I have a 2009 LS panel and I can set the alarm with the remote and walk up to it and shake it and I do not get anything. Is there anyway to test the alarm system? Didn't find anything in the manual. How should the alarm system work?

 

As per the manual, the security light on the dash will indicate by flashing periodically if it is activated.

Lock the car with the remote, then unlock/open the drivers door with the key to test.

The alarm does not detect shaking or impact - only break-ins.

 

Whopper:
Yes, I found that in the manual while I was sitting here. I checked it and it is working. How long will the light flash in the dash? Will it stop after awhile. If the car sits for a long time (months) will the alarm/light drain the battery?

Thanks for the info

 

No, it doesn't stop flashing. IF the car is going to be sitting for a few months the battery will drain, partly due to the alarm monitoring, but also the other systems that have a parasitic drain. If you are going to leave it for several months, you need to attach a battery charger that monitors the voltage, and charges when the voltage drops.

Battery Tender is one of the brands of many sources for such chargers.

 

Of course another way to test it is to lock with the fob then unlock with the key, then stand there wondering why the darn horn is honking, do what many members have done; get on the forum asking why the horn honks every time they unlock the car.

 

You can also simply press the panic alarm button!

 

Or accidentally bump the #&$% Panic Button in your garage and scare the snot out of yourself!

I just had to fit up those Cadillac "Triple-Tone" horns, going from the anemic OEM "beep beep" to a full throated Caddy "HONK! HONK!" is a great idea unless you're not expecting it.

The garage wall has hashmarks in chalk for everytime I've scared myself accidentally, the total stands at nine...so far.

 

An easy way to test the alarm is to have a window down, pull up on the lock button and open the door. Found about that the hard way at the DMV we had just bought her 09 and I had to bring something for her to sign and I did just that. The fun part was trying to figure out how to turn it off. My wife had worked the night before and was napping. She was wide awake after that.