Security light wiring

[ssolomo]

I'd like to install a blinking or solid red indicator light on my 2001 Camry LE to make it appear like I have an alarm installed. Wish it had a security indicator in the dash, but it doesn't. Any advice how to wire something like this up?

TIA for any guidance.

Steven

[haux]

Originally Posted by ssolomo

I'd like to install a blinking or solid red indicator light on my 2001 Camry LE to make it appear like I have an alarm installed. Wish it had a security indicator in the dash, but it doesn't. Any advice how to wire something like this up?

TIA for any guidance.

Steven

Sorry, this one kinda made me chuckle.

It's a really good idea actually! But then a bunch of other stuff started popping into my head. ...like sticking a security camera on the car facing the driver's door. That'd be great.

I think you can buy blinking LEDs? To the left of the steering wheel, if the 2001 model has the same panel as the 2000 with the light dimmer and power window controls... there should be these two little panels that pop out. In the security equipped vehicles, one of them has a light in it. So, you could probably even go as far as drilling a hole into one of those little panels and mounting a blinking light there.

As far as what to wire it into, I'm sure someone else will be commenting shortly.

[haux]

Hopefully someone can also comment on how to setup a switch with it so the light doesn't have to be blinking ALL the time. Or wire it into something that only turns on when the car is off?

[haux]

[#2!]

I know Iv seen kits around where you wire it into the acc switch so it turns on when you turn the key off.

Look up Varad HLF.

Im sure if you cant find any kits you can wire up a simple relay to do the same thing.

[BamZipPow]

Wire this LED in with the appropriate holder and resistor.

Or you could use this kit and wire it in with the appropriate holder and resistor, too...

Just so you know...blinking alarm lights don't really stop a determined thief. They're betting they can be in/out of yer vehicle before you respond to the alarm.

I've already had a friend who's new (at the time) car got stolen within a week after she got it. She only installed a blinking light instead of the real alarm. Not a fun thing to come out to in the morning when yer expecting yer car to be there and it's not.

[ssolomo]

Thanks for all the replies. After more searching, I found this device which should fit the bill perfectly for less than $10. I'm no electrician, so the simpler, the better. I know it won't keep a determined thief away, but I just wanted some kind of deterrent for the punk teenagers and general idiots looking for CDs or spare change in the ashtray (or change holder). I never leave anything visible in the car to invite an unwanted guest.

Hopefully over new years weekend I'll have some time (and no piles of snow) to get it installed and will let y'all know how it goes.

Steven

[Chris Crash]

They sell a little thing that sits on your dash at walmart for a few bucks. No wiring needed, just turn it on when you get out of the car!