How to Install an Auto Alarm

Protect your vehicle with a car alarm system.

In 2006, a vehicle was stolen in the United States every 26.4 seconds. Auto alarms are the best means of deterring auto thieves. Aside from the typical siren, auto alarms offer features such as automatic shut down, steering wheel lock and even police and emergency contact. While alarms can be expensive when you factor in the cost of professional installation, you can save some money by doing it yourself while giving yourself some peace of mind.

Things You'll Need

• Multimeter
• Solder
• Solder torch
• Electrical tape

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with your car's wiring colors, polarities and locations. There are online resources available with vehicle-specific wiring diagrams.

2. Determine which features will be used from the alarm's options. Review the alarm's installation manual and compare it with your wiring diagram to determine which panels need to be removed for the installation. The typical panels for removal will include most side panels and possibly the ceiling panel, depending upon the options selected.

3. Inspect the car. Verify that all the door triggers are operational by opening the door and making sure that the overhead light comes on. Also check your owner's manual for any special tools that will be required to remove the car's door panels during installation.

4. Remove the necessary panels and note where each screw and clip goes for re-attachment later.

5. Test all wires using a multimeter for their polarity. First test for a positive polarity by setting the multimeter to 12 volts; connect the black wire to the ground and the red wire to your lead and the voltmeter. If the wire has a positive polarity, then the meter will read 12 volts. If the meter reads zero, then the wire has a negative polarity.

6. Attach the alarm's lead wires to the various triggers on the car. For the best hold, solder the wires using solder and a soldering torch, then tape them with electrical tape.

7. Install the siren as per the alarm's installation instructions.

References

• Commando Vehicle Security: How To: Installing a Car Alarm
• Commando Vehicle Security: Using a Multimeter and Testing Wires
• Auto Theft Info: Statistics

Resources

• BulldogSecurity: Diagrams
• The12Volt: Vehicle Specific Mobile Electronics Wiring