Abstract: A vehicle tracking system includes a vehicle tracking unit and a monitoring station communicating therewith. The vehicle tracking unit preferably includes a test switch, a vehicle position determining device, a wireless communications device, and a controller. The controller is preferably for operating the at least one vehicle device and for cooperating with the wireless communications device and the vehicle position determining device to determine and send vehicle position information to the monitoring station. Moreover, the controller may be switchable to a test mode for test operation of the at least one vehicle device responsive to activation of the test switch. Accordingly, an installer, for example, can quickly check that the tracking unit has been properly installed.

Abstract: A vehicle security system includes a controller that may also the disarmed mode responsive to receiving a predetermined coded signal from a remote transmitter, and generate an alarm based upon receipt of a coded signal other than the predetermined coded signal from the remote transmitter. More particularly, the coded signal may comprise a pseudorandomly coded signal which is decoded by the controller. The alarm may be generated based upon detecting a previously received pseudorandomly coded signal. Method aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle security system includes a controller for performing a function responsive to receipt of a corresponding command signal, and a remote transmitter for sending a command signal from a plurality of banks of command signals. More particularly, the remote transmitter includes a plurality of first momentary contact switches for transmitting a first respective command signal responsive to depressing the switch for less than a first time and for transmitting a second respective command signal responsive to depressing the switch for more than the first time. The remote transmitter also includes a bank selector switch for selecting one of the plurality of banks of command signals. A valet switch is included for placing the controller in a valet mode, such as to permit a service technician or valet to use the vehicle without triggering an alarm.

Abstract: A vehicle security system includes a vehicle sensor, an alarm indicator, and a controller operatively connected to the vehicle sensor and alarm indicator. The controller includes a remote panic lock control feature for moving one or all of the vehicle door locks to the unlocked position and generating an alarm responsive to receipt of a remote panic signal from a remote transmitter and when the controller is in the armed mode. Accordingly, an owner returning to his vehicle may press the panic button on his handheld remote transmitter thereby causing the alarm to sound and the driver's door or all the doors to be unlocked to permit entry of the owner into the relative safety of his vehicle. The controller also preferably moves an unlocked vehicle door lock to the locked position a first time after receipt of the remote panic signal, such as in the event of an inadvertent pressing of the remote panic switch.

Abstract: A vehicle security system includes a plurality of vehicle sensors; an alarm indicator for indicating an alarm at the vehicle; and a controller for generating a first full duration alarm responsive to an initial triggering of a first vehicle sensor after the controller entered the armed mode, and for generating a first reduced duration alarm relative to the first full duration alarm and responsive to a subsequent consecutive triggering of the first vehicle sensor after the initial triggering of the first vehicle sensor. First and second sensors may be alternately zoned in and out if each is triggered a predetermined number of times. In other words, the controller may zone out the first vehicle sensor after a predetermined number of consecutive triggerings thereof, and zone out a second vehicle sensor responsive to a predetermined number of consecutive triggerings thereof and after zoning out of the first vehicle sensor.

Abstract: A remote engine starting apparatus is for installation in a vehicle for bypassing a theft-deterring start control circuit to permit remote starting of a vehicle engine. The theft-deterring start control circuit includes: an ignition switch for receiving a designated key having a preselected resistance, a first connector coupled to the ignition switch, a resistance sensing circuit portion for preventing starting of the vehicle engine unless the preselected resistance is sensed, and a second connector coupled to the resistance sensing circuit portion. The second connector is preferably matable with the first connector. The remote engine starting apparatus includes an interface device which, in turn, includes: a housing, a bypass circuit comprising a bypass resistor and a switching relay for selectively coupling the bypass resistor to the resistance sensing circuit portion to thereby enable starting of the vehicle engine without the designated key being in the ignition switch.