→ Security system
By installing an alarm on a car, the owner expects protection. But incorrect installation and configuration of alarm parameters can lead to unpleasant consequences, in particular, the fact that the alarm goes off on its own. Nowadays, the market is flooded with cheap types of security systems and their even lower quality Chinese comrades, for example Starline. It is these that are preferred by many owners or car dealerships in our country, especially when it comes to budget vehicle models. But there are also very popular manufacturers of security systems, for example, Sherkhan.
The alarm going off for no apparent reason and other problems with the alarm system will irritate both the car owner and the residents of the entire area with their far from quiet, unnerving scream. This situation can be avoided by adjusting some parameters of the alarm equipment. At the same time, you will regulate relations with your neighbors. But first, you need to figure out why the car alarm goes off for no reason, what causes problems with the Starline alarm, and how to get rid of them.
In fact, it is only the car owner who thinks that the alarm goes off for no reason. But in fact, this is a technical device that is configured in a certain way and reacts accordingly, when certain conditions are met. That is, there are still reasons why the alarm goes off on its own.
The most common causes of spontaneous activation of the anti-theft system:
- Shock sensor sensitivity.
- The limit switch has become unusable.
- Moisture penetration into the system contacts.
- Problems in the electronics that lead to the alarm going off when the car starts.
It remains to figure out where the problem lies in the case of a particular car and solve it, and find out why the alarm can turn on by itself, while at the same time getting rid of the troubles with frequent spontaneous operation of the car alarm.
Dealing with alarm problems
- Impact force.
The reasons for the unjustified activation of the anti-theft after autostart must be eliminated in stages. Most often, spontaneous operation is caused by incorrectly setting the shock sensitivity.
This parameter must be brought to the point that the reaction occurs only to direct contact with the body. The system should ignore factors such as fireworks, gunshots, and noisy cars nearby.
A two-zone type of sensor in such a situation may be a solution. If the impact force is questionable, it will emit only a few warning signals. Reducing the sensitivity of this sensor will greatly help those owners who live or park their vehicle near airports or noisy factories. As a result, you will not worry about the alarm going off on its own at the most inopportune moment.
Changing the shock sensor setting is quite simple. It is often mounted between the seats under the handbrake lever. Having found this rotary control, you need to turn it counterclockwise, thereby reducing the shock sensitivity of the system.
You can check the settings experimentally. Lean on the hood, tap the tire with your foot, ask someone nearby to honk the horn. If this part of the system is configured as expected and is not activated by minor stimuli, turn off this sensor for a while until you find out the true cause of the false alarms.
- End cap.
The second most common reason that causes a car alarm to go off spontaneously is the incorrect functioning of the limit switch. It causes the contacts to close when the doors are opened. Mostly such problems arise with the starline alarm system.
This happens when the contacts oxidize, which interferes with proper operation. You can make minor repairs by cleaning the contacts from oxide and treating them with an anti-corrosion compound.
But it is better to immediately change the limit switch. This will ensure that the same situation does not happen again soon, and you will no longer find that your car alarm went off by itself.
- Rain and washing.
Heavy rain can cause excess moisture to reach the car alarm contacts. In this case, the system may begin to make alarming sounds.
In such a situation, it is better to simply turn off the alarm during bad weather to prevent it from becoming unusable.
Similar problems may arise after a car has been washed. In these cases, as a rule, the system just needs to be allowed to dry thoroughly, and in the future the correct operation of the anti-theft system should resume. It is rare, but possible that such excessive moisture will cause the siren to break down; it can be quickly and inexpensively replaced with a new one.
- Hire a specialist for installation.
Another most common factor in the false alarm of a Starline machine is open circuits. In case of incorrectly installed locks on vital parts of the car, it may refuse to start, and the siren will go off all the time, mistaking the owner for a thief. This means that an electronic malfunction has occurred.
In this case, you need to check not only the electronics of the security system, but also the car itself. Self-diagnosis is not suitable here. In this case, it is better to do without amateur efforts and deliver the car to the place where the alarm system was originally installed on the car. Especially if this was done recently and the device is still under warranty.
You can insure yourself against such a situation in advance if you ask the technician where the relay and the lock release button are located. This should be done at the installation stage, thinking through various situations for the future.
It should be noted that the largest number of malfunctions in the operation of the anti-theft device are caused by its incorrect installation. Therefore, you should not trust such an important matter to garage geniuses. It is better to use the services of certified professionals.
It would not be amiss to say that when installing an anti-theft system on a car, the owner is given a fairly long warranty. Therefore, all problems that arose during the first time of operation (adjustment, configuration, troubleshooting of electrical circuits) will be corrected by the installation company absolutely free of charge.
The vast majority of cars are equipped with devices designed to warn car owners about a possible attack on their property. Modern systems protect not only from theft by blocking engine starting, but also from external influences on the car. But increasing the functionality of alarms is only possible by increasing the complexity of their design, and this, in turn, greatly complicates troubleshooting. Among the many possible breakdowns, the most common is not a complete failure of the security system, but its false alarms in cases where the car is not in danger. Let's look at the most common reasons why the alarm goes off on its own.
Often, incorrect adjustment of the shock sensor when installing a car alarm is the cause of malfunctions in its operation.
Often, incorrect adjustment of the shock sensor was made when installing the security system on the car. The technicians, in a hurry to give the car to the client, did not check his sensitivity, although this is not difficult to do. The sensor is configured either by rotating a special knob located on the device or by pressing buttons. An exception may be expensive systems, changing the operating modes of which is achieved through reprogramming. Such sensors are most often installed either under the instrument panel or on the floor - in the area of the parking brake lever. The impact sensor must be firmly attached to the body - otherwise it will not perceive external influences. In addition, installers should know that it is best to place the sensor closer to the center line of the car - so that impacts of the same force, perceived by the car body from different sides, are captured equally by the sensor. Reduce the sensitivity of the sensor and check its operation. Arm the car and lightly pat the roof or hood with your palm and kick the wheel. In general, evaluate the sensitivity of the alarm by eye. If the sensor cannot be adjusted, simply turn it off for a while - there may be a malfunction in the main alarm unit.
