If you have ever had a faulty car alarm that will not stop sounding off, then you know how much havoc this can cause. If your car alarm has done this before and you have had the experience of trying to turn the alarm off only to experience dread and panic, you know how important it is to get it fixed. Faulty car alarms do happen and there are companies out there that have trained experts to fix them affordably.
Understanding Car Alarms
Although car alarms can seem like they are really complicated to those of us who have never worked with them, but they really are basic devices once you understand them. Most car alarms consist of three different components which are:
- A control unit.
- A type of noise maker or flashing lights.
- One kind of sensor and some have more than one.
The sensors are hooked up to various parts of the automobile and are designed to trip when they are interrupted. If a sensor is tripped, it then sends a message or signal to the control unit or pack. The control unit is what sets the alarm off and the vehicle either makes noise or the lights flash. When this happens, the person who was tampering with the vehicle is usually scared off.
In theory, car alarms can be very complicated because of the way they are built and run. Many car alarms use radio receivers that are built into the control pack and the transmitters that are usually in the key fobs. There are several types of sensors that are used in car alarm systems. The sensors can be connected to various parts and areas of the auto and the result is different for each like flashing lights or the car horn sounding off.
Car Alarms and Sensors
The most common type of car alarm sensor is what is known as the door sensors. The door sensors are switches that are fitted into the doors. When one of the doors with a sensor is opened it sends the signal over to the control unit. The control unit then sends the signal to the various parts of the alarm like the horn or lights. New versions of the car door sensors are attached to the door handles and the car does not have to be opened for the alarm to sound. All a thief must do is jiggle the handle and the alarm sounds off.
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These types of sensors will send a signal to the control box if the car is touched or moved in any way. Some of these sensors are made with mercury sensors while others are more sophisticated. There are those that will just set off a warning signal if the car is only jostled in a small way like with a gust of wind. Shock sensors also work in the same way and will decide whether to give off a warning or set the alarm off full force.
Often, if the vehicle is bumped on accident it will set the alarm off and the owner will have to reset it. This is the problem with those car alarms that are super sensitive.
Pressure Sensors
Pressure sensors work by sending a signal when the pressure inside of the vehicle changes. The pressure would change if a window is broken or a door is opened.
Car Alarms Scare Off Thieves
Car alarms are designed to scare off those who are trying to steal your vehicle. Whether it is a horn or lights, the alarm is designed to make a loud noise. This same noise is also what happens when the alarm is triggered accidently.
Faulty Car Alarms
There is nothing worse than a car alarm that goes off for no reason. Usually, when the alarm goes off it tends to be in the middle of the night and just about wakes the whole neighborhood. Most people will disconnect the battery when the alarm does this just to get the alarm to shut off.
The expansion and contraction of a sensor can cause the alarm to go off even when there is nothing near the vehicle. This type of sensor can be super sensitive and will trigger the alarm with the slightest change in temperature. This type of problem requires a technician to locate the faulty sensor and replace it.
There can be a short in the wiring to the car alarm and this too needs to be fixed by a technician who is trained in car alarm repair. Having your car alarm repaired is certainly worth the expense. Gone will be the nights of being stirred out of a sound sleep and you know your vehicle is still safe.
Fix Car Alarm
Having the experts fix your car alarm is the best way to go. For instance, our 24/7 emergency locksmiths can be where your vehicle is in minutes and get the problem solved in a brief time. These are the same professionals that charge an affordable price even if they must go out in the middle of the night or on a weekend.
Having the ability to have 24/7 emergency locksmiths on hand offers a piece of mind when your car alarm is not functioning properly.