I want to know whether the security updrade includes a siren or if it still has that annoying cheap horn sound to arm/disarm system. I've been getting told two different answers.

Any owners that can verify this?

In the past, the upgraded alarm systems have come with sirens, so I don't see why they'd stop.

[This message has been edited by RidinLow (edited March 27, 2001).]

and is someone gonna find out what the hell that "horn" is hanging off the pass side strut tower?

I ordered the security system on mine, and I don't have a siren, only the horn. The horn seems really loud, by the way. When I picked up the car, the dealer stayed inside the dealership while I tested the alarm out. Hehe.

When i was checking out the WRX's at my local dealer, I accidentally set off the alarm.. it's just the horn.. HONK HONK HONK.. really annoying.. but actually more effective than a siren.. more people would turn their heads for a honking car than for the alarm sirensthat have become so ingrained in our senses that we tune them out.

As far as I know, the upgraded security system doesn't come with a siren. It does have a "chirper" that sits above the passenger side strut tower, which I think is used more for the "programming" aspect of the system, than anything else. Alarm goes off, lights flash and horn goes off, I think it can be modified to do just one.

Best thing to do if you had questions is to go to the local dealer and speak to the parts manager (if they have one) he should be able to give a good idea of what all the features are, and if he doesn't seem to have a clue, ask to speak to one of the guys that have installed one.

Philip

Yes it does have the (loud) horn honking when arming/disarming. The chirp can be turned off so only the lights blink if you hold the lock and unlock buttons down for over 2 seconds.

The horn is loud, that's for sure, so it gets the point across. The horn "confiration chirp" is really loud too so I disabled it.

The one thing I like about the factory security system is it's shock sensing - not too sensitive that it goes off when a truck passes by but definitely sensitive enough. If the shock is minor, such as kicking the tire, it comes back with an assertive "warning alarm." It doesn't go all out unless something really bad happens.

two sylabals lo-Jack ! That's what i'm getting

Thanks for the confirmation guys. Just another way of Subaru trying to cheap it out on us again. http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/frown.gif

Needless to say, I'll be getting a "real" alarm with an actual siren. The horn just makes it sound so cheap.

"Viper 550 here I come."

You're getting one alarm over another because it sounds cheap? http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smilies/rolleyes.gif I don't know about you, but if my alarm is going off, I won't give a flying f*ck about how it sounds at the time.

I though the alarm uses the additional horn that mounts on the strut tower, ie when it is tripped that is what beeps.

I am just about to install Hella Supertones for my main horn. If the alarm uses that you will be able to hear it 3 blocks away!

Anyone know how hard it is to install the factory alarm yourself?

thanks

It took me about 45-50 minutes to install it using the instructions that came with the alarm kit. It was really easy! I am not a mechanic, I just read over the instructions carefully a few times.

The only "trick" I noticed was when you pull the piece of trim off around the parking brake you have to watch for the small metal clips that hold the piece in..don't lose them. You will have to reattach them to the plastic tabs before you put it in.

Any of the pre-wired stuff is all held in place with white electrical tape, that makes it easier to find. The horn under the hood takes about 60 seconds if you take your time!

The alarm worked first time for me and I managed to not cause any damage to my car's interior. Believe it or not the speaker upgrade was more difficult from a "let's not damage my car" standpoint.

I'm getting an aftermarket alarm because the stock horn sounds cheap but also for a host of other features. Check out the Viper550 and you'll know what I mean.

The only reason I was even considering the stock security upgrade was the simplicity of the install, but the absent siren just gave me more reason to go with an aftermarket unit.

I'm glad it has a shock sensor b/c alarms without it are useless against vandalism and people climbing in through windows/sunroofs/etc. How much does that option cost?

The honk is better than the siren. Gets more attention, which is what you want!

Ive freaked out a couple people with it too with just the keyless entry system... which is actually what you are hearing, not the alarm.