Car alarm keeps going off: what causes it and how to stop it
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Imagine this: It's the middle of the night and your car is parked just a few metres from your house. Suddenly you hear a loud, piercing noise that jolts you awake. That sound is your car alarm, standing guard against potential thieves and vandals. In a world where vehicle theft is a constant concern, car alarms serve as the first line of defence, providing protection and peace of mind.
Does my car have a factory-fitted alarm and immobiliser?
Look for a flashing security light on your dashboard when the car is locked – this often indicates an alarm. You can also test by locking the car and manually opening a door; if an alarm sounds, it's there. For the immobiliser, try starting the car with an unprogrammed key – if it doesn't start, you've got one. To find out if your car has a factory-fitted alarm and immobiliser, check the security section of your owner's manual. Still not sure? Contact your dealer with your VIN for confirmation or ask your mechanic to check for you.
Why does my car alarm keep going off?
If your car alarm goes off for no reason, the electrical system may be at fault, as problems such as a short circuit or corroded wiring can also cause false alarms. It could be a faulty key fob, low car battery voltage, or a sensor that's not working properly, such as the door, hood, or motion sensors. Environmental factors like strong winds, vibrations or extreme temperatures can also set off these components. To fix this, check your car's battery and reset the alarm system.
Car alarm goes off randomly at night
If your car's battery is running low and can't supply the right amount of power to the alarm system, it may trigger the alarm, which can be caused by an oversensitive sensor, a dying battery or even nearby electronic interference. Sometimes it's just the environment, like strong winds or a stray cat brushing up against your car. Other times, it could be your key fob acting up or a problem with your car's electrical system.
Start by checking your alarm's sensitivity and adjusting it if necessary. A battery check and inspecting your car's fuses are also good ideas. If the problem persists, it may be time to call in a professional to inspect the sensors or dig deeper into the issue. By taking these steps, you can hopefully silence those late-night noises and regain your peace of mind.
What causes the car alarm to go off?
Faulty wiring or malfunctions within the system or reactions to loud noises or passing vehicles can cause false alarms. Sensors in are designed to detect unusual activity around the vehicle and trigger the alarm. These sensors can be triggered by physical impacts, such as someone hitting the car, an attempted break-in or even a strong gust of wind. Sudden movements, such as jacking up the car or attempting to open the doors or boot without the key, can also cause the alarm to be set off.
How to stop my car alarm from randomly going off?
Here is some troubleshooting to try to keep your alarm from going off when it shouldn’t:
Lock and unlock the car doors using the key fob or physical key.
Switch on the car.
Turn the alarm off manually.
Disconnect the power supply to reset the system.
If all else fails, check that the car horn is working properly. As sometimes the problem is with this component rather than the alarm system itself.
