The Things We Remember

Alarm Work

Posted January 17 2009 04:39 PM by Willys
Filed under: Campfire, Jeep Enthusiast Culture, Pete Trasborg

Its been 10 years since I installed an alarm system in a car if its been a day. I bought this system about a year ago, and finally got around to starting the install.

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I only got the mounting of the main components done, and since I need to drive the Jeep tonight, I didn't want to cut into the Jeep and render it inoperable.

So, I got the sirens, brain, indicator light, valet switch, and the external antenna all in. At some point, I remembered that I should attach all the wires to the brain before permanently mounting it. Then I remember about taping the wires up to keep things organized... somewhere along the line I remembered about using the step bit to create a hole that is tight for the LED indicator and the press-in valet switch.

I don't know why people are afraid of installing these things... sure there are more wires, but if you can install a stereo, you can install an alarm.

So, only 3 hours before we were due to go to a Jeff Dunham show, here's what the interior of the Cherokee looked like.

Here's what I ended up with at the end of the day. Nice, huh? From here I tucked everything back into the dash and reassembled the Jeep.

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Reader Comments:

1. Oh-my-nightmare! My dream vehicle would only have 4 circuits: ignition, headlights, taillights, and brake lights.

Christian Hazel - Posted January 17 2009 09:27 PM

2. As an ASE master Tech the number one reason I can give is the many times i have had to cut alarms out of cars, most installed by so called pros, and fix the bad wiring job done, scotch locks should be never used but for an easy install are included to help make your vehicle a ticking time bomb. Most systems are not the best anyway and the electronics fail, and cause no starts etc.

MLBYJsarecool - Posted January 18 2009 10:02 AM

3. I used scotch locks just like everyone else. DEI approved use of them, and they made the work way quicker.

However, scotch locks were also the single biggest reason for an alarm or car to come back in not working correctly.

And, aside from being a cheap bastard, scotch locks are one of the main reasons for me not taking it to a shop... Well that, and I know the kind of job a shop would do putting it in firsthand, and wanted better.

As a paid installer, there just isn't the time to pull half the vehicle apart to do an alarm like I did here. The brain would likely end up zip-tied to other wires under the dash somewhere or tek-screwed to the fire wall... eh, let's not get me started.

The short cuts and IMO crappy work that the boss showed me to keep the cars moving were one of the reasons I didn't stay installing alarms or electronics very long. I wanted to do a good job, the boss man just wanted it done the quickest way possible.

Willys - Posted January 18 2009 02:49 PM

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