joseh

I am planning to install an aftermarket alarm in my 8, preferably a 2-way system. But before I start hacking away at my 8’s wires, I was wondering if anyone had any advice they could give me.

I am looking for schematics, wiring diagrams, etc. so I can begin planning the installation. I have installed systems in the past without this information (trial and error :o). But I would really prefer getting as much details on the wires I would have to tie into for the install.

Specifically, I am looking for info on the following:
· Ignition system (for ignition kill, ACC power, and possibly remote start)
· Door locking mechanism
· Factory alarm disable (again for possible remote start)
· Door/Trunk lights

Any help on identifying these connections will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

rx8ntexas

I can't help you but i can tell you this....I had a "pro" install an aftermarket alarm on my 3rd gen Rx-7 and as it turns out was a big cause of ECU problems and other electronic problems that showed up over the years...To me the 8 has as good of an alarm system as one could want so I'm staying away from aftermarket ones....

joseh

Well, here is what I have been able to find so far:

Wire Purpose -- Color -- Location
+12 Volts -- Yellow -- Ignition Wiring Harness
Starter Signal (+) -- White/Blue -- Ignition Wiring Harness
Ignition Power (+ -- Black/Yellow -- Ignition Wiring Harness
Accessory (+) -- Blue/Green -- Ignition Wiring Harness
2nd Accessory (+) -- White/Red -- Ignition Wiring Harness
Power Lock Signal (-) -- Green -- Driver Side Kick Panel
Power Unlock (-) -- Green -- Driver Side Kick Panel
Parking Lights (+) -- Black/Red -- Driver Side Kick Panel
Door Trigger (-) -- Green/Black -- Driver Side Kick Panel
Trunk/Hatch Pin (-) -- Brown -- Driver Side Kick Panel
Trunk/Hatch Release (-) -- Yellow -- Trunk Release Button
Brake (+) -- Black/Blue -- Brake Pedal Switch
Tach Signal – See https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ighlight=alarm

This should be enough to perform the basic install. I have ordered an Audiovox Prestige APS-996 from eBay for $124 + $14 s&h. I should receive it this Friday. Hopefully I will install the alarm this weekend and verify the above information.

I am still looking for a few more details on some other connections (horn, window controls, sunroof controls, dome light, head lights, factory alarm disarm). If I cannot find any info, I will have to search for these wires at install time.

Also, since this alarm has remote start capabilities, I was worried about not having a neutral sensor for the MT. I did a quick search on Google and found this:
http://belizesports.com/gi/trannysensor.htm

So basically, using an inexpensive magnetic switch, I will try to setup my own neutral sensor for the alarm. Now I just have to get around the chipped key (will probably require a transponder bypass)

I will try to post the results and pictures of my install once it's complete.

huhsler

joseh, if you are willing to hide the valet key in your system (for the chip) and have the major system kills go through it, you should be able to do all that you want (including remote start).

An acquaintance had a Viper 790 VX 2-way installed on his RX-8 4AT and had to leave the valet key in the car. They actually mounted it in his steering column somewhere. However, they took apart the fusebox harnesses and ran it through the 790, for security.

Just my $0.02 from the peanut gallery. Watch for falling shells!

joseh

Yes, that should work. I may try that as a temporary solution. But I will still most likely buy a transponder bypass module. This is basically the same thing. You place the spare key in the module and run an antenna cable to the ignition. What makes this solution more secure is that alarm controls when to send the signal to the ignition. You can even program some alarms to send the signal only at startup, or constantly. If they manage to shut off the alarm, the transponder will not send the signal from the key.

Checkout:
http://www.12voltshop.com/bypass.asp

huhsler

I realize that the RX-8 is a new car, but none of these list it in the compatibility chart. Going to just go with the Gen 3?

More than casually interested.

joseh

What compatibility charts are you referring to? The Audiovox alarm compatibility chart? Most alarms are designed to install in any vehicle. There may be some special consideration when installing, such as Ford's positive trigger door switch. However, alarms should be able to handle most cars. If there is a situation that the alarm cannot handle directly, you can always use special methods (relays, diodes) to solve the problem.

From looking at the installation manual for the APS-996, I did not see anything that should pose a problem on the RX-8. I will know more this weekend when I install the alarm. I will post any problems or tricks I come across.

huhsler

I was looking at the compatibility charts for the transponder bypass units that you'd helpfully provided the link to.

There aren't any problems installing any of the high-end alarms on the RX-8 that I've read. I've just never encountered those bypass units before.

Thanks.

Kevo

joseh - how did your alarm install turn out? did you get the other wires identified? just curious as i am about to take a crack at mine. any info you could provide would most appreciated. thanks.