| Author |
Message |
Edward Gault (Irfgt)
Intermediate Member
Username: Irfgt
Post Number: 1029
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 6:39 am: | |
Since I work on the average persons car every day I can relate some of the experiences that I have experienced. Most cars that have an alarm system have a starter disable function. This is the number 1 cause of a "no start" complaint. An aftermarket or factory alarm is the first thing I look for when the car is towed in. The next thing is there is no standard wiring diagram to diagnose a problem with an aftermarket alarm so if they toss the original wiring diagram which they always do, you are screwed. The next item is radio codes. When a battery is disconnected the radio will not work. I see this more every day. Someone buys a used car and replaces the battery and the radio asks for codes. You call the customer and he says "what codes"? If you cannot find the codes you have to remove the radio and get a serial # and call the Dealer and get the codes. What a PITA. The next is wheel locking lug nuts and hub caps. You would not believe some of the places people hide or misplace the unlocking device. I bet Wal-Mart has a million of these things that they forgot to put back into the owners trunk or glove compt. I had one customer not long ago that brought their car in for brakes that I had to call after wasting about 30 minutes searching their car for the nut key. They said that they were sorry but they keep the key in their bedroom nightstand just in case someone broke into their car and took the key and stole their wheels. Now if anyone ever wonders why I hate alarms, now you know. I cannot tell you one instance where an alarm has foiled a theft, but I can tell you a thousand where the alarm has inconvenienced an owner and me. |
billy zissis (89tr)
Junior Member
Username: 89tr
Post Number: 148
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 10:10 pm: | |
It is not that the systems are weak. Most of the people who install these alarms I would not let change the batteries in my remote. I have seen many cars that have been butchered and caused endless grief in the electrical systems. |
Alberto (Aabreu)
New member
Username: Aabreu
Post Number: 49
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 10:05 pm: | |
My car had a Clifford alarm when I bought it. It is set so it only cuts off the ignition, the alarm will not sound. When the alarm is on, the car will not start, even with the key. The remote also operates the door locks. There is also a blinking red light in the car when it is on (just like I guess all alarms do). |
Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member
Username: Miami348ts
Post Number: 1831
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 12:00 pm: | |
I have an Alpine Alarm in my car. I had set it every time I left the car in the first months. When a bus drove by the system goes on, through the horn of the Ferrari the shrill sound was unbarable. It went off in the parking lot and almost everywhere. I just stopped using it. No alarm for me.
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TomD (Tifosi)
Member
Username: Tifosi
Post Number: 515
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 11:48 am: | |
follwing marks point, I am more worried about someone damaging (keying it etc) the car then stealing it |
Mark (Study)
Junior Member
Username: Study
Post Number: 216
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 10:45 am: | |
Are you guys saying that the Ferrari electrical system is so weak, that adding alarm taxs the poor car?
Then my question is when did the cars finally get wired strong enough that adding an alarm would be a good idea?
I feel there are too many punk-ass joy riders that would find a F-car without alarm to much of a dare to pass up.
It would be nice to take the car on weekend trips without worry. |
Andrew (Mrrou)
New member
Username: Mrrou
Post Number: 46
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 10:32 am: | |
The standard engine mobillizer would do the trick..I would GUESS that a ferrari wouldnt be likely to be stolen only due to the attentiuon it would bring to the thief espiecally if whent he cops know its stolen..if im wrong here correct me |
TomD (Tifosi)
Member
Username: Tifosi
Post Number: 506
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 9:25 am: | |
I have one of those talking alarms (PO) but I never engage it, too annoying |
Andrew (Mrrou)
New member
Username: Mrrou
Post Number: 39
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 9:05 am: | |
a proximity alarn would be cool, like if you parked next to a minivan and soccer mom went to get in her car and the lights on the ferrari went on and a loud voice said "step away from the vehicle please" that would be cool..but not for the soccer mom hehe |
Richelson (Richelson)
Member
Username: Richelson
Post Number: 676
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 8:55 am: | |
It is hard to find a Ferrari without one already installed. When I found my 308 it already had an alarm installed but it wasn't working properly. I agree though they are more trouble than they are worth. It has been the cause of many electrical gremlins on my 308. I disconnected most of it but it is setup to where power still runs through some parts of it, horns, and other items. I would like to go ahead and disconnect the rest but there is wiring everywhere and it can get confusing. |
bruce wellington (Bws88tr)
New member
Username: Bws88tr
Post Number: 37
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 8:31 am: | |
stay away from east l.a. and buy a shepard...
like ed says, i hate alarms..usually more problems than positive..my 2 cents |
TAKO (Tako)
New member
Username: Tako
Post Number: 6
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 8:20 am: | |
I usually use combo of stock door locks & alerm + lo-jack.... |
Edward Gault (Irfgt)
Intermediate Member
Username: Irfgt
Post Number: 1022
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 5:05 am: | |
I detest and do not use any type of anti theft item other than door locks as it usually creates more long term grief for the owner than the thief. |
shahin tabassi (Shahin)
New member
Username: Shahin
Post Number: 4
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 1:39 am: | |
Hello, I would like to know what your recommendations on alarm systems are. Any feedback is appreciated. Also I am in the LA area if you know any shops which do a good job of installation. |