new owner, questions on factory security

[skaunit]

Well hello Toyota enthusiasts. First time poster, this seems to be the best forum for the 10th gen corolla as far as I can tell. I was surprised not to see more of a dedicated following/forum considering how popular the corolla is [as in a corolla specific club/forum].

Anyway, me and my fiance Liz just picked up an 09 Corolla S, and we have a few things we would like to do [read - she asked me to do] to it first off. Down the road we will probably look into MILD suspension and power upgrades, nothing crazy tho.

First order of buisness is, this car came with factory keyless entry with engine disable, which I understand is a chip in the key that allows the car to start, along with a "security light"

was there a factory toyota alarm? is the brain/module available from the dealer or more importantly discounted anywhere else? If not what other options are there without adding an aftermarket FOB to the keys? I mean the factory keyless is already bulky enough, and I don't think we want to have to press another button just to arm an alarm. So what options are out there?

Also, I may start another thread, but has anyone tried to change any of the interior dash lighting, like the color? Are there any kits made, or diy/how to's with led's? Thanks for your help in advance.

[Dimaoala]

to TN!

Nice pick up with the Corolla and I do have to agree I am surprised there is not a dedicated forum for the 10thGens. There was one a year or two back, but it closed down due to inactivity.

Back on topic, as far as I know every Corolla that has a keyless entry has the panic alarm but that doesn't mean it has a factory alarm. You only have one if you got it as a option.

If you want some mild suspension upgrades consider a TRD Strut bar and/or Rear Sway bar and/or TRD Springs. There are many compliments with a full TRD Suspension upgrade that it performs well.

For power you can just look into a DIY Intake, or just purchasing a aftermarket CAI/SRI. Another possibility can be the Borla axleback or just simply using a universal muffler of your choice.

There are members here that have changed out their dash lights, but a DIY has not been made for it yet. Just wait for them to chime in and I'm sure they'll guide you out!

Enjoy modding your Corolla and definitely post some pictures!

[got-rice]

Originally Posted by skaunit

was there a factory toyota alarm? is the brain/module available from the dealer or more importantly discounted anywhere else? If not what other options are there without adding an aftermarket FOB to the keys? I mean the factory keyless is already bulky enough, and I don't think we want to have to press another button just to arm an alarm. So what options are out there?

There is a factory alarm...it is called the VIP RS3200. If you don't have a sticker on your front two door windows, you don't have it on your car. It is usually a dealer or port installed option, or you can buy it and install yourself. It is coupled with your factory remote so it wouldn't add another FOB.

[skaunit]

thanks got-rice... do you have any clue where I may be able to purchase this for a reasonable price? And will it come with some kind of instructions? I am pretty confident I can install it myself, especially if it is a factory system, these are usually pretty straightforward, plug and play so to speak, or at least color-matching i believe.

Also, is this the best route to go? Does Viper, or other aftermarket companies, make alarms that piggyback on a factory keyless system with engine disable?

thanks.