Please Help - 98 Corolla Security

[peoriaone]

I bought a used 98 corolla for my kid to drive. It came with one crappy remote which she already lost. When we open the door with the key the alarm goes off and the car wont start. I called the dealer and they want $110 for a new remote and $60 to program it. I just want to disable the alarm system so she can use the key going forward to open and start the car. The car is old enough that we are not concerned about not having a security system on it. Any suggestions?

[fishexpo101]

Depends on what kind of alarm system was used - aftermarket, OEM (port or dealership installed), or a custom dealership installed variant. From the way the dealership acted, could be an OEM system - though you'd have to look for yourself to be sure.

Sometimes cutting out the alarm "brain" without removing the inline additions can cause all sorts of problems down the road - like when the battery is disconnected, drains down or if the car needed to be jumped.

If it is the OEM installed one (port-side / dealership installed) - could be as simple as following the wiring harness from the alarm box to the main harness under the dash. Many of the port-side and dealership installed ones used jumper blocks - just disconnect those, reconnect the original connection and you're good to go - no cutting, no splicing. Just look for the box labeled Toyota and/or RS3000 or RS3200 VIP alarm system.

If it is a custom job - unless you know who installed it and how - could be a real nightmare on your hand.