The reality about alarms on old vehicles. Many vans have alarms fitted when they are new. It makes sense, and it's often an insurance requirement. At the time they might have been fifty grand vehicles, and if any van is going to get nicked, then the thieves are going to choose a new one - just like cars.
Now wind the clock forward 20 years. That same alarm system, with it's wires and connections and it's radio key fobs has survived 20 summers of use and 20 winters of storage, and basically they start to go wrong, and worse they go temperamental. Corrosion is usually the biggest culprit. And of course they always let you down at the most inconvenient time.
It is almost impossible to get competent maintenance and spares on a 20 year old alarm system. Not impossible, but time consuming and potentially expensive.
So why bother? Just disconnect or bypass the bloody thing and remove it from your life altogether! The reality for most of us classic owners is that a thief won't even look at our vans.
Now I am not advocating zero security - but it does all depend on your circumstances. If you live in an area where vehicle security is important, then you should replace, rather than try and repair - you will get modern alarm technology and a warranty.
But if you live or store in a relatively safe area, then you can probably do without. And don't forget the good old fashioned hidden immobiliser switch and physical devices like the Crooklock family.
Then of course there are intruder alarms for when you are in the van. If you feel you want these, then there are easily fitted standalone units that fulfill that purpose.
Of course security is a matter for individual owners, but when it comes to a temperamental 20 yr old alarm system, I suggest to bin it or replace it.
Now wind the clock forward 20 years. That same alarm system, with it's wires and connections and it's radio key fobs has survived 20 summers of use and 20 winters of storage, and basically they start to go wrong, and worse they go temperamental. Corrosion is usually the biggest culprit. And of course they always let you down at the most inconvenient time.
It is almost impossible to get competent maintenance and spares on a 20 year old alarm system. Not impossible, but time consuming and potentially expensive.
So why bother? Just disconnect or bypass the bloody thing and remove it from your life altogether! The reality for most of us classic owners is that a thief won't even look at our vans.
Now I am not advocating zero security - but it does all depend on your circumstances. If you live in an area where vehicle security is important, then you should replace, rather than try and repair - you will get modern alarm technology and a warranty.
But if you live or store in a relatively safe area, then you can probably do without. And don't forget the good old fashioned hidden immobiliser switch and physical devices like the Crooklock family.
Then of course there are intruder alarms for when you are in the van. If you feel you want these, then there are easily fitted standalone units that fulfill that purpose.
Of course security is a matter for individual owners, but when it comes to a temperamental 20 yr old alarm system, I suggest to bin it or replace it.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteCouuld you please tell me where is located the old alarm on a 1993 Hymer S700? The engine won't start because of that. Is there a fuel shot off valve? How do I bypass that? Any pictures...? Thanks!!!!!!
There is no standard alarm system on an S700 - they were always installed by dealers on the order of customers - it could be any design from any manufacturer. There is no fuel shut off valve in a standard S700 - alarm systems usually interupt the ignition. best take it to an alarm company or autoelectrician, and have it taken off completely and the van returned to standard.
ReplyDelete