viper 5901 shock sensor sensitivity

I have had my Viper 5901 installed for about 6-7 months now and I haven't had any problems recently. I am a little concerned with the sensitivity of the shock sensor, however. Since I installed the unit, I haven't changed the shock sensor sensitivity (it was at a default level 7). I found that at that level I could physically sway my vehicle from the exterior and the alarm wouldn't react at all. Today I decided to increase the sensitivity level to 15 (the maximum sensitivity). I could still sway my car and absolutely nothing from the alarm. The unit is installed directly under my head unit attached to some air ducting. The manual states that the unit should not be attached to any metal chassis-like surfaces because it will effect the units sensitivity. Has anybody else experienced this lack of sensitivity? Maybe my install location is really bad or something. Can anybody else get theirs to go off easily? I just want mine to go off when somebody pulls on a door handle or bangs on the vehicle. Please help!pathfinderguy

the "shock" sensor will not be set of by "sway". sway will not in any way be detected by a shock sensor, a shock sensor will only detect shock. try slapping your windshield with your hand open and see what happens. to get the sway movement monitored you would need tilt sensors.

Well I spoke with DEI's tech support. The guy said that I should unplug the unit for approximately 30 seconds and then plug it back in and try it. If nothing, then hold the unit, arm the unit, and see if I can make it go off by shaking it. He said that a bunch of the earlier units had defective shock sensors and if I can't make it go off by hand, then send it in for a replacement.pathfinderguy

Shock sensors are pretty much a hit and miss scenario per vehicle. I've actually found the best location to be on big wire looms for external units. As far as the new models, heck I put it wherever I can actually fit the darn thing. It is so clunky it makes doing an actually quality shock senor very hard and not worth my time. Moral of the story: External shock sensors FTW!