well there's a few reasons why i put this alarm in.
a. when i sold my mazda i took the alarm out. it cost a lot of money.
b. i wanted the remote start option, NY can get really cold in the winter sometimes.
c. my neighborhood has had a lot of theft so it's nice to have a stronger alarm.
d. my car didn't come with any remotes so i had to get them anyways, so i just used the ones from my old car with the aftermarket alarm.
I'm gonna ask him nicely to replace the relay, i read online last night sometimes a buzzing relaying could mean it's going bad or maybe bad wiring/ground. if that doesnt work i'm going to contact my dealer and ask them if they would know.
Dont take this the wrong way, but I'm going to guess you are under the age of 25. I remember those days, and certain thought processes that come with youth.
I had a Prestige (Audiovox) alarm previously. I guess finances are relative, but never found them that expensive in the grand scheme of things. Regardless, expense isn't really a factor here. An alarm is only as good as it's installer, and in this case, sounds like the installer's knowledge/skill is questionable.
With regards to remote start, most auto manufacturers recommend you do NOT sit and let a cold car "warm" up. It wastes fuel, causes a lot more pollution, and is not necessarily good for the engine. The best way to warm an engine on a cold day is to get in, and simply drive off, without fast acceleration. An engine under load warms much faster and more efficiently than an idling engine. Even on the coldest days, it takes my LS no more than 10 minutes MAX to have a warm cabin. Most real men can tolerate 10 mins of a warming car. Im sure you can do it.
In addition, many counties (at least in Maryland) have passed laws making idling cars illegal. Cops actually cruise in the morning in my area, check for the telltale sign of exhaust vapor, check to see if anyones inside, and if not? $75 ticket. And no, they could care less about remote start security. They are simply enforcing a law created to try to limit the growing auto theft issue.
And lastly..what happens if your oil pressure light or other warning light comes on while your engine is running, and you are relaxing in your easy chair, waiting for your car to get nice and toasty..so you wont have to be cold for all of 9 minutes?
I doubt your Prestige is really providing any additional protection above and beyond the security features in the factory system. I think most law enforcement would agree, that if you keep your car locked, engine off unless you are in the car, and also utilize some sort of serious visual deterrent ala The Club, and keep any/all valuables out of view? Chances of a thief messing your LS are minimal. Too easy for the thief to move on to an easier target.
But good luck with all them wires and relays and buzzing and installers who seem to be quite questionable.
