Alarm System - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

redtigerrocks · 07-26-2010, 01:07 PM

Hey guys I have a Gen 3 Camry (1994 V6 XLE) and it came with the factory system alarm (I think it's called TDS?). Anyways, the alarm is pretty, lets say, "crappy" which is a complete understatement. The alarm has no sort of shock absorbing system to my knowledge and even if I punch or slam a body panel, the alarm won't go off. Also the remote (which has the cheap thin plastic hook) has a broken hook so I rarely use it. Plus my alarm "led" is always red. Is their anyway I can tell if my alarm system is actually working? Does the factory TDS system have a shock absorbing system? Any suggestions on what kind of security system I should get if I want to upgrade (I heard Viper is good but I want an alarm system with a GPS type remote that alerts me if someone is trying to do something to my vehicle)?
Thanks

***LynchburgCSI*** · 07-26-2010, 02:59 PM

1) Search for threads on the factory system. There's about 2039209302930293 posts on it. The system is the RS3000 if I remember correctly. There's plentyyyyy we can do to see if it's working right. A solid red light may just mean it's in valet mode, which means everything except the keyless entry is disabled.

2) Not sure on the shock system. I think it's just a keyless entry and an alarm if the doors are opened.

3) New remotes are easy to come by on ebay and can be programmed with information on the forums.

4) No such thing as GPS enabled remotes for security systems. The remotes just work off of a strong 2-way radio frequency, like your cell phone. The remote talks to the car like a regular system... but then the car talks back to the remote if you're in range allowing you to be alerted. It's only good for about one mile away in an unobstructed in a straight line though. I've had a Python system (same parent company that makes Viper... Directed Electronics) that had the mile distance with the 2-way ability. Good system.

redtigerrocks · 07-26-2010, 07:55 PM

Do they make receivers/remotes with LCD's that alert if something is going on with the vehicle for the RS3000?

***LynchburgCSI*** · 07-26-2010, 07:59 PM

Nope. That kind of technology wasn't around when the RS3000 was made (1990s) and I've only seen LCD screens on after-market systems.

97ToyCar · 07-26-2010, 08:03 PM

I have the Securikey+ system, and it has an adjustable shock sensor attached on a bracket at the bottom of the brake booster, I know because I had to adjust it to be less sensitive...darn thing would go off if you blew across the hood, GRRR...

***LynchburgCSI*** · 07-26-2010, 08:09 PM

These generations of camry never got the Securikey+ system to my knowledge. Only the RS3000, RS3200, and RS3200+, IIRC. If you want to find out what model you have for sure, the alarm ECU for these system is usually located under the driver's seat. But I digress. Haha

97ToyCar · 07-26-2010, 08:37 PM

Looks like on the later versions of the Audiovox system, the ECU's are under the dash, like mine. Underneath and to the left of the column.

Incidentally, I have an LED on the shock sensor...what's that for??

redtigerrocks · 07-26-2010, 08:47 PM

So pretty much if you get rear ended/hit and run in a parking lot, the car alarm wont go off?

97ToyCar · 07-26-2010, 08:52 PM

I'm not sure why the shock sensor is where it is...maybe lynchburg or 73sport could shed some light on that for you. Personally, I'd rip the whole thing out if I could...hate 'em...just something else to go bad and cause me problems...

***LynchburgCSI*** · 07-26-2010, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97ToyCar

Looks like on the later versions of the Audiovox system, the ECU's are under the dash, like mine. Underneath and to the left of the column.

Incidentally, I have an LED on the shock sensor...what's that for??

You're SURE that's only the shock sensor and not a shock sensor/ecu combo unit? If it's just a shock sensor, it may just be an LED to show you when the trigger is tripped. You know, for calibration purposes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by redtigerrocks

So pretty much if you get rear ended/hit and run in a parking lot, the car alarm wont go off?

Uhhh, what? The shock sensor senses tremors throughout the vehicle. You're supposed to mount it on something solid. If you were rear ended, i'm 99% sure the steering column will feel some severe shock.

redtigerrocks · 07-26-2010, 09:22 PM

But you said that RS3000 stock alarm system doesnt come with a shock sensor

***LynchburgCSI*** · 07-26-2010, 09:26 PM

I was talking about 97ToyCar's alarm. For the RS3000:

Quote:

Originally Posted by LynchburgCSI

2) Not sure on the shock system. I think it's just a keyless entry and an alarm if the doors are opened.

97ToyCar · 07-26-2010, 09:29 PM

On mine, The ECU is further up in the dash. The shock sensor has a pretty long lead, and I know the ECU is separate because there is another wire with a rubber cover on it marked remote start sense (optional) The remote has the lock/unlock, with the green button. Only installed in the Southern US region by Gulf States Toyota.

***LynchburgCSI*** · 07-26-2010, 09:32 PM

^ That would explain why. I also searched around and it appears the Securikey+ system was sometimes installed in gen 4's.

RedTiger, check out some of the links in this thread.

1999 Toyota Camry LE Security system

edit: Just confirmed... the RS3000 has no shock sensor, BUT it has a glass break sensor.

***fenixus*** · 07-26-2010, 09:44 PM

RS3000 comes with a shock sensor. it's actually called the Glass Breakage sensor and on my Solara (camry coupe in other words) it is located under the steering wheel column. it has a knob, so you can adjust the sensitivity. ideally it SHOULD go off when you tap the glass window with a metal object (e.g. a key).

ECU locations vary throughout models, gen4 camry has them behind the driver knee panel on left, solaras have them under the arm rest in between the front seats, 4Runner or Tacomas have them under the driver seat.

I think if OP's LED stays solid it means alarm is in valet mode.

easiest thing to do, find the ECU and read the alarm model off the ECU case - black/gray, RS3000 was made by Fujitsu-Ten Corp. and was also called Toyota V.I.P. RS3000.
you can get used remotes (there are 2 kinds black and gray, make sure which one you need they are NOT interchangeable).

RS3000 user manual with remote programming and glass sensor instructions here:
a) browsable:
http://www.parksoffroad.com/tacomamo.../alarminfo.htm
b) portable/printable PDF:
http://www.4runners.org/image/rs3000...m%20Manual.pdf

Here is a TSB EL008-02 on models of toyota alarms mounted in various models throughout the years until 2003 with a diagram and description of matching remote (key fobs):
http://www.97supraturbo.com/Tech%20stuff/RS3000.pdf

According to this document it seems that '94 camry XLE V6 was factory installed with a TVSS alarm, not the RS3000, but double check, as next year was equipped with RS3000 so you never know until you check.

hope it helps.

P.S. I posted this info at least 4 times so far in this section alone