How to reset a car alarm

A car alarm that doesn't work at all or doesn't work properly can be very annoying for you and your neighbors. It can also put your car at an increased risk of theft or vandalism. Today, almost all car manufacturers ...

A car alarm that doesn't work at all or doesn't work properly can be very annoying for you and your neighbors. It can also put your car at an increased risk of theft or vandalism. Almost all car manufacturers today equip their vehicles with several anti-theft options, including alarms. The alarm has proven to be an effective deterrent to would-be thieves and vandals. While this is good news for car owners with alarms, this alarm, like other electrical components, can fail.

The following steps will help you factory reset your car alarm. While some of this advice may apply to aftermarket car alarms, it's best to consult the manual if you're having trouble with an aftermarket alarm.

• AttentionA: Do not attempt to repair yourself if you are uncomfortable. Because the alarm system is battery powered, you must exercise extreme caution when attempting repairs.

Method 1 of 5: Reset the alarm remote

The key fob or alarm remote may be faulty and not sending the proper signal to your car's alarm system. When this happens, your car's alarm may unintentionally go off, even if you don't want it to.

Step 1: Consult the manual. On older vehicles, the owner's manual may indicate how to reset the key fob or alarm remote.

Most procedures vary from car to car, but you can try removing and replacing the key fob battery.

Step 2Use a Code Reader. On newer vehicles, it may be necessary to reset the key fob or alarm remote using a code reader/scanner.

The owner's manual may tell you how to perform this reset, although you may still want to check with a mechanic before attempting this.

Method 2 of 5: reset the alarm

Some of the more common alarm resets include less complicated methods that can be completed in minutes.

Step 1: Unlock the car. Sometimes the alarm goes off when you try to manually lock and unlock the car.

When the car notices that the key is inserted into the lock, the alarm may turn off.

Step 2: Start the car. You can also try turning the car on to reset the alarm.

Step 3: Use the key to lock and unlock. Try inserting the key into the door lock and turning the key to the locked position, then turning the key twice to the unlocked position.

This may temporarily disable the vehicle's alarm while driving.

Step 4: Hold the key in the unlock position. You can also try holding the key in the unlock position for two seconds.

Method 3 of 5: Battery Reset

Resetting an alarm by disconnecting the vehicle's battery can be dangerous, so care must be taken when using this method.

Step 1: Locate the battery. Open the hood of your car and find the battery.

Step 2: Remove the wire from the negative terminal. Using a wrench, loosen the negative terminal nut and disconnect the cable from the battery.

Step 3: Attach the wire again. Reattach the wire after about a minute.

This should reset all of your electrical systems, including those that power the alarms.

• Attention: Disconnecting the battery will also cause the radio to forget the presets. Be sure to write them down before disconnecting the battery wire.

Method 4 of 5: Replacing the fuse

You can also try replacing the fuse associated with your vehicle's alarm.

Step 1: Locate the fuse box. It is usually located under the left side of the steering wheel.

Step 2: Remove the appropriate fuse. Consult your manual to determine which fuse is associated with your car alarm.

Step 3: Replace the fuse. Replace it with a fuse of the same current rating.

Method 5 of 5: Disable the alarm

If your alarm clock is constantly distracting, goes off frequently, and spontaneously, you can disable the alarm completely. However, remember that if you disable the alarm, your car will have one less safety feature. You should consult a mechanic before disabling the alarm completely.

• AttentionNote: Since some alarm systems work in conjunction with your vehicle's ignition, this means that if you tamper with the alarm, your vehicle may not start.

Step 1: Consult your vehicle owner's manual. To find the correct wires to disconnect, refer to your vehicle owner's manual.

Resources related to your vehicle may also be available online.

• A warningA: You must be sure to disconnect the vehicle battery before attempting to disconnect any other wires.

Step 2: Remove the wires connecting the siren control box.. By disconnecting the wires connecting the siren and the alarm control unit, you can turn off the alarm until it can be permanently fixed.

While a faulty car alarm can be very annoying, it's important to make sure there aren't bigger problems at work. While these do-it-yourself fixes may solve your problem, you should always check with a mechanic if the solution seems more complicated. If you need to replace a fuse or install a new battery, invite one of AvtoTachki's certified technicians to your home or work to do the job for you.