Anyone get the factory Honda Security system?

ref:
http://www.handa-accessories.com/s2000.html
and
http://www.handa-accessories.com/S2000/s2ksecurity.pdf

How well has it worked for you?

Is the glass breakage sensor prone to false alarms? I.e. from thunder storms or by a car with loud exhaust passing by?

Anyone add additional aftermarket sensors to the alarm i.e. Motion/shock sensor and proximity sensor?


Thanks!

Kai

 

KW,
I have had a lot of problems with the keyfobs losing program, and last week, it just stopped working altogether. I would probably look at an aftermarket system, if I had it to do over.

 

I had mine installed by the dealer (one of the many forced options). It seems to work well - but then, I haven't had anyone put it to the test yet. No problems with any of the sensors going off inadvertently. I think you'd need to have a forced entry before the alarm will sound. It doesn't seem to sense any jarring of the car (I don't think it's designed to).

IMO, because it would be almost impossible for someone to drive the car away (because the chip in the key prevents anyone hot wiring the car), you might want to consider getting a proximity sensor which covers the interior. You're much more likely to have someone try to get in and steal something from inside by slashing the top, than breaking the glass, or trying to force open the doors. I believe the Clifford 9000 is just one of he systems which does the job, but if you do a search, you should find a lot of posts which discuss these interior alarm systems.

 

I've had no problems with the Honda system. If you get one you will also want the optional hood switch. Without it, if the top is down all someone has to do is reach in and open the hood release and then disconnect the battery. All without ever setting off the alarm.

You can't expect too much from an alarm system though. The best part of any system is the flashing red light that will discourage most common thieves from even trying. The better theives don't care what your alarm system is.

I've never had much luck with aftermarket alarms. Always seem to fail after a couple years. Also had one that fried the electronic ignition system in one car. Cost me $1000.00 to repair that. At least the Honda system is designed for the car. The wiring system didn't need to be hacked and no oddball holes had to be drilled. And it's covered by the extended warrenty with the rest of the car.

[Edited by KenS2K on 03-09-2001 at 11:31 AM]

 

I agree completely with Ken's advice.

The Immobilizer is a pretty good roadblock against outright theft of the car. The OEM alarm gives you the most important thing, FRLD--flashing red light deterrence. I'm trying to remember if my OEM alarm even has the glass breakage sensor included (yeah, I know it's in the install description, but someting makes me think it is disabled on the S2000). The soft top might make it irrelevant in any event.

The effectiveless of additional features in an aftermarket alarm really depend on where you live, park, etc. Proximity and motion (shock) sensors where I live don't accomplish much. When alarms go off, people look the other way or just get annoyed. The unfortunate reality is most bystanders these days wouldn't challenge a thief anyway. Unless YOU are right there to respond to your alarm, it is unlikely to help much. Like I say, at least where I live this seems to be the case.

I have had a few minor glitches with my OEM alarm, but otherwise I think it is sufficient.

 

I have the factory alarm. I have a problem with my LED not flashing when it is armed. It's a minor problem, so I don't want to leave my car at the dealer again.

*Warning on aftermarket alarms* I had a Clifford concept on my '99 Prelude and after 2 years, the car had electrical problems. I took it to the dealer and they said they can't cover it under warranty since it's was not a factory alarm installed by Honda. Cost me $600 and alot of time. That is the main reason why I got a Honda alarm, plus the salesperson threw it in at no charge.

 

Does it flash at all now? Maybe it just came unplugged under the console.

 

I got the factory alarm (even though I think it was a $700 option, jacked dealer prices... you know how it is). The only reason why I got the factory alarm was because it was made specifically for the car. no odd mounting or anything like that. Everything is designed to work specifically with the car. And above all, its all under warranty. It won't give you all the bells and whistles of an after market unit, but I dont' car about that. However, mine uses the horn as a siren and doesn't have an actual siren. I guess the siren was an alarm "accessory" which was extra $$, the dealer never offered it anyhow. How many of you out there have an actual siren as part of your factory alarm system?

 

Honda doesn't make a Siren kit for the S2000. I wish they would. The security system is capable of adding a siren, but there's no kit for the S2000.

I've thought about getting the Accord siren kit and adapting it somehow.

 

please do yourself a favor and look some where else for an alarm, mine is pretty bad.(its the honda system)