General: 850: Suggested Alarm for Japanese import 850 R

[Conradcyclo]

Hi - I recently bought a great Volvo 850 R from Japan. Due to low theft rates in Japan, 850s do not have alarms or immobilisers. My car has a simple metal key with a hard plastic fob, there are no buttons or possible electronic functionality within the key.

Therefore, I would like some advice on:
a) a decent alarm that could be fitted by me or my local (non-Volvo) garage,
b) an immobiliser
c) Reversing sensors - can these be retro-fitted?

Thanks

[SwissXC90]

Originally Posted by Conradcyclo

Hi - I recently bought a great Volvo 850 R from Japan. Due to low theft rates in Japan, 850s do not have alarms or immobilisers. My car has a simple metal key with a hard plastic fob, there are no buttons or possible electronic functionality within the key.

Therefore, I would like some advice on:
a) a decent alarm that could be fitted by me or my local (non-Volvo) garage,
b) an immobiliser
c) Reversing sensors - can these be retro-fitted?

Thanks

Are you sure it has no immobiliser? Even simple keys with no buttons can contain immobiliser chips

Tons of retrofit alarms and parking sensor systems on the market. Your local auto sparky will have examples.

[john.wigley]

I agree with 'SwissXC90' regarding the presence of an immobiliser. 'Conradcyclo'. As he says, there are also good quality after-market alarms and parking sensor solutions available.

Personally, as alarms tend to be ignored, I would prefer a good quality physical steering wheel immobiliser as a visible deterrent over an alarm. It may also be wise to consult your insurance company and be guided by their requirements / recommendations in the matter.

Regards, John.

[Clogs]

In the olden days before car alarms and immobilisers we had bits of metal strapped to steering wheels to deter thieves (e.g. Krooklocks) which were effective. Before that, in the 1960s, before cars had steering column locks and Krooklocks weren't invented, many of us installed a hidden switch somewhere under the dash that cut the power to the ignition, making hotwiring difficult.

[SwissXC90]

Anyway, who wants to steal an 850?

[john.wigley]

Originally Posted by Clogs

In the olden days before car alarms and immobilisers we had bits of metal strapped to steering wheels to deter thieves (e.g. Krooklocks) which were effective. Before that, in the 1960s, before cars had steering column locks and Krooklocks weren't invented, many of us installed a hidden switch somewhere under the dash that cut the power to the ignition, making hotwiring difficult.

Indeed, 'Clogs'. Removing the rotor arm was also effective, assuming you didn't then lose it - but that's a story for another day! J.

[Simmy]

Originally Posted by SwissXC90

Anyway, who wants to steal an 850?

have you seen what an 850 R is valued at these days swiss. and as time goes on and spares become harder to find they are very desireable to thieves in the uk

[XC90Mk1]

Originally Posted by SwissXC90

Anyway, who wants to steal an 850?

People who are not morons.

[Conradcyclo]

Hi I think you are correct re the key and immobiliser. Also there is a small unit with flashing red led on dashboard. I suspect there is an alarm fitted and what's missing is "the doofer" (technical term)

[ksmi]

Originally Posted by Conradcyclo

Hi I think you are correct re the key and immobiliser. Also there is a small unit with flashing red led on dashboard. I suspect there is an alarm fitted and what's missing is "the doofer" (technical term)

Morning Conrad, You could get a key cut to pattern & try to start the car,would answer the question re. immobilisor. Photo's of car??? Please.


Regards,Keith.