Is this factory security equipment?

[sanborn]

Hi Guys,

I tried the search, but didn't find any information on what I was looking for. I have a '99 SE V6 5spd for reference.

I have a keyless entry antenna located below my rear view mirror, and I was wondering if this is the stock one (does it look like your stock one)? I'm certain my car doesn't have the factory alarm/keyless system, because my car works fine with just the metal keys (no resistor in the key). My main question is: were solara's that didn't come with the factory alarm/keyless system still equipped with the antenna, or is this some aftermarket one put on by the previous owner?

I've attached the following picture so you can see what it looks like:

(that's snow on my windshild BTW, not dirt )

Another thing that led me to believe that this may be an aftermarket system is that there is a red LED on my centre console, but not down by the DC power outlet like some other threads on here have said it would be located. It doesn't blink or anything, so I don't even know if it's even real, or some fake one that people put on to scare theives away.

This picture shows where mine is located:

Excuse the dust, I haven't cleaned it in a while (damn winter!)

So, with that in mind, if this is an aftermarket system, how would I go about finding out what kind of system it is? Is there a typical place where people install the actual system that I could look to find out? (forgive my ignorance on this, I don't know what's needed to install a security system). When I bought the car, the dealer didn't have any FOB's or didn't say the car had any sort of keyless/security system.

Thanks for any help you guys can offer, this site has been a great resource of helpful information

[anttarz]

aftermarket

the actual security system is probably on the drivers side, deep behind the steering wheel. You can usually get to it by removing the kick panel and fishing your hand all the way up.

I thought all solara came with transponder keys and keyless remotes.

[sanborn]

From reading past threads, I thought that only some solara's came with keyless.

In regards to this being an aftermarket system, how would I identify what brand it is? Will the name be printed on something, what generally should I be looking for?

Do each brand of security system have their own programming instructions? If I were to buy a new set of FOBs, would I be able to program them myself assuming I found instructions on how to do it?

Thanks for you help on this, I really have no clue as I haven't dealt with these before

[kaarona1]

That is definately an aftermarket alarm and keyless entry. Maybe if your lucky, even remote start!

[funboy102]

This is something you're gonna have to take to a car alarm place to figure out, unless you want to find out on your own. anttarz is right about the location of the alarm module. That is where it usually is, down below near your left knee. You're gonna have to remove the kick panel and then look for the module. Once you find the module, of course, the brand/make/model will all be on there. From there, you can go back online, and find resources relating to what you need. You'll find if you can get any accessories, extra remotes, etc... for it. If you take it to a car alarm place, bargain with them or something, they can probably tell you what you have when they look though. Like, literally, it'll only probably take them 2-3 minutes to tell you once they get in, cuz they know what they're doing already. Shouldn't cost you anything if they're friendly people wanting to help. Good luck! and welcome to SG

[Patrik]

remote start is great in winter

[NeFaRiOuS_SLE]

Yeah, that's aftermarket... I have the SLE (luxury edition) and it doesn't have the antenna or the LED there... The factory one for my car has a red LED built into the instrument panel next to some white text that says "SECURITY" in white lettering.

Welcome to SolaraGuy! Feel free to introduce yourself in the "Introductions" section.

[sanborn]

I appreciate all the great info. I'll try to see if I can figure out what brand it is once it gets warmer outside! Way too cold right now to be crawling around there.

I think I will probably just have to take it to some place to have them setup the system again. Anyone know any reputable car alarm places in the GTA/Southern Ontario?

Thanks again!

[Jai_Jai_Binks]

the thingie by the front windshield, we all got it (all solara's have it).

the light, like others indicated...

I thought all solara came with transponder keys and keyless remotes.

Not all came with trans/keys. I know mine didn't...i can make my keys from walmart/sears and they work fine.

[NeFaRiOuS_SLE]

the thingie by the front windshield, we all got it (all solara's have it).

the light, like others indicated...

I don't. The most I have is a covered wire running straight up and down... But then again that's for my electrochromic mirror, but definitely NOT an antenna.

[krook]

From reading past threads, I thought that only some solara's came with keyless.

In regards to this being an aftermarket system, how would I identify what brand it is? Will the name be printed on something, what generally should I be looking for?

Do each brand of security system have their own programming instructions? If I were to buy a new set of FOBs, would I be able to program them myself assuming I found instructions on how to do it?

Thanks for you help on this, I really have no clue as I haven't dealt with these before

from an installer's point of view....whoever did that job made your poor car look liks sh*t.

check your remotes for a brand name. You can't just mix and match any old remotes. put it this way: does your Sony remote work for a Samsung TV?

if there's no brand name on your remote (which there probably isn't) then you're better off just replacing the whole system rather than fixing it. eventually all "no-name" brand alarms crap out, or the remote goes bad leaving you to search for whoever still carries your particular brand remote.

[aleki2424]

ok, the first ting is to open up the fob on the key chain if u have any. i know most cars bought used have this issue, but if u dom, the key is finding the FCC. id on the inside 'panel' of the remote.]
the other option is to open the kick panel, below the steering module, and locate the head unit. it has to be somewhere close to there as it has to be wired to the car's central computer . u can also follow the wire from the arm/set light on the dash panel to the main alarm unit.
after location, u can use the manufacturer's no# on the top + the fcc id to obtain specific info from the manufacturer, including manuals etc etc.
good luck !
ps: even if u dont have the fob/remote, there might be one in the main alarm unit. so google it!