When i start up my 91 RS i notice a "security" light comes on. Also on the key I have a what appears to be alarm remote...however the guy i bought it from only had the car for a few months and said he had know clue if it had an alarm of if it worked. Do these models have a security system on them stock? if so how does it work and how can i tell if its working properly??? Please help very interested in this.

 

josh,
The only security feature I'm aware of as "stock" is the Pass Key, its a resistor built into your ignition key. If when inserted the resistor on the key does not match the resistance in the column then the starter and fuel system is temporaily disabled.

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89 IROC original owner, 3 amplifier 8 speaker Kenwood/Infinity sound system, 300,000 miles on original 305 TPI. Change your oil!!!
Jeff's IROC Restoration

 

Yes, on '88-92 cars there is a factory antitheft system known as PASS-Key or VATS. That's the security light you're seeing, and you'll notice there's a little resistor pellet built into your ignition key. The car won't start if it doesn't see the correct resistor.

But the factory system has no other features other than the engine disable stuff, and there's no remote. If you have an alarm transmitter on your key ring, there might be an aftermarket alarm in your car. Look around the dashboard for a small red LED mounted into a 1/4" hole. Look under the dash for a small pushbutton or toggle switch. Look under the hood and see if a siren is mounted there. If you see any of that stuff, or anything else that looks non-original, you might have an alarm, and maybe we can help you get it working again.

 

Yes, on '88-92 cars there is a factory antitheft system known as PASS-Key or VATS. That's the security light you're seeing, and you'll notice there's a little resistor pellet built into your ignition key. The car won't start if it doesn't see the correct resistor.

But the factory system has no other features other than the engine disable stuff, and there's no remote. If you have an alarm transmitter on your key ring, there might be an aftermarket alarm in your car. Look around the dashboard for a small red LED mounted into a 1/4" hole. Look under the dash for a small pushbutton or toggle switch. Look under the hood and see if a siren is mounted there. If you see any of that stuff, or anything else that looks non-original, you might have an alarm, and maybe we can help you get it working again.

 

Yes i do have a toggle switch. Its a very indiscreet switch coming from the carpet wall on left side of dash. How can i tell what kind of alarm i have or how to control it? No inidcator lights though. Im going to try to replce the battery for my remote and see if that does anything also.

 

Unfasten the bottom of the driver's side underdash panel, and you should be able to find the alarm's "brain" up there. If you can't easily find it, trace the wires from that toggle switch and see where they go. If it's a quality alarm it should have the brand and model number listed on the brain.

 

Thanks for the info...I get my car back tonight, its getting painted right now, but ill check tonight when i get it.

 

Found out that i do have an aftermarket alarm. Its an Excalibur AL 700 GT. Anyone ever heard of this alarm? Is it any good or is it a piece of crap? I do have a switch, two led indicator lights, and a 2 key remotes. One key remote seems to do nothing, and the other one doesnt work. The doors lock when the car is started so im assuming the alarm is somewhat functional. Any ideas on how to get it working? Do i need to go to a shop and have them give me a new remote? Thanks for the info guys

 

I don't know much about Excalibur, but I think they're pretty common, and if you could find an Excalibur dealer near you maybe they could sell/order you a remote if that's the problem.

Why do you say one remote does nothing and the other one doesn't work? Do either one of them light up? I'd say investing a couple bucks into a new remote battery is probably the first thing to do.

That LED in the dash...does it light up at all? Does it just stay on steady all the time?

 

I'd like to revive this topic

after reading this, I've found that I have all of these "signs" of an aftermarket alarm. The wires to my siren have been cut, however. there is a red led on my dash, under the cigerette lighter and a small pushbutton way down under the dash... no keyring thing though... so, if i go and take that off, i should be able to find out what kind it is.. right?.. also, the led light is never on, i've had the car for almost a year and a half and have never seen it on... what might this mean... also, my doors dont' lock, i was told by the dealer that it was a "stock" alarm system, guess they lied... oh well... how can i get it workin again... thanks a bundle

 

I'm gonna go out on a limb here.
Right off I'd guess your car was sold or auctioned and the information wasn't passed onto the new dealer. The work aroudn that most dealers, auctions, new owners, usually use is just to cut the wiring and trash any visible parts of the alarm. I've got two cars right now that had alarms. The first had a ton of switches, LED's, sirens, etc but the main processor was gone and the wires were cut to the sirens. The rest came out pretty easily. The other was set to a valet mode so it only functioned as a keyless entry. I managed to change the mode one day messing around and ended scaring the crap outta myself when I opened the hood.
If you don't have the remotes, and the wiring has been cut, then you're probably further ahead to gut the alarm system then try to piece it back together. Quality alarms aren't that expensive, just get a new one.

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Drew
predatorman@hotmail.com
83 Camaro 5.0L *1995-98*
87 Iroc 5.7L
91 Formula 5.7L 14.3@98mph
91 RS Convertible 5.0L
91 Firebird 3.1L 17.00@82mph *Gtech*
92 S10 2.8L
98 Grand Am GT 3100
Parts for sale

 

any recommendations on kind of alarm to get... price range?... also, can I put this in myself or do I need to have it installed???
my car has power NOTHING... does that play a part... like the door locking when car is started... that won't work will it???
thanks for the help

 

If you don't have power windows or power locks having the alarm lock the doors or roll up the windows will be impossible unless you add the solenoids and motors. You could set up an alarm with a remote start, that feature would work, as would of course the alarm itself. Typically places that deal in car audio hardware also deal in alarm systems. Your best bet would be to go have a look at whats available, what features they have, and how much they'd cost you. Just remember an alarm is only a small part of protecting your car, if anyone really wants the car they'll still get it. Also an alarm wont keep someone from vandalizing your car.

 

i realize that it won't stop anyone if they really want it... but at my g/f's house someone has been gettin into my car and turning on the interior light and releasing the e-brake (she lives on a steep hill).. so i want to catch them at it. and let the buttkicking commence... hahaha

one other question, will the remote start work with a 5-spd car??? if so, how?