Does anybody know what make & model Thatcham 1 immob & alarms is fitted to a MY00 UK Impreza Turbo? I'm trying to get insurance quotes and some keep asking which model and make it is.

Thanks.

 

My MY00 is fitted with a Sigma. If you want to check its on the left suspension turret as you look at the engine. Bob

 

Thanks. Can't look as I haven't got the car yet :\

 

The Category 1 system fitted to UK models is the Sigma M30, however, when the system became standard fit across the model range it was rebranded the Subaru AT100 system.
As far as your insurance company are concerned, they just want to know the make and model to obtain the Thatcham evaluation number, so to cut any confusion here are the evaluation numbers:

Impreza:
1999 & 2000 MY (all classic shape models) - TC2-808/0198
2001 & 2002 MY (early bug eye, without double locking) - TC2-1199/0501
2003, 2004 & 2005 MY ( models with double locking) - TC2-1265/1002
Forester:
1999, 2000 & Early 2001 MY TC2-808/0198
Late 2001 & 2002 MY TC2-1202/0501
2003, 2004 & 2005 MY TC2- 1265/1002
Legacy:
1999, 2000 & Early 2001 MY TC2-808/0198
Late 2001, 2002 & 2003 MY TC2-1203/0501
2004 & 2005 MY TC2-1265/0803

SS

 

Or just park it within a 200 metres of a radio/mobile mast and see if you can get the bugger to start again. If not, it's a Sigma M30

 

Fantastic, thanks Sigma.

 

Not a technically accurate post.
This has not been a problem experienced by only one manufacturer, and a number of very large vehicle manufacturers, aswell as security system manufacturers, suffered as a result of the introduction of the Tetra Radio network in 2000.
The issue was addressed as quickly as possible however, and all Sigma systems produced from early 2001 are resistant to this problem.
SS

 

No direct slur on your company intended mate I realise that there are probably other systems that have the same problem. I fired this off the day after I once again had to use my PIN code to get it running (at Frankley services on the M5). I'm just getting really narked with it. I realise there was a warranty fix for it, but typically only found this out after my warranty had expired and obviously IM politely told me that it wasn't therefore their problem.

 

Thats ok, I appreciate your frustration, but beyond our control as the Tetra Network was introduced after the the early products were manufactured.
Thankfully the system includes an overide for such occurances!
Due to the nature of the problem these early units have never been accepted under a "warranty" claim as they were not faulty, however, we did offer an FOC replacement unit for customers whose vehicles were within the warranty period and who suffered exceptional inconvenience (ie lived or worked beneath a mast). This goodwill exchange period was extended for a further 12months beyond the effected vehicles' warranty period, but ended in Dec 04.
A later ECU can be purchased from your dealer (part number SACC3465) and shouldn't take more than an hour to fit, if you feel the need...
SS

 

I now have the car and where I park is close to an array of antenna. I couldn't get the car to lock. What can I do to get the car started? And how can the PIN be reset because I wasn't given a PIN for the alarm.
Basically what are my options?

 

The saga continues. Subaru dealer suggested using a life blanket from the first aid kit as a big shield and cover the dash with me under it. Thankfully this worked. I got the car started.
The dealer then quoted me £200 plus VAT to get a replacement alarm fitted.

That sounds expensive to me.

 

Cheers, Sam. If I read this right though, it would appear that Subaru could have done an exchange when I asked them last year, but as usual did not know one end of their body from the other

I guess that part number is the one that costs around £200. TBH on a daily basis as I live in the middle of nowhere and don't use the car everyday not really too bothered about coughing up for a new ECU. It really only becomes a problem if I have to venture into one of those "towns" or even "cities"

Is there a DIY shielding technique that could be used?

 

Dealer quoted me £70 for the unit and 2 hours to fit which according to him costs £200 plus VAT. I'm sure I read somewhere on this forum that it should be cheaper to buy and fit the replacement unit.

