Top tips for car alarm installation

 

By Chad Lückhoff

We share our top 7 tips for installing an alarm system to ensure that you have a smooth and problem-free installation.

 

 

Top tips for car alarm installation.

While most cars sold today are equipped with factory fitted alarms, you may be looking to secure an older model car or just beef-up the security of your current car. We highly recommend enlisting the services of a professional alarm installation company or car audio outlet, but if you're the hands-on type who likes to do things themselves, take a look at our tips below.

1. Check compatibility

The first port-of-call is to ensure that the unit you have bought, or are about to buy, is compatible with your vehicle. Many modern vehicles use transponder keys that will not allow for a vehicle to be started with aftermarket ignition interference.

2.Read the instructions

While you may be eager to get down to business and keen to start ripping into your dashboard, it's best to sit down and read through the instructions, several times, to familiarise yourself with the installation requirements.

Some alarm systems will tap into existing sensors and switches while others will require you to install additional sensors and switches. Make sure you are comfortable with this before proceeding.

3.Get and use the right tools

Check which specific tools you will be requiring for your vehicle and the alarm kit that you have purchased. Reading through the manual (now you see what it was a good idea) will give you an idea of what panels will need removing.

You will need:

- A quality multi-meter

- Wire cutter/side cutter

- Wire Crimper / Stripper

- Philips Screwdriver

- Flat-head Screwdriver

- Electric drill and bits

- Heat gun

- Panel removal tools

- Soldering Iron

4.Plan properly

Failing to plan is planning to fail. With a better idea of what your alarm system comprises of, you will be able to lay out the system with the wiring to the necessary pin-switches and sensors and give you an idea of where you could possibly mount the computer.

Consider things like remote range and ease of access. You want to be able to access it yourself, but you don't want to place it somewhere where a potential thief could get to easily. Placing it under the dashboard is a good idea and the higher up you can place it the better. Keep it away from areas that could get splashed with water and an area away from excessive heat.

Plan how and where you are going to route the wires and try to use existing panel openings and wiring routes to minimise disruption.

5.Double check wires before cutting

Make friends with your multimeter and double check before you cut into the wires to you wish to splice into. Cutting the wrong wire will mean extra work and may leave you with a malfunctioning system and an electrical issue that could be difficult to trace.

Label the wires that need splicing into with a marker pen and some masking tape before disconnecting the battery and starting the process.

6.Install correctly

Each and every electrical connection has to be solid, conductive and ideally waterproof. Make sure that you strip back a small amount of insulation before soldering the two wires together. Use heat shrink to insulate the connection and tape them up if need be. Twisting wires together and simply covering them with electrical tape will not suffice here.

When running the wires past metal edges and over other components, it is wise to use some sleeving to guard against wearing through the insulation. If you are passing the wire through a metal panel, be sure to use a rubber grommet to protect the wire.

7.Test before securing

Before you get carried away and reassemble everything. Reconnect the battery and test the system several times to ensure that it operates as it should. Once you are satisfied with the functionality you can secure the computer box and start replacing the interior panels.