Unauthorized entry This reason is definitely a cause for concern as it points to car theft. When your car is locked and the alarm is activated, the sensors on the door will trigger the alarm if someone tries to enter without a key. This applies to the driver’s side and the passenger’s side, as well as the trunk and hood. The siren’s job is not just to alert you of potential tampering with your vehicle, but also serves to scare the intruder away. How to Fix It: Try to avoid high theft risk scenarios all together by taking certain precautions, like parking in well-lit areas, making sure all doors and windows are locked, and using anti-theft devices like steering wheel locks.
Key fob issues Many modern vehicles come equipped with a key fob, or a fob key, used to control cars remotely. A fob can lock, unlock, and even start a car from several feet away. The fob sends a signal to the receiver in the car, giving the alarm system a head’s up that you’re about to enter. A faulty fob could fail to send the signal to your car, triggering the alarm when you approach even though you’re the car’s rightful owner. How to Fix It: A malfunctioning fob could be the result of dead or dying batteries. A quick and easy fix is to buy new batteries. Most fobs contain the coin batteries, available at nearly every place that sells batteries, but check the manual to make sure what batteries your fob requires. You can probably open the fob up yourself with a screwdriver and swap out the batteries. EXPERT TIP Ed Beery Ed Beery Automotive Specialist Ed Beery is an Automotive Specialist and the Owner of InTechgrity Automotive Excellence based in Denver, Colorado. With more than eight years of experience, he specializes in providing maintenance and repair services for both individuals and companies. Ed and the InTechgrity Automotive Excellence Team are approved by the American Automobile Association (AAA) for repairs and are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified. Ed Beery Ed Beery Automotive Specialist [If you don't have your key] disconnecting the battery will turn off the alarm, but in most cases, you will need a key to open the vehicle and unlatch the hood to disconnect the battery. It is possible to disconnect the negative battery cable from underneath the car in some cases. A car alarm can also be stopped by pulling the correct fuse from the fuse block.
Dirty or faulty sensors Sensors in your car include door lock sensors, proximity sensors, tilt sensors, and glass break sensors. Each sensor comes with its own set of potential drawbacks. For example, the hood latch sensor may be prone to buildup of dirt and debris, while the door lock sensors are sensitive to water damage, which could affect the entire alarm system. Faulty wiring could also be the culprit, which could require professional repair or replacement. How to Fix It: To make sure your hood latch is not to blame, keep the area clean in and around your hood. In humid or stormy weather, door sensors may be affected. It’s necessary that you address any potential water damage quickly as it could damage your car alarm system irreversibly. For faulty wiring, a mechanic should be able to identify the problem and steps to fix it.
Poor alarm installation If you happen to have an older car that didn’t come with an alarm system but you installed one yourself, an improper installation could cause the alarm to go off without warning. It might be tempting to DIY your car alarm as it is a cheaper alternative to getting it professionally installed, but it could lead to complications with your overall system since it’s fairly easy to make wiring mistakes. How to Fix It: If you suspect that a poorly installed alarm is the main problem, taking your car to a mechanic shop could be the best solution. Damaging your car alarm could affect how much you pay for insurance, so trusting a professional to take a look at it and reinstall it if necessary could be a worthwhile investments. Prices for car alarm re-install typically range between $150-$250.
Low car battery A car battery that’s low in power may not be sending enough voltage to the car alarm system, which may be responsible for randomly triggering the alarm. If you notice your car alarm going off several times throughout the night and you wake up to a dead car battery, the connection there is evident. Even if the battery is relatively new and appears to be in good shape, the terminals alone might get in the way of the alarm signal. How to Fix It: If your battery is dead, try jumpstarting it for a quick fix. This will stop the alarm from going off and allow you to go about your day in a pinch. However, the longterm fix will to purchase and install a new battery.
Environmental factors Your car’s surroundings can also play a role in how often its car alarm goes off. Heavy rain, wind, or hail, as well as any other severe environmental conditions could trigger a sensor and the siren. Even noise caused by passing cars or nearby construction zones can create strong enough vibrations in the air to engage the alarm. Your car’s alarm system is actually more sensitive to environmental factors than you may think! How to Fix It: This issue doesn’t require a fix as much as it requires planning and consideration. If your car alarm still goes off in seemingly quiet settings, it could be that your sensors are overly sensitive, which could be a result of faulty wiring. Seek a professional opinion.
Comments
0 comment