Over 90% of after market Immobilisers that I come across take less than 5 minutes to remove. I’d love to say that this was due to how skilled I am in the dark art of car electronics but the truth is that it is down to sloppy installation.
Easy Bypass
Normally all I have to do is remove the trim below the drivers side dash and hey-presto, the alarm module is placed behind waiting to be bypassed! Some are held by a cable tie and others simply fall onto the floor as shown in the photo below! Then it is simple task to open the case and bridge the immobiliser points. Car started…
Why are most Immobilisers not effective?

The main reason is the installer, the system is only as good as the installation and it takes more time, knowledge and skill to install an immobiliser effectively. If the module can be located in an area where it is difficult to locate and access then it will take longer to bypass. A smaller Immobiliser gives the installer more options as to where he can place the module so it is a good idea to chose one that is not to large and better still one that is not easy to open up!
A large percentage of immobilisers are installed at car yards where the main motive to have one installed is profit for the salesman rather than to actually secure the vehicle. Where the purchase is driven by price most people will choose the cheapest immobiliser and installer, obviously this is likely to result in a quick installation, hence why I find most systems so quick and easy to remove!


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Im currently trying this at the moment…as my car randomly turned off on the motorway whilst doing 100khm…and when i pushed alarm mobilizer, nothing happned…this is verry usefull info cheers… hope it works for me:(
Let me know how you get on, or if you need any help then give me a call after the 28th (I’m in the USA right now)
Hey mate, our imobilizer only woorks when it feels like it so every time we jump into the ride it takes 10-15 to get it up and running. do you have any step on removng this imobiliser that you could send me as I’m in rarotonga now so I would prefer to remove it myself as it costs two arms and a leg here
Hi Brendon,
I’d probably be looking at why it takes so long to disarm. Is it a remote immobiliser, a touch key or a transponder system. Most systems have an over-ride number which I assume you don’t have. Some basic info on the make and model of the immobiliser would be useful, plus it would help to know what vehicle it is in.
If you’re not confident with vehicle electronics then I suggest you find someone who knows what they are doing.
Hi, I have a toyota levin with a meridian immobiliser fitted in it. I got the car 2 months back and the previous owner dint leave me any code and the remote was old enuf not to reveal any info abt it. now my remote is broken. I d like you to suggest if I should get a new remote for it or should I take out the alarm? and which one would work out cheaper? if I have to get a new remote where can I get one in Auckland and how much would it cost? cheers!
Given that the point of an immobiliser is to make the car difficult to hotwire and that the Meridian fails horribly at doing this (not helped by how inept most Meridian installers seem to be), I’d suggest replacing it.
Price will depend on who you deal with, however don’t complain if you get a crap install and service if you’re after the cheapest!
You can contact Meridian on 0800 731 173