Is a viper alarm hard to install?

[shady1070]

I want to buy a good alarm for my 97 camry. I am a Amateur operator(Ham) and want to protect my equipment in the car as well as my antennas. I was looking at one of those viper alarms with a motion sensor. That way if someone gets too close or tries to steal my antennas, It will warn you then go off. I really could care less about remote start. I just like the viper 5901 because of the long range remote. If I am in walmart and my alarm goes off, I will know about it.

My question is, Are these difficult to install in a toyota camry? And is the viper my best route?

Thanks

[SexieWASD]

Viper is owned by Directed Electronics, which also owns a few other car alarm brand names, as you can see on their website. They are the top manufacturer of alarms, and make a quality product.

Having said that I feel that I should warn you that a poor installation will cause you problems down the road. If your good at splicing and soldering wire above your face in the foot well of a car, then go for it! It would probably be a better installation then you will get at an audio shop, they tend to use 3m splice crimps to do the installations because they are much easier and quicker with less risk of burning the carpet on a customers car, they are however unreliable over time. I wouldn't call installing one easy, it really depends on your skill level though, but I'll call it hard just because of how uncomfortable it is working under a dash. The instructions provided with the kits are usually pretty good ones, you will however need the wire diagrams for your car, with wire colors. Having a multimeter doesn't hurt either so you can double check that you've got the correct wire before you splice it.

[hairball]

The short answer: Usually not depending on the model. The 350HV is simple, but the 5901 would be a bit more difficult and I wouldn't suggest doing it yourself unless you've done a few alarms in your time.

A few points to consider before you rush out and buy the Viper 5901:

It was manufactured in late 2008, so it's an older model. Sure, it's possible that it has been upgraded or continued to be made, but I would check the box first to see if it indicates when it was made. Not really important though.

Don't convince yourself that the warn-away means it detects people "near" your car. It doesn't. It's ONLY a shock sensor, NOT motion or proximity sensor. To get a warning for someone too close to your car, the ONLY way to do this is to add an optional Proximity Sensor. Viper makes one (model number is 508D and they call it a "Field Disturbance Sensor") but you can probably get one cheaper online (I got my last 3 for a measly $25 online!).

Those remotes are cool that let you know if your alarm has been set off, but they don't give any warning signals, only a full alarm signal. So you won't know unless the siren actually goes off, then someone outside might look over and a bad guy could be scared away. Even if your alarm goes off, just think how much attention you might draw to yourself if you're seen running through a Walmart and out through the doors. You just might get tackled! (Probably not, but you get the point.)

It's a good thing you said you didn't really care about the remote start, especially if you have a manual transmission. This alarm has one of the most complicated remote start systems I have ever seen on any alarm, especially with manual transmissions! You MUST have a good parking brake or forget about using the remote start! It's a 10-step process EVERY time you plan to use the remote start feature!!! And the real kicker is: you MUST leave your vehicle running (and in neutral) when you get out! (Which leads to my comment about having a good parking brake. Would you be able (or want to) leave your vehicle in neutral on a hill?)

This is a VERY complicated alarm for the average person to operate, and I highly doubt you would want to consider installing it yourself unless you have a LOT of time, patience, and knowledge of 12 volt wiring.

With all that said, you're right, it IS a very nice alarm! I would kill for one! not sure what price you're thinking about paying, but it would be worth buying! It's one of Viper's nicer alarms, but again it will take some getting used to. They make less complicated ones that only require the simple Arm/Disarm action from you. You can always add optional sensors later.

So yes. Get the Viper 5901. But have a reputable shop install it and ask BEFORE you agree to let them do the work: "Are your installers MECP Certified? If so, will whomever installs my alarm be specifically certified in 12 Volt Vehicle Security?". I wouldn't say this if it was a simple, basic alarm or maybe a cheap stereo. But again, this alarm is very high tech and the LAST thing you want is a shoddy installation job! If all you want or need is a simple alarm with the option of adding a Proximity Sensor, Viper's 350HV is as basic as you can get and will save you a ton of cash and do what you need it to do.

