Installing a car alarm system can significantly enhance your vehicle’s security, deterring theft and providing peace of mind. The Omega Excalibur AL-1510-EDP is a popular security-only alarm system known for its reliability and features. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough on how to install this system in a 2013 Kia Forte Sedan, covering everything from disassembly to final connections. While this guide focuses on the installation process, understanding basic programming aspects is also crucial for optimal functionality.
Disclaimer: Please proceed with caution. This guide is for informational purposes only. Improper installation can damage your vehicle. If you are not comfortable with automotive electrical work, it is highly recommended to seek professional installation services. The author is not responsible for any damage caused by following these instructions.
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I. Tools and Preparations
Before you begin, gather all the necessary tools and ensure you have a clear understanding of the installation process. Rushing through the installation can lead to errors and potential damage to your vehicle’s electrical system.
Tools You Will Need:
- Flat Screwdriver
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Wire Cutter
- Wire Stripper
- 3M Insulator Tape (or Shrinking Tube – preferred for better insulation, especially in humid conditions)
- Logic Probe (Recommended for testing wires, but not strictly necessary)
- 10mm Socket with Long Extension
- Ratchet
- Soldering Iron and Solder (Recommended for robust and reliable connections)
- Multimeter (Helpful for verifying voltage and continuity)
- Drill and appropriate drill bit for hood pin switch (if installing)
Preparation Steps:
- Read the Omega Excalibur AL-1510-EDP Manual: Familiarize yourself with the specific wiring diagram and programming instructions for your alarm system. Understanding the manual is crucial before starting the physical installation.
- Safety First: Disconnect the Battery: Before starting any electrical work on your car, disconnect the negative terminal of your car battery. This prevents accidental short circuits and protects both you and your vehicle’s electronics.
- Gather Your Materials: Ensure you have all the necessary wiring, connectors, and the Omega Excalibur AL-1510-EDP alarm system components.
- Plan Your Wiring Route: Think about how you will run wires cleanly and securely throughout your vehicle. Consider using existing wire harnesses to keep things organized.
II. Disassembly – Accessing Key Vehicle Components
To install the Omega EDP car alarm, you’ll need to access several key areas of your Kia Forte’s dashboard and steering column. This involves carefully disassembling some interior panels.
A. Removing the Driver’s Lower Dash Cover:
- Open the Fuse Box Door: Locate and open the driver’s side fuse box door, usually found on the lower left side of the dashboard.
- Remove the Fuse Box Cover: Take off the plastic cover that protects the fuses.
- Unscrew Lower Screws (Under Fuse Box Cover): There are typically two screws located underneath where the fuse box cover was. Remove these screws.
- Unscrew Front Screws: Look for two more screws at the front of the under-dash cover, closer to the pedals. Remove these as well.
- Remove the Cover: Carefully detach the lower dash cover. It might be held in place by clips, so gently pull it outwards.
B. Removing the Steering Column Lower Cover:
- Locate Side Screws: Rotate your steering wheel to access the screws on each side of the steering wheel column cover. Remove these screws.
- Unscrew Bottom Screw: Find and remove the screw located underneath the steering column cover.
- Detach the Cover: Carefully remove the lower steering column cover. Pay special attention to the ignition key area as you remove it.
C. Removing the Driver’s Dash Lower Metal Frame:
- Locate 10mm Screws: Identify the five 10mm screws that secure the metal frame under the dash. One screw is often set deeper and requires a long extension for your ratchet.
- Remove Metal Frame: Use your 10mm socket and ratchet (with extension if needed) to remove all five screws. Carefully take out the metal frame.
D. Removing the Radio and Faceplate (For BCM Access):
While not always strictly necessary for alarm installation, accessing the Body Control Module (BCM) behind the radio can simplify some wiring connections, particularly for door locks.
- Remove Center Air Vents: Gently pry out the two center air vents above the radio. Be careful, as these can be fragile. Use a plastic trim tool if available to avoid damage.
