Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What is 2-way technology and what does it do
for me?
A:
2-way technology refers to the ability of the system to receive a
signal from the remote
transmitter, perform the requested action, and then send a signal back to
the transmitter
to confirm that the action was performed. 2-way technology can perform
several useful
functions including alerting the owner in the event of an intrusion
attempt or confirming
that the engine has successfully remote started for remote start equipped
models. 2-way
equipped systems usually feature a LCD panel or LED indicators on the
transmitter to
display the confirmation information.
Q:
How can I get replacement transmitters for
my system?
A: First you must identify the
model number of your transmitter. You can do that by
comparing the pictures on the
Replacement Transmitters page to your own transmitter.
Q:
Do I really need a vehicle security system?
A: Unfortunately for the vast
majority of us, the days of leaving our doors unlocked without
worry are long since gone and vehicle theft and/or content theft has become
a very serious
concern. In this day and age, the addition of a visible means of protection
may be all that
keeps you from being separated from your vehicle. For many thieves, just
having a visual
anti-theft indicator is enough to make them choose an easier target.
However, the best
method to protect your vehicle and its contents is a systematic approach
combining a
complete security system with good common sense. Besides parking in a well
lit area and
keeping your valuables out of sight, installing a Black Widow security
system with a shock
sensor or exterior radar sensor will help deter content theft. And, to
really protect the
vehicle itself a starter defeat is key to preventing experienced thieves
from driving off in
your vehicle.
Q:
What is a Black Widow system going to do that my factory system does not?
A: First and most importantly,
does you vehicle really have a security system or just keyless
entry? Unfortunately, many people have been led to believe that the factory
transmitter
they are carrying around controls a security system, when in fact it may
only operate the
door locks. You can check for yourself by rolling down a window then
pressing the lock
button on your factory remote. Now reach through the window and unlock the
door. If you
then open the door and nothing happens, guess what- no security. If in fact
your vehicle is
equipped with factory security, then consider the following facts. The
majority of factory
security systems do nothing more than disable the starter or fuel delivery
system. In the
exercise above, opening the door would elicit no response from a vehicle
equipped with
only a starter or fuel disable system and the vehicle's contents would most
certainly be at
risk. Regardless, true security comes in the form of deterrence and if the
system does
nothing until a door is opened, it's too late. All Black Widow security
systems come with
some type of sensor designed to protect the vehicle even before a door is
opened. It is
also true that factory systems for a particular model vehicle are all
exactly the same, and
installed exactly the same way- so once a thief has bypassed one, he has
bypassed them
all!
Q:
What features do I need in an alarm?
A: There are several key
factors to determining the best fit for your individual needs. The type of
vehicle and its use are very important. Most Black Widow systems come with a
dual-zone shock sensor to detect impact to the vehicle, as in the case of a
break-in attempt. A
convertible owner should look for the ability to add a radar sensor,
particularly a dual-zone
type, to protect the vehicle and its contents when the top is down. If the
vehicle is equipped with aftermarket wheels, the owner should consider a
motion or tilt sensor to protect against jacking up the vehicle. For trucks
with camper shells or workboxes on the back, pin switches or magnetic reed
switches should be used to secure each opening. Remote engine starting
can definitely simplify your life with its ability to preheat your
vehicle's interior in the winter
or cool it down in the summer- without having to go outside! A remote hatch
or trunk
release is another nice feature that allows you to easily open your
vehicle's rear hatch or
trunk at the touch of a button. Long-range operation is nice if you have
remote start
capability, but what good is it if you don't know if the transmitter
actually did anything?
That's why Black Widow's long-range transmitters are equipped with 2-way
communication
that confirms activation of system functions and provides notification on
the transmitter of
any intrusion attempts.
Q:
What is Black Widow's warranty?
A: Black Widow security and
remote start modules are covered by a limited lifetime warranty
against defects in materials and workmanship when installed by an
authorized dealer.
Items returned defective will be repaired or replaced at our option.
Transmitters, sirens,
and other system components are backed by a one-year warranty unless
otherwise noted in
the product's packaging.
Q:
The dealer told me that installing a Black
Widow system would void my warranty, is this
true?
A: Although car dealers often
make that claim, it is expressly forbidden as per the terms of
the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Improvement Act of 1975. The Act stipulates that
tie-in sales provisions which would require the purchaser to buy an item
only from a particular company
in order to maintain the vehicle's warranty is illegal. Of course it does
not require the
manufacturer to cover damages caused by incorrect installation of an
aftermarket product,
so it is important that Black Widow systems be installed by a qualified
professional in order
to keep your warranty in tact.
Q:
My transmitter stopped working and my system is armed, how do I drive the
vehicle?
A: If the system is armed it
will be necessary to follow the Emergency Override procedure. For
most Black Widow models the system can be overridden by turning the
ignition on and
pressing the valet switch for several seconds until the siren stops
sounding (up to 10
seconds on some models). Some Black Widow systems feature a coded override
that
requires following a special procedure. Specialized instructions are found
in the owner's
manual that came with the system.
Q:
My transmitter stopped working, what do I
do?
A: If the LED on the
transmitter does not light up, or is dim when pressing a button, replace
the battery. Most Black Widow transmitters use a standard 23A style 12-volt
battery that is
available from any electronics store. If the LED lights up normally when a
button is pressed,
re-coding the transmitter to the system (for code-learnable systems) may
solve the
problem.
Q:
Where is the valet/override switch located?
A: If the installer did not
confirm the mounting location of the switch during the installation, it
is difficult to know where it would be. However, the most common locations
to place this
switch are in the driver's kick panel, behind the fuse panel access door,
or directly
underneath the dashboard in front of the driver.
Q:
My system's operating range has dropped
dramatically over time, what can I do?
A: First check change the
battery. Most Black Widow transmitters use a standard 23A style
12-volt battery that is available from any electronics store. If this does
not solve the
problem, the system may need servicing.
Q:
How do I get my system serviced?
A: Visit your Black Widow
dealer first to confirm the product does need servicing and it is not
an installation or vehicle related issue. If the product does have a
problem that requires
warranty service, please contact the
customer service department to
obtain a Return
Authorization, or have the dealer send the product in on your behalf.
