The V.I.P. RS 3200 Plus Security System--pros & cons

[creativeguy]

I'm having the VIP 3200 installed in my new prius. When I pick it up, how do I ensure that it was actually installed? Is it true that a blinking light is added to the dash knockouts? What do I look for under the hood?

[hptsang]

Not sure is it for all the region but in Texas the VIP RS3200 is no longer a port install option. Coz I tried to get it with my car but now I have to spend on parts and labor which gonna cost me $200 more. That is why I am going to install it myself and see Whig dealership willing to activate it for me without charging me full labor just to activate it.

[LoraJ]

Originally Posted by creativeguy

I'm having the VIP 3200 installed in my new prius. When I pick it up, how do I ensure that it was actually installed? Is it true that a blinking light is added to the dash knockouts? What do I look for under the hood?

We were trying to get the alarm to go off today. For some reason, my light does not blink, it just shuts off. I had my husband lock the car from the FOB and walk away and then when the light went off I opened the door and it went off. Not sure why the light does not blink.

My husband read in the manual something about the doors locking themselves automatically after :30 seconds, but that did not happen. Is that just for certain cars?

[Blind Guy]

From what I remember from reading the VIP3200 PLUS Owners Manual, to check its operation, get in the car, lock the Doors, wait 30 seconds (I think), then open a Door, the Alarm should be activated. Press ANY button on the FOB to stop the Alarm.

To check the Glass Breakage Alert, get in the car, lock the Doors, wait 30 second (again, I think) with a key, tap on the Driver's side windo, this should trigger the Glass Breakage Alarm. Again, press ANY key on the FOB to disable the Alarm.

David (aka Blind guy)

[TKY]

Hi Marcusa, Several folks have already pointed out the Prius does not come with what I would consider a security system; if does come with a an engine immobilization feature. The engine immobilizer does nothing if someone breaks one of your windows in a smash-and-grab. I wanted to have the VIP RS3200 installed on my Prius IV after I took delivery. The dealership quoted me $645.00 plus tax, but they offered me a special deal of $504.00 plus tax.

I have not priced after-market security systems, but I think for that much money, I can a pretty high-end security system to supplement the engine immobilizer. I haven't done the leg-work to confirm prices, nor have I investigated whether an after-market system can be tied into the factory Fob. $500 for the factory system seemed too high. --TK

[Mt View]

Originally Posted by LoraJ

We were trying to get the alarm to go off today. For some reason, my light does not blink, it just shuts off. I had my husband lock the car from the FOB and walk away and then when the light went off I opened the door and it went off. Not sure why the light does not blink.

My husband read in the manual something about the doors locking themselves automatically after :30 seconds, but that did not happen. Is that just for certain cars?

The light goes off after 30 seconds and an icon in the instrument panel begins to blink. It is then armed.

[LoraJ]

Originally Posted by Mt View

The light goes off after 30 seconds and an icon in the instrument panel begins to blink. It is then armed.

Thank you!

I re-tried the glass sensor test and it still failed. Will have them adjust when I take it in for an oil change someday.

[Mt View]

Originally Posted by LoraJ

Thank you!

I re-tried the glass sensor test and it still failed. Will have them adjust when I take it in for an oil change someday.

I set mine to 5 as the instructions recommended and I had to hit the inside of the window really hard with my keys to get it to go off. I was scared I was going to break the glass.

[creativeguy]

Originally Posted by Mt View

The light goes off after 30 seconds and an icon in the instrument panel begins to blink. It is then armed.

Actually, that instrument panel light blinks immediately after turning the car off. It doesn't appear to have anything to do with the state of the alarm LED.

It is just annoying that the instructions for the VIP are not specific to the car I purchased, so I spent a half hour trying to make the LED blink before doing a Google search.

The number of manuals, supplements, and warning sheets for the car is crazy. I've been a Honda guy for the past 15 years and their documentation is a bit more polished. I've run across some awkward English translations in the Prius docs.

Though, if Apple sold cars, there would be one 50 page manual and you likely wouldn't even need to read that!