We fight the causes of errors in the operation of the security system
Most often, the reasons for false alarms (or, conversely, delays in detecting smoke and fire) are associated with violation of the maintenance regulations for smoke detectors. Sooner or later they become covered with dust. When a draft or vibration of the smoke chamber appears, the dust is perceived by the sensor as air filled with microparticles, resulting in an alarm. As a rule, this problem is encountered two to three years after installing the system. However, in contaminated areas (for example, garages or boiler rooms), such errors may appear earlier.
According to the requirements of fire alarm manufacturers, maintenance of smoke sensors must be performed at least once every six months. The easiest way to reduce the amount of dust in the camera is to treat it with an antistatic agent.
Read also: What types of fire extinguishers are there and how to use them?
Another situation in which you need to pay attention to sensors is the location near them of devices that are sources of electromagnetic radiation. As a rule, the placement of emitting devices is taken into account at the design stage of the alarm system. However, the positions of things in a room change over time, and no one can predict where things will be in a year.
If there is a suspicion that gas-discharge lamps, microwave ovens, heating devices, wires in an apartment or house affect the alarm system, you will have to deal with the wiring. The issue is resolved by zeroing the emitting devices.
Quite often, fire alarms are triggered by sunlight falling directly on the flame sensors or reflected from something. In this situation, there is only one thing left to advise: either change the position of the modules, or think through this moment at the design stage.
Read also: How to prevent fires in the house and what to do if a fire occurs?
Limit switch faults
Often it is the breakdown or oxidized contacts of the “limit switches” that cause the car alarm to go off independently.
Often, it is the breakdown or oxidized contacts of the “limit switches” that are the answer to the question of why the alarm goes off by itself at night. Limit switches disconnect the contact of the corresponding terminals of the alarm unit with the vehicle ground. Loss of contact due to oxidation of parts, or, conversely, its untimely appearance due to dirt leads to the fact that the signals coming from the sensors to the unit carry contradictory information, which the integrated circuit is not able to interpret correctly due to errors accumulated in its memory . The adjustment of the limit switches may also be incorrect - due to their increased or insufficient free play. This defect can be eliminated either by changing the gaps of body parts, or by adjusting or replacing the switch. The first method, however, is most often appropriate only after an accident or body repair - when, due to the disturbed relative position of the body elements, the “limit switch” is either not pressed by the part or is “pressed” by it too much.
Malfunctions of the electronic unit
The reason why the car alarm sometimes goes off on its own or, conversely, does not turn off, may be due to water getting inside the unit body. Forming, it leads to closures, which the block, depending on the combination of these tracks, can perceive as control signals. The troubleshooting method is simple - remove the battery terminal (or de-energize the alarm in another way), remove the unit from under the instrument panel and dry it by removing the top cover. It is best to dry the circuit by generously treating it with degreaser or alcohol. Before installing the unit in place, try to prevent water from entering it in the future. You can use a regular plastic bag and electrical tape. There should not be any difficulties in finding the unit - most often it is installed under the instrument panel or to the left and below it - this is more convenient to connect.
In what cases is it better to contact a specialist?
First of all, if the standard alarm goes off on its own, when assembling a car on a conveyor belt, it is easier to “hide” the alarm unit, and its wiring is naturally integrated into the standard wiring harnesses, which makes “dialing” and repairs more difficult. Security systems installed after purchasing a car have recently often had a modular structure, distributed in different places, which complicates the task of troubleshooting. In addition, errors in the operation of the alarm unit can be caused by malfunctions of the electronic elements of the engine control system, the operation of which is blocked by the security complex. To identify the cause, a detailed diagnosis of all engine control systems (sometimes gearboxes) is required.
Modern car enthusiasts are afraid for the safety of their vehicle - now it is difficult to find a car that is not equipped with anti-theft protection. At the same time, in recent years, many inexpensive Chinese devices have appeared on the market, which are purchased and installed in budget cars. Such solutions do not have any special security functions, but they greatly irritate the neighbors. Many owners of such car alarms complain about false anti-theft alarms. Yes, such a phenomenon exists. To verify this, you can simply read any automobile forum. Let's try to find out why the car alarm goes off for no reason. After all, if the siren goes on late at night, when everyone is dreaming, it will not be very pleasant. For this, “grateful residents” may even take revenge - for example, by puncturing a tire. And the owner of such a car himself will not be able to get a good night’s sleep before the next working day - when the alarm siren goes off, the owner immediately rushes to see if everything is okay with the car. And if there are 5-10 of them, then you simply won’t be able to fall asleep and get enough sleep. Turning off the alarm is also not an option, because the car will be left unguarded, and it is unknown what could happen to it at night. Gasoline is often poured out in yards, wheels, mirrors, wipers are stolen, and cars are simply stolen.
The alarm goes off by itself: how to fix the problem
By installing an alarm on a car, the owner expects protection. But incorrect installation and configuration of alarm parameters can lead to unpleasant consequences, in particular, the fact that the alarm goes off on its own. Nowadays, the market is flooded with cheap types of security systems and their even lower quality Chinese comrades, for example Starline. It is these that are preferred by many owners or car dealerships in our country, especially when it comes to budget vehicle models. But there are also very popular manufacturers of security systems, for example, Sherkhan.
The alarm going off for no apparent reason and other problems with the alarm system will irritate both the car owner and the residents of the entire area with their far from quiet, unnerving scream. This situation can be avoided by adjusting some parameters of the alarm equipment. At the same time, you will regulate relations with your neighbors. But first, you need to figure out why the car alarm goes off for no reason, what causes problems with the Starline alarm, and how to get rid of them.
In fact, it is only the car owner who thinks that the alarm goes off for no reason. But in fact, this is a technical device that is configured in a certain way and reacts accordingly, when certain conditions are met. That is, there are still reasons why the alarm goes off on its own.
The most common causes of spontaneous activation of the anti-theft system:
- Shock sensor sensitivity.
- The limit switch has become unusable.
- Moisture penetration into the system contacts.
