97 Corolla - How to tell if factory Keyless

97 Corolla - How to tell if factory Keyless

I was wondering if anyone knew how I could tell if my car had factory keyless entry. It's a DX, 1.8, all power so it's a well optioned car. There is a factory alarm module under the front drivers seat. I've thought about having the Toyota dealer run my VIN, but if there is a module I can look for somewhere, then I would rather do that.

Also, is the factory alarm a passive system, or is it activated by a keyfob?

Is there an aftermarket alarm system that can repalce the factory alarm or piggy-back off of it relatively easily?

Has anyone bought one of the aftermarket remotes off of Ebay that are supposed to work with the factory keyless system.

Thanks in advance,

Chad

The DX is the lowest class of Corolla so I doubt you would have keyless entry. I don't think that you have an alarm module under the driver's seat. I think that's something for the airbags.

in 96 and 97 the DX is the top of the line class. The airbag module is inside the rear center console between the seats.

If there is a factory keyless entry it will have to be activated by remote.

So it's reversed as the newer Corollas came out? Interesting.

nah they just eliminated the LE trim for 2 years, i dont know why.

i didn't know corolla's had factory keyless entry back then...

I remember reading the brochure back in 95, it was a option and so was factory security.

The module under the drivers seat is indeed a factory alarm module. It says
"Toyota VIP Security System" molded into the plastic on the lid. I thought maybe the two systems had some interconnectivity or that maybe it was a good sign that it had keyless entry if they bothered to put an alarm on it.

you should just be able to pick up a replacement remote and have it programmed to your alarm system.

Whats the best source? Ebay, Autozone? Is there a different remote if you have an alarm vs. just keyless?

Sorry for all the questions. This is my first Toyota and I am not that familiar with the brand. Until recently I have been a GM guy.

you MIGHT be better off talking to a toyota dealer or possibly a alarm installer.. you are the first guy I know with a 93-97 corrolla w/ factory secrity. The remote has to be programmed to the brain module of your alarm and I don't know how to do that. There might be some docunmentation online but I don't know factory security systems.

I appreciate the information. I've been thinking that I may be better of just installing a remote start/keyless entry system and abandon the factory keyless and alarm anyway. I can do a remote start with keyless entry for less than $100 and it would come with two remotes. Since this car will sit outside year round, it would be handy to have the remote start in the winter.

yea, you can just install it on top of the old system.