question about Alarm on Honda Odyssey 2007

Hi,

I just bought a Honda Odyssey 2007. I've looked through the owner's
manual and can't find a description of the alarm system. Perhaps there
is none, but the dealer indicated that the factory puts in some sort
of system, and there is a blinking red light. Can anyone explain the
system further or point me to a description?

The dealer explained that the system won't be activated by a broken
window, but rather by someone opening the door. Thus, someone could
break the windown, slide in (without opening the door) and steal the
stereo or hotwire the car. At least this is what I undersood. She
said for a $495, they could put in a system that would lock down the
engine when the window was broken. The system is called "Karr
Security System Upgrade LX-1" Does this sound like a good deal? Or
more generally, what do Odyssey owners recommend?

Thanks,

Dave

 

While I'm not familiar with the specific 'alarm' on the Odyssey, most
'stock' alarms are very basic. Right now, how do you get into your
car? Do you need to press the 'unlock' button on a remote?

I would invest in a real alarm - you can find one at a stereo or alarm
shop for $250 - $300 installed. I have a 2000 Civic, and $300 covered
the alarm, install, a trunk sensor, a hood sensor, sensors on all 4
doors, and actuators for the doors and trunks, so I can pop the trunk
via the alarm remote. You can probably do better on a newer car...

 

Evan,

Thanks for the info. I'll check it out. Right now, yes I hit an
unlock button on a remote or I can just use the key.

I had two old cars (w/o alarms) broken into recently for the stereos,
so the topic is definately on my mind. Some sort of alarm that
disabled the motor would be good. Unless of course you ended up
stranded because your windown was broken for some other reason!
Dave

 

Are you planning to upgrade the head unit?? If not, I cannot imagine
someone breaking into your Odyssey to steal the stereo! I can't
imagine that it would fit into anything but another Odyssey... The
blinking red light on the unit indicates that it has a code that must
be entered if the unit is removed, rendering it useless without the
code. There is also an immobilizer feature that kicks in if the coded
key is not used to start the car.

Dan D
'07 Ody EX Slate Green
Central NJ USA

 

Have someone sit in the car. Lock it via the remote and ask them to open
driver's door from inside. If you have an alarm you'll know about it.

Jon

 

The only thing added by an after market alarm is a vibration senser. That
means when you park in a parking garage every car that goes by sets off the
alarm. The factory alarm and immobilizer does everything else. The radio is
locked once power is removed and is useless to anyone without the code. Of
coarse many stupid dealers are putting the code in the glove box or on the
door frame. The dealer option is really just a big money maker for the
dealer. The information is in the operator manual but is hard to find. I
don't remember which section, try sound the audio sections, and am too lazy
to go out and get the book. Other than someone breaking in at home the alarm
is useless as noone even looks at it. Besides it is simple enough to cut the
horn wires...

 

------------------------------------

You already have keys with chips in them. Your Ody is hard to steal
without one of the correct keys.

'Curly'

 

Thanks for all the responses everyone. I think I'm just going to
stick with what I have and keep putting the club the steering wheel.
I'm not planning on changing the stereo.

At the dealer, they tried to scare me with the story that the theif
could break the window, crawl in and take the car or the stereo. But
I think I'll chance that.

So far, I've been really happy with the vehicle. I'm still figuring
it out though.
Thanks again,

Dave

 

Sheesh, obviously the dealer doesn't understand the anti-theft radio
or immobilizer!

I'm very happy with ours as well, and even happier now that the power
steering pump has been replaced, the annoying whine is gone and the
car handles as it did when we first got it.

Dan D
'07 Ody EX
Central NJ USA

 

First, Karr stuff is a MAJOR scam.
When I was buying my 4Runner almost three years ago, the dealer
dragged me through over five hours of "negotiations process", and when
we were done (by midnight), they informed me that the vehicle I had
purchased already had the alarm installed. They also implicitely - by
listing provided "benefits" such as power locks with remote that had
come standard from the factory and had nothing to do with them -
misrepresented the features, and I was not able to argue with them
anymore AND assumed (the last thing to do when dealing with car
salesmen) that for $500 they would've installed maybe somewhat
overpriced but still state-of-the art system.
I had been living with this idea up until recently when my truck was
towed by mistake, and the alarm never went off. That's when I started
asking questions, and it turned out that for $500 they sell you
something that is worth about $20. Their alarm duplicates one factory
(starter disabling) and adds one extra feature - namely glass breakage
sensor - that I fortunately had not had a chance to test. Again, this
"rich" set can be purchased for about $20. For less than $200, you can
have a remote starter, level sensor (that would've prevented my
vehicle from being towed and my spare tire stolen a couple of months
before), automatic temperature maintenance and - most importantly -
remote alarm indicator in the remote unit with up to 1 mi range PLUS
many more. You can do your own research online to see for yourself.
I ended up raising hell with the dealer, and they listed yet another
advantage of their crap - 24 hr support. Newsflash: IT DOESN'T EXIST
EITHER, just like all other $500 miracles. They've been working on
resolving the issue for over three months now because I promised that
this would go up to any level including but not limited Attorney
General's Office unless they take their masterpiece back and refund
its price.
Bottom line: STAY AWAY FROM KARR, AND VERIFY EVERY WORD DEALER SAYS
BEFORE PAYING A PENNY.