- Unscrew Radio Side Screws: Once the vents are removed, you’ll see four screws on the sides of the radio. Remove these screws.
- Pull Out Radio and Faceplate: Carefully pull the radio and faceplate assembly outwards.
- Disconnect Cables: Reach behind the radio and disconnect all connected cables, including air control cables, hazard lights cable, radio antenna, and any other wiring harnesses.
E. Loosening the BCM (Body Control Module):
The BCM is a crucial component for many car alarm connections, especially for door locks and triggers.
- Locate BCM Nut: Find the 10mm nut that secures the BCM. It’s usually located behind the radio area.
- Remove BCM Nut: Use your 10mm socket to remove this nut.
- Detach and Access BCM: Carefully pull the BCM downwards and forwards. Note the metal hinge on the right side. You don’t need to fully remove it, just loosen it enough to access the wiring connectors on the back.
III. Connections – Wiring the Omega EDP Car Alarm
With the necessary components accessible, you can now begin wiring the Omega Excalibur AL-1510-EDP car alarm system. Important Note: Always double-check wire colors and functions with your vehicle’s wiring diagrams and the Omega alarm manual before making any connections. A logic probe or multimeter is highly recommended for verifying wire functionality. Soldering and heat shrinking are recommended for durable and reliable connections.
A. Constant (12VDC+) Power:
This provides continuous power to the alarm system, even when the ignition is off.
- Locate Ignition Switch Harness: Find the ignition switch harness under the steering column, typically identified by a black and blue plug.
- Identify Red Cable: Within this harness, locate the Red Cable. This is your constant 12VDC+ power source.
- Prepare the Wire: Carefully strip a small section of insulation from the red cable, being careful not to cut the copper strands.
- Connect Alarm 12VDC+ Cable: Connect the corresponding 12VDC+ wire from your Omega alarm to this exposed section of the red cable. Solder the connection and insulate it thoroughly with tape or heat shrink tubing.
B. Ignition Power:
This wire provides power to the alarm system when the ignition is turned on.
- Locate Blue Cable: In the same ignition switch harness, identify the Blue Cable.
- Prepare and Connect: Strip a small section of the blue cable’s insulation. Connect the Omega alarm’s ignition power wire to this blue cable. Solder and insulate the connection.
C. Starter Interrupt (Anti-Start Feature):
This crucial security feature prevents the car from starting when the alarm is armed.
- Locate White Starter Cable: In the ignition switch harness, find the White Cable. This is your starter cable.
- Cut the Starter Cable: Cut the white starter cable in a location that provides enough working room on both ends.
- Relay Installation: The Omega alarm typically comes with a starter interrupt relay. Connect the cut ends of the white starter cable to the relay according to the alarm’s wiring diagram. One end will go to the relay’s input, and the other to the relay’s output. The relay will interrupt the starter circuit when the alarm is armed. Solder and insulate all relay connections.
D. Ground Connection:
A solid ground connection is essential for the alarm system to function correctly.
- Find a Ground Point: Locate a suitable ground point under the steering column. A screw securing a wire harness bracket works well.
- Connect Ground Wire: Loosen the screw, place the ring terminal of the alarm’s ground wire under the bracket, and retighten the screw securely. Ensure a good metal-to-metal contact for a reliable ground.
E. Trunk Release:
This allows you to open your trunk using the alarm remote.
- Locate Fuse Box Rear Plug: Go to the driver’s side fuse box and find the rearmost plug, a white 18-pin connector.
- Identify Blue/Black Cable (Pin 2): Locate the Blue with Black stripe cable at pin 2 of this plug. This is your trunk release wire.
- Connect Trunk Release Wire: Strip a section of the blue/black cable and connect the Omega alarm’s trunk release wire. Solder and insulate the connection.
F. Door Trigger and Interior Lights:
This connection triggers the alarm when any door is opened and can also turn on the interior lights when disarming the system.
