You may have arrived at this page listening to your own car’s piercing siren blaring in the background after frantically Googling for things like, “Can a low battery cause a car alarm to go off?”
Even though you’ve checked and found no hoodlums around your car, the alarm persists. If you can’t turn it off with a key fob, read the section about how to turn the alarm off first.
If you keep finding yourself in this predicament (often in the middle of the night, when people are sleeping), it’s helpful to understand how a vehicle security system works, some possible causes of an alarm that won’t stop going off, and how to fix the problem to avoid these rude interruptions.
How To Turn the Alarm Off
Assuming you’ve tried the key fob alarm button and it didn’t work, there are a few strategies to try to stop that terrible shrieking.
1) Turn On the Car
Sometimes simply getting into the car and turning it on with your normal key or fob is enough to stop the alarm.
2) Lock/Unlock
Try using the lock and/or unlock buttons on the key fob to remotely stop the alarm. If this doesn’t work, use the physical key (every key fob should have one tucked inside) to lock and unlock the car door.
3) Shut-Off Switch
This is probably only an option in some aftermarket alarm systems, but there may be a switch hidden near the driver’s feet to shut off the alarm.
4) Disconnect the Fuse
If none of the other things worked you may just need to disconnect the fuse to cut the power to the alarm. Check the manual for fuse location in a factory system, but in most aftermarket systems the fuses are too hard to access.
5) Reset the Alarm System
It is sometimes possible to reset the alarm system if it seems haunted by electrical ghouls. Check the manual for this.
6) Disconnect the Battery
When all else fails, disconnect the battery (always remove the ground terminal first; usually it’s negative). If there is a backup power supply the alarm may continue to wail until that is drained.
How Does a Car Alarm Work?
Although there are many possible vehicle security systems, the basic design is the same.
A computer (sometimes the car’s ECU, sometimes a separate module for the alarm system) receives input from sensors throughout the car and from the receiver. The receiver “hears” commands from a remote key fob via radio signals and responds by directing the vehicle’s battery-powered loudspeaker to emit the alarm sound when needed.
The security system sometimes has a backup power source in case a potential thief cuts the battery cables to try to make a quiet getaway.
Basic alarms sense a big drop in voltage, like if a door is opened, an attached trailer with an electronic connection to the car is detached, etc. The computer can then react.
See Also: Brake Lights Won’t Turn Off? (Here’s Why)
What Can Trigger a Car Alarm?
Door/Trunk/Hood Latch Sensors
Newer cars have more sensors than older cars, though most alarm systems have at least door, trunk, and hood latch sensors to tell when these are opened.
These sensors use a spring-activated button or lever to close the circuit (which lets the power flow) when the door opens. This power illuminates the dome light and sets off the alarm, if the computer deems this necessary.
Related: 5 Reasons Your Car Door Won’t Shut
Shock Sensors
Shock sensors detect movement of the car by using metal contacts that touch one another when the car is sufficiently bumped to complete the circuit.
More advanced systems can determine the severity of the bump as well, leading the computer to respond appropriately. Sometimes this means that if a passerby bumps into the vehicle they’re given a little honk of the horn and loud wailing if they hit the car with a crowbar.
It’s very helpful to have a system that can tell the difference between big and little bumps. Sometimes a sensitive or basic alarm is set off by a cat jumping up onto the hood, which could wake up the entire neighborhood.
Sometimes very loud noises can set off the shock sensors, because of the sound waves pummeling the vehicle.
Tilt Sensors
Some thieves are more clever and will simply tow the vehicle away to avoid triggering the alarm system. More advanced alarms, however, have found a way to deal with this.
Tilt sensors detect when the car is tipped by using mercury as the conductive metal liquid to close the circuit.
A car alarm with a tilt sensor is often the only type that may prevent catalytic converter theft (if the thief actually jacks up the vehicle).
See Also: 5 Signs Your Catalytic Converter Has Been Stolen
Pressure Sensors
Even if the ambient air pressure inside and outside the vehicle are the same, breaking a window briefly increases the pressure inside the cabin. Pressure sensors detect this small change in pressure and signal the computer.
Sometimes the sensors are a separate device, but in some cars the built-in speakers can actually be used to “hear” the pressure change.
Speakers make sound by moving back and forth to vibrate the air, creating sound waves. Therefore, in reverse the sound waves move the speaker and the wires send a signal.
Microphone Sensors
These listen to sounds and have been programmed to only notice and signal for breaking glass.
Proximity Sensors
These are really only used in very advanced systems, like in expensive vehicles. They can detect when someone is too close to the car and give a pre-recorded verbal warning.
Reasons Your Alarm Is Going Off
A car alarm that goes off randomly with no rapscallions around can have another underlying issue.
