Has anyone installed an aftermarket alarm in their max?

My 98 has factory system, but I want to install an aftermarket system in place of / augmenting that one. Mainly because I want passive arming / locking.

If anyone has done this, were there any issues you encountered, or that I should be aware of?

What type of door locks are these cars using, so I can wire the new system correctly, to keep the driver's door priority, etc... ?

 

The keyless wires are in the door. Other than that it's pretty straight forward for a basic alarm install. I'm not a fan of passive arming/locking. Can't you just remember to arm it yourself? If you do set it to passive arm and lock don't bring the car to anyone for anything ever...they'll just lock the keys in the car.

Wiring info: http://www.the12volt.com/installbay/...tail/1631.html

 

I agree it's pretty much second nature now to push that nice grey button when I'm walking away from the car.

 

How would you unlock just the drivers door with an aftermarket alarm? Doesn't the aftermarket alarms only have provision for one wire to unlock and one wire to lock?

 

You have to isolate the driver's door from the rest of the doors. This only works if you have separate lock/unlock buttons on your remote since alternating lock/unlock systems don't have a way to send two unlock pulses on command.

I don't know why anyone likes driver's door priority locking?

 

OK, well, i have the alarm, but have not installed it - it does support the features I am looking for. Now, just gotta wire it up...

I am a fan of the passive arming, as my kids will get things from my car all the time, and forget to lock it - eliminates that potential...

As for priority unlock, it is a great safety feature for children and women... allows then to get in only, without unlocking the other doors.

The alarm also provided door lock with ignition on, etc...

To make things as easy as possible, I figured it would be easy to just integrate the aftermarket, with the OEM, essentially using the aftermarket unit to control the arm/disarm/lock/unlock built into the OEM alarm, but ADD the features I want...

 

I have heard that line a thousand times and I have to respectfully disagree. I think it creates a false sense of security...like a gated apartment community. If someone wants to carjack you or rob you at your car they'll just go on the driver's side. Manufacturers have been using driver's door priority for so long that criminals are used to this feature. It won't hurt to use it this way, but stop kidding yourself that it offers some kind of added security.

 

it does offer an added level of security. Like you mentioned, a gated apartment community. While it does not stop ALL crime, it DOES make it JUST a little more difficult, on the hopes they'll choose another target.

In other words, it helps to greatly cut back on crimes of oportunity.

Always remember, no security is 100%. Even the best lock in the world will only help to keep an honest man honest - it will do nothing to deter a true pro who wants whats on the other side...

 

Well, I still don't think it offers any measurable deterrent. I think it's more of a placebo effect but if it makes you feel safer then it has done it's job. I just hate having to hit the unlock button twice. I'll take convenience over security any day.

 

I hope you bought a Directed brand alarm......

 

Why? Directed isn't the only company that makes a decent alarm. (granted they do make good ones.) I remember quite a few models of dei's alarms that had a number of bugs and never seemed to work well.

 

No, it's not a DEI branded alarm - it is a crime stopper - do not remember the model. Not a high-end model - just basic system - less to fail, and go wrong...