Having the factory alarm turned on - Act of GOD

[cobraz]

Well, first off - I would like to thank Prius Chat for the information on the factory passive alarm that is standard in our cars - but not always active.
(There are other threads with the scan tool code).

My alarm was not on, so I brought my car up to my local dealer for a oil change and to have them turn on the alarm (No cost item). well here is what happened.

First the came out and said - sorry you car is not equipped with any alarm.
I explained what was need to be done and it was there - factory installed.

Second they came out and said they could not find it - I gave them the code for his scan tool.

Third they came out and said you are all set - we got it - the mechanic was not familiar with it - (Fair enough I said). I get out to the car and the fob does not work - I cant unlock/lock the car with it in my pocket and the car will not start unless I push it in the fob holder in the dash. I check to see if the switch has been bumped under the steering wheel..nope. Walk back in the deal - tell the other mechanic.

Bunch of scratched heads. They offer to remove the alarm as they think that is what did it, I say no - this should not change this, they look on line with Toyota California and say well we will have to call them Monday and get back to you.

I take the car home and after all they playing around the - I rest the switch under the dash off/on for the fob and shazam.. it all works again.

I just would have thought they would know how this works with all the Prius they are selling.

So, just a tip... after they turn it on, set it - start the car - shut the car off - set the switch off/on and your good. Now can I bill them for $ 80.00 an hour because I fixed it ...LOL

[Ichiro]

What's the code? This is like the best easter egg ever

[cobraz]

More info here:

How Does The "Anti-Theft" System Work

anti-theft question

Anti-Theft Device on package #2?

[Wildkow]

cobraz

I may have missed it somehow but after reading through all those links you provided (the last one returned me to this topic) I still don't know anything more about the code or the method to turn on the alarm/immobilizer system, other than politely asking the dealer to do it. Could you please post the code number so that if we do happen to have Toyota service personnel as dense as yours we maybe able to talk them through it?

Wildkow

[cobraz]

The dealer uses a scan tool (for a better name ) they add a code and the ( Off is changed to On). There is a list of items that can be turned on and off per the dealers tool.

This is something unfortunately we can not do our selves unless you have the tool which is extremely expensive. I believe the code or name of the option is RS3200 as per the other threads.

[Rokeby]

Very Intresting ! ! !

When I got Amapola in Dec '08, I checked to see if the "alarm system was
working" with the button on the FOB. Now however, I suspect that I really
only determined that the FOB initiated signal works. But I really don't
know whether the alarm system is ON or not.

Guess I'll have to check the Owner's Manual to see what's the easiest
way to actually trigger an alarm at the car without actually breaking
something. Beforehand, It would also be good to know that the alarm can
be immediately cancelled with the FOB.

[RobH]

I had an (unintended) demo of testing the alarm at a car show. There were a number of cars there, and people were checking them out, sitting in the driver's seat, etc. So I tried to open the door of a Prius. It was locked, but with the window full down. So I reached in the window and used the inside latch. Alarm immediately went off. They had locked the car, leaving the windows open. It took a while to find the keyfob and turn off the alarm with the unlock key.

[sunshine62704]

I will certainly have the dealer check this before I ever leave the lot--whenever it finally comes in! Should be here this week!! Thanks for the tip, I would of just assumed it would of already been turned on. Guess that's what happens when you ass-u-me!

[Rokeby]

Originally Posted by RobH

... So I tried to open the door of a Prius. It was locked, but with the window
full down. So I reached in the window and used the inside latch. Alarm
immediately went off. They had locked the car, leaving the windows open.
It took a while to find the keyfob and turn off the alarm with the unlock
key.

RobH,

Thanks for the tip.

I rolled the drivers windw down, turned off the power, got out, closed the
door, and the locked it with the button on the handle. The I reached inside
and opened the door... nothing. Hmm... Oh yeah, I have the FOB in my pocket.

Then I paced backwards alternately locking and unlocking the car with the
FOB buttons. At 70 ft. the buttons no longer worked. So, I went to find an
assistant to hold the FOB during the test.

The second time, the FOB was 75 ft. from the car. When I reached in and
opened the door, horn sounded and lights blinked. Perfect, the system is on
after all.

I always lock and unlock at the car; with the button in the handle, or
loop my fingers inside the handle. Although I've had Amapola for seven
months now, I guess the FOB battery is near max strength. From what I had
read here, I had thought the FOB range was about 10 ft. or so. So, now I
know.

I suspect though that by rechecking the effective range of the FOB every 6
months or so, I can roughly keep track of the battery. 3-4 years is the
estimated life. But when it gets down to 10 ft., I'll replace it.

Again, thanks for the tip.

[cobraz]

Here is the reason why:

Once the alarm is set locking the doors... you will see the light on (red door key/car) once it starts to blink - then it is on... takes about 15 seconds.

The easiest way to test is leave window down... lock door with fob - walk away about 15 feet. leave fob there... then walk to car and open door from inside... run like heck to get fob to shut off alarm...LOL