6 volt relay?

Hello,

I'm installing a Code Alarm CA680 Remote Starter with alarm into my 06 Ford Explorer.

I'm trying to use the Disarm input wire so that i can use my keypad to disarm the unit. Its looking for a positive or negative pulse, from when you unlock the doors using the factory remote/keypad feature. I found a wire that pulses + voltage when the keypad is activated to unlock the doors- but its not enough voltage to activate the module. I took a voltmeter and measured the output voltage to be about 3 volts.

Can I use a 6V relay to switch a 12V source to activate this input to the module? I bench tested a standard 12V relay and it takes about 6 volts to make it click. So I figured I might have a shot with making a 6 volt relay click with 3 volts, and switching a 12V source to this input. I only need the 12V source to pulse, not stay latched, so should the 6 Volt relay be able to handle this?

Where can I get a 6 Volt relay? do they have these at Radio Shack? Will this idea work?

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Are you sure that there is actually 3vdc on the wire and that it's not possibly a data line?  3vdc is a weird voltage in a car.

You would be best off, if it really is a 3vdc output, to use a transistor or possibly a 5vdc reed relay.  Relays always have data sheets so you can research their minimum turn on voltage.

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Kevin Pierson

Use a DMM to check the resistance on this wire when you activate it, it might be pos or neg via a resistor,I would guess data cable in which case contact Idatalink or Fortin.

Add bypasslink to my above comments.