CAR ALARM AND REMOTE START INSTALLATION GUIDE
Copyrght 2002-2004 Triple S Customs
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7.
If the alarm system has an outboard shock sensor (the shock sensor is not “built-in” to the
control unit), secure the shock sensor.
Shock or impact sensors are the most common sensors
included with vehicle security systems. They are designed to detect various degrees of impact to the
vehicle during a break-in attempt. Some shock sensors have a dual-stage response. A light shock to the
vehicle may only chirp the siren and/or flash the parking lights to warn away a potential thief or intruder. A
heavy shock will trigger the alarm. These sensors are most effective in detecting a punched-out door lock.
However, when adjusted to be sensitive enough to detect breaking glass, they will false alarm. The shock
sensor should be securely mounted underneath the dash. Use double sided tape or a wire tie to secure it
to an air duct, wire harness, or trim panel. Avoid mounting it in the way of any moving parts or relays.
Avoid mounting it to the steering column or screwing it to metal, as it will cause poor sensitivity
8.
Secure the radar, microwave, or field disturbance sensor.
Most aftermarket systems do not include
radar sensors but most allow for additional sensors to be added. These sensors are very useful in helping
protect vehicle contents. They flood the area to be protected with a microwave energy field. When the
field is disturbed by a large mass such as a human body, the sensor sends a trigger to the alarm control
unit to trigger the alarm. The larger the object the faster the sensor will react. These sensors are ideal for
protecting convertibles and vehicles with removable tops. Like most shock sensors, these sensors can
also be dual stage sensors. This means they can warn at a distance and trigger to a full alarm if the
interior space is entered. Radar, microwave, and field disturbance sensors generally cover an area similar
to the head of a mushroom. It should be mounted in the center of the interior of the vehicle, facing
upward. If your vehicle has a center console between the front seats, mounting the sensor under this
console facing up may be an ideal location. Make sure that the sensor is not placed behind any metal
parts or major harnesses of the car. The sensor will detect through fabric or plastic, and it needs to face
towards the area that is to be protected. The sensor should always be adjusted outside, away from any
fluorescent lights. These lights, as well as temperature, and weather conditions can affect the sensitivity
of these sensors.
9.
After mounting the control unit, shock sensor, and any additional sensors or modules, route the
wires to their intended locations inside the vehicle
. In most vehicles you will need to route your wiring
to the ignition harness, the driver’s kick panel, under the hood, the trunk, passenger kick panel, and
sometimes inside one or more of the vehicle’s doors. Plan out what wires need to be routed to each
location and carefully route your wires to that location. Wires should be carefully run from the control unit
to each component. Wires should be wrapped in electrical tape, split loom, or plastic tubing to match the
look of the factory wires. Wires should be run alongside factory wires to make the wires look as if they
came that way from the factory.
10.
Running wires from the control module inside the vehicle to the locations under the hood should
be carefully considered.
Unlike an amplifier power wire, the wires from an alarm and remote start
system are relatively small gauge, which makes using an existing hole through the firewall a good option.
An alternate method, if an existing hole cannot be found or if thicker wires must be run to provide power
to the alarm and remote start system, is to drill a hole in the firewall. Be certain not to drill through any
fluid lines or factory cables. Use a plastic grommet to protect the wires from being cut by the metal edge
of the drilled holes.
TIPS FOR ROUTING WIRES THROUGH THE FIREWALL:
•
Most vehicles have rubber grommets that are large enough to feed your siren wire through using a coat
hanger.
•
If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, there is usually a spot reserved for where the clutch cable would
go through the firewall. This is usually an excellent spot to drill a hole.
•
Avoid drilling a hole whenever possible. Some vehicles have wires, fuel lines, or brake lines that run inside
the firewall, invisible from either side