Best Alarm/Remote Start Setup

S

SCY7H3

Member
Car
2012 FX35S AWD
Hey Guys,

I'm thinking of putting in an alarm, remote start, or alarm/remote start combo into my FX35 and I'm looking for opinions and setups that you have done which work great. I've done some digging around though many of the posts/threads are outdated and I'm sure there's been a lot of new tech that came out in the recent months.

I have used CompuStar in the past and it was great alongside with Fortin's bypass.
 
Many members here are using Viper Alarms and remote starters. Viper systems are pretty high tech.
 
I do love mine and it works great with our car but the install is not the easiest so find a good installer.
 
Right, I remember he complaint about the alarm back when he got it installed. So yours only remote start, Jonas?
 
Yea no alarm for sure. I wouldn't get the led remote either just the basic one and then smart start. The led would be nice if you didn't want to pay for smart start and wanted a little better range but no point in having both.

Smart start is also a service though so you pay ADDITIONAL for their service I got three years but not sure what it cost. I wasn't aware of it until after all was installed though
 
la_fx35 said:
Right, I remember he complaint about the alarm back when he got it installed. So yours only remote start, Jonas?
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I don't have that annoying large honk noise installed. I have the factory alarm and viper works with that including showing when it's armed with the blue lights blinking.
 
Viper and clifford are two of the largest brands around here. They are also owned by the same company - they basically have multiple sets of the same alarms but each brand has different "Style" remotes.

I just got my FX and the first thing (After sport tails) i started searching for was an alarm with remote start. Not so much for "Security", but to be able to remote start it with the AC in in the summer (Miami, Florida...) and for the auto arm. I've been so paranoid that i might have left the FX open every day since i got it. I think the ones with "Screens" on the remote look tacky so for me it was really between the Clifford 5204x and the Viper 5806v (New model).

I was really leaning towards the Viper 5806v but the going rate locally was $450-500 installed (Best buy has it for $400 installed but that doesn't include a special "Key" module gizmo that you need for the FX which i believe goes for about $100). That seemed steep to me considering that there wasn't anything too "Fancy" about the remote. Even though they are the same alarm, i liked the styling in the Viper version a little better, especially since the 5th (Function) button is on the side of the new remote instead of on the face. The most recommended (by the viper rep) installer had the Clifford 5204x on sale for $350 installed with the key module though, so ultimately the $100 is all that swayed me towards the clifford version. That and the silver color on the clifford remote grew on me - it kinda matches the Infinity key and the cars silver color. I litteraly stood in the shop for a good 45 minutes just looking at the two remotes - trying to decide if the viper remote for the same damn alarm was worth an extra $100... It was tough LOL.

ALSO keep in mind that most of these newer alarms have a wide range of sensitivity adjustment and the option to be set to arm silently. So if you hate those alarms that chirp at 1000dB whenever you arm them as I DO, these alarms can be set so they aren't audible unless if the alarm is triggered.
 
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I have the Viper 5104 alarm with the Smart Start module and digital tilt sensor and I am very happy with it. I don't have a factory alarm so going that route wasn't even an option for me. I love it and I haven't had any complaints in the 3/4 years I've had it now. I also have it wired to my horn, unfortunately, you also need a loud alarm where I live lol. Don't bother getting a Viper system with fancy remotes, the major difference between the Viper systems is the remotes (range/lights/screen). Have them hook it up so you can use your factory key fob so you don't have to carry two remotes. Especially if you get the Smart Start module because then range will never be an issue, you can start your car from anywhere with your cell phone and only carry around the factory key fob.

A good shop will actually probably talk you out of getting the more expensive system with fancy remotes because your literally just paying extra for the remotes.
 
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My led remote was out of battery and I started my FX via smart start but then I couldn't unlock it with the Infiniti key for some reason?? Anyone know of why that may be?
 
blueduck1105 said:
My led remote was out of battery and I started my FX via smart start but then I couldn't unlock it with the Infiniti key for some reason?? Anyone know of why that may be?
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Could you ever unlock/disarm with the OEM fob? It's likely this is an alarm programming issue. When the interface module is programmed with the Nissan/Infiniti firmware there are settings that need to be applied to allow for say use of the OEM modules.


As to alarm recommendations as others have stated Viper or Clifford would be good choices (both are manufactured by Directed Electronics). I chose the Viper 5706 which comes with the LCD remote instead of the 5906 which has the OLED screen remote. Since I have the Smart Start module as well I'll use my phone if I need/want to see details on the status of the car or for easier granular control.

Here's some things to know when you choose.

The Viper alarms have many options. If money is not a primary concern and you want the most feature rich configuration at the most cost effective price then I'd chose the following:

5706v (second to top alarm but with black and white instead color LCD remote so saves you 100 bucks).
Option: Smart Start module (if you want cell phone integration and app based control. With service you can control/monitor your car from anywhere.
DBALL2 interface: This interface module allows the alarm to talk directly to the cars computer via the OBDII port. You will require this to use your alarm effectively in the FX.
T-Harness: This is optional but if you spring for this harness it will allow installation of the alarm into the vehicles systems with virtually no wire splicing/cutting at all. It has plugs that plug into the existing factory harnesses.
Option: Bluetooth module. This will allow you to use your phone to control the alarm but ONLY from within bluetooth range. I don't find this worthwhile since once you are actually at your car the only thing you'll really want to do is unlock and enter. Since the bluetooth range is 30ish feet it's useless from far away.

Also note that there are tricks you can do with the alarms and appropriate programming. Such as using the AUX lines (there are 4 on the 5706 for example) to signal other things (like send power to a relay to turn a computer on before entering the car).

I bought all of the options above except for the Bluetooth interface.
 
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neva4self said:
I have the Viper 5104 alarm with the Smart Start module. Have them hook it up so you can use your factory key fob so you don't have to carry two remotes. Especially if you get the Smart Start module because then range will never be an issue, you can start your car from anywhere with your cell phone and only carry around the factory key fob.

A good shop will actually probably talk you out of getting the more expensive system with fancy remotes because your literally just paying extra for the remotes.
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I talked to a guy at BB today and he said he can't program the factory fob. True or BS? Or I assume it doesn't matter when using the app, correct? Thanks!
 
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