1) Malfunctioning Key Fob
Since the key fob sends commands to the car’s computer relating to the alarm system, a fob with issues can send false alarm signals. This can be tested by removing the batteries in the fob and waiting for a day or two (or as long as it was in between previous car alarm episodes) to see if the alarm turns on again.
First, try replacing the battery in the key fob if you haven’t done so recently. It’s a good idea to change the batteries once every year or two just in case. The owner’s manual for your vehicle should include a section on the exact battery replacement interval you should expect.
If the problem persists and you suspect it’s the key fob, try resetting the fob. You may need help from the manufacturer to do this or the procedure instructions might be in the manual.
The car can also be hooked up to an OBDII reader to scan for codes. This can be done at most auto parts stores for free. Not all key fob issues will throw a code, but it’s worth trying.
2) Low or Dead Battery
The car alarm is not only used to deter thieves or find your car in a gigantic parking lot! It can also be the alert from your car to tell you when your battery is low. If the alarm goes off while you’re starting the car, it may be trying to tell you something.
Check the voltage on your battery with a voltmeter. If the charge is at least 12.6 volts, the battery isn’t the problem.
3) Corroded, Rusty, or Dirty Battery Terminals
If the charge can’t flow properly from the battery to the cables, the computer might interpret that as “low battery” and alert you. Of course, the terminals should be clean for optimal function and lifespan of your battery. If there is any debris on the terminals, disconnect the battery and clean them.
4) Debris on Hood Latch Sensor
While all sensors can get dirt and gunk on them, it’s most likely to happen on the hood latch sensor because of its location at the front of the car. This can cause a false alarm because the computer may interpret debris on the sensor as an open hood.
You can find the hood latch sensor in the hood latch assembly. Sometimes it will be visible and sometimes it’s covered by a plastic cover, depending on the vehicle. If there is oil, grime, or dirt on the sensor, try cleaning it by gently scrubbing it with rubbing alcohol and drying with a microfiber cloth. If the problem persists, the sensor may need to be replaced.
5) Dirty or Malfunctioning Door Lock or Trunk Sensor
These may be trickier to access as they are inside the door or trunk, but you may be able to clean them and/or check the voltage with a multimeter to see if any of them are causing false alarms. If the door sensor does not work well, you may see the “door ajar” illumination on the dashboard even if the door if fully closed.
6) Wiring Problems
If one of the sensors is not properly connected to the computer (this could be caused by corrosion or other damage to the wires, or incorrect wiring), signals can get weird. First try disconnecting and reconnecting the hood latch sensor as that is often the culprit, and it’s relatively easy to access. If the other sensors are accessible you can do the same for those.
7) Incorrectly Installed Alarm System or Faulty Alarm Module
The alarm module is the security system-specific computer. Some drivers prefer to install an aftermarket alarm system, but either those or factory systems can be installed incorrectly.
8) Shock Sensors Are Too Sensitive
If the sensors are programmed to care too much about smaller bumps, you may be having more false alarms. Sometimes it’s possible to reconfigure or reprogram the alarm system yourself to decrease the sensitivity – check the manual.
You may be able to reprogram it by plugging a diagnostic tool into the OBDII port or there may even be a dial underneath the dashboard somewhere.
Read Also: How to Get a Loud Exhaust
9) Environmental Causes
Sometimes parking somewhere that the vehicle encounters a lot of rumbling may trigger the alarm. Passing trains or large trucks can provide just the right (or wrong) frequency of vibration to trigger the alarm. Try parking in a different location to see if the false alarms lessen.
Strong winds can also sometimes trigger the sensors and set off the alarm.
Very hot weather can sometimes cause expansion in the hood which can trigger the hood switch and start the alarm.
A drop in battery voltage triggers the alarm (when the door is opened, the dome light illuminates and drops the battery voltage) so sometimes extreme cold weather can actually be the cause of false alarms. Cold temperatures can cause a voltage drop.
If extreme temperatures seem to be the reason the car alarm keeps going off, check the voltage of your battery as it may need to be replaced. You can also try a load test: park the car with the engine off and the headlights on for 10-15 minutes, then start the car while someone watches the headlights.
If the lights flicker or dim while the car is starting (or if the car refuses to start at all), then the battery may need to be replaced. This test may not work in newer vehicles as the headlights will likely turn off automatically to prevent unwanted battery drain.
How Much Will it Cost to Fix My Car Alarm Issue?
Most of the solutions that you can try are relatively inexpensive (such as batteries for the key fob, cleaning supplies for the sensors, and the car battery). If none of those seem relevant or fix the issue, then the next step would be a voltmeter or multimeter to check the voltage difference of each relevant sensor and switch. Those are great tools to have on hand as you will likely use it to diagnose another issue in the future.
