2000 Camaro factory security system??

[jmbrooks]

Hello,

I have a 2000 Camaro RS and I was looking for info on the factory security system. What does it consist of? How does it work? How can I test it for functionality? How good is it? What can I do to add extra security? I can't spend a lot on some after-market alarm or lojack.

I recently had my other family car stolen (a mini van no less). I don't want to have to go through the hassle and expense of replacing it. I paid $16K for the van 2 years ago and the insurance co only gave me $10K :mad:.

Any advise would be appreciated.

JM

[TheGr8Schlotzky]

Re: 2000 Camaro factory security system??

When correctly functioning, the factory system is really quite good IMO.

I don't believe there were any changes from 96, so the system consists of a shock sensor located in the rear passenger quarter panel, mounted to the wheel well. This shock sensor is capable of registering two types of blows (low and high [low=two honks, high=3 minute alarm]) and is adjustable by a potentiometer on the shock sensor itself. It's not a bad idea to wrap the shock sensor in saran wrap as it's not totally uncommon for the hatch to leak under sever weather onto it which can make the alarm go off randomly. (don't worry about the leak, it will just drain out the bottom of the quarter panel as designed) To test the sensitivity and function, arm the car with the remote and knock on the rear passenger quarter panel. Adjust according to how sensitive you want it.

The alarm will trigger if either of the doors or the hatch is opened when armed. I believe it runs off the interior light circuit. The alarm is quite customizable from the factory.. If you take out the radio fuse, get in the car and turn the ignition on and off, on and off, then on again, you'll enter programming mode, which will allow you to change a lot of settings on the alarm among other things. This is covered in the owner's manual and includes silent arming, passive arming, single or double honk arming, light flash, or nothing.

The car is also equipped with the VATS II system which stands for Vehicle Anti-Theft System which consists of a chip in your ignition key. If the incorrect chip is inserted into the ignition and someone tries to start the car, the vehicle will light up the "SECURITY" light, and the starter will be completely disabled for 3 minutes. If the incorrect key is inserted again, the cycle repeats. (If you ever have your security light come on under normal conditions, cleaning the chip on your key with the eraser of a pencil will usually solve the problem)

There isn't a whole lot you can do as far as increasing security considering it has all the options and more of just about any after market system under 600 bucks excluding remote start. As long as you keep your remote batteries up, you'll be fine.

Side note: if you can't find your remote and need to unlock the car with the door key, the car will give you 30 seconds to insert the correct key and turn the ignition on before sounding the alarm. Just something to keep in mind if you ever need to use the door key.