Alarms aren't a new thing. They're known for making a lot of noise if someone tampers with you ride. But another function that most alarms have is the ability to put your truck on lockdown at the push of a button. If your truck already has a factory-installed alarm, then you know how convenient it is to lock and unlock the truck without the key. If you don't, then you're in the same boat we were in with one of our project trucks. Our little supercharged Tacoma didn't come with any kind of keyless entry system, but the truck does have power windows and locks. We thought it was time to lock it up with one button and add a few nice features to boot. We got on the horn with our local Circuit City and told the guys there what we were after: Lock the doors, roll up the windows, and disable the ignition in one fatal swoop. For this task, we brought Circuit City Accele's AS36 security system and WR2 power window control module. The AS36 will lock the doors, disable the ignition, and sound an alarm if someone tampers with the truck. The brain for the system also has the ability to work a few more accessories that work off an electrical signal, such as remote start, door poppers, or power windows. We were most concerned with rolling up the windows when we hit the key fob, so that's why we needed the WR2 module. It will take the signal from the AS36 and roll the windows up once armed.
We pulled the truck in the bay at the Buena Park, California, Circuit City and met Brandon Smith, the road shop manager and all-around electrical guru. He showed us the parts and proceeded to prep the truck for the install by covering the seats and carpet. The install was pretty involved, requiring some of the truck's harness to be spliced, and a few specialty tools helped out a lot. Once he was finished with the truck, Brandon keyed us in on a cool feature about having it done at Circuit City: If you happen to be on a long haul and for some reason the alarm acts up, you can go to any Circuit City and have it checked for no extra cost.
1a. Here is the Accele AS36...
1a. Here is the Accele AS36 security system. Once installed, it will sound a loud horn to ward off thieves. The brain also has the ability to control many other options, such as power windows, door poppers (for you shaved-handle people), or remote start. It comes with everything for the basic install, including two remotes, a horn, an LED light shock sensor, and a grip of wire.
1b.
2. To make the windows roll...
2. To make the windows roll up, we needed Accele's WR2 power window control module. This will take the signal from the AS36 and roll the windows up when the system is activated. Since the brain has no idea where the windows are, or how long to engage the motor to get them up, the WR2 is used to regulate the power until it sees too much load (the window fully up).
3. Brandon starts by plugging...
3. Brandon starts by plugging in all the harnesses to the brain; he grouped all the wires that go together. The wires that are not being used were cut short and tied up just in case we wanted to add accessories later; the rest were twisted up into mini harnesses. Brandon says that this will make for a quick and clean install.
4. The driver's door panel...
4. The driver's door panel is removed to gain access to the window wiring.
5. The module is mounted to...
5. The module is mounted to the door behind the armrest pocket and spliced in per Accele's instructions.
6. Here Brandon is double-checking...
6. Here Brandon is double-checking the wires before they are soldered together.
7. The wires are pulled through...
7. The wires are pulled through the factory boot. Circuit City runs the wires down the same line as the factory wiring so that they don't have to drill any new holes and the factory boot keeps the wires protected.
8. The brain of the alarm...
8. The brain of the alarm is mounted up under the dash, out of the way and out of the view of potential crooks.
9. Now the brain is spliced...
9. Now the brain is spliced into all the correct wires like the ignition and door locks. Circuit City does not use butt connectors; all joints are soldered and taped. This makes for a stronger and better connection.
10. The ground is installed...
10. The ground is installed with a self-tapping screw behind the kick panel.
11. The valet switch allows...
11. The valet switch allows us to disarm security features such as the starter kill and the horn in the event we take the truck to a mechanic.
12. The only wire that needs...
12. The only wire that needs to get out into the engine bay is for the horn. This truck already has an aftermarket amp, so Brandon used that hole to get it out there.
13. The horn is mounted away...
13. The horn is mounted away from heat, facing down; that way it won't fill up with water in the event of rain.
14. All wires that run in...
14. All wires that run in the engine compartment are covered with split loom for that added professional touch.
15. After a quick check to...
15. After a quick check to make sure it's all working properly, the door panel and trim pieces are reinstalled.
16. With that, we were in...
16. With that, we were in business. Brandon took off all his covers and even vacuumed the truck for us.