So, my i30t still has some issue with the factory security system. It acts like all is functioning as it should, but it does not trip the alarm when it should. Instead of relying on the factory alarm, I think I am going to install an aftermarket alarm instead, to implement some new features that were not included in the basic but (usually) very reliable factory alarm. 2 way paging, for example, so I can deliver some lead poisoning (hopefully this never happens) to anybody who breaks into my ride while I am nice and comfy and asleep in my bed or at work.

Researching options for the best way to go about it, it seems that tapping into the databus system may be the better route.

Well, it turns out that my 2000 i30t may not have that ability, while the 2001 models do. I cannot confirm this, but it looks like a big change to the computing system was made for 2001 even though the rest of the car seems to have been mostly unchanged.

Can anybody confirm that the 2001 has a different canbus system than the 2000? If I could use the canbus system it would save me from tapping a lot of circuits and introducing more potential pitfalls. (I really don't like tearing apart factory wiring harnesses, and I am sure that nobody else does either...)

 

The 2000, 2001, 2003 all use a different SECU (Smart Entrance Control Unit) that uses the canbus for things like the alarm, windows, remote key fob, etc. But exactly what the difference is, I have no idea.

I suppose going with the alarm maker's application data is best to avoid complications

 

Thank you again DennisMik. I think there is an issue with the SECU in my car, because the only issues I have with it are all related to the unit; i.e. the sunroof, the door window switches, the alarm, the trunk light, the map lights... I really don't want to pay the $600 to replace it with a new one from the dealer so I am going to try to troubleshoot some more, research some junkyard stuff and maybe consider bypassing some of the stuff with traditional circuits.

 

Based on all the stuff that the SECU does, I think finding a junkyard module would be a lot less work. In case you don't have the FSM, here is a link to the EL section with SECU info. It starts on page 391 and a chart with all the wire functions starts on page 398.

http://boredmder.com/FSMs/Infiniti/I30/2000/EL.pdf

 

After researching what it would take to add an improved alarm to the car via the datalink (canbus), the cost for hardware alone is going to end up being more than if I just paid a company to install a quality standalone security system that will take over much of the stuff that the SECU unit does...and also bypass the sunroof and maplight circuits. Nissan over-complicated this stuff unnecessarily.

The most questionable part of this is the SECU itself, as it seems to work at least partially. There is a method of diagnosis via 'consult-ii' which will work with NDSii android application + the OBD2 ELM327 adapter,which I already have...but only using the NDSii lite version at the moment and will purchase the full version soon. ( I am broke right now from having bought all the audio gear.)

I am very grateful for your input DennisMik...especially for the link to the i30 FSM, because I was working with the Maxima FSM which is a little different. Cheers!