Car alarms alert you when someone attempts to tamper with your vehicle. They play a crucial part in vehicle security, preventing intruders from breaking into your car. As such, it’s important to know how they work and how you can prevent false alarms.
How Do Car Alarms Work?
Car alarms are made up of components such as sensors, sirens, and control units. The sensors are connected to the door and shock, while the sirens are connected to the control unit.
All of these work together to trigger the system and alert you of someone’s meddling with your vehicle.
What Triggers Car Alarms?
Some of the most common ways to trigger a car alarm are unauthorized entry, vibration or impact, and window breakage.
The sensors connected to the door will trigger if it’s opened while the alarm system is active. This applies to the driver and passenger doors as well as the trunk and hood.
Vibrations and Impact
The shock sensors detect impact and vibration, triggering the alarm if your vehicle is being moved while the system is on. Similarly, loud noises and sounds may produce enough vibration to trigger the alarms.
However, this feature is usually unavailable in original equipment manufacturer (OEM) alarms.
Common Causes of False Alarms and How to Fix Them
Due to how car alarms are set up, they can be triggered in error. Poorly set up systems or faulty electrical wirings may cause false alarms. Here are other things that may cause your alarms to go off even when they’re not needed:
Faulty Key Fob
The key fob is a controller used in keyless vehicles. It transmits signals to a receiver inside your car, letting the system know you’re entering. A malfunctioning key fob may fail to send the right signal to your vehicle, causing the system to flag it as unauthorized entry even when it’s not.
A way to fix the issue is by replacing the fob’s battery. If that doesn’t work, you may need to have a professional look at the components inside.
Defective Hood Latch Sensor
The sensor attached to your hood latch triggers the alarm when it is forcefully opened, illuminating the warning light on your dashboard. However, a defective sensor may trigger the sirens instead.
Dirt and debris may cause your hood latch sensor to malfunction. Therefore, it’s important to clean in and around your hood to prevent your alarms from being tripped.
Damaged Door Lock Sensor
Door lock sensors are prone to damage, especially during rainy weather. Water that seeps into the wires may compromise the entire system. This may cause the alarm to go off randomly, even if the door is untouched.
Identify first where the water is coming from and fix it immediately. Leaks could damage other components of the vehicle and could lead to irreversible damage.
Afterward, locate which door is causing the false alarm and apply protective grease to its connectors. If the wiring is damaged, you may need to have the system checked for repair or replacement.
Leaks could damage other components of the vehicle and could lead to irreversible damage.
–Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
Malfunctioning Battery
A corroded or dying battery may trigger the car alarm. Many alarm systems are equipped with a failsafe mechanism that detects open wiring or switched circuits.
If your battery is dead or low on charge, the alarm may go off while attempting to jump your vehicle. This is because the system interprets it as an attempt to tamper with your battery.
You can clean the corroded parts using battery cleaning agents and a wire brush. However, it might be best to replace the battery instead.
Sensitive Sensor Connections
Sensitive sensors are one of the most common reasons for false alarms. Some sensors trigger the entire system with the slightest touch. Luckily, newer alarm systems have a way to adjust the sensor sensitivity.
If you suspect that these sensors are damaged, it’s best to have them checked by a professional.
Faulty Electronic Control Unit
The Electrical Control Unit (ECU) sends signals to different components of your vehicle, alerting them of certain actions. A faulty one tends to give off false signals, which the alarm system may interpret as unauthorized access, triggering the alarms.
Dealing with ECU issues requires professional help. Bring your vehicle to a nearby auto shop to have it checked and reprogrammed.
Poorly Installed Alarm System
There’s a chance that newly-installed alarm systems are improperly installed. If so, the car alarm randomly goes off, even if untouched.
One way to fix it is by going to a mechanic and having them check the new system. At most, they’ll simply take the system down and re-install it properly.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a New Car Alarm System?
It costs somewhere between $150 and $250 to have a new car alarm system installed. The price may be higher for more complicated systems. Labor fees and taxes may also vary between locations.
How Long Do Car Alarms Go Off For?
Car alarms usually go off for 30 seconds, while faulty ones may last up to 20 minutes.
How Do I Turn Off My Car Alarm?
Unlocking the car doors and turning the engine on should deactivate the car alarm system.
Another way to deactivate the system is by disconnecting the battery terminals, turning the car keys to the run position, and connecting the battery. Note that this method doesn’t always work, but it’s a good alternative option to know.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
