Anti-Theft system going nuts!

R

rearden

Registered
I was driving in a really bad rainstorm yesterday and the anti-theft light started flashing. It shut off after about 5 minutes, but ever since it will come on intermittently as I'm going down the road. And sometimes if I lock it with the keyless entry, it'll set the alarm off out of the blue. Fortunately my horn isn't working (the only problem my car has, until yesterday!) so it's not too annoying. Just flashes the lights.

I could understand why it would go off when parked and locked if some water got in a door switch or something, but what could possibly cause it the alarm light to start flashing as I'm going down the road? It'll flash for a minute or two, shut off for 30 seconds or so, then act up again. Should it even be possible for the alarm to go off after the car is running?

Will it start if I just unplug the alarm module? That would be an easy way to solve the problem, and I'm not too concerned about it getting stolen around here.
 
RE: Anti-Theft system going nuts!

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Will it start if I just unplug the alarm module? That would be an easy way to solve the problem, and I'm not too concerned about it getting stolen around here.
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It shouldn't start with the module unplugged. Don't ask me how I know. ::nono:: Of course the alarm shouldn't be going off with the engine running either. I'll check the EVTM. Meanwhile, check the hood pin switch. Basic anti-theft system is pretty simple with hood, trunk, doors and ignition switch protection.

Sometimes you can disconnect the battery a few minutes and it does wonders for the anti-theft, keyless entry and other modules.
 
RE: Anti-Theft system going nuts!

Try this...

Trigger alarm with Remote Panic Button.

Turn ignition key to RUN/ACC position.

Alarm continues to sound?
REPLACE module. RETEST system.
 
RE: Anti-Theft system going nuts!

Thanks for the help. It did pass that test; setting it off with the panic button and turning the car on made it stop.

It's dark out now but I'll check the hood switch and reset the battery tomorrow, hopefully that does the trick! I have to drive with the headlights on all the time now in case it randomly starts flashing. It's a good thing my horn is dead while I'm getting this problem straightened out!
 
RE: Anti-Theft system going nuts!

Sounds like the module is OK, hopefully just a switch problem.

The only thing I can come up with that the rain caused is a wet keypad on the driver's door. The anti-theft system and keyless entry system are evil siamese twins joined at the skull. One has headaches, and the other complains. :+
 
RE: Anti-Theft system going nuts!

Disconnect the alarm module under the right side of the dash.....dont worry, it will start. remove the module and look at the printed circuit board, probably corroded from moisture/water entering it. If you arent worried about it, leave it disconnected, wont hurt anything, and it will start.
 
RE: Anti-Theft system going nuts!

I had the same problem I recon water from above was getting to my module too I un plugged it and the only thing that that doesn't work is the alarm ( I've been waiting for a rock to bust my windshield so the insurance would by me a new one and get new seals we have lotsa graval roads here in West Virginia )
 
RE: Anti-Theft system going nuts!

I unplugged the alarm module today, and sure enough the only thing that was affected is the alarm itself. Starts fine, remote & keypad keyless entry work fine, and everything. Problem solved, for the time being.

One thing I noticed.. My blower motor makes an intermittent clicking noise (sounds like the blades are hitting something that's rattling around inside) when it's on high and I'm running the a/c. It doesn't happen in vent. I'm thinking now that condensation could be pooling in there. That'd explain the noise (the blades hitting the water), and the alarm module is directly underneath that area.

That'd also explain why it started in a rainstorm.. When it began acting up, it was so humid that fog was blowing out of my a/c vents. Could a clogged drain tube cause water to build up in that housing? I better check that out, before any of the other modules in that area get splashed!
 
RE: Anti-Theft system going nuts!

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... Could a clogged drain tube cause water to build up in that housing?
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I think the evaporator housing is supposed to have a small drain hole.

Yeah, if I remember right, when I tried unplugging/bypassing my alarm and anti-theft relay, the end game turned out to be a bad starter solenoid. ::grrr::
 
RE: Anti-Theft system going nuts!

the drain hole for your a/c condensate is under the car on the pass side very close to the exhaust, so make sure you let it cool off, you just feel around up the pass side fire wall and there is a plastic tube sticking out take a wire and run it up in there to unclog and the water will flow
 
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