Discussion
After what must be a year I finally decided to by pass my later Meta alarm immobiliser M36T2
and low and behold after a few seconds cranking the old girl burst into life and settled down nicely.
Fresh fuel and ran upto temp fans kicking in and most importantly out and all gauges giving healthy readings.
Very happy.
So now I need a new one.
Abacus Alarms I presume.
Can’t see a price for one.
Anyone else bought one and at what cost by any chance.
Thinks in advance.
A great day indeed as I was worried mice might be the issue but I’m blessed.
and low and behold after a few seconds cranking the old girl burst into life and settled down nicely.
Fresh fuel and ran upto temp fans kicking in and most importantly out and all gauges giving healthy readings.
Very happy.
So now I need a new one.
Abacus Alarms I presume.
Can’t see a price for one.
Anyone else bought one and at what cost by any chance.
Thinks in advance.
A great day indeed as I was worried mice might be the issue but I’m blessed.
I believe it might be this kit as the alarm and immobilisers are linked but worth asking them first.
https://abacusalarms.co.uk/alarmshop/car-alarms/ca...
https://abacusalarms.co.uk/alarmshop/car-alarms/ca...
New Meta alarms are no longer available at Abacus but I would still recommend them. I bought a replacement M99T2 for my a Chimaera a few years ago (they will still re-furb your one https://abacusalarms.co.uk/alarmshop/car-alarms/ca... This was due to hot NON-start and also having to squeeze the immobiliser!
On my current Griffith (same alarms), it had the M99T immobiliser but this could not be changed on its own, so I opted for full alarm / immobiliser replacement with a HPA Evo system from Abacus that was just plug into the existing wiring. The car cut out on the move as well as not turning over, even when cold. They now do Autowatch systems and although I have not used them, I've no doubt they will work and come with good instructions.
Note that they are slightly different depending on if you have the M99T or M99T2 (from late 1999 onwards)
https://abacusalarms.co.uk/alarmshop/car-alarms/ca...
https://abacusalarms.co.uk/alarmshop/car-alarms/ca...
I expect you're adept at getting the dash off by now.
On my current Griffith (same alarms), it had the M99T immobiliser but this could not be changed on its own, so I opted for full alarm / immobiliser replacement with a HPA Evo system from Abacus that was just plug into the existing wiring. The car cut out on the move as well as not turning over, even when cold. They now do Autowatch systems and although I have not used them, I've no doubt they will work and come with good instructions.
Note that they are slightly different depending on if you have the M99T or M99T2 (from late 1999 onwards)https://abacusalarms.co.uk/alarmshop/car-alarms/ca...
https://abacusalarms.co.uk/alarmshop/car-alarms/ca...
I expect you're adept at getting the dash off by now.
Alun, If you fancy replacing the alarm/immobiliser yourself and are happy soldering it is quite a straightforward job. The Meta wiring diagram is available and comparing this to the replacement system schematic is simply a case of soldering several wires.
Many years ago I replaced my Meta with a Sterling Toad system and IMHO I prefer it. The relays are much heavier duty than in the Meta and contrary to popular opinion my Meta was never wrongly wired so that the high starter current was through the smaller relay.The two Meta sysytems I had both eventually failed.
The Sterling was appreciably less expensive ( about 1/3 price of the Meta replacement) and had a much larger range ( this may not be regarded as a positive by some) and has been trouble free for 6 years. The good parts of the Meta were sold on eBay so the Toad cost very little.
Many years ago I replaced my Meta with a Sterling Toad system and IMHO I prefer it. The relays are much heavier duty than in the Meta and contrary to popular opinion my Meta was never wrongly wired so that the high starter current was through the smaller relay.The two Meta sysytems I had both eventually failed.
The Sterling was appreciably less expensive ( about 1/3 price of the Meta replacement) and had a much larger range ( this may not be regarded as a positive by some) and has been trouble free for 6 years. The good parts of the Meta were sold on eBay so the Toad cost very little.
Classic Chim said:
After what must be a year I finally decided to by pass my later Meta alarm immobiliser M36T2
and low and behold after a few seconds cranking the old girl burst into life and settled down nicely.
Fresh fuel and ran upto temp fans kicking in and most importantly out and all gauges giving healthy readings.
Very happy.
So now I need a new one.
Abacus Alarms I presume.
Can’t see a price for one.
Anyone else bought one and at what cost by any chance.
Thinks in advance.
A great day indeed as I was worried mice might be the issue but I’m blessed.
