74-76 Guys, Protective alarm switch??????
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Whispering Pines NC
74-76 Guys, Protective alarm switch??????
I have a switch on the inside of my engine compartment that looks just like the "lights ajar" switch under the headlamps. This switch runs right beside the fender alarm switch and has black and tan wires coming from it back through the main wirning harness in the firewall. I looked at 2 other 76's and they both have them, but theirs are just hanging there also! How does this switch work and how does it mount??/ ZIPs has it on page 90 of their catalog and lists it as a "protective alarm switch". I called and asked, but they don't know how it works or mounts! It's not listed on any wiring diagram or the AIM manual!!! Any Ideas!!!!!!!!!!??????????
Mike
Mike
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,429
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From: CA
Re: 74-76 Guys, Protective alarm switch?????? (MikeT)
I think it is for the seatbelt buzzer. It deactivates the buzzer perminently if you press it. A NCRS guy could probably verify this.
I remember reading that it's rare to find one unpressed.
I remember reading that it's rare to find one unpressed.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,407
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From: Carmichael CA
Re: 74-76 Guys, Protective alarm switch?????? (MikeT)
Without a picture it's hard to say. But, in my 75 my alarm key hole is on the driver's fender by the Stingray emblem. When I took a look inside the fender to see how the alarm key switch worked a piece similar to the headlamp ajar switch broke off and now it's just dangling. I forget...does the 76 still have the alarm key hole on the fender, or is it integral with the driver side door key hole like I know the 77's do?
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 168
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From: central Washington state
Re: 74-76 Guys, Protective alarm switch?????? (MikeT)
Mike;
The switch is probably the underhood activating switch for your car alarm. If so, it's probably mounted with a small "L" bracket to the firewall so that the hood opens the switch when the hood is closed. I know that sounds confusing, but what I'm trying to convey is that the switch is open when the hood is closed and the switch closes (thus triggering the alarm) when the hood is opened. If your car alarm works, it's easy to test the switch. With both doors shut (there are alarm switches for both doors that make contact when the doors are open), arm the car alarm with the keyed switch in the driver's front fender. If the alarm goes off, you know what the switch in question is. Exactly how the switch should mount in your car I can't say with any degree of certainty, but with a little study you should be able to see how to mount it so that when the hood is shut, the switch contacts are open. I'm surprised to hear that the switch isn't shown in your AIM. One thing I've discovered with mine (I have a '73) is that some of the illustrations for wiring aren't where I'd logically expect to find them. However, as I've studied the AIM, I've found that everything is there, somewhere. You might want to check yours again with that in mind.
The switch is probably the underhood activating switch for your car alarm. If so, it's probably mounted with a small "L" bracket to the firewall so that the hood opens the switch when the hood is closed. I know that sounds confusing, but what I'm trying to convey is that the switch is open when the hood is closed and the switch closes (thus triggering the alarm) when the hood is opened. If your car alarm works, it's easy to test the switch. With both doors shut (there are alarm switches for both doors that make contact when the doors are open), arm the car alarm with the keyed switch in the driver's front fender. If the alarm goes off, you know what the switch in question is. Exactly how the switch should mount in your car I can't say with any degree of certainty, but with a little study you should be able to see how to mount it so that when the hood is shut, the switch contacts are open. I'm surprised to hear that the switch isn't shown in your AIM. One thing I've discovered with mine (I have a '73) is that some of the illustrations for wiring aren't where I'd logically expect to find them. However, as I've studied the AIM, I've found that everything is there, somewhere. You might want to check yours again with that in mind.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Whispering Pines NC
Re: 74-76 Guys, Protective alarm switch?????? (74jack)
Guys, this is not the switch mounted to the firewall for the hood. This is supposed to go somewhere near/next to the alarm switch on the fender. All of the 76's I've looked at has them (4 now) but none are hooked up!!! This is getting interesting!!!! Thanks for the help though!!!!
Mike :confused:
Mike :confused:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: colorado springs CO
Re: 74-76 Guys, Protective alarm switch?????? (MikeT)
mike
that is a "protector" switch...
in other words.... if someone puts a hammer through your fender to get the "alarm activation key lock" so he can unconnect the alarm, then that switch will fall out and activate the alarm.....
get it??
it protects the key lock from someone just hammering it out and messing with its wires (thus bypassing the alarm)...
:)
that is a "protector" switch...
in other words.... if someone puts a hammer through your fender to get the "alarm activation key lock" so he can unconnect the alarm, then that switch will fall out and activate the alarm.....
get it??
it protects the key lock from someone just hammering it out and messing with its wires (thus bypassing the alarm)...
:)
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Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: macon, ga
Re: 74-76 Guys, Protective alarm switch?????? (Rockn-Roll)
i have been told a few times that a 77 should have the alarm integrated with the door lock, but on my 77 i have the fender alarm (which works by the way) is my car just a freak of nature, a late76/ early77 or has someone just lost their mind and taken a lot of time to do this properly? :confused:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,280
Likes: 0
From: colorado springs CO
Re: 74-76 Guys, Protective alarm switch?????? (Rockn-Roll)
Without a picture it's hard to say. But, in my 75 my alarm key hole is on the driver's fender by the Stingray emblem. When I took a look inside the fender to see how the alarm key switch worked a piece similar to the headlamp ajar switch broke off and now it's just dangling. I forget...does the 76 still have the alarm key hole on the fender, or is it integral with the driver side door key hole like I know the 77's do?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,280
Likes: 0
From: colorado springs CO
Re: 74-76 Guys, Protective alarm switch?????? (JRChurch)
the switch hes talking about is mounted in a bracket offa the fuel charcoal canister....
the fender alarm switch is mounted in the fender so u can turn the alarm on and off...
it is mounted such that it depresses the "protector" switch in its bracket..
thus.....any movement or attempt to break the alarm key switch out and the protector switch will trigger the alarm.....
hope that clears it up a bit more.....
:)
the fender alarm switch is mounted in the fender so u can turn the alarm on and off...
it is mounted such that it depresses the "protector" switch in its bracket..
thus.....any movement or attempt to break the alarm key switch out and the protector switch will trigger the alarm.....
hope that clears it up a bit more.....
:)
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 103
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From: Whispering Pines NC
Re: 74-76 Guys, Protective alarm switch?????? (daily_driver)
Thanks Daily driver!!!!! I got it!!! Just not sure how it mounts, but with your explanation I'm sure I can put it in correctly!!!!!!!!!
Thanks guys!!
Mike
Thanks guys!!
Mike
