Third Party Alarms

[Ciaran]

Evening folks

Has anyone had any experience with installing 3rd party alarms in XMs (particularly S1).
I've put alarms in other cars before, and know the basics, however any information on the usual suspects would be helpful. I'm after things such as where is a good place to mount the control module, the best place to break into perm live, ignition live, indicator wires etc. I'm presuming under / behind the glove box would be an ideal place, within easy reach of most of the required wiring etc, or is this wishful thinking? Also, wheres the best location to go through the bulkhead for the two wires to the siren?

I know people will probably think its silly fitting an alarm to an elderly XM, that no one would be mad enough to steal one etc etc. However, around here, they'll take anything with four wheels, and have begun targeting older cars because new ones are quite difficult to steal now. I just believe in making life as difficult as possible for them, and think it would be a shame to have my S1 trashed by some scumbag at its ripe old age, after surviving this long!

The other main reason I want one, is the infra red S1 plip has a terrible range, and is impractical as I'm often ambling upto the car with computer cases etc under my arm. With the S2 I can press the plip through my trouser pocket and it unlocks! I'd like a better range and not having to worry about being in line of sight with the receiver.

I bought this all singing all dancing alarm off fleabay. It has a lot more features than I'll utilise (it can start the car remotely and all sorts! ), but it came at a good price so was worth it. The best bit about it is it has this remote paging device with LCD screen, which will alert you if the car is tampered with, and shows its current status etc. All fascinating stuff, I'm expecting it to make the dinner too!

Any thoughts appreciated as always. God knows when I'll get round to fitting the thing mind you!

Cheers

Ciarán

[xmexclusive]

Hi Ciaran

Getting wires through the front bulkhead is a pain so why bother to put anything in the engine compartment.

Regards

XMexc

[onthecut]

Hi Ciaran.

If you do settle for the glovebox area, I'd go in from the top and see if there's room. It's a complete sod from underneath, plus the heater blower is in the way. You will find in any event the wiring is so tight you'll have real fun inserting stuff.
If you can find where it is (and obviously some forum members will know), I'd consider putting it somewhere around the central locking relay, assuming it's not actually in a door. Presumably this will have the requisite lives and grounds and is also where you need to be to trigger the remote lock unlock function of your new toy. If it happens to be around the centre console area, I'd consider drilling through the tunnel to get your siren wires out. A lot, lot easier than the bulkhead route. If you do, don't forget to shield them from exhaust heat if it seems to be an issue.
On the other hand, you could just get a S2 with a keypad !!

Mike.

[Ciaran]

Hi XmExc, Mike.
Hmmmm.... sounds like this is going to be fun!

Ive since discovered that the car previously had a Piranah alarm which was removed, in fact the bracket for it's siren is still in the engine bay... which means someone must have had wires out at some point... I'll have to have a good rummage and see if any remains of them still exist. The alarm manual says the car horn can be used instead of the siren, so I may resort to connecting to the horn wires inside instead.
There are ultrasonic sensors in the interior too, which may save some work.
I'm presuming the indicator wiring runs through the glove / fusebox area? The manual advises also wiring to the headlights as it has a 'path lighting' feature to help you see in the dark, however I'll probably stick with indicators as the car has a HID kit and they don't take well to rapid flashing I'm led to believe...

With regards to the central locking, not sure where the controller for it is, however I was thinking worst case scenario, I could easily run a wire up the pillar, and connect to the existing IR controller in the light, as it will obviously have a trigger connection to the central locking loom.

Not sure what to do, I think I'll have a good look later today if I get a chance, and check out possible locations.

Never simple, but at least this time I brought it on myself

Cheers for the advice as always guys.

Ciarán

[Peter.N.]

On the Mk2 the remote reciever is housed under the glove box, as its right next to the fuses it might be a good place to fit it. The glove box comes out quite easily when you have found and removed all the screws! Dont miss the one by the lock, prise the escutcheon off and its underneath.

Peter.N.

[wirdy]

I thought most casual scumbags stayed away from anything Citoenesque with a immobiliser keypad?

Just leave the keypad cover up!!

[Ciaran]

It doesn't have a keypad unfortunately.

[Peter.N.]

Most of them stay away from a Citroen of any sort! I think the badge itself is the most effective security device.

Peter.N.

[xmexclusive]

Hi Cirian

A keypad will fit in place of the diddy little glove box and give the appearance of being immobiliser fitted particularly if you wire the red led to flash.

Regards

XMexc

[onthecut]

Hi Ciaran.

And paint it beige !

Mike.