- Problems in the electronics that lead to the alarm going off when the car starts.
It remains to figure out where the problem lies in the case of a particular car and solve it, and find out why the alarm can turn on by itself, while at the same time getting rid of the troubles with frequent spontaneous operation of the car alarm.
Dealing with alarm problems
The reasons for the unjustified activation of the anti-theft after autostart must be eliminated in stages. Most often, spontaneous operation is caused by incorrectly setting the shock sensitivity.
This parameter must be brought to the point that the reaction occurs only to direct contact with the body. The system should ignore factors such as fireworks, gunshots, and noisy cars nearby.
A two-zone type of sensor in such a situation may be a solution. If the impact force is questionable, it will emit only a few warning signals. Reducing the sensitivity of this sensor will greatly help those owners who live or park their vehicle near airports or noisy factories. As a result, you will not worry about the alarm going off on its own at the most inopportune moment.
Changing the shock sensor setting is quite simple. It is often mounted between the seats under the handbrake lever. Having found this rotary control, you need to turn it counterclockwise, thereby reducing the shock sensitivity of the system.
You can check the settings experimentally. Lean on the hood, tap the tire with your foot, ask someone nearby to honk the horn. If this part of the system is configured as expected and is not activated by minor stimuli, turn off this sensor for a while until you find out the true cause of the false alarms.
The second most common reason that causes a car alarm to go off spontaneously is the incorrect functioning of the limit switch. It causes the contacts to close when the doors are opened. Mostly such problems arise with the starline alarm system.
This happens when the contacts oxidize, which interferes with proper operation. You can make minor repairs by cleaning the contacts from oxide and treating them with an anti-corrosion compound.
But it is better to immediately change the limit switch. This will ensure that the same situation does not happen again soon, and you will no longer find that your car alarm went off by itself.
Heavy rain can cause excess moisture to reach the car alarm contacts. In this case, the system may begin to make alarming sounds.
In such a situation, it is better to simply turn off the alarm during bad weather to prevent it from becoming unusable.
Similar problems may arise after a car has been washed. In these cases, as a rule, the system just needs to be allowed to dry thoroughly, and in the future the correct operation of the anti-theft system should resume. It is rare, but possible that such excessive moisture will cause the siren to break down; it can be quickly and inexpensively replaced with a new one.
- Hire a specialist for installation.
Another most common factor in the false alarm of a Starline machine is open circuits. In case of incorrectly installed locks on vital parts of the car, it may refuse to start, and the siren will go off all the time, mistaking the owner for a thief. This means that an electronic malfunction has occurred.
In this case, you need to check not only the electronics of the security system, but also the car itself. Self-diagnosis is not suitable here. In this case, it is better to do without amateur efforts and deliver the car to the place where the alarm system was originally installed on the car. Especially if this was done recently and the device is still under warranty.
You can insure yourself against such a situation in advance if you ask the technician where the relay and the lock release button are located. This should be done at the installation stage, thinking through various situations for the future.
It should be noted that the largest number of malfunctions in the operation of the anti-theft device are caused by its incorrect installation. Therefore, you should not trust such an important matter to garage geniuses. It is better to use the services of certified professionals.
It would not be amiss to say that when installing an anti-theft system on a car, the owner is given a fairly long warranty. Therefore, all problems that arose during the first time of operation (adjustment, configuration, troubleshooting of electrical circuits) will be corrected by the installation company absolutely free of charge.
Author of the article: Sergey Belov, Chief Editor of the site
cars-bazar.ru
Why are there false positives?
If the alarm goes off on its own, then this phenomenon is understandable. Some causes can even be eliminated on your own, but only if the security device is in perfect order and its components are not damaged. Causes of false alarms include an overly sensitive security system, a malfunctioning limit switch, and high humidity. These are the main reasons, but there are others. Thus, during the installation process, specialists or car owners themselves violate the technical installation requirements. Often the operating requirements simply do not correspond to the technical capabilities of the device.
Another popular reason is poor-quality or untimely car alarm repairs. The siren will turn on for no apparent reason if there are changes in the supply voltage. Wind is also often one of the culprits of false alarms.
Ways to eliminate false positives
A car anti-theft alarm is a fairly complex electronic system, equipped with a central control unit and several sensors. Failure of any component can lead to false activation of the protective system.
Before you begin troubleshooting, carefully read the instructions and evaluate your strengths. Any unqualified disassembly can lead to repair of the anti-theft alarm or its failure. Calling a car service costs much less than buying a new security car alarm.
The easiest way to troubleshoot sirens, hood switches, doors, and trunk. It is quite easy to check the reaction to humidity of the alarm siren, which is located in a visible place under the hood of the car.
To do this, with a working siren, you need to disconnect the wires, wait for them to dry (or dry them with a hairdryer), and connect the horn to the security alarm.
When the door switches become oxidized, the alarm goes off on its own, perceiving the broken contact as an attempt to open the doors. In order to remove the malfunction, you need to disassemble the mechanism, clean the contacts, oxidized, rusted surfaces, and check the integrity of the electrical wiring.
You should only undertake disassembly of the door mechanism if you have full confidence in your abilities and experience in car repairs. Incorrect installation of the mechanism will leave the door open until you visit a car service center.
The reasons why the alarm system “Tomahawk”, “Cyclone”, “Convoy” goes off on its own are explained in the video:
You can watch a video about independent work:
The ability to independently adjust the interior sensors depends on your qualifications and the specific model of anti-theft alarm installed on the car. Some sensor models are equipped with a rotary adjustment knob, others are assembled in a one-piece housing. If you were not present when the alarm was installed, it is not easy to find the sensors in the cabin; when installing the alarms, they are masked.
To adjust the regulator (usually installed in the middle position), you need to rotate the wheel in the direction indicated by the pictogram on the case. The correct sensitivity setting of the sensors can be checked by light blows to the body, doors, windshield and side windows of the car.
It is not recommended to repair damage to the sensor board or internal short circuits yourself.
