No alarm on 2011 RX350
#1
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No alarm on 2011 RX350
I've had my RX for 6 weeks. After locking the vehicle (and seeing that the light for the alarm is flashing on the dash), the alarm does not go off when it should. In other words, I had a friend jostle the car, push on the hood, try to open with the door handles and the rear lift gate ... nothing. No alarm goes off. (And I was in the house, far away.) What good is it if the alarm doesn't sound if someone is trying to break in?! Any suggestions? Do I need to program something? Thanks!
#2
Racer
Welcome to the forum and on your new-to-you RX.
IMHO, the theft deterrent system is more sophisticated than what you likely expect. It's not like the basic systems in my 1970 or 80's Fords and Hondas. I 've never had one of my Lexus security systems go off on now 5 different vehicles with just jostling a locked vehicle with my hands -- and yes, I've tried it upon delivery after bringing my ride back to my home and giving it the once-over. I believe it will though go off if you break glass (try that at your own expense ), or if you for example, try to raise the locked and parked vehicle such as it is being towed away or jacked up to some varying degree. There are other combinations I suspect, but those are a couple I've read about from others... For obvious reasons, Lexus does not publish the exact things it has it's security systems watching for -- nor did my former BMW or present MBZ.
Enjoy your RX.
IMHO, the theft deterrent system is more sophisticated than what you likely expect. It's not like the basic systems in my 1970 or 80's Fords and Hondas. I 've never had one of my Lexus security systems go off on now 5 different vehicles with just jostling a locked vehicle with my hands -- and yes, I've tried it upon delivery after bringing my ride back to my home and giving it the once-over. I believe it will though go off if you break glass (try that at your own expense ), or if you for example, try to raise the locked and parked vehicle such as it is being towed away or jacked up to some varying degree. There are other combinations I suspect, but those are a couple I've read about from others... For obvious reasons, Lexus does not publish the exact things it has it's security systems watching for -- nor did my former BMW or present MBZ.
Enjoy your RX.
#3
Instructor
Alrighty - No thief would ever do any of the things your friend did to simulate a break-in, in my opinion. What I do read about in the papers is smash and grab thru a broken window. Back in the 70's & 80's we heard many false alarms. Nowadays, not so much, ala Bert's post.
Ray A.
Ray A.
#4
No, I don't play soccer!
Welcome AlrightyJ. The Lexus alarm is not as sensitive of alarms of old. It basically goes off if a door or the hood is forcibly opened. Also when a door is unlocked through an open window IIRC. Hitting or breaking a window will only work if you have the Glass Breakage Sensor. Please don't try it at home! I'm fine with the way it operates because there's nothing worse than false alarms.
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Thanks everyone for your comments to this rookie Lexus owner. While I understand nobody wants an alarm that goes off all the time seems there should be some happy medium. I live in an apartment complex where very nice cars get broken into somehow without breaking the glass and I just want to know that if that if such an attempt is made on my car I'll hear an alarm and can react quickly and accordingly. I was hoping there was some kind of way to adjust the sensitivity of the alarm myself but doesn't seem to be the case. Thanks again for your welcoming and informational replies.
Last edited by AlrightyJ; 05-02-15 at 07:14 AM. Reason: Misspelling
#6
Racer
One thing to consider is, looking into the optional subscription service called Lexus Enform Safety Connect -- it is something you can decide to enable or not, and along with other capabilities most people likely go after it for, it has the ability that once a car is stolen (let's hope not), and the owner has a police report, Lexus can work with the Police to locate your vehicle using it's built-in GPS and cellular capability built into the vehicle. That specific capability is similar to other 3rd party add-on solutions you may also be familiar with -- and those could be other aftermarket options for you to pursue if their capabilities offer additional piece of mind for your situation.
Good luck, and enjoy your RX!
#7
Instructor
Thanks everyone for your comments to this rookie Lexus owner. While I understand nobody wants an alarm that goes off all the time seems there should be some happy medium. I live in an apartment complex where very nice cars get broken into somehow without breaking the glass and I just want to know that if that if such an attempt is made on my car I'll hear an alarm and can react quickly and accordingly. I was hoping there was some kind of way to adjust the sensitivity of the alarm myself but doesn't seem to be the case. Thanks again for your welcoming and informational replies.
Ray A.
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#8
Driver School Candidate
AlrightyJ, I think the type of alarm you're referring to requires proximity and impact sensors. Proximity sensors detect the surroundings inside/outside of the vehicle. Impact sensors detect things hitting your vehicle. Both sensors would have been triggered by your friend's actions you noted your post.
I don't believe the factory Lexus car alarm has either one. I'm guessing if any openings (doors, rear hatch, hood?) are pried open then the alarm will sound.
I don't believe the factory Lexus car alarm has either one. I'm guessing if any openings (doors, rear hatch, hood?) are pried open then the alarm will sound.
#9
Lexus Champion
Traditionally, OEM car alarms do not have shock sensors. There is an optional glass break sensor, which "listens" for specific noises that occur when a glass breaks. Don't try this at home.
If you want a more advanced system, then aftermarket is the way to go. You can get a 2-way remote or even a subscription-based smart phone notifications.
Aftermarket systems have certain advantages over OEM, such as thieves not knowing exactly how to bypass the system. OEMs have a few well-known weak spots that a thief will be able to exploit. Security through obscurity is the word.
If you want a more advanced system, then aftermarket is the way to go. You can get a 2-way remote or even a subscription-based smart phone notifications.
Aftermarket systems have certain advantages over OEM, such as thieves not knowing exactly how to bypass the system. OEMs have a few well-known weak spots that a thief will be able to exploit. Security through obscurity is the word.
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