2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Can you upgrade the factory alarm...

[Chipstien]

I want to add a shock sensor and interior motion sensor but don't know if it is possible. A siren would be nice also. Any thoughts and ideas. How about the complete alarms from Dodge that plug right in. Thanks.

 

[RADdodge]

I don’t know about upgrading the Optional Alarm that comes with the RAM, but I had a Clifford AvantGuard Alarm System with IntelliStart 4 installed that interfaces to it. It has motion detection, remote start, proximity warning, collision warning, and a number of custom alarm sounds. It has a bunch of other stuff too like wireless pager, auto window rollup on lock, low battery start, etc. At the time, the Clifford had some unique features. I would shop around for an aftermarket system if I were doing it again. The Alpine unit looks good. When I arm or disarm the Clifford, it automatically arms or disarms the factory unit. I like the factory’s LED blinking armed light. It is very noticeable.

 

[Dane]

Chipstien,

Short answer - probably not, but may be worth digging into the schematics to find a wire that triggers the alarm when grounded.



I always use aftermarket alarms because the factory jobs rarely allow additions like sensors and whatnot.



Good luck!

 

[Chipstien]

Yeah, but I can't help but think the alarms in the Ramm Accesories catalog would work. Unfortunately the parts guys don't know their *ss from a hole in the ground so no help there. #@$%! #@$%!

 

[Adam]

EVS II

If you have keyless entry, the EVS II system is a plug-in DC product that costs around $150, and includes a shock sensor, siren, and starter disconnect. If you don't have keyless entry, but have power locks, the EVS system will give you all the above plus keyless entry, and costs around $350. I figure for the price, it's worth not having to worry about warranty issues when I splice the wrong wire!

-Adam

 

[jalberring]

Can this EVS II be ordered from someone other than the dealer?



If not, is there a certain part number that I can give them or will they know what I am talking about?



Thanks

 

[Adam]

DC Parts

Jalberring-

The EVS II is a DC part, manufactured for DC by an unnamed vendor (I don't know who). I don't have a part number available, but if you ask the parts clerk for an EVS II and he doesn't know what you're talking about, I wouldn't really trust the place. They've been produced/sold since before I bought my 1996 Cherokee. FWIW I also notice they offer an infra-red sensor to be added to the EVS system for an additional $130. Kinda covers all the bases eh?

-Adam

 

[RHARVEY]

I dont know how long it would last... but when I finish the install of my 2---24" air horns. . it would be fun to connect a set of wires to my alarm system... . So if my alarm went off. . people in the next town would be able to hear it. . :--) :--) :--)



Rick

 

[jalberring]

Thanks Adam,



I already have air horns so if the EVS II alarm triggers the horn I'm ready to go. That should draw some attention, more than the alarm by itself I would think.

 

[Chipstien]

The problem is I have the factory alarm system that comes with the SLT + package and am not sure whether the EVS II would be compatible with it. Anyone know where the brain for the factory systems is located. If I could find it then I could see whether it is expandable.

 

[Adam]

It's compatible

Chipstein,



If you're talking about the alarm that only beeps the horn and flashes the lights, then it's compatible. If I'm not mistaken, the only other alarm system DC offers is the same thing as the add-on EVS systems, which include the starter disable function. Hope this helps.

-Adam

 

[emjay]

In theory, is should be possible, but you might have to experiment. I believe the door switch triggers the factory alarm. If the switch grounds to complete the connection, and your motion sensor "sinks" or drives low when active, you can add a 1N400x (x can be 1 through 7) diode (radio shack) with the cathode (the end with the stripe) connected to the motion sensor output, and the anode connected to the switched side of the door switch. This is known as a wired-or connection. There are other options, too. PM me if you want more details.

 

[jalberring]

I went to www.dodge.com and found the alarm systems under some sub categories. It has prices and you can also get a quote from a local dealer or dealers.



I could not find the infrared sensor though.

What feature does this add to the alarm?

 

[MCrossley]

I installed a Avital 3200 remote starter and I have the same slt+ alarm. Let me give you some insight to the way the alarm works on our trucks. The alarm function is not a separate unit as you would think it is part of the Central Timer under the dash. When armed it looks for the door switches to ground (as stated earlier) and also watches the ignition and if the key is turn to run it will alarm. I interfaced with mine for the remote starter which is the same as the add on alarm I just did not want the alarm part and it was a pain is the a$$ but is definitely doable. What you have to do for the arm disarm of the factory setup is ground the green/orange wire (let me double check that and I will edit this post) on the central timer but you have to put in-line a resistor with 2 different potentials for the arm or disarm function. So when you disarm or unlock the alarm it will deactivate the system if you pulse the unlock twice then it will cause an unlock on the factory setup. The arm works in the opposite as it will lock the doors as soon as it receives the arm pulse. The Tach wire was pretty easy to get to and worked fine, the wait to start light is a bit tricky but all in all the system came out better than I expected. Just be aware that you are entering a time consuming project and it best be done by a professional if you do not have much electrical/electronics experience.