Working with electronics requires knowledge of a specific alarm system, special tools, and testers. It is better to entrust such operations to experienced service organizations. For most car enthusiasts, the easiest way is to contact a car service that installed the alarm.
Sensitivity of car security equipment
If the equipment on the car has not been installed for so long, then the sensitive shock sensor becomes the reason why the alarm on the car goes off for no reason. The culprit is its incorrect adjustment. The element is set to a sensitivity level that is too high. And if the area where the car owner lives and constantly parks his car is quite quiet, then excessive sensitivity is not a terrible problem. But if there is a highway near the parking lot, a place where young people like to gather, a construction site, an airport or some other similar object, then the shock sensor will respond to any loud sounds by turning on the siren.
This problem can be corrected by simply reducing the susceptibility or sensitivity of the shock sensor.
How to reduce the sensitivity of the shock sensor on a car alarm
So, the reason why the car alarm goes off for no reason is clear. To solve this, you need to adjust the sensitivity level. This is quite easy to do, regardless of the model and manufacturer of the device. Before starting work, you must read the instructions. Simple configuration mechanisms may be specified there. But if there is no description of them, then you will have to carry out some manipulations yourself. First, disconnect the terminals from the battery. If the instructions prohibit turning off the power, then the fuse responsible for the light in the cabin is removed. This procedure prevents rapid battery discharge. Then they find a place in the car where the shock sensor is located. It is often located under the dashboard, but this is not always relevant. The installation location of this item may vary. But the search should begin in the front. Before setting up the alarm, you must disable the security mode and enter the control unit into programming mode. Any changes made by the owner in this mode will be saved in memory.
Reducing sensitivity
If the car is equipped with a standard alarm system by default, the location of the control unit and shock sensor can be found in the service book. Otherwise, the best way out of the situation will be to point to the Valet button, from which the wires extend. You can use them to find systems. The control unit will be mounted in the pedal unit area
To reduce sensitivity, it is important to locate the control element on the unit that is responsible for this function. It is necessary to set the indicators slightly above the average limit and not lower than 4-5 units
Otherwise, the warning system will not work properly, and as a result, the sensitivity will become extremely weak and will not be able to transmit a signal about serious damage to the body and wheels of the vehicle. Another important factor in the level of sensitivity is the position of the antenna module. When installed on the windshield, the system is virtually eliminated from triggering in the event of a heavy impact on the wheels and the rear of the body. Setting the system parameters is done by simply moving the module to another part of the glass, followed by an impact test.
Differences
There are differences on older systems - in this case, the sensitivity threshold is adjusted not by electronics, but by a special screw. To reduce it, the element is rotated counterclockwise. On more modern models, buttons are used instead. The scale has several levels, which indicate the degree of response of the device. Standard adjustments are level 5 out of 10 possible on most systems. During the setup process, you should not increase the sensitivity too much, because the security device can only be triggered on average 10-12 times per cycle.
After this, the system is re-armed and then the configuration continues.
What to consider
When adjusting, you should take into account the weight of the car, methods of mounting the control unit, and parking features. To reduce sensitivity, lower the response threshold using the remote control, and then check it with light strikes of the palm of your hand on the body. This is how the level of physical impact is determined. For greater accuracy, the car is armed and left for 2-3 minutes. Only after this time can you lightly knock on the center of the windshield. The main inconvenience of such settings is the need to set and disarm the car several times. In addition, you should prepare in advance for the siren to sound approximately 10 or more times.
Full reset
Sometimes, after reducing the response threshold, some security systems will not work correctly. To solve this problem, you need to completely reset your device. Most systems have this feature. However, if it is not there, there is a universal method. This type of car alarm repair can help solve other problems.
The engine is turned off and the “Valet” button is pressed 9 times. Next, the car owner will hear a signal and the car will blink its dimensions. Then the ignition is turned on again. At the same time, the headlights will blink and the alarm siren will sound nine beeps. This is a sign that everything worked out. To enter normal mode, turn off the ignition and wait until the alarm independently switches from this mode to normal operating condition. The headlights will blink again, and the remote control will signal to the driver that all processes have been completed. If after this the false alarms do not stop, then you should turn off the device and look for other reasons for the alarm.
What malfunctions occur most often?
What to do if the car alarm blocks the engine and you can’t unlock it yourself? Why does the device act up and not work as it should? What should I do if the system closes but does not open the doors?
First of all, you need to understand the reasons:
- Nutrition. One of the most common reasons why the system does not open or close the car doors, locks the engine, making it impossible to start, is power. In this case, the system may not respond to pressing the key fob buttons, and the turn signals also do not turn on. Or the car alarm starts performing actions that you did not specify. Drivers often think that the signaling itself is malfunctioning or broken - first of all, it is necessary to diagnose the remote control, in particular the batteries. If you take the remote apart and change the battery, it only takes a few minutes. One of the signs that the battery is running low is that the light on the remote control begins to blink dimmer, and the device opens the car doors with a shorter range. Also, the reason why the remote control does not work can be due to liquid getting on the device.
- The problem is in the wiring. If the alarm in the car does not work, the device blocks the engine and does not allow the unit to be unlocked and started, this may indicate a faulty wiring in the car. In this case, the car’s turn signals may also refuse to work. Moreover, problems with wiring can affect many motorists, regardless of whether the alarm system is installed expensive or cheap. As a result of exposure to external factors, contacts in connections will always oxidize. So, if the system locks and does not allow the car doors to be unlocked, do-it-yourself repairs always begin with checking the electrical circuit.
- The computer needs to be rebooted. When the alarm in the car does not work, the diode lamp may burn brightly, but does not react in any way to pressing. If this is the case, then repairing the immobilizer system yourself begins with identifying the causes. The central unit may freeze, because it is a computer in any case, and if the immobilizer malfunctions and does not allow the engine to start, the first thing you should try is to restart the computer. You should try to disconnect the battery, that is, de-energize the system for a few minutes, and then reconnect the battery. If after this the car’s turn signals begin to blink, and starting the engine is possible, then the problem was precisely the need to reboot.
