How to Shut Off a Car Alarm That Won't Quit

It's annoying when a neighbor's car alarm won't quit and embarrassing when your own is the culprit. Knowing how your particular alarm works will save you (and others) from ringing ears. Read through the owner's manual before you have a problem. When the alarm is blaring, your wits may desert you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fuse Puller Or Needlenose Pliers

1. Check for user error. Consult the owner's manual for directions on how to turn the car alarm on and off.

2. Put the key in the ignition and try to start the car. On many systems this will shut off the alarm.

3. Find the alarm's fuse. It may be in the fuse box, usually located below the steering wheel to the left. Many cars also have other fuse boxes (sometimes three or even more) inside the engine compartment. If it's an aftermarket alarm (installed after the car left the factory), you'll find the fuse under the hood, usually on a wire connected to the positive battery terminal.

4. Locate the fuse that has the alarm label. You should find a fuse diagram on the lid of the fuse box. An aftermarket alarm won't have any label. Don't worry; removing the wrong fuse won't cause any damage. If you pull out a fuse and the alarm stays on, put that fuse back in and try another.

5. Pull the alarm fuse with the fuse puller (sometimes found in the fuse box) or a pair of needle-nose pliers. Sometimes you can remove a fuse using your fingers.

6. As a last resort, disconnecting the battery's negative terminal will stop the alarm, but it will also keep your car from starting.

Tips & Warnings

• Shut-off procedures for different car-alarm systems vary. Check the owner's manual for specifics.

Who Can Help Sponsored

[shannon1970]

on 11/8/2008 FOR THE PAST SEVERAL NIGHTS...MY ALARM STARTS CHIRPING SOME KIND OF STRANG TUNE??? WEIRD , YES I KNOW...IT HAPPENS VERY LATE , AFTER LIKE 2 AM . IT'S NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE. ANY ONE KNOW WHAT MIGHT CAUSE THIS. MY NEIGHBORS ARE GETTING UPSET ....HELP ?

on 8/8/2006 My car alarm decided to go off one night due to malfunction, making the car undrivable as part of the anti-theft system. Buttons on the key fob did no good. Putting the key in driver's side door didn't work. Putting the key in the ignition didn't do anything. Trying to unlock and re lock had no effect, even when the doors physically locked. I had to go to the passenger side door and unset the alarm manually by putting the key in the lock, turning and holding until it stopped. It's been fine ever since.

on 3/13/2006 I had to put my key in the ignition and then push the button (located under the dash board on the drivers side) in order for the alarm to shut off.

on 12/20/2005 Many car alarms place a small switch under the dash on the drivers side you can only get to by kneeling under the car. Flip this switch on and off 3 times. This till disable the alarm on most systems.

on 11/22/2005 If putting the key in the ignition does not shut off the alarm, try putting the key in the door and unlocking the car.