How to Five-Wire an Alarm

Installing a car alarm may take some time and effort to properly install.

"Five-wire" is a term describing the electrical wiring of certain car alarm systems. The advantages of a five-wire alarm system are seen in its advance network of wiring connections throughout the car. The five wires are connected to certain parts of your car, such as the unlock and lock outputs, lights and the trunk. To connect these systems together, you need the right tools to properly connect the alarm system to each component of the car.

Things You'll Need

• Five-wire alarm system
• Car manual
• Small drill

Instructions

1. Purchase an appropriate five-wire alarm system. You may have to check with your car manufacturer over the best brand for your car.

2. Park your car in a space with plenty of room. Turn the car off.

3. Open up the hood of your car, exposing the battery and engine.

4. Figure out beforehand which parts of the car you want the alarm system wired to. Since it is a five-wire system, you can apply the wires to your two front doors, the trunk, and even the back doors, but you can choose where you want the wires installed.

5. Bundle the wires close together with electrical tape. Bundle these wires near the master actuator, which is where all the wires are coming from. This keeps the wires close to your hood and not all over the place.

6. Consult your car manual over the location, in the engine, for sensor areas in your car. For example, one of the five wires needs to connect to the ignition harness. That way the alarm is deactivated when you turn on your car. The manual or the directions for the alarm will inform you of locations for the trunk, lights and other doors.

7. Mount the five-wire alarm to the bottom of the hood.

8. Connect the positive and negative electrical charges of the alarm system to the battery. To connect to the battery, drill through what is known as a firewall. Some firewalls have small holes in them so wires can pass through. Otherwise, drill small holes so the positive and negative electrical charges can enter into the battery compartment.

9. Shut the hood of the car and test out the alarm. Test out the alarm system by trying to open the doors or trunk. If any section of the car, such as the headlights, doors, or trunk does not respond to the alarm system, then you may have a specific wiring issue.

References

• The 12 Volt: Car Security and Convenience / Power Door Locks, Multiple Wire Systems, Add Auto Lock/Unlock
• Global Sources: Central Locking System with One Five-wire Master Actuator, Car Alarm System Compatible
• Commando Car Alarms: How To: Installing a Car Alarm
• eCar Security: Scytek 5 Wire Socket