Upgrading the Toyota Hiace alarm
Back in March 2019, I got my hands on the new 2019 Toyota Hiace (H300) to test out the factory security system. It’s quite a change from the old shape Hiace (H200), the new van comes with an alarm system.
Is the factory Toyota alarm any good?
The factory alarm arms and disarms with the Toyota remote. It will honk the horn and flash the hazards if a door is opened whilst it is armed.
What does the Toyota Hiace alarm lack?
The factory alarm lacks any form of movement sensor for the cabin or the load area. It will not detect if a window has been smashed or popped out!
It can be defeated by picking the drivers door lock. If you want to confirm this yourself you can simply use the key to unlock the drivers door, then open it to find the alarm is disarmed.
I highly recommend upgrading the alarm if you keep any valuables inside.
Developing the new Hiace alarm
There is quite a bit of work involved behind the scenes to get an alarm to work with a new vehicle. First up is finding out where the wires run and where the CAN-BUS can be accessed.
CAN-BUS mapping
Next comes the task of mapping the CAN-BUS and recording the data for the alarm to function.
For example, the alarm needs to know when the vehicle is locked and unlocked with the remote, as opposed to being locked and unlocked with the key or a switch on the door. It also needs to know if each individual door is open or closed along with the boot and bonnet.
This is a long process as you have to record each individual signal and make notes all of the connection points. Once the data is filed it gets sent off to Vodafone Automotive in Italy where some new beta firmware is made for the alarm.
Testing the new firmware
The new firmware is then put on an alarm and it is tested in the vehicle to make sure everything works as intended before being signed off on. If anything is not working as desired then more mapping is carried out and the firmware gets updated.
Installing the new Toyota Hiace alarm
Installing a CAN-BUS alarm is far less intrusive than a traditional PLIP upgrade alarm as there are less wires to connect. But there is still a high level of skill involved to make everything look like it was factory fitted.
Vodafone Automotive 4822 CAN-BUS alarm
The H300 Toyota Hiace alarm was originally developed to work with the Cobra AK4615 but has now been made available to work with the new 4822 alarm.
The ultrasonic sensors look like they are factory fitted and cover the load area of the van. This protects against entry via one of the windows.
Easy emergency over-ride disarm
As with all Vodafone Automotive alarms, the PIN code over-ride can be customized to any 4 digit number. This number allows the alarm to be disarmed if the remote battery fails.
Having said that the alarm will disarm when the ignition is turned on as the CAN-BUS detects the correct transponder key for the van.
Standard 4822 alarm features (all versions)
- Full control via Toyota remote (does not disarm with key in the door)
- Door, boot & bonnet protection
- Tilt Sensor
- Transponder disarm incase of remote failure
- Horn and hazard light intrusion alerts
Courier Alarm - For the generation 6 Toyota Hiace
The 4822 can now be programmed to work as a courier alarm in the Hiace.
How does the courier alarm work?
The courier alarm has custom firmware which allows the alarm to arm whilst the ignition is turned on. As the key is left in the ignition the courier alarm does not disarm with the transponder. It is designed to be used with the plain key that the Hiace comes with that does not have the remote buttons built in. The alarm also works with the Toyota remote keys for the times when it is not being used for courier work.
It comes with two 2-button padlock remotes which arm the alarm and lock the doors whilst the engine is running. There is a built in crank immobiliser which prevents the van from starting after the engine is stopped.
One thing to note is that the Hiace does not allow the doors to lock if the drivers seat belt is plugged in. I’m aware that some couriers plug the belt in and sit on top of it to prevent the warning buzzer from nagging them to use the seat belt.
Ask your Toyota dealer about the Vodafone Automotive 4822
If you’re in Wellington or the Hutt Valley and looking to purchase a new Toyota Hiace, then hit up the team at King Toyota.
I can work with them and get this installed before you pick your new van up.
