How to Troubleshoot a Car Alarm Keypad That Does not Light Up

Examine the remote and remove the battery cover.

Car alarms are available as optional or stock equipment by the manufacturer, or they can be installed as an aftermarket option. The alarms supplied by the manufacturer tend to be operated using the wireless transmitter that is used to open the doors. Aftermarket systems can be a lot more elaborate, and the keypads can resemble home entertainment remote controls, complete with LED lighting. Car alarm keypads that don't illuminate can be fixed by following a few steps.

Things You'll Need

• Spare batteries
• Coin

Instructions

1. Change the battery in the alarm keypad if the backlight doesn't illuminate and the alarm can't be operated by the keypad either. In this case, the batteries have become exhausted. Examine the remote and remove the battery cover. It's usually on the back and slides off, or it can be levered off with a coin. Insert new batteries. In the case of an automaker-supplied remote, the coin-type batteries usually install with the positive icon facing outwards.

2. Program the aftermarket alarm keypad properly if the keypad doesn't light up, but the keypad operates the alarm system. Enter the programming function for your particular alarm (consult the owner's manual for specific instructions). Scroll through any settings to select "Backlighting," or a similar label, and turn the illumination on. The keypad might beep once to let you know you've turned it on.

3. Look for any light buttons if the alarm keypad still won't light up. The keypad will often have an illumination function represented by a light bulb icon. Press it to turn the illumination on. If the illumination goes off rapidly, it's likely to be a power saving function and is normal. Press the light-bulb icon button again.

References

• Viper: Model 480XV Owner's Guide