- Locate Grey and Brown Cable: Find the Grey with Brown stripe cable. This wire is part of the door trigger circuit and can be found in the harness running along the floor near the driver’s door or at the BCM (pin 3 of the first plug, according to the original guide, verify with a logic probe).
- Connect Door Trigger and Interior Light Wires: Connect both the door trigger and interior light wires from the Omega alarm to this grey/brown cable. Note: The original guide mentions using the negative door trigger (green wire on some alarms). Verify the polarity required by your specific alarm model. Solder and insulate the connections.
G. Hood Trigger Input (Optional but Recommended):
Adding a hood trigger switch provides an extra layer of security by triggering the alarm if the hood is opened.
- Install Hood Pin Switch: Choose a suitable location under the hood for the hood pin switch, ensuring it will be activated when the hood is closed. Drill a hole and mount the switch securely.
- Run Wire: Run a wire from the hood pin switch through the driver’s side fender and into the cabin. You can route it along with existing wire harnesses.
- Connect Hood Trigger Wire: Connect one end of the wire to the hood pin switch and the other end to the designated hood trigger input wire on the Omega alarm system.
H. Siren Output:
The siren is a key component of the alarm system, providing audible alerts.
- Mount Siren: Choose a location under the hood for the siren, away from excessive heat and moisture. Securely mount the siren using screws.
- Ground Siren: Connect the black wire of the siren to a solid ground point in the engine bay.
- Connect Siren Power Wire: Connect the red wire of the siren to the siren output wire from the Omega alarm, using the wire you ran through the fender if you installed the hood trigger.
I. Parking Light Output:
Connecting the parking light output allows the car’s parking lights to flash when the alarm is armed or triggered, providing visual confirmation.
- Locate Parking Lights Cable: Find the white and gray plug on the back of the driver’s side fuse box. The White Cable at pin 6 of this plug is the parking lights wire.
- Connect Parking Light Wire: Connect the Omega alarm’s parking light output wire to this white cable. Solder and insulate the connection.
J. All Doors Lock (Negative Trigger):
This controls locking all doors simultaneously. Kia Fortes often use negative triggers for door locks.
- Access BCM Connector: Access the connector on the right side of the BCM.
- Identify Yellow and Orange Cable (Pin 8): Locate the Yellow with Orange stripe cable at pin 8 of this connector. This is the door lock wire.
- Connect Door Lock Wire: Connect the Omega alarm’s door lock wire (negative trigger output) to this yellow/orange cable. Solder and insulate.
K. Driver’s Door Unlock (Negative Trigger):
This controls unlocking only the driver’s door with the first press of the unlock button.
- Identify Black and Brown Cable (Pin 7): In the same BCM connector, locate the Black with Brown stripe cable at pin 7. This is the driver’s door unlock wire.
- Connect Driver’s Door Unlock Wire: Connect the Omega alarm’s driver’s door unlock wire to this black/brown cable. Solder and insulate.
L. Doors Unlock (Except Driver’s Door) – (Negative Trigger):
This unlocks all doors except the driver’s door, usually triggered by a second press of the unlock button.
- Identify Orange Cable (Pin 16): In the BCM connector, find the Orange Cable at pin 16. This is the wire for unlocking the remaining doors.
- Connect Doors Unlock Wire: Connect the Omega alarm’s second door unlock wire to this orange cable. Solder and insulate.
M. Interior Light Input (Ground):
This connection ensures the interior lights turn on when the alarm is disarmed.
- Connect to Ground: Connect the Omega alarm’s interior light input wire to a ground point. You can use the same ground point used for the alarm system itself.
N. Horn Honk Output (Optional):
You can use the car’s horn as an additional audible alarm signal.
- Locate Horn Wire: Find the gray or white 31-pin plug on the driver’s kick panel. The Red or Green/Orange cable is the horn wire (verify with a logic probe or multimeter by testing while pressing the horn).
