Expert: ALARMTEK - 9/25/2010

Question
QUESTION: I recently bought a new Corolla (2010) LE edition from my dealer.  They had to install an alarm system as I requested.  However, the remote alarm key fob will not unlock the trunk.  They told me it can't because something was not installed by the factory and they cannot do it?  The doors work, but the trunk has to be unlocked manually.  Are they telling me the truth?  Thank you...Bruce

ANSWER: Look around for an interior button that pops the trunk.
If not available, then yes, it's possible
that you did not get a power trunk equipped
vehicle.

It can be modifies using an after market trunk release
kit added to the after market system they installed,
but again, it is possible that it is not now so equipped.

ALARMTEK

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your fast response.  There is a small lever on the lower bottom by the gas release door.  Is this what you mean by a interior button?  Also, if I have a third party install an alarm system, the dealer says that that would void my warranty!  DO you know if that is fact or fiction?  Thanks again...Bruce

Answer
Yes possibly it can void a Toyota warranty.
But highly unlikely.

Bad news here is the lever denotes a manual
trunk release, so they did not lie on this point.

The think about the "third party" installing
an alarm is that they are contracting a local company
to do just that. Anything installed by the dealer
to add security now would be after market. So that
line is shakey at best. Will they provide factory warranty
to cover the after market contractor the dealership hired?

Ask them that one.

A.