There you go. My "short" answer. LOL! Good luck in your decision.

Oh, my opinion on alarms? Myself, I've leaned more toward (and put in the last 8 cars I've owned) either ScyTek or Excalibur (by Omega) because they are inexpensive but very reliable and expandable. What I love best about ScyTek are all the features you can change or turn on/off using remote and valet button. What I like about Omega's alarms are the options you can add. ScyTek holds patents on many of their features. In fact, they have alarms with video cameras that detect motion on your car and alarts you with an actual TV screen on the remote so you can SEE in real-time who is messing with your car! Pretty cool. If money is no object (LOL!), Alpine makes some pretty cool alarms too.

[shady1070]

Really the only reason I am looking at the 5901, is because of its 1mile key. Myself, I think the one thing that I find the most important is to be notified when my siren goes off. Also, I will buy the proximity sensor as well. I wish they made a simpler alarm without the remote start crap and fancy smancy remotes. The 350 only goes 1500ft on the remote. Anybody know of any other company with a long range without the remote start?

[hairball]

Originally Posted by shady1070

... I wish they made a simpler alarm without the remote start crap...

That's not a problem! All of my remotes have the remote start feature but I NEVER hook it up! It can lead to problems. If a fuse blows for your alarm or something else malfunctions, your car won't start until you crawl under your dash and reconnect the main start wire from the ignition switch. So, the trick is just to not have that feature hooked up.

I highly doubt the range on that 5901 remote is nearly as far as advertised, but it could be. I'd read reviews about it first and see how far other owners say their range was.

Believe me, that feature is really cool. I had it on an alarm back in the late 70's. It was from a company called AutoPage but I doubt they are still around. This was long before they had remotes. Back then it was a round key you mounted in your fender after drilling a big hole! But the AutoPage had a pager that clipped on your belt and would beep if your car alarm went off. If I recall, the range was claimed to be a mile or more but was actually more like a hundred yards or so. I had my brother test it one day when we were at the mall. He took the pager inside and I stayed outside and set off the alarm. He got the beeps a couple times but eventually didn't.

Regardless of the actual range, I have no doubt it would be far enough to pick up if you were just inside a store.

Keep me posted on what alarm you settle on.

['_']

I have the 1-mile range with proximity/motion sensor. The sensor is good because you can adjust the sensitivity. If you're in a building with thick walls or with other obstacles, the range might not even be a 1/4 mile. All depends on the environment. 1 mile range is under the optimum conditions.

[LynchburgCSI]

Too much to read. My opinion... if you're patient and you can solder, you can do this. I did my own remote start/motion/keyless install.

[ty**20]

a good place that have viper alarm selection is at bestbuy..you can have them install the alaram right in their garage..just tell the installer how sensitive you want your alarm to be..they are properly trained, and if they do screw up you can bring drive back and have them fix it..

[hairball]

Yeah, Best Buy is a good choice. Never heard any horror stories about them like I have about Car Toys. The only thing is, their installers are not MECP certified, only "Geek Squad" certified but I'm not sure that matters. They do good work. If you get the 5901 they will probably do a great installation job on it.

[hairball]

http://www.elocalprofiles.com/m/gret...indow-tinting/

Southern Tint & Audio, across the river in Gretna, have MECP Certified installers. Sorry, but to ME this is VERY important. It proves their installers not only know how to hook up a few wires, but studied countless hours and tested (MECP tests are NOT easy! I know first hand... I failed my Master Installer Test by 2 measly points!!! They are VERY strict!) and certified by the Mobile Electronics Certification Program. This is your assurance of a neat job, with grommets used in the firewall (some places won't use them, but instead squeeze wires through any hole they can find). All connections will be secure and they will NEVER use a Test Light on ANY car with air bags (a huge MECP No-No!!!).

