[wrxtc]

My STi came with only one option: the security system.

I had a DEI Python 880xp security system added with window modules and the installer said he couldn't safely set it up so I could roll the windows down with the auxilliary button on the transmitter. He said he just didn't know what some of the contacts/wires were for or didn't know what settings were safe or something like that.. he was worried that if he hooked it up.. I might fry the window motors because they might get over-extended. Right now all the window modules are doing for me is making sure the windows are rolled up when the system is armed. I want to get this guy the information he needs so I can roll the windows down (all or part-way) and arm the system that way for hot days (using discretion of course.. I wouldn't do that at a mall or something).

Can someone please point me in the right direction for getting all the information regarding the electrical systems (specifically the windows) in the car? Is there a tech manual I can order or a number I can call where there's intelligent life that can tell me what I can do about getting this info?

Also, they were planning on disconnecting the factory security system and just letting it lie dormant because that's what they normally do. They said they couldn't do it becuase it disables too many things in the car if they had. In this case I'm totally fine with it because as far as I know the factory ignition kill system does not work unless the factory security system is armed. I also need to get them to rig it up so that when I dis/arm my after-market security system, it automatically dis/arms the factory system. They said they have done this before and it works well.

 

[4MLA1FN]

Can someone please point me in the right direction for getting all the information regarding the electrical systems (specifically the windows) in the car? Is there a tech manual I can order...

yeah, do you have the service manual? there's a long thread in general of how to download it. there is a large wiring section in there that should have everything you need.

In this case I'm totally fine with it because as far as I know the factory ignition kill system does not work unless the factory security system is armed.

i didn't know it provided an ignition kill/imobilizer system; that's all i want; i don't want a blaring horn.

 

[wrxtc]

Thank you 4MLA1FN!!! I just got done reading that entire thread. I am going to start downloading it right away, you are the man!

BTW, the dealer people told me that the security system has an ignition kill (or starter kill, not too sure on that) that has to do with the big beautiful STi key.. Some sort of a crystal inside them or something.. I hear lots of manufacturers have been doing this for years. I wanna read about it for myself in the manual though, hehe.

 

[4MLA1FN]

this is news to me about the sti key having some kind of security feature. what about the valet key?? i'll have to check with my dealer.

btw, you avatar is hilarious. what is it??

 

[RDiamond]

There's no crystal in the STi key. It's doesn't do anything that a plain-jane key made at Home Depot can't do. (Except look cool.)

The valet key doesn't open the trunk or glove compartment -- that's what makes it special.

 

[ldivinag]

BTW, the dealer people told me that the security system has an ignition kill (or starter kill, not too sure on that) that has to do with the big beautiful STi key.. Some sort of a crystal inside them or something.. I hear lots of manufacturers have been doing this for years. I wanna read about it for myself in the manual though, hehe.

please list the name of the sales droid or person at that dealership so it can flag future owners to avoid him/her/it...

that is totally silly...

all they had to do is look at the three diff keys you get: nice STi key, regular key and valet key to figure that out.

 

[ingraham]

If I tap twice on my key the car auto locates me and drives to my side

 

[Xman]

on my WRX with a CompuStar system I just put the Subaru alarm into valet mode. It left the security light in the dash flashing all the time when the car was off, which was kind of cool, and kind of annoying at the same time. No need to remove the alarm module when its in valet mode.

This time around, I saved the $$ that the Subaru system would have cost and got the STi without an alarm. compustar to be installed as soon as my installer has time to do it

 

[mx270a]

Xman:

Does your compustar also do the remote start? If so, are you planning to have your installer tap into the neutral sense wire that I have heard exists on the STI for remote start?

-Lance

 

[4MLA1FN]

I saved the $$ that the Subaru system would have cost...

$$? it's only $113. how much is the compustar??

 

[wrxtc]

HEHee.. my avatar is the StarWarsKid, you must not have seen it yet.. it's the latest batch of cult video(s) on the net.. here's a good link for it: http://www.jedimaster.net/

Man.. salesmen just love to talk out of their @ss don't they?? Argh. So the factory security system does not have any sort of immobilizer system?? I haven't had a chance to look through the service manual yet..

Speaking of which: 4MLA1FN.. I wrote a small c++ program to generate a batch-file for downloading the engine sections for the standard Impreza and WRX. How can I get it to you so you can integrate it into your archive for downloading the service manual?

 

[wrxtc]

Ooops.. looks like I missed this thread.. check it out:

http://www.imprezawrxsti.com/postnuke/modules.php?op=modload&name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=2302

'ldivinag' claims the OEM security system consists of: keyless entry, door opening sensors, vibration sensor, and starter kill.

I still haven't gotten a chance to dig into the service manual regarding this..

In any case, I already have an aftermarket security system.. however I didn't have them install its starter kill (and they cut me a break on the price) because I was gonna rely on the OEM one (especially since I thought it used a crystal in the STi key..). What I need to do is get them to rig it so the aftermarket system dis/arms the factory system so I can be sure the starter kill engages..

 

[Xman]

I saved the $$ that the Subaru system would have cost...

$$? it's only $113. how much is the compustar??

Hey, $113 is money spent on other mods already. I got the compustar for $250 installed because the guy owed me some big favors. BUT the compustar range is approximately 4x the stock, has turbo timer, remote paging and remote start, not to mention accessories so I can put the windows down with the remote also. Definitely costs more than the stock, but has WAY more features and IMO is worth it. Besides paying for the stock system just to have it sit there and do nothing but flash the light in the dash seemed like a waste of $113 to me

 

[4MLA1FN]

HEHee.. my avatar is the StarWarsKid...

oh yeah! i'd heard about this several weeks ago. very funny.