Alun, don't rule out "HF Solutions". ( info@hf-solutions.co.uk )and low and behold after a few seconds cranking the old girl burst into life and settled down nicely.
Fresh fuel and ran upto temp fans kicking in and most importantly out and all gauges giving healthy readings.
Very happy.
So now I need a new one.
Abacus Alarms I presume.
Can’t see a price for one.
Anyone else bought one and at what cost by any chance.
Thinks in advance.
A great day indeed as I was worried mice might be the issue but I’m blessed.
Dave Fairclough is a very approachable bloke. He'll guide you through the whole process and if Abacus are saying the Meta system is no longer available, Dave will advise on what stock he holds or a sensible replacement.
Nick
Yeah, I'd stick something else in too. Get a two way pager alarm from avital or viper, will come with loads of stuff like boot/window/remote start and the key fob will sound if the alarm is triggered so you don't have to look out of the window of the pub to see if it's your alarm going off 
Going for a similar replacement is easier though, because you just unplug the old system and plug in a replacement with no wiring changes. No insurance declaration required for cover changes either. The key fob bypass by the ignition switch will still work then too, if fob 'errors' or misplacement occurs.
Mine also came with a replacement siren from Abacus which was good because I discovered that the cable to mine had been cut through! Previous alarm issue I expect.
occurs. Mine also came with a replacement siren from Abacus which was good because I discovered that the cable to mine had been cut through! Previous alarm issue I expect.
Alun, I pull out all of the meta crap and replace them with Cobra/Vodafone units with remote boot release. It is cheaper and thatcham certified.
Cobra/Vodafone, like Meta, did OE alarms for a good number of manufacturers.
I’ve done a good number of replacements now and they have been problem free from experience.
Cobra/Vodafone, like Meta, did OE alarms for a good number of manufacturers.
I’ve done a good number of replacements now and they have been problem free from experience.
Thank you for all the replies gents and excuse me for my rather late reply as I’ve been away working all weekend.
That’s rather disappointing to hear Abacus no longer sell the immobiliser itself.
It’s interesting how my alarm has (failed through lack of us) which I find slightly amusing.
Ok a number of options to look into so thanks for the info boys.
As always I’ve been fortunate enough to have many talented TVR friends including Frank ( Blaze away) who is rather more informed than me when it comes to virtually everything
So with the info above I’m confident in a solution one way or another.
I drove Franks Chim last weekend and was sort of gobsmacked.
Ive not driven any Tvr for a few years now which is outrageous in itself and considering I drive some really powerful cars at work thought I might be a bit disappointed but hell no.
His car is reminiscent of a pure race car with its fantastic suspension set up, manual steering and his cars history which once upon a time was indeed taken and used on many racing circuits around Europe so it’s really well set up.
I couldn’t believe just how sensitive and tight it is and how fantastic that feels.
Just thrilling.
It re alighted a passion in me.
I know we all preach about how good Tvr are and how there’s nothing quite like them and after driving so many modern and classic sports-cars over the last 2 years I wasn’t expecting to feel “ so alive”
There really is nothing like a TVR.
The closest thing has the be the fantastic E type Jag.
Noisy, harsh, rattles a bit, torque to die for and on the right surface hard to out perform in corners.
Ive discussed using a Tvr as a tool at work but my very informed boss ( multiple car racing champion ) decided most customers would crash it which is actually testament to just how advanced you need to be to get the best out of them.
Other than the E type we have a Capri with an RPI built 4.6 RV and honestly it sounds better than any other engine in the paddock.
I drive an Aston Vantage with the latest AMG V8 4.0 bi turbo that does 200 mph and an extremely fast wonderful car with a fantastic V8 rumble but it’s less subtle. An RV sounds great at lower revs just going to the shop let alone when on the pipe.
I was so excited to drive Franks car and then to hear my own car running last week I’d forgot how lucky I am to have such wonderful music in my life.
Enough waffle,,,
Sounds like new alarm time to me. Modernisation is not such a bad thing if it keeps a classic alive
That’s rather disappointing to hear Abacus no longer sell the immobiliser itself.
It’s interesting how my alarm has (failed through lack of us) which I find slightly amusing.
Ok a number of options to look into so thanks for the info boys.
As always I’ve been fortunate enough to have many talented TVR friends including Frank ( Blaze away) who is rather more informed than me when it comes to virtually everything
So with the info above I’m confident in a solution one way or another.
I drove Franks Chim last weekend and was sort of gobsmacked.
Ive not driven any Tvr for a few years now which is outrageous in itself and considering I drive some really powerful cars at work thought I might be a bit disappointed but hell no.
