Car alarms are fitted with loud horns that make loud noises whenever the sensors trigger the brain of the alarm system. However, certain problems can reduce the volume of a car alarm system. This is a major problem that requires immediate attention. Why is my car alarm not loud? The answer to this question can be found in this article.
Low battery, poor sensitivity, improper installation, broken remote fob, rusty terminals, dirty hood latch, damaged wiring, and low device volume are all causes of a low car alarm. These can also cause your alarm to go off randomly, so be sure to scrutinize these problems well before applying a corresponding solution.
Advanced security devices have menus for increasing and decreasing sensitivity and volume. You can also resolve most of your alarm problems by simply resetting the device which will be covered in the latter part of this article.
Table of Contents
Reasons Why Your Alarm Is Not Loud
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Low volume
Being that several alarm systems have a volume control button, it is possible for drivers to have mistakenly reduced the volume. This happens more often than not. For example, if you find yourself in a serene environment or a secure facility where the loud alarm from your security system might be a disturbance, you may want to reduce the volume.
However, the problem arises when you forget to increase the volume. To combat this problem, we recommend that you set a reminder to increase the volume.
The alarm system itself might be low from the manufacturer. The horns that come with low-cost alarm systems are not made with quality materials. This causes all sorts of problems, including volume issues. How do you resolve this? Simply invest in high-quality car alarms such as Viper.
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Poor Sensitivity
The remote fob is a transmitter that sends commands to the alarm computer which is equipped with high-end receivers. This is called an antenna. The antenna can be found on the windshield, behind the rearview mirror. Anyway, manufacturers have different selected spots beside the windshield.
Read your manufacturer’s manual to get the exact spot of your antenna. When the antenna is obstructed by an element, it stops working at full capacity. This is common as can be fixed by simply remounting the antenna in a favorable direction.
If the alarm is still low after fixing the antenna, then you may need a replacement. It is important to find one compatible with your security system to avoid problems in the future.
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Damaged Horn
The horn is responsible for alerting the driver with a loud noise. The horn can be found under the hood. Check that the horn hasn’t been damaged and is working well.
If you see that it has been broken, replace it with a new one or see if you can have it patched up. You should also check for anything that might be blocking the horn. Materials from the engine may find their way inside the horn during engine maintenance. Always check it after every major maintenance to make sure it is clear.
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Damaged remote Fob
numerous problems come with a damaged remote fob including low alarm volume. While this may be uncommon, keeping your fob in a good working condition ensures that your system works in optimal condition. Most advanced security systems come with 2 fobs, so drivers can quickly replace a damaged fob.
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Low Car Battery
Your car battery powers all the electronic devices in your vehicle. To ensure that all these devices are up and running, you need to keep your battery charge. Also, all the recommended batteries are 12 volts and above. Anything below that may cause battery drain and low volume.
A device inside the vehicle usually cuts power when the battery is low so you have enough to power the ignition. Check that this isn’t the case. If not, then charge or replace worn-out car batteries.
Poor Connection To The Control Unit
Installation problems are common with alarm systems mounted and wired by amateurs. Using the wrong cables and components for a type of alarm system may cause it to function improperly. Check the connections between the horn, antenna, and sensors to the control unit (brain) of the alarm system. Make sure it isn’t loose and tighten any loose connections. Check your installation guide on how to replace cables. If you cannot wire a vehicle, then hire a professional to take care of the wiring. This guarantees correct installation.
Wrong Installation
To save money on installation, many drivers have learned the DIY process for installing different types of electronic devices in their vehicles. However, without the proper guide, drivers can make mistakes, which leads to installation errors. Since you’re worried about the audio, check the horn to ensure that it is correctly installed.
Check the wiring linking the horn to the other devices too. Warning: this process may take your time and would require tools. If you can’t seem to find your way around correcting the wrong installations, contact the manufacturer if you’re still covered under warranty.
How To Reset Your Car Alarm To Increase Volume
If none of the above solutions works, then you need to reset the alarm system. There are different methods of resetting a car alarm system which we’ll make available in this article.
Learning how to reset your alarm also helps in resolving other problems. The reset methods here apply mostly to aftermath alarms. If you’re experiencing low volume with OEM products, then consult your car manual. You can also try one of the following methods. But be aware that most factory-installed car alarms have a specific way to reset the system.
Method 1: Use Code Reader
A code reader plugs into your car’s computer and searches for problems that may be affecting the alarm system. You can get one for as low as $23.85. The code reader identifies the problem for you, thereby taking away the stress of unscrewing your vehicle yourself. This process is simple and fast.
Method 3: Reset the alarm by opening the door
Most alarm systems will deactivate and reset when the car door is manually opened. This is useful in many instances. It is also a guaranteed way to get the volume back to its original state.
Method 4: Reset the alarm by starting the car
By inserting the correct key into your vehicle’s ignition, it knows that you’re in the vehicle and immediately resets. The right way to do this is by turning the key to lock and unlock twice.
Method 5: Reset the Car Battery
This can be done by removing the negative terminal and reconnecting it. This should solve any problem with your alarm system. Always take caution while handling your car battery to avoid electrical shocks.
To do this, open your hood and locate your car battery. Most batteries can be located once the hood is open. If you can’t find your car battery, then consult your manufacturer. Next, remove the negative terminal. Wait for about 2 minutes before reconnecting the terminal. This should solve the problem instantly.
Note that your vehicle will be in a docile state once the battery is removed.
Method 6: Replace The Fuse
A blowout causes a lot of errors. So, check the fuse box to make sure that it is working fine. If it’s damaged then replace it with a new one from a reputable store.
To replace the fuse, first, locate the fuse box under the left side of the steering. Next, check for the alarm fuse and remove it. Make sure the replacement has the same amperage.
Conclusively, a low car alarm can be solved by inspecting the horn, wiring, and installation route. If that doesn’t solve the problem, then reset by following the laid-out steps and instructions above.