 

That sounds more like it! The unit is easy enough to get to, you just remove the lower part of the dash (3 screws) and it's then right in front of you by the a-pillar. I guess you just have to recode you remotes to work with it. Instructions for that are in the installation manual (which I got direct off Sigma) or in this forum somewhere

 

The keypad can be used to both Arm and Disarm your system when necessary.
Your Subaru dealer can obtain the systems original PIN, however, provided that you can disarm the system with a Radio Key, then you can re-set the 4-digit PIN to one of your own choosing yourself using the keypad at any time.
Instructions on doing this can be found in the security systems Operating Instructions. If you do not have these a copy can be found at:
http://www.subaru-impreza.org/subarutalk/viewtopic.php?t=2476

When using the keypad always observe the following points:
- The PIN number should not be entered too quickly or too slowly - when a digit has been pressed the small LED built into the keypad will illuminate briefly as confirmation and only then should the next digit be entered.
If an incorrect digit is pressed or the delay between entering digits exceeds10 seconds, then the LED above the keypad will flash rapidly and the PIN attempt should be abborted and started again after 30 seconds.
Due to the small size of the keypad some users may find a rubber tipped pencil easier to use. DO NOT use the sharp tip of a ball point pen etc, or press excessively hard on the keypad as this will only damage the membrane and cause a digit to remain pressed, causing a continual incorrect PIN.

- The keypad allows only THREE PIN attempts and then will "Lock Up" if an incorrect number is entered a third time. This is a secuity feature to prevent random PIN attemts to disarm the system.

Hope this helps.
SS

 

Thanks for the info Sigma!
If I go for the more shielded replacement unit is it really that much work (quoted 2 hours) to fit?
What would be the model no for the more shielded variety?

 

A post 2001 alarm ECU (or a new one - part number SACC3465) will cure the problem. Unfortunately labour costs can vary from dealer to dealer so I'd ring around for the best quote.
ECU location will vary depending on the age of your vehicle, but access is relatively straight forward, however, the alarm ECU is encased in a metal enclosure that needs anti-tamper bits to separate. Once replacement has been carried out your existing Radio Keys will need to be programmed to the new system (take all your Radio Keys with you), the ultrasonic sensors adjusted to your vehicle and basic programming of the new system carried out - this should only take 5-10 minutes.
I wouldnt expect installation and programming to take any more than an hour, even for 2001 models with the most awkward ECU location, so I would shop about!
If you feel that franchised dealers are charging you too much for this service, you could always enquire at your local Sigma alarm dealer.....

SS

 

Thanks again for the info. Much appreciated. I promise not to ask anymore questions now

 

It turns out that I am also in the same situation. I would like to know how I can find details of my local Sigma alarm dealer as a Google search just produced loads of ebay / kelkoo rubbish

I am based in Darlington in the NE of England. Thanks

 

To find a local Sigma dealer you can contact our Sales Office on 0870 417 7795 and then select option 3 (- security sales) a representative should be able to give you details of the nearest dealer in your area, failing that, good old yellow pages!!
SS

 

Thanks, I'll give them a call. Personally I try to stay away from Yellow Pages, too many scams and false quotes imo........

 

Arrghhhh. Soooo many phone calls and noone that can actually help me out atm

I contacted my local dealers, who say they have never heard of this problem at all! Amazing!!

I contacted the number that Sigma Sam gave (Thanks), they had heard of the issue, but passed me on to another number to talk specifics. They then passed me back, and I was given another number of a local Sigma Dealer called C D Bramwell.

So I called them, and passed between departments, to be told that they no longer do Sigma alarms (too many problems according to the guy). So he gave me another number......that does not work

Oh and the main Sigma number does not show another other agents in my area....*sigh*

 

Sorry to hear that our head office couldn't put you in touch with a local dealer more swiftly - this is why I mentioned yellow pages as it can prove more upto date than our customer database - C.D Bramall are a franchised car dealer who haven't bought a system for over 5yrs - I would never have recommended them as a specialist alarm outfit!!!
I have been told that we also have a "find my nearest dealer" facility in the top right hand orner of our website homepage: www.tgplc.com however, this doesn't state whether they are a Toad or Sigma dealer, and due to the data protection act we can only list dealers that give permission, so the list is not exhaustive.
Sorry for the delay to your PM Andy, but you have now have mail - hope this helps.
SS