| Installing a Security System for a Convertible |
From "Car Care & Repair"
episode CCR-112 |
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About every 25 seconds, somewhere in the U.S. a car is stolen. Though no system is foolproof, one way to help prevent your vehicle from being included in those disturbing statistics is to install a security and theft-deterrent system. Since most thieves like to keep their job simple, they generally look for vehicles that they can steal quickly and easily. In effect, the main reason for installing a security system is to encourage a car thief to bypass your vehicle and look elsewhere for prey. Part of the system's effectiveness, then, relies on visible indications that the vehicle has a security system. Most alarm systems come with window stickers and flashing LED indicators that alert potential thieves to the fact that the vehicle is protected. Road-service mechanics -- whose job frequently involves assisting motorists who've locked their keys inside their car or trunk -- can tell you just how easy it is to get into most locked vehicles, provided you have the right tools. And any good thief will have the right tools. Convertibles are even more vulnerable to theft and burglary since the soft top makes the vehicle even easier to break into. In this demonstration, we install a security system that utilizes a shock sensor and microwave sensor on a convertible Jeep Wrangler. This particular system also incorporates a valet-switch override, an LED that visually indicates that the system is armed, and a keychain remote control that incorporates a panic switch. The system can be customized with settings, or equipped with options, for controlling such features as passive or active arming, keyless entry, illuminated entry, remote engine start, remote door lock/unlock, remote window control, remote headlight control, etc. The system's owner manual gives instructions for use and programming of these and other functions. Materials: Security-system installation kit, including wiring and mounting hardware
Vehicle service manual
Cordless drill
Screwdriver, Phillips head Tip: When wiring an alarm system, leave a bit of extra wire when making connections. If you decide to sell the vehicle, you may want to remove the alarm system for installation on your future vehicle. Leaving some extra length in the wires will help ensure that the alarm can be reinstalled in a different vehicle. Safety: As in all automotive projects that involve electrical wiring, you must disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before you begin, to avoid vehicle damage or injury. - For installation of the system's control module, use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the lower trim panel on the driver side and the under-dash shield beneath the steering column (figure A). The control module is mounted in a protected location behind the trim panel and under the steering column. This module (figure B) is the "brain" of the system, and all other sensors and controls will be connected to it.
- In addition to the control module, there are several other main elements in the system that will need to be installed. Inspect each part and determine the exact locations for mounting. The microwave sensor alerts the system when any movement is detected in protected zones (i.e., areas in or near the vehicle). It can be mounted in an out-of-the way location such against the firewall in front of the center console (figure C). The shock sensor and its relay (figure D) can also be mounted against the firewall. The siren (figure E) will be mounted under the hood, with its wiring extending from the control module inside the cab into the engine compartment.
- With the trim panel removed, expose the wiring to the vehicle ignition and unplug it from the ignition switch (figure F). You may need to remove the in-dash stereo speaker on the driver side for better access to the ignition wiring. The ignition-wiring harness contains wires for ground, ignition hot and constant hot. Since the alarm system has an ignition cutoff, which makes it impossible to start the vehicle if the alarm has been tripped, you'll need to access the ignition wiring.
- Thread the wiring harnesses from the microwave sensor, shock sensor and shock-sensor relay up into the compartment where the control module is mounted so that they are easy to access (figure G). Thread the wire that leads to the siren from the inside of the vehicle up into the engine compartment. You may be able to thread the wiring through a grommet in the firewall.
- With all of the sensors installed, plug each wiring harness into the control module as indicated in the instructions (figure H).
- Carefully follow the instructions that come with the alarm kit for splicing into the necessary factory wiring that controls power locks, emergency flashers, headlights, horn, interior dome light, power windows or other accessories, depending on the specific features you intend to use with your alarm. The individual wires in the alarm system's wiring bundles are color-coded and identified in the instructions that come with the kit. In addition, the company that manufactures the alarm should be able to provide you with a diagram and color-code chart for the factory wiring in your vehicle's make, model and year.
- Drill a hole in a portion of the trim panel to accommodate the flashing LED indicator (figure I). Choose a location that will be visible and obvious so that the flashing light can be seen from the exterior of the vehicle. The flashing indicator serves as a warning that the vehicle is protected and the system is armed.
- You'll also need to drill a hole in the trim panel for the valet switch (figure J), which allows the alarm functions to be temporarily bypassed, eliminating the need to provide valets or mechanics with your controlling transmitter. In valet mode (valet switch "on") the alarm functions are bypassed, but the remote panic feature and remote door locks remain operational. In this particular system, the LED remaining on constantly (instead of flashing) indicates that the valet mode is engaged. The LED and the valet switch will also be wired to the control module.
- Install the siren to a secure location in the engine compartment (figure K ), such as the firewall or inside wall of a wheel well, using the hardware provided. Connect the wiring and ground wire according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- With all elements installed and the wiring complete, test the system before reinstalling the interior trim pieces. To test the system, you'll first need to reconnect the negative battery cable. Arm the system with the remote control (figure L) and check to see that the LED is flashing. With the system armed, the alarm should sound if the vehicle is jarred or if a door is opened.
- If the system is functional, reinstall the stereo speaker and trim pieces.
Note: This is a sophisticated alarm system, and the installation -- which is fairly involved -- includes a considerable amount of electrical wiring. For those without experience in automotive electronics, it's advisable to leave the installation to professionals at a reputable security-systems dealer. If you do choose to undertake an installation like this yourself, carefully read and follow all installation instructions and wiring diagrams that come with your alarm kit. Installations will differ according to the brand of security system and the individual vehicle. In addition to the instructions that come with the kit, you'll need to consult your vehicle's service manual for the location of factory wiring you'll need to access. The steps summarized above are the basic steps in the installation as performed in our demonstration.
RESOURCES :
Vehicles provided by McNelly-Whaley Ford Lincoln Mercury
750 Dolly Parton Parkway
Sevierville, TN 37862
Phone: 865-453-2833
Web site: www.ford4u.com
Remote car alarm by Audiovox®
Automotive Security System from Audiovox
150 Marcus Boulevard
Hauppauge, New York 11788
Toll-free: 800-645-4994
Phone: 631-231-7750
Fax: 631-434-3995
Web site: www.audiovox.com
The model installed in this demonstration is an
Audiovox Prestige® Model APS-500
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