Alarm/immobiliser

[Ruthouse]

Hi there,

How do you know what kind of security system your car has on it? Do they come with general factory fitted immobilisers at all?

Sorry if this has been asked before...

Thanks

Ruth

[M.O.S]

What year and model do you have?

[cheswick]

If you're talking new then yes it has an immobiliser. Pretty much all modern cars have them factory installed nowadays. At least for the Canadian market.

An actual alarm system is optional so you'd have to check with weho is sellign the car. I believe a red light blinks over the tachometer if an alarm is installed

[mab01uk]

From your spare wheel post it says 2002 Cooper..............all early MINIs have an engine immobiliser but you only have the alarm if the end of your RH column stalk has a red flashing light on the end instead of a silver cap. Later Minis also have amber light for washer fluid level.

[Ruthouse]

Thanks, I don't think i have the flashing red light, so probably just the immobiliser.. Is this sufficient, or do most people get alarms too?

[cheswick]

Quote: Originally Posted by Ruthouse (original)

Thanks, I don't think i have the flashing red light, so probably just the immobiliser.. Is this sufficient, or do most people get alarms too?

When I was waiting on my cooper I asked my sales rep if I shoudl get an alarm. He basically said he would recommend agaisnt it for various reasons.

Fromt his board I've heard it works to varying degrees. Baisically the imbmobiliser will stop someone from stealign the car without the key so the alarm is there to alert if someone tries breaking into your car. How helpful is that is debateable. Most professionals wouldnt take more than a minute regardless.

[mab01uk]

Quote: Originally Posted by Ruthouse (original)

Thanks, I don't think i have the flashing red light, so probably just the immobiliser.. Is this sufficient, or do most people get alarms too?

This is the official alarm retrofit pdf instructions but I don't think 2002 Minis were pre-wired (see second Link below):.
http://www.motoringfile.com/howto/Alarm.PDF

MINI Alarm Install