Edmunds Answers questions

What do you do about repeat auto vandalism?

msadventure — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 12:25:38 GMT

My car was broken into twice in the last week! Good thing I bought The Club after the first attempt. What do you think are the best options for this type of crime? It's been suggested to me to get a car alarm and/or kill switch -- what do you think would be most effective? I don't want to keep having to pay to fix my door locks!!!

How can I make my car air horn go off with my car alarm?

magnum10 — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 20:52:37 GMT

I have a Marksman M10 car alarm on my car and I want my air horn to sound when the alarm goes off.
I can’t use the wire that goes to the siren because it’s a steady positive (+) when the alarm goes off. If you know how to do this please let me know Thanks

how shutoff the factory alarm in a mitsubishi 1995 3000gt

carlover18 — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 13:57:42 GMT

i try with the key on both doors and also desconected the baterery but still on

how can I activate my Honda 2005 civic factory security system?

yamanam — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 08:11:33 GMT

The remote only locks and unlocks the doors, and doesn't turn on the alarm system

The sercurity system on my 99 Acura CL goes off when the car is locked with the FOB or the key for no good reason.

mjs4359 — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 20:10:56 GMT

The siren goes off, but will re-set with the FOB. But when the car is re-locked, it happens again in 5 - 10 mins. If the car is left unlocked it's ok. I pulled the fuse for the security system but then the car will not start. I bought this car about 6 mos. ago and have not had any problems like this.

my experience with my 1999 911 porsche - unlocking the hood

bingcat08 — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 16:22:02 GMT

hi mr shiftright . the option of the red fuse to find boost to the battery was not available until 2002 . the lighter to lighter did not work for me .. i did find the emergency hood cable . which is located around the back of the passenger headlight . one must take the plastic liner off and feel and feel believe me it is there. it is there ; than give the battery a normal battery cable jump. hope this helps someone else AJL

I have a 2008 Toyota Tacoma, Have an remote but did not get keyless package. Does a dealer need to activate?

loggette1 — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 19:12:58 GMT

I have a keyless remote for my 2008 toyota tacoma but it does not work. I have tried to program it the way I was told. Does the dealer need to activate the alarm and locks? Or is there something I can do myself?

I have a 2003 Hyundai Sonata and my car alarm keeps going off.what is going on?

jladika — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:53:08 GMT

mostly at night my car alarm keep going off.
not sure of what is doing this?

2004 Chrysler Crossfire, 2nd owner. Alarm lights but does not function, everything else works? Checked fuses where is it unplugged?

cmorebutts — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 21:46:38 GMT

everything else works! light flashes in console but I bought it off a lot so no history maybe unplugged but where. I checked all fuse locations but they are generally in line with other functions that are working.Wish i could see a schamatic??

Chrysler Crossfire alarm system not fuctioning

cmorebutts — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:48:50 GMT

Hey I bought a 2004 Crossfire w/25000 and all works except the alarm system. It shows blinking light likes it is armed but w/ window down so I can break in nothing? It does not even bep or show it sets up except for flashing light on board? I have checked all fuses but they run paralell
with horns or running lights and that stuff al works. So before I get defeated I was wondering how I could see a wiring diagram and maybe trace or see an in line fuse or unplugged by prvious owner?

Having radio frequency problems in opening and closing Jaguar S Type with remote. Any solution?

diana15 — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:11:48 GMT

Also occurs with 2nd car - Toyota Rav4. Can you insulate or shield against?

My 2000 Accord EX security alarm sounds spontaneously and continuously and sporadically.

ferg1948 — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 07:04:07 GMT

Even with the doors unlocked at times. 2 dealerships could not sove the problem. I have to disconnect the battery at night to deactivate it.

I can't get the alarm off on my 2003 Hyundai Tiburon and the car won't start

mcilwain — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 19:32:50 GMT

this problem just started today - when i use the remote the alarm does not diactivate - any suggestions?? maybe the remote needs to be reset?? not sure how to handle this problem - i put a new battery in the remote but that wasn't the problem.

