Alarm help

nicacruiser · 10-24-06, 07:51 PM

When I bought my '97 I only received a standard key from the dealer, however, there is a red bulb on the dash just left of the steering wheel. More precisely, it is centered in what looks to be a blank plate where a switch would otherwise go. Does this mean I have a factory installed alarm system? If so, do I just need a transmitter to get the system working?

LandCrusher'70 · 10-25-06, 08:25 AM

Most likely not factory. Places to look for evidence of your alarm; Under the drivers seat, under the dash, engine compartment. Once you find the make you can go from there. The alarm may be no good, could be the reason there is no remote.

Sno bored · 10-25-06, 09:15 AM

On my 97 there is the red bulb and a small microphone (glass breakage) the whole thing says "Toyota security" on it. It is located to the right of the steering wheel. The alarm ECU is located under the drivers seat. Like LandCrusher said it's probibly not factory. Mine didn't have a remote when I got it, but I picked one up and programmed it and now it works great.

Mars · 10-25-06, 09:34 AM

Likewise to sno bored's thoughts. The factory alarm unit is directly under the drivers seat. New remotes can be ordered and programmed easily, but it sounds like yours is aftermarket.

nicacruiser · 10-25-06, 10:19 AM

Thanks for the feedback. I may take it to an aftermarket alarm/stereo place to see if they can help.

Sno bored · 10-25-06, 10:36 AM

See if you can follow the wires from the bulb to see where they go. That would let you know what kind of alarm you have.

Beowulf · 10-25-06, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mars

The factory alarm unit is directly under the drivers seat.

To clarify:

There were NO "factory" alarms on 80-Series Land Cruisers or LX's imported into the North American market. All alarms were "port installed" like the roof racks, running boards, hitch platforms, and a few other options.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicacruiser

however, there is a red bulb on the dash just left of the steering wheel. More precisely, it is centered in what looks to be a blank plate where a switch would otherwise go. Does this mean I have a factory installed alarm system?

There are 3 major distributors of Toyotas in the US. Toyota USA, Gulf States Toyota, and one on the East coast... can't recall the name right now.

TMS USA port installed a couple of different alarm systems over the years. TVSS and RS3000 are the most common. The RS3000 alarms were installed in 95-97 model years.

Gulf States Toyota installed several different alarm systems over the years and the one you describe sounds like one of their alarm systems. Post up a picture of the dash LED and I will try to tell you which system you have.

Since the alarms were port installed, they differ in how and where the alarm ECUs were put. Most are under the driver's seat. Some are under the dash and I have heard of one ECU being by the glove box.

Since there are several different types of alarms, you must identify which one you have before you buy a FOB (aka transmitter). Once you have the proper FOB, you will need to "program" the alarm ECU to your FOB. The programming varies by alarm type so you'll need the appropriate alarm manual. I have several of them and have posted a few on my web site.

Good Luck!

-B-