Acura ILX Alarm Keeps Going Off – Why And What To Do?

Your Acura ILX is fitted with an alarm to protect it and the items inside from theft. But sometimes the alarm can go off unexpectedly, for no apparent reason. What could be wrong? We did research to find what might cause this problem and how to solve it.

To fix the alarm of your Acura ILX when it keeps going off, you need to know what is causing the problem in the first place. Some common reasons causing this problem include:

  • Dying or low-charged battery
  • High alarm sensitivity
  • Faulty hood latch sensor 
  • Faulty door latch sensor
  • Malfunctioning key fob
  • Improperly installed alarm system
  • Faulty alarm control module

Keep reading to learn why your car alarm keeps going off and how to solve the problem. Included is a cost estimate for fixing the alarm problem in your car. 

 Acura ILX on display during LA Auto Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center. - Acura ILX Alarm Keeps Going Off - Why And What To Do?

Reasons Your Car Alarm Keeps Going Off And How To Solve It

It can be frustrating when your alarm goes off randomly. It may go off at any slight movement around your car.  

In other words, when there is something wrong with your car's alarm system, it can go off anytime and anywhere. We have identified the most common causes of this problem and the solutions, including:

Hand presses on remote control car alarm systems

Low-Charged Battery

For the alarm system in your car to continue operating optimally, the battery voltage should be at least 12.6 volts. If it is lower than this, the alarm could go off randomly. That's why you need to find out the voltage using a voltmeter.

Check out this voltmeter on Amazon.

If the voltage is at this level or higher, the problem could be from another part of your car. If it is lower, then you need to check the battery and re-charge the battery using a jump starter or a car battery charger.

How To Charge Car Battery Using A Jump Starter

These car battery jumper cables are available on Amazon.

You can jump-start your car battery using starter cables like the ones shown above. Switch off all the interior and exterior lights and accessories, and remove the negative cable first. Afterward, remove the positive cable.  

You may notice corrosion on the terminals. A whitish powdery substance is a sign the terminals are rusty. To clean off the corrosion, pour a teaspoon of baking soda on the terminals, and pour some water.

Scrub off the white substance using a wire brush and terminal cleaning brush like the one shown below.

This battery terminal cleaner is available on Amazon.

Remember to wear a mask, eye goggles, and gloves for protection if the corrosion mistakenly splashes on your face. Furthermore, don't touch your face as you clean. Wait until you have washed your hands thoroughly with soapy water.

If the battery acid accidentally splashes on your skin, run the affected area underwater for around 30 minutes. If there is still some irritation, get medical attention.

Do the same with your eyes. If any acid gets into your eyes, flush with water, but in this case, make sure you seek medical attention.

How To Charge Your Car Battery

This car battery charger is available on Amazon.

Your Acura ILX has instructions on charging the battery using a battery charger like the one above. However, the procedure is more or less the same in most cars. The steps to take are:

  1. Switch off the charger.
  2. Attach the negative cable of your battery charger to the battery's negative terminal.
  3. Connect the charger's positive cable to the positive terminal of your battery.
  4. Set the charger to the lowest charging rate.
  5. Switch on the charger and time it. It can take up to 12 hours to charge your car battery.
  6. When the battery is fully charged, turn off the charger, and remove the positive cable, followed by the negative cable.

How To Replace Your Car Battery

Male mechanic changing car battery, engineer is replacing car battery because car battery is depleted. concept car maintenance

If your battery does not charge, you should take your car to a mechanic and get the battery replaced. The steps to take when replacing the battery of your Acura ILX include the following:

  1. Switch off the engine.
  2. Using your manual, look for where the battery is.
  3. Loosen the bolt of your black negative cable using a wrench, and gently remove it.
  4. Do the same to the positive cable by repeating steps 2 and 3.
  5. Remove the clamp that holds the battery using a wrench.
  6. Carefully remove the battery, taking caution because it is heavy.
  7. Clean the tray the battery sits on. Clean out any corrosion on the cables using a terminal battery cleaner and an appropriate solution such as baking soda and water.
  8. Install your new battery and repeat the steps above.

