How to Install a Car Alarm System

Car alarm system installation

Installing car alarm systems is a difficult and demanding job that most car owners would rather have professional installers do the job. However, this installation is not exactly quantum physics and experienced do-it-yourself advocates can conceivably perform the task. But they do need to study the instructions carefully, and they must have the proper set of tools before attempting to install their own car alarm systems.

After reading, preferably several times over, the installation instructions of your car alarm system, prepare the following tools:

1. Flathead, Philips, and Pozidriv screwdrivers
2. Wrenches or spanners sets
3. Electric drill
4. Wire cutter
5. Soldering iron or crimping tool
6. Electrical tapes and insulation tubes
7. Multimeter

After you have prepared your tools and yourself, you can begin with the mounting of the siren. This is often placed under the hood but it can also be placed in the inner fender panel of your car. In either case, position it in a place that is the least accessible.

Following the siren, you can now mount the control module. Again, you have a choice where to put it. You can install it under the dash close to the steering column, or behind the glove box. An alternative to putting it under the dash is to put it under a seat.

Your sensors should be installed inside your vehicle where they can be kept dry. They should be attached solidly to metal surfaces with the use of screws. You can use your vehicles’ existing screws for this. Position it as close as possible to the center of the car so that it could pick up signals from all sides. When you adjust its sensitivity settings, test from all around the vehicle.

You may not need all the pin switches supplied with your car alarm. Instead, you can incorporate the alarm triggers with existing pin switches. For example, you can tie the alarm for an unauthorized door opening into the switch for the dome light.

The LED that comes with your system should be mounted on the place most visible to those outside the car. This is usually atop your dash or center console. The purpose of this flashing red light is to warn would-be car thieves that your car is protected.

Install your valet switch in a place not easily seen but still accessible, as you will have to manually activate or deactivate it.

Once these are installed, you can proceed to connect the wirings strictly following the diagram provided by the manufacturer. This is where mistakes often happen so you will want to be very careful with making the connections.