A security system in a vehicle extends its protection to installed equipment of the vehicle, such as audio components, navigation systems, and entertainment systems. The installed equipment is armed and disarmed by the security system, preventing the equipment from normal functioning after unauthorized removal. The security system further enables programming, monitoring, and diagnosing of the installed equipment through the security system's remote control, through a configuration and maintenance tool that connects to the security system, or through other items of installed equipment within the vehicle, such as a rear-seat entertainment system.