Alright, after pointless screwing with the factory alarm (you guys were right), I've decided to go aftermarket.

What's the best aftermarket alarm brand/model?
I'm not too crazy about security, I live in the boring suburbs of Atlanta, I'm mainly wanting keyless entry.

Also, I've heard a couple horror stories about remote start systems... are they that bad? Anyone installed one on a 4th gen and it screwed stuff up??

 

I have the Viper 791XV with remote start, and I also have a 99 Maxima... The remote start, unless you have an extra key to but in a transponder box, won't work.. other than that I really like the alarm...

 

I'm not really sure what Maxima99SE was talking about the remote start, but mine is flawless.

The Viper 791 has got to be one of the best. I had an autopage in my 96 and the brain died in a month. My viper is arguably one of the best security/ remote start systems out there, IMHO.

The remote start is relatively the advertised range, depending on surroundings, and the transponder is attractive and backlit in a clean orange color. Go tot my car domain for a pic of it.

But yea, I had everything it came with installed and paid the extar $25 to my guy to have the trunk pop installed too.

I'd say the 791 if your looking for quality and performance.

 

I have the same one.

 

99's have a security chip in the key. the car will not start without an extra key being placed into a transponder box that is hooked to the alarm.... I know, because that's why I can't use the remote start feature on my alarm...

 

ooOOOooo. I def. had no idea about that. See, I like learning new stuff. Too bad though dude, you dont know what your missing. You like the alarm though?

 

I would like to get an extra key so I can get the transponder box so I can have remote start, but I can't justify spending the $130 that the stealership here charges for another one... other than that, I like the alarm... the remote eats batteries though... how do you like it?

 

By transponder box, do you mean the immobilizer bypass module or the actual brain of the alarm?

i've already bought a 556U Immobilizer Bypass module from Directed electronics, and i've got an extra chipped key to put in it if necessary

And btw, the keys are rediculous. When i bought the car, the guy only had one chipped key, so i bought two more. Total for 2 keys w/ programming @ dealership: $180.00

Ahhh, the price of "security"

 

immobilizer bypass module, couldn't think of the right name for it

yeah, nissan knows how to get us with the $$$... I noticed you're from Kennesaw, there were a few of us atlanta maxima members up in your area tonight... you should come down to fellinis pizza one friday night..

 

there are lots of alarms out there. it does not have to be the most expensive and the most top rated alarm to do the job.

 

i have a transponder key i put my alarm in my self all u need is a transponder bypass modual from DEI and youll be fine you can do remote start even if you have a transponder key. works with my 99 and i have the viper 791xv

 

Yep i have the viper 791 and its the best thing out there i think. I go through a battery every month but you can also make the light on the unit stay off so it saves the battery alil bit. The only extra thing i would recomend when getting the alarm is putting in a backup battery installed hidden in the car so that way even if some one decides to cut some wires the alarm will still go off if the alarm is cut from your main battery.

 

if you guys dont mind me asking how much did u pay for the 791 installed???

 

I paid $450 installed for my '99 SE. I recommend purchasing a set of rechargeable batteries.

 

Adding a shock sensor to the stock alarm is the best cause it costs 10$ and youcan install it yourself.

Unless you want remote start but i hear it isnt good for the car ..??


BTW, a remote start can be done to a 99 maxima, they just mkae you buy some extra thingy??

 

I have an omega max-e and I have no complaints it does its job. 45% of my starts come from the remote. I installed it my self about 6 months ago and it has worked flawlessly. I don't think the word best fits this thread it either works or it doesn't; Mine works so I couldn't see anything working better than it.

 

ive had a viper alarm, a clifford, and the one i have now.. i cannot stress enough how much i would recomend getting a code alarm.. it has ignition kill, fuel kill, and WILL not start even if you rip the brain of the alarm out of the car. i have the remote start too, with extended range antena. i can start my car from 2 1/2 blocks away. they also come with a 3 year warranty.

 

quick story.... guy use to leave his white max at his body shop down the block from my installer. his car had a stillen kit and a code alarm.. people made 6 unsucessful attempts to steal his car. they finally got it on the 7th try when the used a tow truck. the truck left a trail a peices from the front lip of the stillen kit for about 2 blocks

 

i paid $140 for the unit through vendor accomodations, and install was free, cause I did it myself

 

I'm in canada and I've got a command start. Can start it from 3 city blocks away and it's got the 2way function on it. I've only had it a few weeks and so far, no complaints. I got the unit wired with the security system and it's even got a pager (tap on the glass and it pages me back to the car).
pretty crazy, but neat at the same time.

 

About the self-installs for remote start (seriously considering the viper 791), how difficult is it? I don't really have any experience installing an alarm, especially remote start, the most I've done is put in a head unit.

Are there decent install guides out there for a maxima? what did you rely on for instruction? I don't think i could wing it... !

 

how much does a code alar go for? any links?

 

If you can install a head unit without buying the special harness you can hook up an alarm. Get yourself a multimeter ($10) and use the12volt.com wiring diagram as a REFERENCE only a reference.

The hardest part is stringing the wires to the driver side door and tapping into the tach wire, otherwise its cake walk. Also, if you wanna go the whole way get your self a solder iron and and some solder.

 

there will be no warranty on the product, if you self-install viper 791.