150 Series vehicle security question

[skip73 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close skip73]

Hi All,

I was wondering, in general, what Toyota's built-in car security is like, engine immobiliser, alarm and the locking mechanism for the doors etc.

I was reading a few messages in the 150 Pricing thread where some vehicles had been stolen (and buying replacements) and was wondering what the factory security was like and whether I needed to add anyting. I have heard that some inconsiderate such-and-suches like to nick the rear wheel cover but this has now been mitigated by putting the locking clasp on the wheel in a difficult spot when the door is closed so it can't be taken off.

What about security on longs trips into the Interior? How do you ensure that no one is going to break in and spoil your holiday? I appreciate they 99.9% of the folk out there are looking out for each other but I guess there is always one.

Has anyone had their 150 broken into? Or worse, stolen?

I appreciate any comments and opinion.

Cheers,

Skip

[bondi32 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close bondi32]

Re: 150 Series vehicle security question

I am also needing some additional information about this, anything I need to supplement?? Sounds like the ones stolen are being towed away?

Ideas?

[hookedon4wding Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close hookedon4wding]

150 Series vehicle security question

The spare wheel cover is easy to take off even with the door shut. One bolt, one clip and it pops off. I have removed mine permanently.

Everything else is just as good as any other car. Immobiliser, alarm etc.

[yowie Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close yowie]

Re: 150 Series vehicle security question

I was told by the salesman that my vehicle did not have an alarm, but the manual stated it did. I sent an email to Toyota Australia inquiring about the alarm system. The reply was a lot of words to state the vehicle is alarmed, most of it in bullshit terminology about their care for the company, and the reply did not specify how or what was alarmed, even though I requested that information.

I set the alarm with the remote, opened the door with the key, and the horn sounded (I could probably fart louder than the horn).

I would suggest all doors are protected by the alarm, and there is also an immobiliser, which sets itself automatically a short time after the engine has stopped should the alarm not be activated, or it will set with the alarm.

I would suggest there is no glass breakage alert, no anti-jacking, no anti-tow.

Bear in mind, if adding an after market alarm, be wary of the electronics in the vehicle.

A work mate at Auburn drove his father's new 200 series cruiser to work, parked it in the street, and it was gone by the end of the day. The previous day, he saw a tow truck driving slowly around the streets nearby, driven by a man from a non-english speaking background, and would assume it was taken by the tow truck.

Yowie.

[flem100 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close flem100]

Re: 150 Series vehicle security question

"Non english speaking background" WTF, that is what is known as a fairly big paintbrush...

[yowie Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close yowie]

Re: 150 Series vehicle security question

I don't want to insult my Lebanese friends, but the driver was Lebanese, and there are a number of crime gangs in my work area around Auburn.

[starcees Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close starcees]

Re: 150 Series vehicle security question

yep and don't i know it, had my alloy bar stolen and then whole car stolen lucky neighbour saw them doing it and cops caught them...one for the people. Yes they are very easy to steal and yes it was a lebanese gang, known to the police connected with a western toyota dealer. Now in Perth hopefully away from all the Sydney crime, in our Sydney suburb i know of two other families who had their new toyota stolen (one Prado, one Hilux).

[raydhillon Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close raydhillon]

Re: 150 Series vehicle security question

wow. its funny though there is a person whos selling a prado grande in perth !!!! with 16 000kms 2008 120 series with a speedo thats out of a gxl ? makes you wonder what write off / stolen history it has. and its only prado owners who would pick this up !!!!!

(grandes have the optitron display with the vibrant dials whereas gxls stock.) BUYERS BEWARE ! ! !

[starcees Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close starcees]

Re: 150 Series vehicle security question

It will be stolen, report it to the police. As i found out Prado and Landcruiser are very easy to steal, and then re birth with different parts. The police tell me alot go overseas..

[raydhillon Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close raydhillon]

Re: 150 Series vehicle security question

It will be stolen, report it to the police. As i found out Prado and Landcruiser are very easy to steal, and then re birth with different parts. The police tell me alot go overseas..

she looks in good nick but.....

have a look

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/pri ... de&trecs=2

if it was in brisbane id definently go look at it, but proof would be needed before a trip down to the station to inform them of the vehicle ?

You would think for the money they are charging, toyota should have a decent immobilisation system ?

[starcees Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close starcees]

Re: 150 Series vehicle security question

If it seems like i have a bee in my bonnet, its coz i do on this one. The criminals can get around anything. I had mine stolen in 10 mins from front house. Once you see it done once you could do it. They change over the computer, immobiliser to a matched ignition assemble then off they go, same on Prado, hilux, landcruiser. The Toyota defence system is very poor.

[celwar Member Find all posts View Profile Close celwar]

Re: 150 Series vehicle security question

Once you see it done once you could do it. They change over the computer, immobilizer to a matched ignition assemble then off they go,

After reading similar issues in the 120 threads this is why I went for a reputable aftermarket alarm, professionally installed.
Not for the alarm so much (who takes notice of these anyway) but for the 3 x independent immobilizer circuits.
Any "swamp life" replacing the factory ECU and immobilizer will still have to override the other circuits so hopefully they will find it too hard and move on although if they really want it they will get it I guess.
I also got the installer to put the siren inside the cabin. Any scum who do break in should be easily traced by following the blood from bleeding ears
At the end of the day all you can do is put as many obstacles in the way as you can.

[mudboy Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mudboy]

150 Series vehicle security question

Hi celwar
What alarm did u use and does it interface with the buttons on the key
Thanks David

[celwar Member Find all posts View Profile Close celwar]

Re: 150 Series vehicle security question

Hi Mudboy,
I researched on the Internet for some time but eventually went for the Mongoose M80G.
http://www.mongoose.com.au/vehicle-s...ar-alarms.aspx
I am sure there are others which are just as good but a decision had to be made so that was it.

There is an upgradable version (Mongoose MAP 80G) which uses the original central locking circuits and by definition the original key. I decided against this because the way I read it, if the original ECU/Immobilizer was replaced as has been suggested then the alarm would be rendered inoperative. Happy to be corrected on this but too late for me now anyway. The disadvantage of having an independent alarm is the need to carry an extra key fob. I figured the inconvenience was worth it but others may differ.
Warning, it took the guy over 4 hours to fit. My trade is electronics but I would not attempt this myself. It was not that expensive IMHO, approx$530.00 including glass break sensor and installation.
Not sure if it's an urban myth or not but I am also led to believe there could be insurance issues if car alarms are not fitted professionally.

[yowie Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close yowie]

Re: 150 Series vehicle security question

I posted a new topic "security upgrade" (couple of weeks ago) which gives details of the fitter in southern Sydney. This system is integrated into the Toyota alarm.