bbb-ga:
Thank you for your question regarding keyless entry options for a 96
Nissan Altima.
Unfortunately, if your daughter's 96 Altima was not factory-wired to
accept the factory keyless-entry system, then the only alternatives
available to you are after-market solutions.
On the after-market, you can find both basic keyless-entry systems,
and car alarms with keyless entry integrated. In either case, it's the
cost of the labour to install the system that usually drives up the
price.
One example to consider is:
Smart Entry Remote Keyless Entry
http://www.securityworld.com/auto/smartentry.html
You can compare this against a basic car alarm with keyless entry,
such as the Model 20621 from the same retailer:
http://www.securityworld.com/alarms/NS91694.html
In both cases, you will also need to add lock actuators for each door
(approx. $10 each), and shop supplies such as additional wire,
connectors etc. (approx. $20 total). So, in this example, you would
save $50 by going with the keyless entry system instead of the alarm;
however, this is simply one example, your actual results will vary.
This type of installation takes anywhere from 2 hours to 4 hours
depending on there being any unused wires leading into the doors
(unlikely, if the dealer says that the car was not prewired), so you
can see that the labour will represent a major part of the cost if you
go to a dealership (they charge their mechanics' time at around $50-60
an hour).
As your car is not factory-wired, you can expand your options beyond
the Nissan dealer. In your local Yellow Pages, look up some of the
"Automotive Security" shops in town, and ask for several quotes. These
shops tend to operate on a fixed price approach. Your best bet is to
actually look for the most reputable car audio installer in town, they
will have the skills and tools necessary to do this type of
installation fast. Depending on your luck, going this route should
give you a better price than the dealer.
As a final note, I should mention that sometimes, a basic car alarm
with keyless entry can be on sale for only a little bit more than a
basic keyless entry system. If you come across such a case at one of
the independent shops, I would suggest taking advantage of it to get
an alarm system. For example, in my part of the world (in Canada),
there are often promotions at some of the car audio places for a basic
alarm installed for $129 Cdn (approx. $100 US). Adding the lock
actuators and some additional time and materials to get into each door
will drive that price up to at least $200 Cdn (approx $150 US).
However, since the amount of labour and additional parts is the same
even if this were only a keyless entry system, the incremental cost to
use an alarm instead of a keyless entry system is worth it.
Please let me know if you would like any clarification to this Answer.
Regards,
aht-ga
Google Answers Researcher |
Clarification of Answer by
aht-ga
on
31 Dec 2003 09:12 PST
bbb-ga:
Some additional information for you:
If you take a look at the following webpage, you will get a good idea
for the price difference between going with just a keyless entry, or
with an alarm:
Commando Car Alarms
http://www.commandoalarms.com/itmidx11.htm
In particular, at the time of this posting, a keyless entry controller
is US$39.99. The Lock Actuators and relays are $44.99 US, for a grand
total of $84.98 US. If you add in 3 hours' of labour, you
approach/exceed the $200 US level easily.
As well, in my Answer above, I was not clear on one point. If your
daughter's Altima already has power locks, then you will not need the
lock actuators. More importantly, the installer should not need to
wire into the doors. This will drive your installed price below $100
US at most car audio installers.
Regards,
aht-ga
Google Answers Researcher
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
bbb-ga
on
31 Dec 2003 10:31 PST
Many thanks for what looks look a highly useful overview. I plan to
throw in a magnificent $5 tip for a huge $10 total...but do have one
more query to clarify (and I've found from experience that once the
payment is made, the whole question is closed and no communciation is
possible on it):
My daughter's car DOES have power locks; I should have mentioend that,
since I did assume -- and I'm happy to hear -- this can save money.
One query: Am I right that built-in power locks, while good, may not
provide one extra security feaure of a good keyless-entry system?
That's the 2-step unlock. Your first click unlocks the driver's door
only, and then your second one would unlock all the others. (I assume
this exists to help you when you're alone in a threatening situation
-- without opening all the doors, which may be the last thing you'd
want to do in that situation.)
Am I right about this factor? And do you think there's a way to solve it?
Thanks.
bbb
|
Clarification of Answer by
aht-ga
on
31 Dec 2003 12:13 PST
bbb-ga:
With regards to enabling the "driver's door only" feature in a car
that already has power locks, the answer is a "maybe". Technically,
anything is possible with enough parts/money and time. However, for a
basic installation, where the technician prefers not to run extra
wires into the driver's door, this might not be possible.
If I recall correctly from the last Altima I had the opportunity to
work with, the lock switch in the driver's door unlocks all of the
doors when pressed. The aftermarket systems would be tapping into this
switch's wires, so they too would unlock all doors. A factory system
would be integrated into the power door lock controller, and be able
to choose whether to unlock a single door (ie. the driver door) or all
doors.
A technician who has both the time and inclination to do so, can use a
few extra relays to "bypass" the factory power door lock controller's
outputs and simulate the same capability. However, this would add at
least another hour to he installation, along with another 20-40
dollars worth of parts.
Please feel free to ask for any additional clarifications prior to
accepting this Answer, you are absolutely right in that the system
cannot reopen a closed question unless you are dissatisfied with the
Answer and would like a refund. I am happy to clarify as required so
that you are satisfied!
Regards,
aht-ga
Google Answers Researcher
|
Clarification of Answer by
aht-ga
on
31 Dec 2003 14:58 PST
bbb-ga:
Thank you for the tip!
In case you choose to install this yourself, or in case the installer
is not completely familiar with the Nissan Altima's wiring scheme,
please print off the following chart for reference:
http://bulldogsecurity.com/New%20Wires/New%20Wires/Wires/altima96-97.htm
While I cannot vouch for the accuracy of this particular chart, I have
personally had great success referring to the wiring information
provided by Bulldog Security for other vehicles I have worked on.
In particular, note that the Altima's power door lock control module
is located underneath the driver-side dash, to the right of the fuse
block. The LOCK wire is Grey-with-Blue-Stripe, the UNLOCK wire is
Grey-with-Red-Stripe. These are relay signal wires, meaning that
applying a momentary ground to the wire will operate the relay that in
turn sends power to the lock actuator motor to either lock or unlock
the doors.
Good luck,
aht-ga
Google Answers Researcher
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
bbb-ga
on
31 Dec 2003 17:55 PST
This is not a request, actually -- just a thanks, to aht-ga, for going
above and beyond with that helpful last comment (it included both the
actual wiring diagram and a source for further information).
Astounding! Many thanks for your courtesy and consideration!
Have a happy new year (and many happy returns).
bbb
|
Clarification of Answer by
aht-ga
on
31 Dec 2003 19:11 PST
bbb-ga:
You are welcome, and Happy New Year!
Regards,
aht-ga
Google Answers Researcher
|
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