login) was a Toyota tech that confirmed the alarm is there and can be activated, and he wouldn't charge for the service. I would agree it is best to PM me or visit PriusOnline if you want info from me. This site got too busy for me, that I got fustrated I couldn't keep up with even just 4 forums here. When I find a new job, I am sure I won't be able to dedicate the same amount of time I used to do.
If a person broke into the car to steal it but had no smart key, how could the car be stolen? Are there reports of Priuses being hot-wired?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Dr Ed @ Dec 28 2006, 11:57 PM) [snapback]368068[/snapback]</div> This has been discussed before, and the concensus is that the Prius is extremely difficult to steal. One method would be to flat-bed or tow it, and then dismantle it for parts. Once stolen, a new key can be fitted to it, but this is extremely expensive. My own view is that there should be a very small market for stolen Priuses because the car is so reliable, and there are so few on the road, that there should be a miniscule market for spare parts, and since the Prius is not sold in Latin America (where many stolen cars are sent for re-sale) there is no service available there, so there should be virtually no demand for it there. A common joy rider cannot start the car without the fob, so the only reason for breaking in would be to steal stuff from inside the car. It cannot be hot-wired in the normal manner. There is simply no conventional key and locking mechanism as in a conventional car. Of course, as more and more cars go to electronic engine immobilizers, sophisticated thieves will figure out something. But for now we are pretty safe. As long as they don't take your fob from you at gunpoint.
:lol: :lol: Hay, Danman32, GREAT to see you again buddy!! I just think having some of the real "old timers" who blazed the trail for us to follow, and who still check in and disseminate tidbits of info are truly priceless. Those of us who are relative newcomers to the world of Prius owe you guys and gals a lot, including many who still frequent this site. Good the see you still around Dan. I still check in at priusonline from time to time. We are driving the future today you know. All of us, cutting a path for others to follow in the next 5 or 10 years when all vehicles will be hybrid or fuel cell. Peace out ya'll...... :lol: :lol:
hi all. this is a reply to an old message by danman. i just bought a 2007 prius, package 2. alarm not activated. does anyone know someone in the boston area that can activate the alarm? is there any way i can activate this myself? has anyone just gone to a toyota dealer service center and had this activated? at what cost? is the glass breakage sensor really worth it? is there a sizable insurance discount? anyway, thanks. this is a great forum and i'm happy to "join the club." ....one less (gas guzzling) car.... vitaly <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DanMan32 @ Dec 28 2006, 10:01 PM) [snapback]367934[/snapback]</div>
Only half off topic. Ron Cohen, I see you are from Oakland? After reading about crime stats in the area, I presume that's why youi're concerned about theft? Here in south O.C. I've left the window down w/ my wallet in the car far too many times but then again, maybe I'm looking out the window w/ my 410 in hand :^)
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hill @ Jan 6 2007, 08:07 PM) [snapback]371939[/snapback]</div> Yes your assumptions are correct! I live in Oakland and that's why I'm interested. Vitaly asked how much a dealer would charge to activate the alarm. I tried that out at the service dept. where I bought the car. The answer was "we'll start you out at 1 hour", meaning $150, or more !!. I've since found two independent mechanics willing to do it for more reasonable prices, but they have both indicated that they wanted to wait until they got the 2007 software for their ScanTool. I am a bit puzzled, as I thought the 2007's are identical to the 2006's. Anyone know? Ron