 

[4MLA1FN]

4MLA1FN.. I wrote a small c++ program to generate a batch-file for downloading the engine sections for the standard Impreza and WRX. How can I get it to you so you can integrate it into your archive for downloading the service manual?

hmm. i've been using tcl to generating the download scripts. nevertheless, please send me a pm and we'll exchange emails.

 

[netZ]

in order to get the aftermarket alarm system to use the security upgrade's starter kill the installer will need to do the following:

1) locate the ground out while armed wire from the factory security system. this wire is located pin 4 red/black wire off the starter kill relay near the steering column.

2) test this wire to see if it shows ground when armed.

3) if you located this wire, it needs to be disconnected from the security system upgrade module.

4) attach the aftermarket alarm's ground out while armed wire (dei: orange) and attach it to the red/black wire leading to the starter kill relay.

5) also attach the alarm's ignition sensing wire (dei: yellow) to the vehicle's ignition switch ie. pin2 or pin1 white/black wire. this will set the alarm off if someone were to hotwire your vehicle while the alarm system is armed.

The security upgrade starter will work with the aftermarket alarm system. The aftermarket alarm system will send out a ground when it's armed to the orange wire. The subaru security system's starter kill will get it's power source off the ignition switch and will prevent the starter motor from getting 12 volts.

The STI does not have an immobiliser/transponder system so the dealer has misinformed you.

If you're skeptical of my technical knowledge regarding aftermarket security systems, please feel free to check nasioc's security system forum. I've posted tons of info regarding aftermarket alarm systems and integrating them to turbo timers to troubleshooting aftermarket alarm systems.

netZ

Ooops.. looks like I missed this thread.. check it out:

http://www.imprezawrxsti.com/postnuke/modules.php?op=modload&name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=2302

'ldivinag' claims the OEM security system consists of: keyless entry, door opening sensors, vibration sensor, and starter kill.

I still haven't gotten a chance to dig into the service manual regarding this..

In any case, I already have an aftermarket security system.. however I didn't have them install its starter kill (and they cut me a break on the price) because I was gonna rely on the OEM one (especially since I thought it used a crystal in the STi key..). What I need to do is get them to rig it so the aftermarket system dis/arms the factory system so I can be sure the starter kill engages..

 

[wrxtc]

Well a plain-ol starter kill relay is better than nothing. Now I can make sure it continues to function with the new security system!

Thanks netZ!

 

[formerM5owner]

Dear netZ,

I recently got rid of my boring, uninspiring, fragile, and unnecessarily complex 2001 BMW M5 and got a new STi -- and I love it. I had almost forgotten that it could actually be fun to own and drive a car. But I digress... My real question is about aftermarket security.

I am much impressed by your sophistication re security systems, so I wonder if you could very briefly answer the folloing question: I have the factory security system on my STi, but my local car electronics dealer says the factory system is easily defeated if someone knows where it's located and simply removes the fuse (really true??). He advises me to add a Viper system for another $300, which he implies would work in tandem with the factory system, and which would greatly improve security. Is this reasonable? More generally, given that I already have a factory security system, what if anything should I do further to maximize security?

Thanks.

FormerM5owner.

 

[netZ]

Dear formerM5owner,

Hmm... personally, I would have kept the M5... it's totally kick ass car!

ok, back to security ... here's something viper alarm dealers/installers never tell you, you can quickly disable a viper alarm by disconnecting it's ground, power or the ground armed wire to the starter kill relay. why?!? the viper alarm system incorporates a 'fail safe starter kill' system (ie. normally closed starter kill relay). this allows the owner to start the vehicle if the alarm brain were to fail!!

this is the same as the factory alarm system. just by disconnecting the security module wire behind the glove box you can easily start the vehicle. the problem with the factory alarm system is integrating additional sensors such as prox etc... you can add a magnetic hood pin switch to monitor the hood.

now, what can you do to improve or enhance your security? the most economical way is to install a hidden passive ignition or fuel pump ground or main ground relay kill. all you need to do is press a hidden button to activate the relay to allow power to the ignition system or connect the ground at the main relay. when you turn your vehicle off, the relays will turn off and the vehicle will not run.

in my opinion the clifford g4/g5 alarms probably has the best security. they typically have dual point normally open starter and ignition kills. even if you were to cut the alarm brain harness, disconnect the batter the car will not start unless they connect the proper wires. you can have the optional clifford wireless immobilizer installer inline of the fuel pump wire. the thief will need to bypass the starter/ignition and the wireless immobilizer to start the vehicle.

just to let you know guys, i'm not an alarm dealer nor do i sell these products. i like many have been sickened by shoddy alarm installers who takes shortcuts and speak nonsense.

Good Luck with your decision!

netZ

Dear netZ,

I recently got rid of my boring, uninspiring, fragile, and unnecessarily complex 2001 BMW M5 and got a new STi -- and I love it. I had almost forgotten that it could actually be fun to own and drive a car. But I digress... My real question is about aftermarket security.

I am much impressed by your sophistication re security systems, so I wonder if you could very briefly answer the folloing question: I have the factory security system on my STi, but my local car electronics dealer says the factory system is easily defeated if someone knows where it's located and simply removes the fuse (really true??). He advises me to add a Viper system for another $300, which he implies would work in tandem with the factory system, and which would greatly improve security. Is this reasonable? More generally, given that I already have a factory security system, what if anything should I do further to maximize security?

Thanks.

FormerM5owner.

 

[formerM5owner]

Dear netZ,

Thanks! I'll look into it.

FormerM5owner.