- Fuse malfunctions. The reason is that the fuse has blown. In the event that the system is blocked and does not allow the engine to start, the car’s turn signals do not work, the immobilizer is faulty, it is quite reasonable to think that the alarm system in the car is broken. But sometimes problems with alarms can be caused by failed fuses. When diagnosing elements, it would be advisable to check the fuses and turn signals, that is, the light alarm. Sometimes turn signals may not work due to a failed relay or fuse. If everything is in order with the turn signals in the car and with the fuses too, then you can try to ring the wiring on the negative side, but this method is relevant if you know where the signaling unit is installed.
- Errors in installing the immobilizer or shock sensor. It often happens that when a car body hits a door, the system does not work. This does not mean that the immobilizer is faulty, but indicates that the shock sensor is incorrectly configured or the system is not installed correctly in principle. It may be that the sensor is installed incorrectly. In such cases, it makes sense to configure the regulator yourself.
- Immobilizer sensitivity. It may happen that the system has blocked the car doors, but the siren turns on frequently and without reason. In this case, the reason, again, may be the need to adjust the shock sensor, in particular, it will be necessary to reduce its sensitivity. If the sensitivity is too high, the system may turn on randomly even from the wind.
- Loss of signal between the key fob and the electromagnetic drive of the device. The remote control of the car's anti-theft system works in normal mode, but the alarm does not allow opening the doors and starting the engine. If this is the case and you cannot open the doors and start the engine, then the cause of the problem may be the loss of the signal between the key fob and the electromagnetic drive of the device. If the electrical circuit is intact, and when you apply current to the drive, it starts and operates, then you need to conduct a thorough diagnosis of the central unit of the system. Perhaps it is the unit that supplies the wrong impulse to start the system and lock the car doors.
- Broken wiring. It often happens that the car doors close, the engine starts and immobilizer repair is not required, but the anti-theft system does not work correctly. In particular, it arms the vehicle, but when you try to open the car, the siren will not work. There is a possibility that no current is passing through the siren unit; it is quite possible that the problem is a break and you need to identify and eliminate it. Identifying the cause of a wiring break on your own can sometimes be problematic, especially if you have never encountered such a problem. If you have no experience, it is better to trust a qualified electrician who can do everything correctly (the author of the video is Anton Baitov).
Problematic limit switches
This is the part of the security system that closes the electrical circuit to give an alarm signal when the doors are opened. It is very simple to determine that the reason lies there. When the security system is activated, a symbol of an open door, hood or trunk will be displayed on the key fob. Among the reasons for the limit switch to malfunction, as a result of which the car alarm goes off by itself, may be poor electrical contacts, oxidized parts on the limit switch, or excessive wear of the element. If the wire is damaged, this can be corrected by replacing it. As for other cases, only complete replacement of this element will help. You can try to do without this and try to treat the part with an anti-corrosion agent. But this is only a temporary measure.
High humidity
During the rainy season, most cars are kept awake for this reason. Sometimes the alarm goes off on its own even after visiting a car wash. Water gets into the engine compartment and the alarm system croaks or howls. There is nothing better than simply turning off the security equipment until all electronics are dry. If the system operates autonomously, then a special key is required to turn it off. If the alarm siren is dependent, then to turn off the alarm, simply disconnect the wires from it. Some modern devices have interiors. If the owner left something large in size inside the car, this item may be one of the reasons for a false alarm.
It's not just humidity that can cause false alarms. Often in winter, old alarms go off on their own at night. Here the problem should be looked for in the device itself. There may be a problem with the wiring somewhere or the device needs repair.
Summary
These are the most common reasons - all car owners face them.
These problems have been discussed more than once in numerous automotive forums. To prevent this from happening, experts recommend not purchasing cheap products from China. It is better to purchase a reliable device from trusted manufacturers. Then you won’t have to rack your brains about why the car alarm goes off for no reason.
Heading
Modern car enthusiasts are so afraid of theft or damage to their car that today it is almost impossible to find a vehicle that is not equipped with an anti-theft system. Moreover, in recent years, when the market has been flooded with inexpensive alarm systems and their even cheaper Chinese analogues. In budget segment cars, the majority of which in our country, these are the types of security systems installed, which leads to numerous complaints from drivers.
So, most often car owners complain about the following malfunctions:
- Very often, the key fob may not work correctly: the doors open very late or the central locking does not work at all. The problem is most likely in the central control unit of the security system or the key fob itself. Try to bring the key fob as close to the car as possible, and if in this case everything works well, either something is blocking the signal, or the key fob needs to be replaced. In other cases, repair of the central anti-theft control unit will be required.
- Another much more common problem is the alarm going off on its own. Very often this leads to the fact that you cannot get into the car, or even worse, while you are away, the system will completely drain your car's battery. Very often this is not even a malfunction as such. There are times when the correct alarm setting completely solves the problem. For example, it may well be that the system works on its own, if its sensitivity is set to maximum, just reduce it and everything will be fine. However, let's look at all possible situations of this malfunction in more detail.
Price of shock sensor alarm Starline A91
The average cost of the SS 205 sensor intended for the Starline A91 anti-theft device ranges from 400-500 rubles. Used options can be purchased for a hundred rubles cheaper.
Very often, owners of cars that have previously installed the Starline security system are faced with the problem of “false” activation of the alarm system. And it seems that the installation was recently purchased, and it seemed to work properly at first, but the Starline alarm’s shock sensor still goes off at those moments when there is no one around the car. Naturally, such cases cause a lot of inconvenience, and even a false signal causes stressful emotions.
We have already written why the alarm sometimes goes off, but in this article we will try to figure out how to protect ourselves from such a fate, as well as correct an existing problem situation. This material will contain the most common causes of false alarms of the sensor, their detailed analysis, as well as ways to solve this common problem.
If you suddenly have a problem and the starline alarm shock sensor suddenly goes off, you should understand the situation as much as possible and try to find the harbingers. Is the alarm triggered by cars passing nearby or not? Does the alarm go off regularly or not, and if not, at what time of day? Sometimes there may be cases when drivers noticed that the “starline” was activated at those moments when the handbrake was on. Having dealt with the harbingers and understanding the root cause of the signal, you can understand the very essence of the problem and eliminate it.
