I haven't played with the alarm system on my car since I bought it last spring, mainly because the seller didn't give me the remote and I forgot to ask for it, and I've been too busy tinkering on other things. I did disconnect the alarm horn, temporarily, to prevent it from going off until I get a remote.

My (dumb) question: where does one normally mount the alarm electronics? I assume it's buried up underneath the dash somewhere? There is a toggle switch under the dash for disabling the system, and an LED, so I guess I just need to follow that back to the alarm box? Also, if I'm unable to get the original remote from the previous owner, will the manufacturer sell you a replacement? Do I need to open up the alarm box, once I find it, to get serial numbers as proof that it belongs to me?

 

This will really depend on the exact brand and model of alarm that is installed.

Some remotes can be programmed by a series of flips on the switch followed by a key sequence on the remote iteself. (learning remote)

Others require scratching off of certian wire traces on the circuit board of the remote. (sort of like a combination, some on, some off...scratch off remote)

You will have to find the brain which is "normally" burried up under the dash somewhere. A good installer will find a place that is hard to reach without taking down body panels, a bad installer will just drop the brain to the easiest access panel. Once you find it, get the make and model number off of it and either find a local retailer that carries that brand or call the manufacturer about getting a replacement remote.

Hope this helps.

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GndPrx
http://www.caraudioresources.net

 

Going to take a look for it tomorrow GndPrx. Got in touch with the original owner tonight and he "thinks" he still has the remote and will ship it to me. He said it's a Viper alarm system, which I hear are very good? Found all the manuals (.pdf), etc. at their web site which I'm sure will come in handy.