Car alarm LED options
The LED is one of the most basic, yet important components of an alarm system. Not only does it help warn away any potential scumbags from breaking in, but most are used to aid you in entering your over-ride pin number in the event of a lost or faulty remote. Some brands even flash diagnostic codes to inform you if what zone of the alarm has been triggered. I’ll explain those details later.
The LED is a vehicle theft deterrent
How tidy the LED looks indicates how tidy the rest of installation is
Given that the alarm LED is often one of the few details you get to see you should expect it to be fitted to a good standard.
If the installer has not made an effort to get the details that you do see done right then you can guarantee than the rest of the installation will be badly done.
From my experience I can tell if the wiring will look like a rats nest just from the LED placement. It also gives me a good idea how quickly I’ll be able to get past the rest of the system.
The common car alarm LED
5mm LED with plastic bezel
Most car alarms come with a 5mm LED and a bezel which it clips into. The most common colours are red and blue.
Personally I try to avoid using the bezel as I often find that the LED is easy to push out. This results in the LED being lost behind the dash board which renders it useless.
I discard the bezel and use a 4.9mm drill bit which allows the LED to be jammed in place. That way it is a tight fit and stays there.
Switch blanks
If there is an available switch blanking plate in a good location then I like to use them to mount the LED.
However these are starting to become more challenging on some newer vehicles. as explained in the video.
If the LED is on a switch blank then it needs to be symmetrical otherwise it suggest that whoever installed it is sloppy and does not care.
LED installation photos
Vehicle theft deterrent
Factory style LED installation
What I really enjoy is putting some effort in and making the LED look like it was fitted in the factory.
There are plenty of installs where I have taken the instrument cluster apart to fit the LED behind the glass (clear plastic for the pedantic reader).
The photo shows a Subaru Impreza instrument cluster. It is laid out on the bench to show all the layers that have to come apart to access where the LED will be fitted.
Quality workmanship
Whilst I offer a full mobile installation service, this is the sort of job I prefer doing in my own garage rather than on the road as it can be a fiddly process.
I have an air compressor which is great for blasting any dust out of the way and making sure everything is clean before reassembly.
Perfect LED locations
Obsessive Vehicle Security
This Nissan Silvia S13 had the perfect spot for the alarm LED in the instrument cluster.
Originally there were 4 LED lights below the fuel gauge with space where a 5th one could go. The gauge needs to be removed from the car, then carefully taken apart to access the panel. After which a hole is drilled for the alarm LED.
You can see the blue alarm LED lit up in the photo.
By now you’ll probably understand my company name. I don’t know anyone else who does this.
The blue alarm LED – Pros and cons
I’m not aware of any OEM alarms that use blue security LED. It is therefore obvious that the alarm or immobiliser is aftermarket. A red LED fitted nicely looks like it came with the vehicle.
Reasons not to choose a blue LED
Whilst Blue looks cool it can be annoying if you have an immobiliser LED blinding you when you pull over to take a nap on a long journey. I certainly would not recommend one for a camper van!
Retro alarm LED
Scanner LED
DEI 629T is an old school snanning LED module which will work with most alarms.
I still have a couple of these in stock.
Control panel LED
Double function LED control panels
Vodafone Automotive have the alarm LED built into the control panel.
The control panel allows your to disarm your car alarm with the over-ride pin number as well as turn off movement sensors before arming the alarm.
Viper control center
Most Viper alarms and remote start systems have the LED built into the control center. This is a windscreen mounted antenna which helps extended the remote range. It also includes a valet switch.
Bespoke car alarm installation
The multipurpose LED
Many car alarm LED’s can be used to display why the alarm has triggered.
Take Autowatch alarms for example. They can be put into diagnostic mode where the LED will flash a fault code showing which zone has caused the alarm to sound.
The LED is also used to enter the emergency PIN code override number.