The most common problem with false positives is an incorrectly configured system. An exclamation from the car service employees who installed the protective platform: “as soon as they installed it, it worked! This means you damaged it yourself...” are inappropriate in this case, since most often errors in the installation appear just after some time.
Increased sensitivity of sensors can be corrected on your own if all precautions are followed and generally accepted rules are followed. Setting up the starline shock sensor can help in cases where the design of the sensors and communication module has been damaged. Such situations are caused by damage or prolonged wear of protective systems.
The sensor and communication module loops can be located close to each other, while intercepting radio waves emanating from them and triggering a signal. In this case, try to separate them to an acceptable distance. Another common case may be improper fastening of the starline platform itself. The plastic material used, as the main fastener, can be damaged due to deformation from impacts, or the influence of elevated temperature. Therefore, you can get rid of false alarms by replacing the mount with a metal base.
Very often, drivers complain about the alarm going off during “wet” weather: rain, fog, snowfall. The key fob displays a message about the car being broken into, or the door being hit. The main reason for this phenomenon is said to be moisture getting into the circuits, which then short out. To get rid of the problem, you should find out in which of the locks the condensate is causing the reaction, and isolate it from moisture.
In addition, most violations can simply be caused by poor quality goods reaching you. “Long-livers” can be checked in a simple way: in the sensor settings, reduce the sensitivity to minimum. Usually in such situations the signal is too early to pass through, and such sensors must be replaced with serviceable ones.
Reasons for random alarm activation
Experienced drivers identify only 3 main reasons why the anti-theft system works on its own:
- Malfunction of the alarm itself or individual sensors. It can only be fixed at a car service center; it can even be repaired under warranty, which won’t cost you anything. The only problem is that it is almost impossible to diagnose such malfunctions on your own; you will need the help of qualified specialists.
- Items left inside the vehicle. If the luggage is quite weighty, it can send a signal to the internal volume sensor, and then the anti-theft system will work on its own.
- Incorrect operation of the tailgate or hood door switch. In this case, when the alarm goes off, the display will show an open door or trunk icon. Main reasons: oxidation or severe wear of the end switch. You can lubricate the part with anti-corrosion liquid, but it is best to completely replace it - this is guaranteed to solve the problem.
- The alarm may also go off spontaneously during rain. The reason is moisture that enters the system and disrupts its normal operation. There is only one way out: turn off the anti-theft and let it dry completely.
- The sensitivity of the alarm sensors is too high. This can be corrected by properly configuring the system - you just need to reduce the sensitivity.
Who is responsible for the fire alarm at the entrance?
Management companies are responsible for the maintenance of apartment buildings and their common property. Their responsibilities include not only maintaining the technical condition of utilities and structural elements of the building, but also fire safety at the facility. The staff of such companies must include an official who is responsible for meeting fire safety requirements in the house being serviced. It is this person who must ensure the functionality of security systems is checked, organize their periodic inspection and support in technically sound condition.
Checking the functionality of fire detectors
What to do and where to call if the alarm goes off?
Not all residents of apartment buildings know what to do and where to call if the fire alarm in the entrance goes off. Before calling anywhere, you need to make sure whether there is a fire in the entrance or whether a false alarm has occurred.
If a fire or smoke is actually detected on one of the floors or in the utility rooms, you need to:
- call the fire department immediately;
- call the person responsible for fire safety in the house (an employee of the house management company);
- notify residents about the fire;
- try using your own resources and individual fire extinguishing means to prevent the spread of fire;
- ensure the evacuation of residents from the building.
If no fire factors have been identified and most likely a false alarm has occurred, you should contact the person responsible for fire safety in the house. He will inspect the premises for the presence of a hidden fire and, if none are found, he will tell you how to turn off the fire alarm in the entrance.
After the alarm has been turned off, it is important to identify the reason for its operation and try to eliminate it. To do this, you need to contact the company that installed the equipment and is responsible for its maintenance. Qualified specialists who have special devices will quickly find the reason why the fire alarm in the entrance went off and tell you how to turn it off if this happens again.
Recommendations for disabling the fire sensor
Alarm setup
So, if the anti-theft system works spontaneously, most likely the main reason is incorrect operation of the sensors. Usually we are talking specifically about the shock sensor, the sensitivity of which we need to reduce. Ideally, this sensor should be triggered only by strong impacts on the car body and not howl due to gusts of wind, fireworks or noise from passing cars. If you have a two-level shock sensor installed, it may work in these cases.
However, he can only give signals with his headlights - after blinking several times, there should be no sound signals, much less howls.
In some budget alarm models, reducing the sensitivity of the sensor is very simple. So, how to set up an alarm if it goes off on its own:
- First of all, find the sensor itself. It is usually located inside the car, most often between the front seats, right under the handbrake.
- Having found the sensor, pay attention to the special rotary regulator, which is located in the upper part. Rotate it counterclockwise, which should reduce the sensitivity of the alarm.
- If the previous method does not help, try rebooting the sensor - just turn it off and on again. Most likely, the sensor is a little stuck and this will solve the problem.
In premium alarm systems, everything is not so simple. Configuration there is carried out using special software, directly through the central system control unit. It’s better not to do this yourself, but to trust the professionals. Otherwise, if you interfere with the operation of the alarm, you risk damaging the system and losing the factory warranty.
How to avoid incorrect alarm operation
Very often, the cause of any malfunction in the alarm system is its incorrect installation. Therefore, when buying an anti-theft system, you should not trust its installation to garage technicians. By contacting an authorized service, you will certainly be able to avoid most of the problems associated with the operation of your car’s security system.
For what reasons does the alarm go off spontaneously?
Modern vehicle owners are so afraid of theft or damage to their own vehicle that today it is almost impossible to find a car that is not equipped with anti-theft systems. In addition, in recent years, with the increase in the market for inexpensive alarm systems and their even cheaper Chinese analogues. In cars of the budget category, many of which in Russia have installed precisely similar systems, which becomes the cause of numerous complaints from car owners.
