The average car alarm can blare for as long as 30 seconds.
Car alarms are triggered by shock sensors and motion sensors, and they’re triggered when people try to break into the vehicle or when the vehicle detects loud and sudden noises.
Pressing a button on your key fob usually turns off the alarm, but if that doesn’t work, you can unlock your vehicle with the car key.
Vehicles have alarm systems that are designed to make loud siren-like noises. A typical car alarm can go off for about 30 seconds. However, some car alarms can last for up to 20 minutes. There are also reports of car alarms that last indefinitely when there’s something wrong with the system or if the owner’s key fob is faulty. When this happens, the alarm will only shut down when the battery is drained.
If your car alarm triggers in the middle of the night, it might indicate that someone’s attempted to break into the vehicle. Call your local police station if you feel this is the case.
A typical car alarm can go off for about 30 seconds.
How Do Car Alarms work?
The alarm is triggered by a shock sensor or motion sensor, which activates the alarm when the car is jolted. There are also voltage sensors that trigger the alarm when people either turn on the vehicle’s lights or open its doors. Overall, this system prevents theft and vandalism by alerting nearby people and scaring off the perpetrators. However, this system can also be triggered by loud noises like fireworks. The alarm can also trigger when an unsuspecting object like a tree branch falls on the vehicle.
How To Turn Off Car Alarms
If your vehicle’s car alarm won’t turn off by simply pressing the key fob, you can try the following methods:
Using the Key to Open the Door
If your vehicle comes with a key fob, try pressing the lock and unlock buttons to reset the alarm. However, if this doesn’t work, you can try using that to unlock the driver’s side door using its key. Since car alarms are intended to deter thieves or anyone who doesn’t have a car key, the alarm can shut off when a key is correctly placed to lock and unlock the vehicle.
If the key fob doesn’t have charge or using the keys doesn’t stop the alarm, you can try turning on the engine.
The alarm is triggered by a shock sensor or motion sensor, which activates the alarm when the car is jolted.
Using the Alarm Fuse
Assuming you have access to the vehicle, you can disable the alarm by reaching the alarm fuse, which is typically located beneath the steering wheel. Some modern vehicles have more than one fuse box, so consult a manual to locate the one containing the fuse powering the car alarm. You can also search online for its location.
If it’s the correct fuse, the alarm should immediately turn off. Drivers should remove and replace fuses one at a time.
If the alarm continues to activate once you’ve inserted the fuse back into place, you might need to seek professional help.
Disconnecting the Battery
The last resort when it comes to turning off a faulty car alarm is disconnecting the battery. The battery is typically visible as soon as you open the trunk. Since battery wires are typically bolted on the battery, you should use a wrench so you can unbolt the wire that connects to the negative terminal of the battery. However, if the alarm is still on, your vehicle might have some backup batteries left. Small backup batteries are used in some aftermarket car alarms to support the alarm’s operation. Once you disconnect the battery, you should wait some time to allow the system to reset. Reconnect the battery after around an hour.
We don’t recommend disabling your vehicle’s alarm because there’s a sense of comfort knowing your vehicle can ward off thieves by itself.
Where to Get Alarm Components for Your Ride
Are you having trouble finding alarm-related parts for your ride at your local auto parts shops? Find exactly what you need without any hassle here at CarParts.com. We have alarm switches, fuses, and control units sold at unbeatable prices.
All you have to do is go to our website, fill out our vehicle selector tools, and adjust the search filters based on your needs. Our selection of alarm parts includes accurate and detailed fitment information, but if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our customer service team for assistance.
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Lisa Conant grew up in Canada around a solid contingency of gear heads and DIY motor enthusiasts. She is an eclectic writer with a varied repertoire in the automotive industry, including research pieces with a focus on daily drivers and recreational vehicles. Lisa has written for Car Bibles and The Drive.
The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
