Bench Prep

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Security and Convenience
Forum Discription: Car Alarms, Keyless Entries, Remote Starters, Immobilizer Bypasses, Sensors, Door Locks, Window Modules, Heated Mirrors, Heated Seats, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=39077
Printed Date: May 18, 2025 at 8:56 PM

Topic: Bench Prep

Posted By: mktbully
Subject: Bench Prep
Date Posted: September 13, 2004 at 2:11 PM

long time reader first time poster.

so my question...what is actually done on the bench prep. wires are shortened and grouped together right? which wires are actually getting grouped together?

I'm looking to install a viper 791xv on a 91 Nissan Maxima.

I've done 2 alarms in the past (took me a long time but good learning experience)...so i'm no stranger to under the dash but when i'm done it always ends up looking like a mess which i really hate.

any suggestions? what tips on what the pros do prior to getting under the car?

Replies:

Posted By: kgerry
Date Posted: September 13, 2004 at 3:42 PM

figure out what wiring is needed and what isnt....clean up the unused wiring and split loom everything on the bench, then slide the wiring into the car and make all your connections.....

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Kevin Gerry
Certified Electronics Technician
MECP First Class Installer

Owner/Installer
Classic Car Audio
since 1979

Posted By: Teken
Date Posted: September 13, 2004 at 4:22 PM

mktbully wrote:

(took me a long time but good learning experience)

Its not a race, always take your time, to confirm all connnections to their respective contact points. As it is always said, varify all connection with a DMM, and measure twice, cut once.

mktbully wrote:

but when i'm done it always ends up looking like a mess which i really hate.

You need to sit down and really look at where all your primary connections are going to be in relations to the alarm CPU / RS. From there, that determines the wire routing, and length.

If you meant that your wiring looks all messy visually, then split loom, wire ties, and 3M 33 speed tape will clean that up visually.

Regards

EVIL Teken . . .

Posted By: sparkie
Date Posted: September 13, 2004 at 4:30 PM

A good installer will plan out the job. Confirm all the necessary wire locations in the car first. Figure out where any module or components need to go and find a suitable mounting location for them. You can then prep your system install on the bench. Group same circuits together (grounds and power). You can tape and loom wires up into harnesses that will go to various places in the vehicle. Shorten or lengthen any wires to keep the harness neat. If the wires need to be lengthened, use the same color wire. It is musch easier to make proper connections on the bench than while upside down under the dash. Install the components and harness in the vehicle and make your connections to the vehicle's harness. It's a good idea to make things somewhat accessible in case revisions or future repairs are required. Ideally, the end result should appear that the system was installed by the factory and is servicable. Remember, Murphy was an optimist and things go wrong. As you do more of the same vehicles, the process will be easier as you already know what and where everything is going. This method usually works best for alarms and remote starters. For audio systems, it is easier to run the wiring in the car and then install and wire the unit.

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sparky

Posted By: heavilymedicate
Date Posted: September 13, 2004 at 5:56 PM

thought about posting this same question yesterday as I was looking at the 40-odd wires for my unit.

I am installing a remote start/alarm/keyless entry on my 95' GMC suburban right now. Clutter is not your friend, planning is. About half the wiring with this unit is not used for this install. I am going through it slowly, confirming all my connections with my DDM (check, double check), and trying to stay organized. Try to stay clear headed and if your head starts swimming with all the relays and options you may use, could use, don’t need to use, don’t know if you need them or don’t; take a break. Better to take a few hours off then make a major error.

The advice you have received so far, looks good to me and parallels my limited experience with these types of units. Good luck, post back for help.

Posted By: dBDevil
Date Posted: September 13, 2004 at 11:50 PM

Group up the wires you need and know where they're going. Like all the ignition wires/parking light/horn honk...etc. Zip tie or tape (my preferred) the groups together. I also mount the LED and valet button/neutral safety switch first, hook them up to the brain, and mount the brain high and out of the way. Then route the wires naturally out of the way of moving parts, i.e. pedals and steering column.