Starline does not respond due to problems with the key fob
There are cases when the complex does not execute commands due to malfunctions of the control panel. Most often, the problem is a dead battery in the main key fob. Due to a weak signal, the dialogue code does not reach the radio transmitter or is distorted. Accordingly, the central processor cannot recognize it.
It is also worth remembering that in urban conditions the range of the key fob will significantly decrease due to the presence of numerous interference.
The Valet button on the Starline alarm system does not work
The Valet service key is important for the security system.
With its help, you can enter programming mode, emergency shutdown of the system, or reset settings to factory settings. Reason No. 1 why it may not work on Starline A9 models and other kits is the lack of a physical connection, that is, a broken circuit. To check, it is worth disconnecting the alarm unit from the car and inspecting it. There should be no cracks or mechanical damage on the housing. Next, you need to ring using a circuit tester for the Valet button and LED. Most likely, this is the reason. After identifying poor contact or its absence, you should solder the wires and insulate the connection.
StarLine alarm key fob does not respond to button presses
Owners of the Starline A94 system sometimes complain that the remote control does not respond to key presses. In this case, it is advisable to check whether the key fob button block is turned on by mistake. Entering this mode occurs by clicking on the second and fourth keys. After this, a short signal will sound and the display will show “Block”. Unlocking occurs after a short click on the first and fourth buttons.
Also, the reason for the lack of response (in addition to a dead remote control battery) may be faulty and sticky buttons. In this case, you need to disassemble the remote control (remove the back cover, remove the battery, and then unscrew the fastening bolt and disconnect the case) and clean the contact points of the buttons with the board. If this does not help, then you can order spare keys and install them in place of the old ones using a soldering kit.
Starline alarm does not respond to impacts on the car
The Starline A91 and B9 alarms are equipped with a two-level shock sensor, which turns on when the car is damaged or attempts to break into it. If it does not work, then its sensitivity is too low. To configure the parameters, you will need to get to the sensor itself and make adjustments. The part is mounted near the front pillar; as a rule, it can be reached without much hassle. Sensitivity adjustment is carried out using a standard screwdriver (there are two adjusting screws on the sensor body). They must be turned while tapping on the car body to determine the optimal sensitivity.
Also, the reason for the lack of reaction to impacts on the car may be broken signal wires. You need to arm yourself with a tester and check the serviceability of the contacts and wires responsible for signal transmission.
StarLine siren does not work
A siren is also mounted in the engine compartment.
The main condition is to avoid moisture, and also place it away from large heat sources to prevent the horn from melting. Also, the siren connection wires should not be accessible from under the car so that an attacker cannot cut them. If the siren does not work, you should pay attention to whether the car is set to silent mode. The Starline C9 model and other modifications have this option.
You can enable silent mode as follows: first, press the first key on the remote control for a long time, and then briefly click the second button again. The vehicle's LED indicator will then flash, the lights will flash once, and the door locks will be activated. The key fob will emit one short beep, and the display will show a closed lock along with a crossed out speaker. To exit this mode, you must press the first key for a long time, and then the second button briefly, after a melodic signal sounds. The car will blink its lights twice and unlock the doors.
If this does not help, you need to similarly check for physical contact between the siren and the central control unit. To do this you will need to arm yourself with a tester. It is also advisable to inspect the siren for mechanical damage.
The turbo timer does not work on the Starline alarm system
Among the complaints about the incorrect operation of the Starline A92 or A93 models, there are complaints about the lack of operation of the turbo timer. It is important to understand that in order to monitor the operation of the turbine, it is necessary to connect a diode to the handbrake circuit, and also connect the gray-black engine control wire to the tachometer.
If the reason is not a lack of physical contact, then it is worth checking the settings and parameters specified for the function through the programming menu. And also check the system for errors in a specialized service.
Starline does not open or close doors
A potential cause of this problem is a malfunction of the central locking or door switches. Because of this, opening may not occur. The second reason for the Starline B6 or B9 alarm is a broken wire, which is responsible for opening and closing the doors. It's easy to test this theory:
- you need to leave the door open, and then insert some kind of rod into the latch at the end. The result should be similar to a standard shackle latch;
- press the switch in the door opening so that the central unit receives the corresponding signal;
- carry out arming.
If everything is in order, the alarm will close the doors. Otherwise, it will be necessary to ring the red-yellow wire responsible for the door closing function and eliminate the gap.
The car does not respond to the StarLine key fob and does not start
If the car does not respond to commands from the remote control and does not start. But the system is working properly, and the battery has sufficient charge - you need to reset the settings to factory settings. On the Starline A91 and A9 signaling it is carried out as follows:
- the ignition key is inserted into the lock and turned to the On position;
- after this, press the Valet service key 10 times;
- Now you need to turn the key to the Off position. The machine will blink its dimensions ten times and also emit ten beeps, confirming a successful transition to the user settings reset mode;
- press the Valet button again, and the car beeps again;
- The first button on the key fob is now pressed. A short melody will confirm that the operation was successful and all parameters are returned to factory settings;
- To complete the procedure, you need to turn the key to the On position.
The second way is to not press anything for ten seconds. The car itself will indicate that the exit has been completed by turning on its dimensions five times. The keychain will play a short melody.
What are the reasons for the alarm to turn on spontaneously?
As experienced drivers say, there are only three main reasons that the anti-theft system turns on independently:
- Damage to the alarm or some sensors. You can only fix the breakdown at a car service center; you can take advantage of warranty repairs, which will not cost you anything. The only problem is that you won’t be able to identify such breakdowns on your own; you can use the help of a qualified specialist.
- Items that are left in the vehicle interior. If the luggage is very large, it can send an alert to the internal volume sensor, in which case the anti-theft system will work independently.
- Incorrect operation of the door trunk or hood switch. Then, when the alarm turns on, an icon will appear on the screen indicating that the door or trunk is open. The main reasons are: oxidation or severe wear of the limit switches. You can lubricate the part with an anti-corrosion fluid, but it is recommended to completely change it - this way you are guaranteed to solve the problem.