- Connect Horn Honk Wire: Connect the Omega alarm’s horn honk output wire to this red or green/orange cable. Solder and insulate.
IV. Programming Your Omega EDP Car Alarm
Once the installation is complete and all connections are verified, you’ll need to program your Omega EDP car alarm system to customize its features and functionality. Refer to your Omega Excalibur AL-1510-EDP owner’s manual for specific programming instructions.
General Programming Steps (Consult your manual for precise instructions):
- Valet/Override Button: Locate the valet/override button that came with your alarm system. This is often used to enter programming mode.
- Ignition Cycling: Typically, programming mode is entered by cycling the ignition key (turning the ignition on and off a specific number of times) while pressing or holding the valet/override button.
- Accessing Menus: Once in programming mode, you’ll usually navigate through menus using the valet button and observing the siren chirps or LED flashes to confirm selections.
- Key Programmable Features: Common programmable features include:
- Remote Programming: Pairing remotes to the system.
- Sensor Adjustments: Adjusting the sensitivity of shock sensors or other sensors.
- Door Lock/Unlock Options: Customizing door lock and unlock behavior (e.g., single vs. double pulse unlock).
- Siren/Horn Options: Choosing siren tones or horn honk patterns.
- Passive/Active Arming: Setting up automatic arming or requiring remote arming.
- Auxiliary Channel Functions: Configuring any auxiliary channels for features like remote start (if supported by your model or add-ons).
Example Programming (Refer to your manual as this is a general example):
To program a new remote, you might:
- Enter programming mode (e.g., ignition on/off 3 times, press and hold valet button).
- The system might chirp once to indicate programming mode entry.
- Press the lock button on the new remote.
- The system might chirp twice to confirm remote programming.
- Exit programming mode (often by turning the ignition off).
Important: Always consult the official Omega Excalibur AL-1510-EDP manual for accurate and detailed programming steps. Incorrect programming can lead to unexpected alarm behavior.
V. Testing and Final Assembly
After wiring and programming, thorough testing is crucial before reassembling your dashboard.
- Reconnect Battery: Reconnect the negative terminal of your car battery.
- Test Alarm Functions: Test all alarm functions:
- Arming and Disarming: Verify the alarm arms and disarms correctly using the remote.
- Door Triggers: Open each door, the hood (if you installed a hood pin), and the trunk to ensure the alarm triggers.
- Siren and Horn: Check that the siren and horn (if connected) sound when the alarm is triggered.
- Parking Lights: Confirm the parking lights flash when arming/disarming and when the alarm is triggered.
- Remote Trunk Release: Test the trunk release function from the remote.
- Door Locks and Unlocks: Test locking and unlocking all doors and driver’s door independently using the remote.
- Starter Interrupt: Ensure the car cannot be started when the alarm is armed and starts normally when disarmed.
- Troubleshooting: If any function is not working correctly, recheck your wiring connections, consult the wiring diagrams, and use a multimeter or logic probe to diagnose the issue.
- Secure Wires: Once you are satisfied with the functionality, neatly route and secure all wires using cable ties to prevent them from interfering with pedals or other components.
- Reassembly: Carefully reassemble the dashboard components in reverse order of disassembly:
- Reinstall the driver’s dash lower metal frame.
- Reinstall the steering column lower cover.
- Reinstall the driver’s lower dash cover.
- Reinstall the radio and faceplate (if removed).
- Replace fuse box covers.
VI. Conclusion
Installing an Omega Excalibur AL-1510-EDP car alarm requires careful wiring and attention to detail. By following this guide and the manufacturer’s instructions, you can enhance your vehicle’s security and gain valuable peace of mind. Remember to always prioritize safety, double-check your connections, and consult a professional if you are unsure about any step of the installation or programming process. Proper installation and programming are key to ensuring your car alarm system functions reliably and effectively for years to come.
