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Since car thieves are constantly at work honing their craft, it pays to install a security system that's sophisticated enough to be an effective deterrent. If a car alarm is easy to disengage, and a thief has the expertise to disengage it, the security system loses its effectiveness. Some security systems come with engine cutoffs, fuel-line cutoffs and other immobilizing features. One of the simplest and most effective upgrades for a security system is to install a hidden switch that only the owner of the vehicle is aware of. A vehicle may be wired so that, for instance, it will start only if the radio is turned on before the ignition.
The following demonstrate installation of a system so that the car's engine can only turn over if the left turn signal is engaged before the driver turns the key in the ignition. Our example vehicle for this demonstration is a Chevy Cavalier.
Materials:
- Security-system installation kit, including wiring and mounting hardware
- Vehicle service manual
- Test light
- Cordless drill
- Socket wrench
- Panel tool
- Screwdriver, Phillips head
- As in all automotive projects that involve electrical wiring, to avoid vehicle damage or injury, disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before you begin. In this particular project you'll need to leave the battery cable connected until after you have tested and identified certain electrical wires.
For this installation you'll need to access the wiring behind the left headlight and turn signal. For this particular vehicle it's first necessary to remove the plastic cowling just behind the front grill. Use a panel tool to remove the plastic pins that hold the cowling in place, then carefully remove the cowling.
With the cowling removed, loosen the bolts that hold the headlight assembly in place, and pull the assembly forward to expose the wiring behind it.
Use your vehicle's service manual to identify the wire supplying power to the left turn signal as well as the wiring for the starter solenoid and the power source for the horn. With the vehicle's left turn signal engaged, you can test to make sure you've identified the turn-signal wire by using a test light.
Note:
- After you've identified the wires, disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before proceeding any further.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for splicing into the ignition power supply in order to connect the ignition circuit to the control module. The circuit containing the starter solenoid and ignition is what will be interrupted if the hidden switch is not properly engaged thereby preventing the vehicle from starting.
- Install the system's control module in a suitable location in the engine compartment preferably someplace where it's hidden from direct view. The wiring for the hidden switch (in this case, the left turn-signal switch) and the wiring for the starter solenoid will both be connected to the control module. You'll also need to find a suitable spot to connect the control unit's ground wire.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for splicing into the power supply for the left turn signal.
- Once you've properly spliced into the factory wiring, connect all of the wiring to the control unit per the directions.
- Reinstall the headlamp assembly and reconnect the vehicle's battery so that you can test the system. With this setup the vehicle should start only if the left turn signal is engaged before the key is turned in the ignition.
- Once the system is tested and operational, reinstall the cowling.
Note:
- Installation of an alarm system can be fairly involved, and it includes working with 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 such as 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 outlined above are the basic procedures for the installation as performed in our demonstration.
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