The alarm can turn on by itself even during precipitation. The reason is water, which ends up in the system and disrupts its normal operation. There is only one way out: turn off the anti-theft system and give it time to dry completely.
Excessive sensitivity of the alarm system sensor. This breakdown can be corrected by correct system settings - we just reduce its sensitivity.
The alarm system is buggy and silent: What are the reasons and what to do
Do you press the key fob button and nothing happens? This happens in large towns. The cause could be either random radio interference or the diligence of attackers from an adjacent car. We figured out what to do if the alarm starts to sound.
Prerequisites for the phenomenon
The alarm key fob exchanges a radio signal of a certain frequency with the base, and interference can clog it. Conventionally, of course, they can be divided into two types: random and targeted.
For example, in the parking lot of one of the dealerships, cheap alarm models refused to work for several days: a little later it turned out that next door there was a vehicle with an incorrectly installed system that was cluttering the airwaves.
More often than not, motorists become victims of a targeted “radio war.”
Broadband noise generators will be able to operate near buildings with a special access regime in order to suppress potentially harmful radio communication devices.
But in recent years, the cost of such devices has dropped to 20-40 thousand, and of course there are cheaper analogues - of course there is no way to “advertise” them. The legality of their use raises questions, but they are used even for innocent purposes: for example, to discourage strangers from their “own” parking lot.
And, naturally, radio noise generators are used by criminals, for example, to provoke the owner to simply leave the vehicle unlocked. How often do you press the alarm key fob while walking away from a vehicle and without even turning around to look at it?
Noise generators are also used in certain methods of scanning alarms using code grabbers.
What to do
Glitches of a working alarm system when arming is a reason to re-park vehicles ( transport is the general name for all types of land transport that do not use a rail track
). If it is scanned, the interference may be short-term: its purpose is only to provoke you to press the close button again to change the code. Therefore, if the alarm system is armed after several attempts, do not relax: it may have already been hacked.
At risk are mainly cheap systems without dialogue codes. For peace of mind, it is better to move vehicles at least 50-100 meters and make sure that the alarm system worked properly at the new location.
By the way, a standard vehicle key has a special signal with a much smaller radius of action and is scanned only from a short distance, which makes life difficult for pests. Therefore, in peak situations, of course, you can not arm the car, but lock it using the standard system or even mechanically, using a key.
But it happens differently: you returned to a closed vehicle, but it does not respond to the keychain ( accessory, decoration made in the form of a pendant on a chain, bracelet, key ring, etc.
). And it doesn’t even matter why exactly this is happening, the main question is how to get inside?
In peak cases, vehicles have to be removed by tow truck. But often, of course, you can do without such extreme.
Try to open the car using a standard key, either remotely or mechanically. In cars with keyless entry, the key may look like a key fob without a blade, but of course it still exists: it is usually removed from the body of the key fob. Cars without an external lock cylinder on the door handle most often have one, of course, but it is hidden under a decorative cover.
By opening your vehicle to bypass the alarm, you will naturally trigger it to go off. Then there are several options: push or tow the vehicle from the affected area or forcefully turn off the system with the VALET button. True, few can use the latter, and it is not always easy.
There is a button located near the fuse box, and to deactivate the system you need to perform a certain ritual, for example, “tapping” a suitable pin code. In simpler systems, of course, there are methods for disabling alarms without a “jack,” but in any case, you need to know about this in advance.
Therefore, the towing alternative is often one of the most common, at least for vehicles with manual transmissions. You can also use the tips from the article on what to do when the battery runs out.
In general, consider alarm glitches ( an action associated with sending signals. Alarm is a generalized name for devices (systems of devices) for sending signals about danger, an emergency condition, a certain event, etc.
) warily. They often scan not for the sake of stealing, but to look into the room and gut everything valuable from it. It's easier to move your car than to risk it or its contents.
How to set up an alarm?
Thus, if the anti-theft system turns on by itself, most likely the main reason is the sensor is not working properly. Basically we are talking about the shock sensor, the sensitivity of which we will need to reduce. Ideally, this sensor is triggered only during a strong impact on the vehicle body and does not howl from wind gusts, fireworks, or sounds from a vehicle passing nearby. If you installed a shock sensor consisting of two levels, then it is triggered in these options.
But it can only send a signal with the help of headlights - after blinking a couple of times, there should be no sound signals, and besides, there should be no howling.
Sometimes some models of budget alarms can reduce the sensitivity of the sensor quite easily. Thus, let’s consider the answer to the question of how to set up an alarm when it goes off spontaneously:
- First, let's find just the sensor. Basically, it is located in the interior of the vehicle, mainly among the front seats, right under the manual brake.
- Having found the sensor, we look at a special rotary type regulator located in the upper area. We rotate it in the opposite direction counterclockwise, which reduces the sensitivity of the alarm system.
- If the above methods do not help, then it is better to re-enable the sensor - just turn it off and on again. Most likely, the sensor freezes a little and this can solve the problem.
In a premium alarm system, things are not so easy. Settings there are carried out using special software, directly through the central control unit of the system. It is better not to do this on your own, but rather to entrust all the work into the hands of professional employees. Otherwise, if you interfere with the operation of the alarm system, you may risk damaging the system and you will lose the warranty that is provided when purchasing the system.
How to set up a Starline alarm if it goes off on its own
Most often, random activation of the StarLine alarm is associated with incorrect settings of the shock sensor. The fact is that the name “shock sensor” itself is incorrect - it is a vibration sensor, so it also responds to strong noise, road vibrations from passing trucks, and so on.
- Warning level: as soon as the vibration recorded by the sensor exceeds a preset level, a short-term siren signal is activated, and the corresponding information is supplied to the key fob.
- The alarm level is set higher than the warning level. In this case, the siren turns on constantly, all interlock circuits are activated, and instead of a single signal and short-term vibration, the key fob transmits signals periodically.
A properly configured and installed (this is no less important) shock sensor does not cause serious problems, and occasionally it has to be reconfigured (for example, if construction begins next to the parking lot)