car alarm system question

[andrewjm]

just wondering... i have a viper responder on a ford explorer... when i got it installed, the guy asked me to get the master set of keys and they had to have the chip to somehow install into the alarm brain so it could auto start the car since my keys have those chips in them.

in order to do that, they had to basically destroy one of my sets of keys. is this a normal rutine? never had an alarm system installed before, and i cant tell if that makes sense to need the chip in the alarm system to install, or if i just gave away my keys to a company. the company has great reviews on a website, so i dunno

 

[Scarpozzi]

All those chips have (90% of the time anyway) is a tiny resistor that has a certain resistance in it... Maybe....8-9 ohms. They could have tested it and ordered one that would work....instead, I think they were taking the easy route and just making sure they had the exact fit for the system.

Personally, I wouldn't have let them do it....but then I guess I'd rather see people work hard for their money.

 

[andrewjm]

do you think its a big deal?

im gonna go to ford to get another spare key, but i was a little afraid that someone has my key...

is there a way to see if my key/chip is actually in my car somewhere? where would they usally put it?

 

[andrewjm]

anyone?

is it a normal procedure to use a chip from the key when installing an alarm system?

 

[resinboy]

don'e be so sure about the type of key- I did an install for a customer with a 2000 Nissan, and the key actually has a transponder in it, that signals the steering column/ security system that the correct key is in the ignition during start-up. That key was $125.00.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Originally posted by: resinboy
don'e be so sure about the type of key- I did an install for a customer with a 2000 Nissan, and the key actually has a transponder in it, that signals the steering column/ security system that the correct key is in the ignition during start-up. That key was $125.00.

That's the main reason I wouldn't have let them have the key....they are pricey.

Did they actually keep the key itself? If they kept the key, I'd wonder about the people installing it... You might want to call the BBB and do some checking up on them.

 

[richardycc]

I have the same alarm installed in my 4runner last yr, and I had to give up a key with the transponder in it too. I thought Viper came out with a "magic box" that will basically copy the code in the transponder, so you don't have to waste a key anymore. What is the range of your remote? I have awesome range, I can remote start my car from my office building that is about 3-5mins walk away from the parking lot.


edit: the key is hidden in a box somewhere in the car, some company will cut off the metal key part to pervent thief from finding it and start your car with it.

 

[andrewjm]

Originally posted by: richardycc
I have the same alarm installed in my 4runner last yr, and I had to give up a key with the transponder in it too. I thought Viper came out with a "magic box" that will basically copy the code in the transponder, so you don't have to waste a key anymore. What is the range of your remote? I have awesome range, I can remote start my car from my office building that is about 3-5mins walk away from the parking lot.


edit: the key is hidden in a box somewhere in the car, some company will cut off the metal key part to pervent thief from finding it and start your car with it.

k... that makes me feel a little better knowing that this is a standard thing that alarm installations need.... mine varies depending on what it is going through... im on the 7th floor in a building, and it works all the way to the 4th floor in a garage that is next door, and going through the cement in the garage is surprisingly hard to do.. but it does the job just well..