Antitheft - Intrusion Monitoring System Diagnosis: Overview
REFERENCE: Accessories
NUMBER: 002
DATE: 6-24-85
MODEL: AW, RA, SV, CV
The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide an overview of the Toyota Intrusion Monitoring System (IMS). Included is information related to the features and functions of the system, some commonly asked questions and a complete troubleshooting guide. In short, this service bulletin should contain all the information you need to know about the IMS product.
Q: What is an "Intrusion Monitoring System"?
A: An "Intrusion Monitoring System" or IMS is an electronic vehicle security system. It monitors the vehicle's doors, hood, trunk/hatch and vehicle motion with a patented electronic motion sensor. Any unauthorized opening of the doors, hood, trunk/hatch or motion of the vehicle, such as jacking, towing, or breaking glass, will trigger the electronic siren and flash the parking and interior lights.
Q: How do I turn the IMS on?
A: The IMS is a "passive" alarm system which is completely compatible with normal driving habits. Upon leaving the vehicle, the driver turns off the ignition switch and exits the car. (It's always a good practice to lock all the doors even though it is not necessary to arm the IMS.) This action starts the "EXIT DELAY." This delay is 30 seconds long. If any door, hood or trunk/hatch is opened during this time the EXIT DELAY is stopped and reset. It will start again after all doors, hood and the trunk/hatch are closed. This allows the driver and any passengers unlimited time to exit the vehicle and then open the trunk/hatch to remove any parcels without having to worry about triggering the alarm. The system is then armed 30 seconds after all doors, hood, and trunk/hatch are closed. This "EXIT DELAY" state is indicated by a rapid flashing of the red LED on the STATUS MONITOR PANEL.
Q: What happens when the alarm is on?
A: When the alarm is on or "armed" the red LED on the status monitor will flash slowly. This is to be a visible deterrent to would-be thieves. Upon returning to the vehicle, the first thing the driver must do is enter the car and turn on the ignition, even just momentarily. When the driver first opens the car door, he starts the IMS "ENTRY DELAY," which is about 20 seconds. Within these first 20 seconds, the driver must turn the ignition on or the IMS will sound the siren and flash the lights. This "ENTRY DELAY" state is also indicated by rapid flashing of the red LED on the STATUS MONITOR.
Q: Can I just turn the ALARM SWITCH on the STATUS MONITOR off?
A: No. Once the alarm is on, the ALARM SWITCH has no function. This is to prevent any thief from turning off the system if entry was made into the vehicle. The ALARM SWITCH will only operate while the ignition is ON or while the system is in the EXIT DELAY state (see above).
Q: What happens if I open the trunk/hatch first?
A: The IMS will sound the siren and flash the lights. The only way to enter the vehicle without sounding the alarm is to open the door and turn on the ignition. An easy procedure for entering the trunk/hatch is:
1. Open the door and turn ON the ignition momentarily.
2. Now turn ignition OFF and open the trunk/hatch.
Turning the ignition OFF initiated the EXIT DELAY. Opening the trunk/hatch keeps the system in the EXIT DELAY state until it is closed. Then the system will arm 30 seconds after the doors and trunk/hatch are closed.
Q: How does the MOTION SENSOR work?
A: The MOTION SENSOR is a patented electronic device that senses vehicle motions in different directions. It is sensitive to the vehicle being raised in either the front or rear, or from either side. It is also sensitive to shocks caused by blows to the vehicle such as being struck by another vehicle, or as in breaking a window. At this point the motion sensor will cause immediate sounding of the siren and flashing of the lights. (Duration 2 minutes.) Its sensitivity to this movement is controlled by the MOTION SENSOR switch on the STATUS MONITOR. In the HIGH position, the MOTION SENSOR will respond to vehicle jacking and forced entry such as breaking a window. In the LOW position, it will respond only to gross vehicle movement such as towing. If motion sensing is not desired, the MOTION SENSOR can be turned OFF completely.
It should be noted that vehicle movement can be introduced by factors other than potential thieves. Parking in a multi-level parking structure can trigger the MOTION SENSOR when vehicles drive by, as the floors often shake in these circumstances. Other vehicle movement can be introduced by passing traffic, strong winds or earthquakes. Setting the MOTION SENSOR SWITCH in the LOW position will help eliminate false alarms in these circumstances, but turning the MOTION SENSOR OFF is recommended if motion is anticipated.
Q: Where might I use the LOW position of the MOTION SENSOR switch?
A: The LOW position is useful when the car is parked in multi-level parking garages, or on-street parking in heavy traffic areas and in areas of high winds.
Q: Won't entering the vehicle and sitting down set off the MOTION SENSOR?
A: No. The ENTRY DELAY deactivates the MOTION SENSOR to prevent this from happening.
Q: If I accidentally set off the alarm, what should I do?
A: Turning the ignition key on will immediately silence the alarm.
Q: How can I prevent the alarm from sounding when I wash my car or service it?
A: The alarm can be permanently turned off for servicing by first turning on the
ignition key and then turning the ALARM SWITCH to the OFF position on the STATUS MONITOR.
Q: If the IMS detected a burglary attempt, will I return to a car with a dead
battery?
A: No. The IMS will sound the siren and flash the lights for two minutes and
reset to preserve the battery. If another attempt is made on the vehicle, the alarm will sound again for two minutes and reset.
Q: I returned to my car and the red LED on the STATUS MONITOR was on
continuously. What does this mean?
A: This means that the IMS had sounded and reset itself. At this time you might
want to inspect the vehicle and take appropriate action. The red LED will turn off approximately 15 seconds after the ignition is turned ON.
Q: You mentioned previously that the IMS is a "passive" alarm. Exactly what is a
passive alarm?
A: A passive alarm is an alarm which does not require any specific action to turn
on. Since the IMS is controlled entirely by the ignition key and its operation is
automatic, it qualifies as a passive alarm. In some states, certain insurance companies offer a discount on insurance for vehicles equipped with a passive alarm. You might check with yours.
Q: Can I change the ENTRY DELAY time?
A: Yes, the ENTRY DELAY time is adjustable on the control module. It has been
factory set at approximately 20 seconds. This allows adequate time to open the door for passengers, unlock the driver's door, get in and turn on the ignition. Should you desire to lengthen this delay, turn the adjustment on the module clockwise. It is adjustable up to an approximate 45 second maximum. To shorten the ENTRY DELAY, turn the adjustment counter-clockwise.
Keep in mind that the ENTRY DELAY should be as short as possible to catch a potential thief, while allowing adequate time for you to enter the vehicle normally and turn ON the ignition without being rushed.
Q: Can I change the EXIT DELAY time?
A: The EXIT DELAY timer is fixed at approximately 30 seconds and is not adjustable. However, the operation of the EXIT DELAY is such that the EXIT DELAY can be any length. Opening any door, hood or trunk/hatch during the EXIT DELAY resets the ENTRY DELAY timer to 0 and holds it here until the door, hood or trunk/hatch is closed. Then, 30 seconds after all is secure, the system is armed.
It should also be noted that the EXIT DELAY does not begin when the ignition is turned OFF. When the ignition is turned OFF the system waits for the door to be opened to begin the EXIT DELAY. The EXIT DELAY time begins from when all the doors, etc. are closed.
Q: How can I test the system to be sure it is working properly?
A: Perform the steps shown in the attached Troubleshooting Guide to determine whether the system is functioning properly.