Expert: Chuck Seymour - 5/3/2006

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Followup To
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Hi Mr. Chuck Seymour:

>>>I need to know if the car you purchased definitly has the alarm immobilizer. Did the paperwork state that the car came with the immobilizer or do you assume that it has it? A lot of Corolla CE's were sold without the engine immobilizer, so you need to confirm it has it. If it does, the key fob, the black thing on the end of the key, will be fatter and slightly thicker than the keys without the immobilizer. If the car has the engine immobilizer, no one can start the car unless he has the correct key with the correct transponder.

It does have engine immobilizer.  I think Corolla began to put transponder in the keys since 2005 models.  I have 3 keys (2 master & 1 valet).  The salesman mentioned about computer chip in keys.  The key ring also has a key number plate in case I want to make a copy (I have to go the dealer for that).  The manual also stated about keys, key number plate, & engine immobilizer system.  

Once I removed the key from the ignition switch, the indicator light started flashing (I think this light is the light of Automate AM2)

>>>As far as the alarm system, I checked the internet and found Automate alarms under WWW.sotelectronics.com It appears that this does deactivate the starter once you push the lock button. It does not qualify as an alarm system with some insurance companies unless it has an audible alarm.

I do not think it has an audible alarm

>>>As far as your second question I don't put much faith in the club as it only defers the beginner auto thief. I can defeat one in 30 seconds, a crook, about 15 seconds.

I read somewhere that there was some kind of steering wheel locking devices that had a good cover on it (not as the original ones that was easy to hacksaw)

>>>I do not suggest any alarm with a pager, as the last thing you want to do is confront an auto thief. They are committing a felony and your life is far more important than property

I was thinking about notifying the police as soon as possible (not confronting an auto thief) so that I will have a better chance of recovery the vehicle.  I am looking into car monitor, some simple GPS devices (just to know that my car is still at the same location)

Thank you for your answer,

Tri  

Answer
Hi again Mr. Nguyen!
Thanks for checking.  With the immobilizer the car will not start without the correct key.  You can add an audible alarm to the Automate alarm system, so you should check with the dealer about getting the audible alarm installed too.  I would also put alarm stickers on the side windows to let a potential crook know about the alarm.  I have not seen one steering wheel lock that was worth purchasing.  They are just a real pain in the butt to you as you have to put it on, take it off, ect......and finally you get tired of doing it.
If you really are worried about your car being stolen, keep it in a garage, keep it covered with a lockable cover (so no one knows what kind of car is under the cover), put the alarm stickers on, and the audible alarm, and install the kill switches.  As a last resort, you might call LoJack.  They have an alarm and tracking system that tells police exactly where the car is if it is stolen and they have a really high recovery rate.  You can reach them at 1-800-4-lojack.  Ask them if they cover your area.  They are a little expensive, but will track your car if stolen, and enable the police to catch the crook.  That is the best part of all, to have your car back and have the crook in jail.  I don't recommend/endorse any type of alarm, but this company has a really good reputation for recovery of stolen vehicles and are all over the United States. I have heard of several recoveries of stolen vehicles because of the Lojack device.

Let me know how this turns out.  Thanks for asking!  Chuck