I am having a problem with the alarm system going off for no reason. Help?

kercheval — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:46:08 GMT

It started with the door ajar alarm and light coming on. Then it progressed to the alarm going off for no reason. Does anyone know how to disconnect the alarms for either or both of these?
Help!

Anyone know how the theft deterrent on a new Pontiac Vibe works?

crimar30 — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:07:44 GMT

I read somewhere that it wouldn't work with OnStar.

My 2008 Nissan Altima alarm goes off sometimes for no reason. I live in a townhome with other townhomes around.

poarchman — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 16:38:22 GMT

The car alarm has gone off 2 times at the townhome with no one around, what should I do?

I want to buy and install a car alarm in my car. What are the best? What ones are decent? Any issues to watch for?

blackadder5639 — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:50:18 GMT

I am thinking of installing a car alarm in my car. Actually, the car already has one, a basic Black Widow alarm, that was installed by the previous owner but I don't like it and that's why I want to replace it.

But there are so many brands. I have no idea what brands are good and what ones to stay away from. I don't want something too fancy: just something basic with starter disable and selective unlocking (so I can unlock the driver's door only if I want to).
So what brands should I aim to buy and within what price range?
Perhaps suggest a few models?

What are the issues to watch for with car alarms. I noticed that one of my locks sometimes doesn't unlock when all the others do unlock.; could this be because the alarm currently in my car is not the best?

Where are the best places to install an alarm? Should I simply go to the local Best Buy? Or are there better options?

Thanks and regards.

How do I deactivate the car alarm on 2000 Hyundai Sonata?

factorhead — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 03:03:19 GMT

left parking lights on draining battery. recharged battery headlights working interior lights, everything battery resding 12.6 volts but car won't start. alarm red l.e.d next to panel dimmer switch and cruise control keeps blinking even when key is removed and doors closed. i've been told that the alarm needs to be reproggramed or the car won't start. i
would rather go without an alarm than to go through these problems. HELP !!!!

How do I reprogram the Factory Alarm on a 2000 Chrysler Concorde LXI so it doesn't go off when someone walks by?

phoenix29 — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 18:32:37 GMT

Hello,

I had someone rear ended my car damaging the rear bumper. I had the rear end replaced but since then the car alarm been going off when it senses a little vibration. Is there a way to reprogram the alarm or sensor to make it not soo sensitive?

Is there a way to do it with the remote? Heard from someone by pressing two buttons and hitting somewhere on the car to adjust the sensor but he wasn't sure if it work for the chrysler one.

Thanks for any help.

Alex

Starter cut off switch for a Toyota 4Runner?

bandit10 — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:23:01 GMT

waggawee, I have a 1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 V-6 2WD. I saw on one of your answers that your an automotive electrician. My question is this. Some time ago I had a Mustang 5.0 with an alarm. But I wanted more security. I found An Auto-Marine company and they put in a toggle switch hidden only where I could find it. Even if the thief bypassed the alarm, and had a key, the dash lights would come, and when the turning the key to crank the engine all that happened was the lights dimmed and and no starter motor grind. It was a family business and they have all since retired. I would also like this type of security on my SUV. How do I tell if an Auto-Marine shop knows it's business and does what I want. I ask this because On my Harley I had a starter kill switch installed, the bike wouldn't start, but the starter motor still engaged. I want too avoid that. Can you give me some input please. Thanks, Bandit10

Is there any way to deactivate the alarm on a 1997 Chrysler LHS? Lost remote and key. Was able get another key but alarm goes off.

traceaddy — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 14:18:02 GMT

I have a 97 chrysler lhs, hubby lost remote to unlock doors and his key...was able to get key made from dealer by giving them VIN but when unlocked drivers door with key and opened door alarm went off and car wouldnt start.

