Most cars have a security alarm system that alerts everyone nearby when someone tries to break into the vehicle. However, if your car alarm is broken down or worn out, it might not work, putting you at risk of losing your valuables or even your vehicle itself. You must replace the faulty alarm immediately to deter car thieves.
It’s a good thing you can install a replacement security alarm system in your vehicle. You can do it yourself, so you don’t have to pay a mechanic to do the job for you.
Parts and Tools for Installing a Security Alarm System
The following parts are necessary to install a car alarm:
- Car alarm system
- Electric tape
- Zip ties
Additionally, you need the tools listed below for various steps in the installation process:
- Crimping tool
- Drill
- Multimeter
- Mechanic gloves
- Soldering iron
- Wire cutters
- Wire strippers
How to Install Alarm System In Your Car
These tips will make installing a security alarm system in your vehicle much easier:
Choose an Appropriate Car Alarm
Not all security alarm systems are equal. Some car alarms are designed for only a few vehicle models. Others are suitable for a wide range of models.
Manufacturers classify anti-theft systems two ways. One is “perimeter” anti-theft, which is designed to keep thieves out of your car. The other is “passive” anti-theft, which prevents the car from being stolen (think chipped keys). Some aftermarket systems are designed to do both, but most vehicles already have passive anti-theft OEM.
Manufacturers classify anti-theft systems two ways. One is “perimeter” anti-theft, which is designed to keep thieves out of your car. The other is “passive” anti-theft, which prevents the car from being stolen (think chipped keys).
– Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
Anti-theft systems’ capabilities also differ between products. Basic car alarms trigger when someone forcibly opens one of the door locks. They might also make the external vehicle lights flash and honk the horn at the same time.
In comparison, advanced security alarm systems respond to a wider range of potential attempts to break into the vehicle. These range from touching the car to tampering with other parts, not just the door locks. The best systems will detect broken side windows, which can allow thieves to access whatever is lying on the seat without triggering an alarm otherwise.
Make a list of the features that the new car alarm must have. It must also fit your budget.
Read the Car Alarm Instruction Manual Very Carefully
Car alarms usually come with an instruction manual that tells you about their installation and proper use. Some manuals might also detail how to maintain and repair the security alarm system.
Always read the instruction manual thoroughly. Consult the document if you’re stumped by a complication or need to refresh your memory.
Follow These Wiring Tips
Start the installation job by disconnecting the car battery from the vehicle. This ensures electrical parts don’t activate while you install the car alarm.
Keep your distance from wires with yellow covers and connectors. They’re the air bag wiring.
Remove the Panels
Panels cover the wiring that connects the vehicle’s electrical system to various electronics and devices. You must remove the panels to access the wires and connect the car alarm to the electrical system.
You can mount the car alarm under the dash to hide it, but find a good place and make sure you run the wires very neatly rather than just shoving them up under the instrument panel in a ball.
Alternatively, you can put the alarm under the driver’s seat. Look for the interior panels near the floor or under the steering wheel. If you can’t find them, consult the service manual.
Select a Good Location For The Car Alarm
If the system comes with a siren, mount on a metal surface if you can. However, take note that most sirens have both power and ground wires, so mounting it on plastic will likely not be a problem. Ensure that nothing around the part blocks or disrupts the sound projected from the part.
Choose a cool, dry spot that moisture and heat cannot reach. You can position the siren facing down on the surface to reduce the chances of heat and water reaching it. However, putting the siren in that position might affect its volume.
You might need a hole for the car alarm’s wiring to pass through to connect with the electrical system. See if you can find an existing opening that you can take advantage of.
Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.
Pro Tip: If you must drill through the metal part of the firewall bulkhead, make sure you know what’s on the other side of the spot where you’re drilling. Then put an appropriate size grommet around the wire where it goes through the drilled hole or the wires will chafe on the metal and short out. If you can find a plastic area to drill through following the same criteria, it’s even better, but this will be difficult on most vehicles.
Install the Car Alarm System
While most car alarms attach to the car’s powertrain control module (PCM), some go in the engine bay. Check the alarm’s manual to find out where to install the security alarm system.
Your vehicle’s service manual will tell you where to find the connection ports for the car alarm computer. After completing the installation process, reconnect the battery. Test the car alarm to see if it works.
Tips for Installing LED Indicators
Some car alarm products include additional sensors and LED indicators. These parts are in different locations away from the car alarm module. You might have to drill additional holes in the dashboard and/or firewall to admit the wires connecting these parts to the module.
Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.
Pro Tip: If you can, choose a replaceable cover for the location of the LED, but make sure not to just drill into any panel or bulkhead without making sure there’s nothing behind it that you’ll damage in the process.
Next, find the wires that connect to the pin switches in the door. Pin switches are sensors that activate certain devices when someone opens a door, hood, or trunk with an active alarm. You can usually find them behind the kick panels.
Consult your vehicle’s service manual to identify the pin switch that activates the dome light. Then, tap the LED indicator wires to the wires moving away from that pin switch.
Most vehicles now will have their door ajar switches built into the door latch, and mounting a new pin switch for the alarm can be challenging.
Always keep the wiring neat and in one place. Secure the wires with tape and bundle them together for easier management.
Additionally, install a valet switch that can deactivate the car alarm when you want to turn it off or temporarily entrust your car to someone else. Otherwise, the alarm will blare constantly.
Finally, look for loose wires and bundle them together. Connect the power line to the battery. This lets the alarm system power up when you start your vehicle.
Where to Shop for High-Quality Security Alarm Systems for Your Vehicle
You can never be too safe when it comes to your vehicle. Thieves are everywhere nowadays, and it wouldn’t hurt to have a few anti-theft devices for your daily driver. A high-quality security alarm system is key to keep crooks away from your ride.
Here at CarParts.com, we have a collection of security alarm systems designed to match a variety of makes and models. Find the one for your ride by entering its year, make, and model into our website’s vehicle selector. You can also use the search filters to refine the catalog according to your preferred brand, price range, quantity, and more.
With CarParts.com, you can expect nothing but high-quality parts. All our products underwent stringent testing procedures to ensure maximum durability and dependability. Order now, and we’ll deliver your new security alarm system straight to your doorstep in as fast as two business days.
Check out our products today!
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