So, is there any value in installing one of those 3rd party Shock Sensors to our existing alarm (ie, to the hood switch)? I did such an install on my Infiniti FX and it works very well (ie, a pretty nice impact to the body sets off the alarm). I know that we have a "somewhat questionable" interior motion sensor, but having a shock sensor would be beneficial, right?

Anyways, here is what I did for the Infiniti FX. I took a quick look at the Mini hood switch, and it seems very similar, but I'll only know once I take it apart and look at the cables.

So is this a good idea?

This is the sensor I purchased and installed in my Infiniti FX. Cost $20
http://www.autotechs.com/items/item1081.htm


This is the diagram I created for my Infiniti FX.


This is a list of everything I purchased for this project. I think I have all the parts still and have extra diods.

(Part 1): Split-Loom Tubing - I wanted to wrap all the cables up nicely so it looked like a factory install. This was the simpliest solution I could come up with. I ended up using only about 1/4 to 1/3 of the tubing. The remaining will remain for my next project.

(Part 2): Heat-Shrink Tubing - I decided to cover my sauder points in heat-shrink tubing for a professional looking install. You can use butt-connectors if you wish. There are plenty of tubing here in all different sizes, so choose wisely.

(Part 3): 20-Gauge Wire - This was the only package in stock, so I went with it. At $5 it was a lot of wire, but I ended up using less than 3 feet.

(Part 4) and (Part 5): Tongues - I couldn't decide if I wanted to use spade or ring tongues so I purchased both when I was at Radio Shack. I ended up using only the ring tongues.

(Part 6): IN4003 Diode - I was looking for the IN4003, but my local Radio Shack did not have them in stock. IN4002 is what is recommended on the instruction page of the DEI OEM STINGER DOUBLEGUARD SHOCK/IMPACT SENSOR, however the instructions indicated that IN40043 work perfectly as well. Each package comes with 2 diodes which is what you need, however I wanted another set incase I destroy one, and at less than $2 I didn't have a problem buying another set.

(Part 7): Electrical Tape - I used this tape to wrap the split-loom tubing along with any cables that were not contained in the split-loom tubing.

(Part 8 ): Assorted Cable Ties - I wanted to wrap the split-loom tubing to the engine bay so that it looks like a professional install. I had some white ones, but blake is the way to go in my opinion.

(Part 9): DEI OEM STINGER DOUBLEGUARD SHOCK/IMPACT SENSOR - The most important part if all, the actual shock sensor.

 

My factory alarm has a shock sensor. If I start my corvette in the garage and the Mini has the alarm set it will go off. Plus a couple of weeks ago we had a bad thunder storm. One time it cracked really loud and it set the alarm off on the Mini. It is not extremly sensitive. I know if you kick a tire it will not go off.

 

Really. I will try setting off the alarm on my 2009 Convertible with the top up. I know we have that motion sensor which may on occassion detect movement seat bottom level and below, but it's really if something is moved within that space, but not necessarily if someone were to hit the body with their hands. But you have me thinking that it might do both. I'll verify tomorrow.

If it indeed does both, then there's no point to this shock sensor.

 

In my 2008 Cooper S the motion sensor is in the pod above the mirror. I guess a convertible does not have it there. I forgot about it once and left the windows open while I went in a sandwich shop. When I came out I reached in the passenger side window to put the bag in the car. It instantly set the alarm off. Where do they put it in a vert?

 

In the new convertible, from my limited testing, it's in the footwells in the front. I've only been able to set it off my placing my hand in the footwells. I tried grabbing the seat, the controls, even lowered the handbrake, and nothing set off the interior motion sensor.

 

On mine I tossed a pamphlet on the passenger seat and it went off;
On a ferry, I had to disable the alarm or it went off every few minutes.

 

Not kidding, last week a bee flew into the open window and the alarm went off. It goes off every other day because of the delivery trucks that rumble by my office. I asked the dealer to see if they could lower the sensitivity and they said they can't.