Adding remote control to existing electric door locks
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Adding remote control to existing electric door locks
Here is the mod I did to add remote locks to my 81. I used a Viper 350 alarm system and replaced the factory alarm. Mounted it in the original location and used most of the original wireing.
To make the locks work you have to use relays because the alarm box can't handle the current of the lock actuators.
This is what I did.
Cut the 2 grounds from the passenger door lock switch and extended them into the cabin to the relays mounted on the W/S frame behind the glove box. The CTYSY circuit runs right there so it is handy for power, Orange wires in the pic. The yellow are grounds, small red are the alarm Lock and Unlock wires and the bigger red are the extensions from the door switch pins B and E. I used Bosch 30 amp relays, the colors are what was on the sockets for the relays. The splices to the wire harness are soldered and heat shrinked, terminals used on the relay connections.
To make the locks work you have to use relays because the alarm box can't handle the current of the lock actuators.
This is what I did.
Cut the 2 grounds from the passenger door lock switch and extended them into the cabin to the relays mounted on the W/S frame behind the glove box. The CTYSY circuit runs right there so it is handy for power, Orange wires in the pic. The yellow are grounds, small red are the alarm Lock and Unlock wires and the bigger red are the extensions from the door switch pins B and E. I used Bosch 30 amp relays, the colors are what was on the sockets for the relays. The splices to the wire harness are soldered and heat shrinked, terminals used on the relay connections.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
Nice, but relay sockets are a better choice than spade terminals:
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=330-075
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=330-075
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Had them on there and then took them off, didn't care for the look and they seemes unnecesesary, cut the wires off the sockets and used them for the relay. Don't think they are going anywhere
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
Actually, many remote alarm systems have had all of these features built into them for years, as installed a remote Crimestopper into another(non Vette) car years ago. Remote window locks/trunk lid/and alarm, with the module already having power relays built in, so didn't need to add any. Sure am glad I had the car's wiring diagram, though.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
Sixfooter - thanks for the info. That's the exact alarm system I'm planning on installing.
I have manual door locks on my car, so I guess I just need to find the blue wire for the "open door switch and connect that to the control unit for the 350, one for each door, correct?
I see it has a fob that indicates which sensor was tripped - did you make use of that functionality in your wiring? Ie, did you wire each door sensor, each roof panel sensor, and the hood sensor independently into the 350, so when the alarm is tripped, the fob will show you which point of entry was used?
I guess you could use the "back door" on the fob to indicate the each roof panel, if it doesn't have a t-top mode.
I have manual door locks on my car, so I guess I just need to find the blue wire for the "open door switch and connect that to the control unit for the 350, one for each door, correct?
I see it has a fob that indicates which sensor was tripped - did you make use of that functionality in your wiring? Ie, did you wire each door sensor, each roof panel sensor, and the hood sensor independently into the 350, so when the alarm is tripped, the fob will show you which point of entry was used?
I guess you could use the "back door" on the fob to indicate the each roof panel, if it doesn't have a t-top mode.
