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How To

How to Hook Up a Car Alarm

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By eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

A car alarm is an excellent way to protect your vehicle and its contents. Many newer vehicles are equipped with an alarm from the factory, but for those that are not, it is possible to add one using aftermarket equipment. Aftermarket alarms, depending on the unit you choose, are superior to most factory alarms in that they include extra zones of protection, and typically have more features and greater range.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Cordless drill Solder Soldering Iron Wire strippers Digital multi meter (DMM) Electrical tape Nylon wire ties Assorted hand tools for vehicle panel removal
  1. Step 1

    Locate and strip the vehicles ignition, starter and main ignition power wires. These wires will be found in the ignition harness running from the ignition switch. Test all wires for the correct function using the DMM.

  2. Step 2

    Find and strip the door trigger wires. Typically, this wire is the one that the car uses to turn on the dome light. Many times, this wire is most easily found at the light under the driver's side dash or in the driver's kick panel. Verify the function of this wire with the DMM, and be sure that the light comes on when the doors are opened.

  3. Step 3

    Mount the Siren under the hood. A siren should be mounted face down as not to collect water, and should never be mounted near moving parts, or where it will be subjected to excessive heat.

  4. Step 4

    Connect the alarm wiring to the corresponding wires in the vehicle. Solder the connections, and seal all solder joints with electrical tape. Secure the alarm wiring to the vehicles wiring harness, using nylon wire ties. Keep all wiring away from moving parts.

  5. Step 5

    Mount the LED, valet switch and shock/impact sensor provided with the unit. The LED should be mounted in a place that is visible from every window in the car. The valet switch should be hidden, but within reach of the driver. The shock sensor should be mounted as close to the center of the vehicle as possible for maximum protection.

  6. Step 6

    Test the alarm for proper operation by arming the system, and deliberately violating the zones of protection. Open the doors and trunk to ensure that doing so sets off the alarm. Strike the windows of the car with your palm to test the operation of the shock sensor and adjust the sensitivity as needed.

Tips & Warnings
  • Most alarms will allow the installer to connect the trunk release, power locks, parking lights and many other features, if desired. Consult the manual to see which features the system offers. Be careful not to set the shock sensor sensitivity too high. It should take a fairly strong impact to trigger the alarm, or a false alarm may occur.
  • Always fuse any power connections with a fuse of an appropriate size, or severe vehicle damage may occur.
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