If you're close to Gretna, I would give these guys a call BEFORE calling anyone else.

If you call around for a quote on installation, PLEASE do yourself a favor and do NOT forget to ask (along with price and gaurantee) if their installers are MECP certified. If they say yes, ask them if you can SEE the installer's certificate (they are required to be posted in the work area).

Good luck. Sorry if I sound so anal about the MECP thing, but to me it's important and is your assurance you will have someone with some kind of knowledge in 12 volt vehicle systems cutting a bunch of wires in your vehicle.

[hairball]

No matter where you take your vehicle to have an alarm installed... do NOT EVER rush them!!! Tell them to take as long as they need to, even if they have to keep your vehicle overnight!!!

I say this for YOUR safety and satisfaction. Why? Well, it's simple:

Because if you tell the installers you need your vehicle in a couple hours to go somewhere, or for work the next day, they are more likely to rush things. NOT a good thing when it comes to installing alarms or stereos. I never do it, I don't recommend it, and I don't allow my friends to let it happen to them.

My suggestions (yes, there are more!) would be:
1. Ask the place if they are open on Saturday and/or Sunday.
2. If they are, drop your vehicle off on Friday! (IF they will park it inside.)
3. This will give them Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to do the job.
4. Whatever you do, DON'T tell them you'll "be in the waiting room"!!!
5. The longer they have, the better job they will do! Trust me. (90% of places charge by the job, not by the hour.)

Oh. In case you wonder why "I think I know everything" (which I don't), it's simply because I've been involved in car audio and security installations for 35+ years and know what to watch for and what to expect and what to avoid. That's all. I'm not "God". I just don't want to see a fellow TN Member get a half-ass installation job of ANYTHING. Get it done right the first time and you will be smiling with every "chirp"!

[SexieWASD]

I've heard quite a few horror stories about best buy installations, and I've seen a few poor (not quite horror story bad) installs come from the best buy near me, However I've also heard of perfectly fine installations coming from best buys as well, And I've heard that from people who know what a good install should look like. So my advice is to shop around and ask people you know about shops in your area, chances are you know some people that have had alarms or cruise control installed. Don't just treat all best buys like they are one shop, they are not, and don't think that MECP is a guaranty that your install will go flawlessly. You don't know if everyone the shop hires is MECP certified, and you don't know if the people who are MECP certified are taking shortcuts even though they know better. I've found that reputation is a fairly good indicator.

[hairball]

Originally Posted by SexieWASD

I've found that reputation is a fairly good indicator.

Very well said! Just ask your friends!

[ty**20]

My brother had the Viper 5901 installed in his prelude at bestbuy and no issue for his car. It look like factory installed from dealer. I had my Viper 350HV (for cheaper $$) alarm installed at bestbuy. They were really nice. The squad told me that they'll be done in 2 hours period and they were right. I didn't even tell them to take their time. They did a perfect job on my alarm, no problems at all. It also depend on what cars they are working on too. Toyotas and Hondas are pretty easy for them to tackle on, but those overengineered european cars will give them a hassle with all those wires. Shop around will also be good to do. But I just went to bestbuy because it is close to my university campus and waited til class was over so i can walk to pick it up.

[hairball]

You touched on a few key points there...

1. Your alarm was the 350VH, the cheapest alarm they make.
2. You went to BB because it was convenient and fast.
3. They did a friend's 5901, but did you ask how long it took?

I don't doubt Best Buy can do the job, but they are NOT certified by anyone other than their own company and they rush the jobs.

Well, that's all fine because I do all my own alarms so I don't have to worry about someone else doing a "quick" job. But mine normally take most of a day! I take my time, do it right, and enjoy several Coronas along the way to reduce my stress level. But seriously, I would NOT have Best Buy do an alarm on my car unless it was an inexpensive, basic, bottom of the line system that even an installer on crack couldn't screw up!

Again, this is just my own honest opinion. You're free to go where you want.