Standard alarm system

[PLA]

I notice the alarm in my 98 Chim was setting ok but when I tried it out you virtually had to sit in the car before it responded. Also the alarm was only setting off the warning lights not the horn. I think the standard system is crap. Any ideas on how to upgrade it to a system that works?

[VYT]

I guess the system isn't working as well as it ought? I had a 95 chimaera for 3 years and the alarm seemed pretty good. If you put your hand on the rear screen then the alarm would sound. If the roof was off the alarm would sound if you put your arm inside of the car. Both the indicators and the horn operated. My mates Jag used to set it off if parked next to it.

[RCA]

Mine works great as well!!! , not much help to you however!!!!
Have you tried adjusting the sensitivity (spelling??) of the alarm??, bit awkward, dash off job.
If so I am looking into clifford alarms at the moment, want remote engine start!!!!!!!
Will let you know how I get on, heard that they can be a bit problematic on TVR's due to bad earth's!!!

[MajorClanger]

quote:I notice the alarm in my 98 Chim was setting ok but when I tried it out you virtually had to sit in the car before it responded. Also the alarm was only setting off the warning lights not the horn. I think the standard system is crap. Any ideas on how to upgrade it to a system that works?

Just had my Meta Alarm fixed. Seems like it's quite common for the alarm siren unit to fail (being soaked by any water, shaken to pieces and the odd stone hitting it at speed doesn't exactly do it any good).

The adjuster for the microwave unit sits under the little sunglass tray at the rear of the transmission tunnel cover. Their should be a little loop of leather that you could hook up with a coat hanger then turn the adjuster. It doesn't show which way to turn it to make the system more sensitive (you can adjust it so that it protects the outside of the car but it'll probably annoy the neighbours once you get the siren fixed!).

I called Meta and asked for one of their local dealers. The siren unit cost about £78 and about another £28 to swap it over and check out the system.

As for upgrade, you have the choice of fixing what you have, maybe fit some shielding around the siren to protect it from the worst of the elements, or install a different system altogether.

MC

[nashy]

I've just had (still having) major problems with my Meta alarm. It's refusing to repsond to either the key fob, or the push key thingy - although that will deactivate the immobiliser. I've had the fobs tested and they work ok. Anyone had similar problems with the meta alarms and know how to fix it? I'm thinking the alarm control unit has maybe packed up? What's the number for Meta anyone?

[shpub]

Look in yellow pages for your nearest Meta alarm dealer.

There are two units an alarm and an immobiliser. Basically if they are at fault, they need to be removed and sent back to Meta for repair and resynchronisation. There is very little that can be done otherwise.

Been there, done that twice now!

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk

[nashy]

Looked in yellow pages and there doesn't seem to be a dealer in my area. Spoke to a local Sextons and they told me Meta went bust a couple of years ago and they can't get parts anymore. Is this true? If anyones got a number for meta...? Maybe I can send it for repair direct to them?

[MajorClanger]

Meta underwent a management buyout but they are still very much around:

www.metasystem.it/index_gb.htm

Their telephone number is:

0522 364 111

MC

I sent them an e-mail and they sent me details of a local Meta alarm dealer. The dealer in turn rang Meta for technical advice and ordered the replacement siren unit (98 Chimaera). Fitted, tested it, tested the rest of the installation and it works fine now.

>> Edited by MajorClanger on Wednesday 3rd July 10:15

[shpub]

Well just gone through this again and the answer seems to be yes, they are not repairing the alarm units. The original has been superceeded and is not backward compatible either so it looks like a new unit.

Steve
(about to vent my spleen at Meta)

[nashy]

I don't like the sound of that! I've had a quote for cat1 Toad system for £450 (which sounds expensive) but I dont' really fancy have the car ripped to pieces. Do TVR have stocks (Ha! yeah right!), or are there any breakers out there who might have one?

Anyone written off a Chimera recently?!

[david010167]

I had my alarm replaced 2months back for a Griff500 at Mole. It cost about £450 and they had a bugger of a job fitting it, at least thats what they said. and I

At least it works now and I feel a bit safer leaving the car in car parks.

David M5 TVR

[PLA]

Just called in at my local dealer. He suggests I check the wiring block just by the siren. Apparently these can corrode very easily because they are exposed to the elements. We will see!! Otherwise it could be a complete new system. The sensitivity of the existing system can be adjusted but he advised to be careful as if you over do it the movement of the plastic rear screen in windy conditions can set the thing off.

[Bob C]

I had a similar problem about six months ago. The lights flashed but no noise, also the interior sensor took a lot of activating. If your car is a '98 (same as mine) the control unit is under the dash on the LHS, you only need to undo the two bolts on that side and hinge up the dash to access the unit.

I email Meta (try [e-mail])and they gave me a list of dealers in my area. The dealer tried a replacement siren but that didn't work so I had a new alarm piggybacked onto the existing immobiliser, cost £210.

By the way your insurance may be invalid if the alarms not working and you know it's not working!

[shpub]

Just got a refund from Meta for the repair they didn't do but it does mean a new system for the car I'm afraid. You can either add a Cat 1 alarm to the existing Meta immobiliser or replace the whole lot. I'm going to have the whole lot done and added a fob activated boot release as well.

Really very little choice. Interestingly enough Lotus have dropped the Meta system in favour of a Cobra one which is the unit I'll have fitted. £400 all in.

Steve

[nashy]

Yes, I know it's a bit worrying if it's not insured, but I've done all I can do and it's booked in next week for new one.

If anyone needs a new meta siren I'll have one that's no good to me anymore?

[dlewis]

My META alarm died and decided to replace fobs, siren etc.

RS Audio& Alarms in Birmingham 0121 603 1938 were excellent for supply only. Ask for Lee.

Very good knowledge on how it all works.

I replaced the units myself.

BTW, I found that the current META 99T2 is not compatible with the factory fitted on a 98.

>> Edited by dlewis on Tuesday 2nd July 11:59

[Graham B]

Are general alarm specialist places ok with fitting to TVR's?

I think mine needs replacing (I can't deactivate it) and am tempted to ditch meta in favour of a complete new system. Is it best to go back to a TVR dealer to get it done (and presumably pay inflated prices).

Graham

[shpub]

To be fair, most dealers subcontract out to an car alarm car anyway.

I am using Premier in Milton Keynes who I know have worked with many TVRs in the past and know the cars and their foibles pretty well. Like most things, using someone that you know knows what they are doing is half the battle.

Get some quotes and barter if necessary.

Steve

Steve

[wolosp]

I had the same prob with the siren not working on my 96 Chimaera - tried emailing meta directly - no reply, then contacting a local meta dealer, left voicemail message - again no reply. Finally had a replacement siren fitted by my local TVR dealer for £117 (£75-ish plus VAT for the part).

[PLA]

Checked the wiring out on the siren (what a lot of wires with loose connectors just behind the offside indicators! not a very tidy job TVR!!). Seems to be ok. So I think its a new unit. Also removed the two screws under the "sun glass tray" but I could not find the sensor. Could this be sited somewhere else?