Issues with Gemini alarm/immobilizer compared to Meta?
Discussion
I've apparently got a Gemini alarm/immobilizer on my 94 Griff 500. Do they have the same issues as the later Meta systems used on later Griffs?
( improper installs by TVR which lead to starting issues and other problems?) The Gemini remotes both have broken "ears" to attach to to key chains, so the remote is loose in my pocket all the time. And the car is sometimes acting strangely when starting or using the immobilizer, so was thinking of replacing it before it really causes me more problems.
It's almost 25 years old so I'm thinking to replace it before it lets me down when I least expect it. Not sure what to replace it with?
A new Meta system with the boot release, etc?
Was the Gemini any better/worse than the Meta systems that were installed in later cars?
I don't even think I can even get Gemini remote replacement cases any longer to replace my broken eared cases? ( the rectangular ones with a red & black button on each )
These entire replacement systems are not inexpensive $700, and I only want to do it once if I must....
Advice?
Brands to avoid?
Best one to buy and have installed in my 1994 Griff ( way beyond my abilities to DIY...)?
Doug
( improper installs by TVR which lead to starting issues and other problems?) The Gemini remotes both have broken "ears" to attach to to key chains, so the remote is loose in my pocket all the time. And the car is sometimes acting strangely when starting or using the immobilizer, so was thinking of replacing it before it really causes me more problems.
It's almost 25 years old so I'm thinking to replace it before it lets me down when I least expect it. Not sure what to replace it with?
A new Meta system with the boot release, etc?
Was the Gemini any better/worse than the Meta systems that were installed in later cars?
I don't even think I can even get Gemini remote replacement cases any longer to replace my broken eared cases? ( the rectangular ones with a red & black button on each )
These entire replacement systems are not inexpensive $700, and I only want to do it once if I must....
Advice?
Brands to avoid?
Best one to buy and have installed in my 1994 Griff ( way beyond my abilities to DIY...)?
Doug
I, in common with many others on here, recommend Carl Baker http://www.tvruk.tv/. He replaced my alarm a couple of years ago, and installed a separate boot release and corrected the 'hot start' wiring issue, and it's been faultless since.
I'd also recommend Dave at HF Solutions. He's very knowledgable and gives sound advice.
http://www.hf-solutions.co.uk
http://www.hf-solutions.co.uk
The recently purchased 500 is in UK with my son. He's busy / limited time so I am researching issues he brings to my attention....and will be spending time with him in October to address issues and share knowledge gained from this forum. As you'd expect, the 500 purchased seems to have similar issues to various threads presented in this forum. There's a tremendous amount of Griffith knowledge & advice on this forum that can't be found anywhere else beyond PH, and so many useful modifications and tips of all sorts to make ownership much more rewarding and time/cost effective. We have learned a tremendous amount by digging into innumerable Griffith forum listings....can't imagine how difficult owning a 500 would be without that insight!
Getting ahead of problems - from other owners and their solutions on this forum - I'm convinced is key to owning & enjoying a Griffith, so being a new owner, we're sure to be asking many questions! Thank you all for your advice as we get more familiar with maintaining a Griff!
Doug
Getting ahead of problems - from other owners and their solutions on this forum - I'm convinced is key to owning & enjoying a Griffith, so being a new owner, we're sure to be asking many questions! Thank you all for your advice as we get more familiar with maintaining a Griff!
Doug
Hi Doug.
Alarm replaced at. Powers Performance Coventry. Toad alarm. £450 plus vat. Mine is the same year as yours and the wiring diagram differed to what was on the car so made the job a bit harder. I am happy with the work and it's insurance approved. My old fob will be in the post to you tomorrow.
Cheers Stew.
Alarm replaced at. Powers Performance Coventry. Toad alarm. £450 plus vat. Mine is the same year as yours and the wiring diagram differed to what was on the car so made the job a bit harder. I am happy with the work and it's insurance approved. My old fob will be in the post to you tomorrow.
Cheers Stew.
I would also recommend talking to HF solutions.
I've chatted to the guy there at the Burghley meet the last 2 years and he really does know his alarms. He will probably recognise what you have and could advise what to replace it with.
You'll need to find the brains though and get the model number off it, the fobs won't really be enough to go on.
I had a mixture of Selca alarm and fobs with a Gemini proximity sensor.
Whilst not entirely related this thread has information on my swap of the Selca for a Meta unit
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=12...
I've chatted to the guy there at the Burghley meet the last 2 years and he really does know his alarms. He will probably recognise what you have and could advise what to replace it with.
You'll need to find the brains though and get the model number off it, the fobs won't really be enough to go on.
I had a mixture of Selca alarm and fobs with a Gemini proximity sensor.
Whilst not entirely related this thread has information on my swap of the Selca for a Meta unit
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=12...
seaside said:
I recently had an AutoWatch 457 installed
Just bin the original system and get a nice modern one of your choosing. When you think about TVRs dispassionately, there is nothing complicated about their electrics at all. I don't mean to disparage the work of Carl Baker or HF Solutions, but any competent auto-electrician will fit you a new alarm system with a boot release in a few hours. Think about all the Japanese stuff they have to deal with on a daily basis.Like seaside, I recently had an Autowatch system fitted (mine was by a non-TVR specialist) and it's working well without any gremlins.
Hope you get it sorted.
Simon
GlynMo said:
I, in common with many others on here, recommend Carl Baker http://www.tvruk.tv/. He replaced my alarm a couple of years ago, and installed a separate boot release and corrected the 'hot start' wiring issue, and it's been faultless since.
Ditto that. Mine's a 94 500 and it's been the best investment I have made on the car. Meta with Carl Baker all the way. 
cavebloke said:
seaside said:
I recently had an AutoWatch 457 installed
Just bin the original system and get a nice modern one of your choosing. When you think about TVRs dispassionately, there is nothing complicated about their electrics at all. I don't mean to disparage the work of Carl Baker or HF Solutions, but any competent auto-electrician will fit you a new alarm system with a boot release in a few hours. Think about all the Japanese stuff they have to deal with on a daily basis.Like seaside, I recently had an Autowatch system fitted (mine was by a non-TVR specialist) and it's working well without any gremlins.
Hope you get it sorted.
Simon
Autowatch are a good system, I have had my CAT 1 Cobra system on mine for over 10 years zero problems as expected never so much as at to grab the spare plip/fob 
I have Cobra systems on various cars over the years which why it was my choice of install Gassing Station | Griffith | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff