2007 toyota highlander factory alarm

I bought a 2007 Toyota Highlander 4 CYL (VIN JTEDD21A370164261) from Car Max last week.    I checked it out very thoroughly, but failed to check the alarm system (factory theft deterrent) until I got home. The horn doesn't sound nor the lights blink when the anti-theft system is tested per the owner's manual. The panic alarm, the door light switches, and the remote entry system as well as the auto relock work, but the anti theft light just continues to blink and won't arm. There is no optional Toyota VIP system installed. This was rental, and I suspect that the alarm was turned off deliberately. The local dealer says a turned off alarm is not covered under the warranty and wants $100 or so to hook up the computer to turn it back on.

Two questions: Is there a fuse pull (ECU-B, Security)/ignition switch secret sequence that can reset the theft deterrent ECU to the ON state? Can a standard OBD II decoder be used to turn on the alarm or is the Toyota OBD Diagnostic computer required?   I would buy a medium priced ODB II unit rather than pay the dealer for a one-time shot. I have the 2007 Highlander electrical manual and all service manuals for the 2002 Highlander.

It's possible the vehicle didn't even come with a factory alarm. Not all highlanders have the factory system, but all came with the  l.e.d. light on the dash. Call your local toyota dealership with your vin ....they could tell you if that option came with your vehicle.

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

I know some didn't have factory theft, but i think the ones without had no immobilizer either(which means a skinny key).  I agree you should have you local dealer run the vin for options....

-------------
Mike M2
Tech Manager
CS Dealer Services

Mike and Mlvolt:

Thanks for the replies.

I have the immoblizer and the remote entry functions. My wife had the car into the dealer yesterday and asked about turning on the "alarm". I think they spent an hour looking for the "add-on VIP alarm" and of course could not find anything. They also left some loose screws while searching the door locks? They did not have any information from the VIN.   She did not ask about the basic anti-theft system (flashing lights and horn) and its ECU, so I am going to research some more and see what I can find. The factory manual appears to integrate the anti-theft ECU functions and the immobilizer functions with only a slight difference between 4 cyl and 6 cyl models.

Thanks again for the input.

From the work I've done for Toyota dealers, they made them three ways:

--No immobilizer, no alarm.

--Immobilizer only.

--Immobilizer and alarm.

Sounds like you have the in-between model. I think it's only the one that has leather, auto climate controls, and all that kind of stuff that gets the alarm.

HOW TO TEST:

Close the hood, hatch, and all four doors.

Lock the doors with the factory remote.

If the SECURITY light comes on solid, the alarm is arming. After 30 seconds, the light will begin to flash again; alarm is now armed.

If the light never comes on solid, you have no alarm.

There are plenty of aftermarket alarms on the market, that can be added to the factory keyless entry system.

Chris:

Thanks. The symptoms you describe as the middle fit my vehicle. I wqs hoping for better luck. I would like to just add something to flash the lights and horn. Guess I 'll look at aftermarket devices.

John