His car is reminiscent of a pure race car with its fantastic suspension set up, manual steering and his cars history which once upon a time was indeed taken and used on many racing circuits around Europe so it’s really well set up.
I couldn’t believe just how sensitive and tight it is and how fantastic that feels.
Just thrilling.
It re alighted a passion in me.
I know we all preach about how good Tvr are and how there’s nothing quite like them and after driving so many modern and classic sports-cars over the last 2 years I wasn’t expecting to feel “ so alive”
There really is nothing like a TVR.
The closest thing has the be the fantastic E type Jag.
Noisy, harsh, rattles a bit, torque to die for and on the right surface hard to out perform in corners.
Ive discussed using a Tvr as a tool at work but my very informed boss ( multiple car racing champion ) decided most customers would crash it
which is actually testament to just how advanced you need to be to get the best out of them. Other than the E type we have a Capri with an RPI built 4.6 RV and honestly it sounds better than any other engine in the paddock.
I drive an Aston Vantage with the latest AMG V8 4.0 bi turbo that does 200 mph and an extremely fast wonderful car with a fantastic V8 rumble but it’s less subtle. An RV sounds great at lower revs just going to the shop let alone when on the pipe.
I was so excited to drive Franks car and then to hear my own car running last week I’d forgot how lucky I am to have such wonderful music in my life.
Enough waffle,,,
Sounds like new alarm time to me. Modernisation is not such a bad thing if it keeps a classic alive
rigga said:
A few years back had my foxguard alarm replaced with a Autowatch unit, someone recommended a fitter on here that was local. Came to my house and removed the old alarm, and fitted the new in a few hours . So maybe someone can recommend someone depending on where you are?
Good point. I’m in the Midlands central area. I’m sure it makes little difference but I’d feel more secure if the fitter has experience with Tvr.
I’m about to move the car to a more secure garage to allow me to finish off a few jobs mostly caused through standing the car……
Dash is fubbered yet was great while I used the car regularly!
I’ll look at the alarm change when I’m ready to put a battery in the car.
Probably a few months away but I can come back to the info supplied here so thanks again.
There’s also the Carl Baker option, I’ve not gone ahead with anything through him, but have communicated with him.
He is a known specialist for fitting alarm systems to TVRs, lives abroad but journeys back for stints of fitting and takes bookings. He is based further south than the midlands when he operates, but it might be one to explore.
http://www.tvruk.tv/
He is a known specialist for fitting alarm systems to TVRs, lives abroad but journeys back for stints of fitting and takes bookings. He is based further south than the midlands when he operates, but it might be one to explore.
http://www.tvruk.tv/
Yep, Carl is the man.
Replaced my fubared key fobs (reprogrammed etc) with uprated fobs 2 days before Le Mans ferry booking. I explained my situation and slotted me in asap, he was based in this country at the time thou.
Expressed our thanks with beers in his local, sent him home quite merry, his misses was not impressed apparently!
Thanks again Carl.
Replaced my fubared key fobs (reprogrammed etc) with uprated fobs 2 days before Le Mans ferry booking. I explained my situation and slotted me in asap, he was based in this country at the time thou.
Expressed our thanks with beers in his local, sent him home quite merry, his misses was not impressed apparently!
Thanks again Carl.
Carl did mine a few years ago, Alun. Never a moment's problem since.
He moved to France, but regularly comeas back to the UK.
I think he does his fittings down in Kent.
Dave Fairclough gets good rep on here. He is also nearer to you, based near Oakham in Rutland.
Strangely, in the same village where my great grandmother lived over 50 years ago.
He moved to France, but regularly comeas back to the UK.
I think he does his fittings down in Kent.
Dave Fairclough gets good rep on here. He is also nearer to you, based near Oakham in Rutland.
Strangely, in the same village where my great grandmother lived over 50 years ago.
Thanks guys.
I spoke to Carl a few years ago and his advice saved me a few quid at the time so I know he’s a top man.
The alarm still works which is some deterrent at least.
I’m just by passing immobiliser for the time being until such time as I can either travel to France or indeed wait until he’s in the country.
Cars still off the road while I do a bit more restoration so I’m in no rush so waiting for a slot with Carl is my preferred option.
I spoke to Carl a few years ago and his advice saved me a few quid at the time so I know he’s a top man.
The alarm still works which is some deterrent at least.
I’m just by passing immobiliser for the time being until such time as I can either travel to France or indeed wait until he’s in the country.
Cars still off the road while I do a bit more restoration so I’m in no rush so waiting for a slot with Carl is my preferred option.
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