High Alarm Sensitivity

If the sensitivity in your car is set too high, the battery will keep going off at the slightest movement around your car. The sensitivity shock sensor is usually in a tiny 3-inch square box under the dashboard on the driver's side.

Give your car a slight bump to find out if the sensor is too high. If it trips your alarm, you need to reset it lower than it is. To do this, turn the dial on the sensor counterclockwise. Keep testing the sensitivity until you get to a position that is not too sensitive. 

Faulty Hood Latch Sensor

Most modern vehicles, including your Acura ILX, have a hood latch sensor. If someone tries to force it open, the alarm will go off.

With time, dust, debris, and grime accumulate in this sensor's space. This can cause the alarm to go off at any time. Thus, you'll need to clean it.

Check out this WD-40 spray on Amazon.

Lightly scrub the sensor using soapy water and a soft bristle brush. Then spray the sensor with WD-40 to protect it from rusting. 

Sometimes, the problem could be due to a faulty wire connection. Inspect the wiring from the sensor to the primary connection. If any wires are damaged, replace them. 

Faulty Door Latch Sensor

As with the hood latch sensor, the wires in the door latch sensor could be damaged and may have crossed each other. As a result, the electricity may divert in the wrong direction and cause the alarm to go off erratically. 

The solution is to inspect the wires and replace damaged ones, or to put the wires back in their correct positions if they have crossed each other. 

Faulty Key Fob

acura . sports car . vehicle photography . tsx . nsx . luxury .

The key fob, a remote car key, allows you to lock or unlock your car doors with the press of a button. This remote key is linked to the alarm system of your car. If it malfunctions, it may send the wrong signal, causing the alarm to go off. 

You can try changing the batteries to confirm if this is the problem. If the problem persists, it could be due to the loss of programming data.

If that is the case, you will need to reprogram it. Check your manual for instructions. However, below are the basic steps for reprogramming a key fob:

  1. Get in your car and close all the doors
  2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, press the lock button on the fob key, and then turn the ignition to the OFF position. 
  3. Repeat the above process three times, and you should hear the doors lock. This means your car is in a programming state. 
  4. Next, press the lock button on the fob key within five seconds of being in the programming mode. This should complete the programming procedure successfully.
  5. If you have extra fob keys, you can program them as well. You can do this by pressing the lock button 10 seconds after entering programming mode. 
  6. To terminate the programming mode, turn the ignition to the OFF position. 
  7. Step out of your car and close all the doors to test all the key fobs. 
  8. If one or all of them do not work, you may have to repeat the above process again.

The video below explains in detail how to reprogram the key fob.

Improperly Installed Alarm System

When a new alarm system is installed in your car, you expect it to function well. But if it keeps going off for no reason, it may have been installed improperly. If you suspect that this is the case, take it back to the dealer and have it reinstalled. 

Faulty Alarm Control Module

The control module is like the computer of your alarm system. If it malfunctions, it can cause the alarm to keep going off. As a result, you may need to have yours replaced. 

Cost Of Fixing Your Alarm 

keychain car security system. installation in car

If your alarm keeps going off because the battery is dying, replacing one in your Acura ILX will cost you around $145. Labor will be between $44 and $56.

If you have to replace a malfunctioning key fob, the cost can range from $50 to $400 per fob. You will pay extra charges between $50 and $100 to program it.

If you enlist a professional to replace the alarm control module of your car, the cost can range from $104 to $132. The module itself will cost around $314.

In Closing

It can be stressful when the alarm in your Acura ILX keeps going off for no reason. The alarm disturbs not only you but those around you. To solve the problem, you need to find out what is causing the alarm to go off so that you can repair it accordingly.

If you found this post helpful, check out these related articles:

Car Alarm Going Off Randomly While Driving

No Key Detected In Ford Expedition What To Do When Your Key Fob Is Not Recognized

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