If you are unable to figure out why the car alarm is going off randomly or the task seems daunting, it may be time to take the vehicle to a professional mechanic for diagnosis and repair. Depending on the vehicle make and model and on the time it takes to locate the issue, cost can vary a lot. Expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500 for this, though it could be more if the issue is particularly complicated.
While dealing with unwanted car alarms is a nuisance, it is often relatively straightforward. You can try to prevent issues and take care of this important anti-theft system by keeping your vehicle parked out of the elements as much as possible (in a garage, under a roof, or protected with a car cover) and parked away from vibrations that trigger the alarm if you can.
Car alarm sensors don’t usually require maintenance but they can be checked if there is an issue. When diagnosing and repairing the alarm system, take care (as always when dealing with anything electrical!) so that you don’t get shocked. If the problem persists, consult a professional mechanic.
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Hmm, my Dodge Nitro’s alarm just recently started to go off nonstop. I know I just swapped it places with my ford fusion. But it was over in back all night where I typically leave my ford fusion so it will be interesting to see if location is the culprit…I pretty much left it unlocked for now to see if it stops. If it goes off, I think I’m going to get something to eat. Then I’ll try moving it back in the garage. It’s just weird cause I have had it parked out here in the past, but I do have squirrels like I saw in a former post, so maybe they are jumping on and off the car. The only thing I could also think of is maybe I’ll have to change the batteries in my fob and I have a rusty back door that could possibly be the issue.
My 2008 Volvo alarm keeps going off after a few minutes ONLY when parked outside my workshop (during daylight), no machinery involved anywhere near. There is a relatively new streetlight about 3m from the car. After several resets of the alarm I moved it to the other side of the street and no issue. Conclusion: This streetlight emits some form of radiation which activates the alarm.
Oversensitive vibration alarms likely…locate and adjust/have adjusted another possibility is a fault in installation. Undercharged battery can cause a problem…maybe it’s on the point of triggering when vibration/air movement/loud exhaust hits the car. It could also be that a sensor is crook or close to opening from how it was installed….and gets affected by vibration. Why is your battery at only75%….is it (as is likely) one of those Calcium $%^&*#%’s ?…suggest you have it fully harged and see how that goes.
I have recently bought a second hand mitshubishi grandis 06 the alarm goes off every time a motorbike/big lorry goes past, I live on a main road so this is regularly, the neighbours are starting to get very annoyed, I’ve discovered that the battery isnt fully powered, it’s about 75% , could this be a reason, do I need a new battery, PLEASE HELP! 😥
that helped a lot
could it always mean hat someone is trying to steal your car
It could also mean that a squirrel scampered over your car.
This happens at least weekly in a parking lot near my house. I have entertained various “solutions” when the owner of the vehicle seems to be unresponsive, but I also have the non-emergency police in my contact list so I can report the offending alarms – just in case a human rodent has actually decided to see if they can curl up for a nap in the backseat.
(If anyone stole the offending vehicle, I’d be happy as long as they don’t bring the cursed thing back.)
If my window is cracked could that be the cause for having a million false car alarms?
Did you ever find out that the cracked window was the cause of your alarm going off ?
regading the suggestion about pulling the fuse for the system, that’s what I originally thought would work as well. But there is no fuse for just the alarm; that fuse also handles circuits for other features on the car, which was a totally stupid thing for car manufacturers to do. Our 2010 Dodge Journey has proven to be particularly troublesome for this. I’d never buy another Journey. We’ve exhausted just about every possible solution to the alarm problem in this car, even to the point of removing a shoddily installed aftermarket command start that the technicians were suspecting. That hasn’t worked either. The panic button won’t turn it off; getting the mechanical key out of the fob and into the ignition used to work, not it doesn’t either. If I could quickly get it turned off, the problem wouldn’t be so acute, but no such luck!
My suggestion is to remove any security related aftermarket components. They may be somewhat hard to find if you bought the car used.
Next, grab a factory manual and start reading about the security system. There may be a troubleshooting section that will help you get rid of the problem. In the worst case, you can modify the sensors or harness to prevent the alarm from ever triggering.
They have parked the car and gone to the beach, alarm going off and nothing can be done .
Why can’t part of the system be a small screen in the window that shows the owners mobile number when alarm is activated.
Simple.
It’s feasible for engineers to implement something like this, but it probably isn’t a widely requested feature.
Because it will enable a prospective car thief to 1) locate the owner for later theft 2) bring the owner to the car where once alarm is ‘off’ thief can take various means to get off with the car, with or without the owner in it.