hood lock output help!

ok i have a ford system 4 security alarm that has a so called hoodlock wire coming out from it. when a test light is put on it......at disarm it lights the test light (neg output) for like 15-20 seconds then turns the light off.... otherwise the wire seems to be dead. this is supposed to power a hood lock but almost seems to be like an illuminated output to keep lights on till you get to your door or whatever. anyone have a clue at what i could do with this? thanks.

The wire in question is a *timed* output coming off of the alarm system. It is meant to interface with a relay, and in turn, the relay is then connected to the hood lock mechanism. The Crimestopper CS-215 Phantomlok is such an item. (no longer in production) In practice, this is what would happen. You would disarm the alarm, insert the key into the ignition, and turn it to the pre-start. The timed output would supply power to the unit to energise the hood lock for release. You would then pull on the hood release to open the hood. Applying a hood lock is one of the most important parts of layering a security system. At the end of the day, its whats under the hood that matters ! Regards EVIL Teken...

wow!!! after all this time......i finally got an answer that seems to be very correct.........not even ford techs could answer how it worked....thanks alot! ok maybe you can shed light on this product then.......... THE CLUB made an electronic hoodlock but seems to have either discontinued been recalled etc. cause it is a hard product to find. anyways it was an electronic or manual hoodlock and was wondering if sumthing like this would work for me. i cant find any specifics on it at all

( If you find a unit that requires a timed +12 volt source to deactivate (release) the mechanism, you may apply it to your vehicle, without any worries. ) There are currently 4 types of hood locks, or mechanisms to secure the hood / bonnet. 1. Actual hood pins, that you see on race cars. Not many people go this root as it is very labor intensive and the appearence of a pad lock is not very appealing. And is not to be confused with a hood pin style, which is meant only to ensure that the hood does not blow off during hi-speeds, or impact. 2. Mechanical cable style such as the Alpine, and DEI units. ie. DEI 565T-567T Are units that employ a metal pin / bracket assembly that is installed into the engine bay. The other end of the long cable is installed in the cabin, which uses a barrel style coded key. The problem with them is that the tension to release and lock, or the security of the system is dependant upon the mounting of the interior locking bracket / barrel key way. It doesn't take too much brains, or effort to knock off the plate. 3. The third and forth style is the semi, and fully automatic hood lock systems. The alarm brands that *used to* make them were Crimestoppers CS-215, Maxilok LM420, Wolo 203-205-207, Code Alarm, and Z-locks Use a metal cable mechanism which applies *opposing* force to the hood latch mechansm. The difference in the semi, and the fully automatic units is that the alarm system had control as to when it was ok to relase, and engage the hood lock and VS. The semi units you had to depress a momentary switch to activate the 10-20 second release. The best design I have seen through the years is from Crimestoppers Security Products. The reason for that, is that the unit had very few moving parts, was made out of billet steel, required only a two wire hook up, and had a emergency release cable in case there was a power failure, or where the soleniod within the unit was damaged / defective. Also, the unit was the only one to offer a lifetime warranty on all parts. Bottom line is, if you are able to obtain a *Phantomlok* hood lock unit from a dealer who hasnt been able to sell it. Drop me a line and I can walk you through the installation process. Regards EVIL Teken...

http://www.lightav.com/car/crime/crime.html FOUND ONE AT THAT LOCATION RIGHT THERE...99 bucks....sound like a good price?

That unit includes a electronic module to make it completely passive in operation. You will not need to use your OEM wiring to use this. That is a great deal, and I am very happy you were able to find the item. Let me know if you require any help on the installation, but the documentation is very well written, and you will find that the tech support is also very good as well. Regards EVIL Teken...

Go to www.autotoys.com and you will find the *Club* and the other mechanical units you were looking at. Regards EVIL Teken...

i just have to say that your knowledge for such few posts on this forum is amazing. thank you very much and look forward to reading more of your responses to other peoples questions.

I called that website ( http://www.lightav.com/car/crime/crime.html) up, and they don't have stock anymore.