I need an alarm with keyless entry for my '92 Runner. I called a place and this guy suggested a Code-Alarm CA130 for $250 installed http://www.codl.com/security_ca130.html.
I went online to check out some others and was reminded of how many companies make alarms such as Hornet, Crime Stopper, Omega, Valet, Audiovox, Commando, Viper, Vampire, etc... I want to keep my budget around $200-$260 (installed) or possibly install one myself. So my questions are, what brand(s) are good and what brand(s) should i stay away from? I was also looking at this "do it yourself" alarm kit by Code-Alarm and was wondering if anybody here has it? http://www.codl.com/security_csi200.html

Any advice and opinions are welcomed.

 

Alarms are not the easiest thing to install. Make sure you know what you are doing or it will cause a nightmare for you. You must make connect to 10-20 wires in the vehicle harness, and they must be sound connections that (make good contact and hold). Some of the power door lock systems are more difficult to connect than others.

Don't get me wrong, it is not rocket science...you just have to take your time and identify your wires. I have installed 15+ alarm systems, and I have reinstalled 1, the first one, because I was 16 when I installed it (many moons ago) and I did not do a neat job.

$250 installed sounds pretty good...Code Alarms are very nice. My advice would be unless you feel confident and have fun doing this type of install, let a professional do it. If you have the time, patience, and knowledge of 12V DC electrical systems, it should be a lot of fun for you.

Personally I have had good luck with Carbine alarms. They are good quality and don't cost a fortune. My favorite alarm is Alpine...I have one in my Jeep...but they are harder to get uninstalled (in the box) due to warranty restrictions by Alpine.

Have fun!

 

Lotso thread starting about alarm systems - it must be the season.

Here's the last one I saw, and it contains a link to a thread which has more links to more threads: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f96/security-system-57845/

 

Thanks nieuwendyk-25, Your reply really helped point me in the right direction. I think i could install one myself but i decided not to just because id rather have it done right and not turn into a nightmare like you said.

The place i mentioned that will install a Code-Alarm CA130 for $250 also includes a lifetime warranty so if anything ever goes wrong they will fix it..not too bad considering its electronics.

midiwall, thanks for the link(s). I had already read it but i didnt get the information i was primarily looking for. Basically i wanted to know what alarm companies are known to be junk or have problems?

I'll probably get that Code-Alarm unless anybody else wants to chime in and suggest something different.
thanks again

 

If its in the budget go with DEI's Python line. All of the installers I have talked to say thats what thay would run in thier cars. Im going for the 881xp but thay do make much lower cost units similar in price to the code alarm. The installers I spoke to had nothing good to say about code alarm or its parent company audiovox.

 

Thanks for the heads up Ganoid! After searching around a little more i have decided to get a Python alarm instead. I was told they have more parts available
and can easilly be upgraded if desired. Plus i really like the 2-way paging system that the higher end ones have.

 

While I will be going with the Python for my next alarm, the Code-Alarm units are very nice. I had the CA-645 top of the line at the time, may still be and it never failed me. Always worked great, did most of the install myself when I worked as an installer at Circuit City. We now sell the Python line so I will be hitting up the 881XP as well on my new '99!

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I have a question on this topic... I want to get and alarm and keyless entry on my '91 runner, but I have been told in the past that you need power locks to be able to get and keyless entry installed... is that true??

 

Ummm, it would make sense. Keyless entry isn't going to have anything to unlock if you don't have power locks.

But, I've installed these before with great results: (click pic for info)

 

Yes you need to have power locks for them to work...if you don't the system would have no way to engage them...unless maybe you can get a unit from the alarm manufacturer to convert your manual locks to power...I have no clue about that.

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