Hey I just got an 88 Acura Legend LS and the guy I bought it from can't find the alarm thing for it.

navybandit82 — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 19:13:44 GMT

how can i fix this problem? can i remove the stock alarm easy or do i have to get a new alarm thing from the dealer? or is there a kill switch on the car. well i hope someone can help me. Thank's

2001 Dodge Dakota factory security alarm?

mobyrick — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:57:25 GMT

i just bought a 2001 dakota quad that has all the options. my question is how do i determine if it has a factory security alarm. remote door lock sounds the horn once when used but i can't determine if the alarm has been deactivated or if one has even been installed. i tried to set it off but nothing happens. is there a way to activate it manually etc.? thanks.

Need suggestions for aftermarket alarm for 08 Toyota RAV4.

swamyg1 — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 03:04:42 GMT

I just picked up a v6 4wd sport and love it! However, it doesn't come with a security system, and that concerns me since I park my ride in the driveway. Can you guys suggest any aftermarket alarms I can use with the existing keyfob that came with the vehicle?

I'm looking for good security with good feature set at a reasonable price. Viper? Hornet? VIP RS3200 (might be a bit pricey). Does anybody have any experience with this?

How do I deactivate the alarm on my '85 Chevy Corvette?

alekslopez — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 23:59:33 GMT

when they open the door of the side straight only sounds the horn and the car does not work

How do you disable the two rapid horn beeping noise when you arm or disarm your Toyota Yaris car alarm?

oliveoil — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:11:32 GMT

Hi. My neighbor has a newer looking Toyota Yaris car. Every time she gets in or out of her car (every time she arms or disarms her car alarm), the car horn honks two very loud, fast beeping noises. Is there some easy way she can disable the honking noise when she arms or disarms her alarm, but still allow the alarm to sound if someone breaks into her car?
Thanks,
OliveOil

How do program the 2008 Infiniti M35 Smart Key or system to fold the mirrors after you exit the car?

plateraa — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:52:33 GMT

I know you can set the side mirrors postion to support backing up. I was told the smart ley can be program to fold the side mirrors. Any one know how to program them so they fold when you exit the car?

Theftbuster TB-450 security system on my 98 Dodge Durango is not working properly. Can anyone help?

mbilen — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:48:33 GMT

The security system is called a thefbuster TB-450. the security light on the dash comes on when you first turn the vehicle off but then goes off. When you lock the vehicle with the keyless entry it is supposed to come on but nothing happes any ideas as to what may be causing this the fuse is good

Keyless entry remote stolen. Have key but set off alarm and the keys won't start car. Olds.

Phbrier — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:29:38 GMT

Sister had her purse stolen. Had the only remote to an after market remote alarm system in her purse . Car is stuck in a lot and we attempted to use the keys to get into the car but the car would not start after the alarm went off.
What can I do?

Car alarm keeps going off periodically. Any ideas why? This just started a few hours ago. Thanks. 2007 Toyota Camry.

schatzebar — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 18:51:04 GMT

No problems until about 1.5 hours ago when car alarm started going off. Thought maybe key in husband's pocket got bumped or something to set it off the first time. But it keeps doing it. Sometimes it's every 5-7 minutes. Now, the last time it did it was about 15 minutes ago. Any ideas?

How to shut off security system fast! Olds Aurora. Horn blows, lights flash when door opens, and when driving.

james152 — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 23:53:41 GMT

unlocked car,alarm went off,even when driving.it will shut off,until door opens again! how to shut this off,key activator disabled

can i pull fuse from fuse box & disable security alarm

1997 Jetta GL. For no known reason the anti theft system went off.

frankg62 — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:32:25 GMT

I have a 1997 Jetta GL with the same problem, for no known reason the anti theft system went off after returning home one evening. Key in the driver door lock had no effect so I scrambled to disconnect the negative terminal on the battery. Next morning same thing so I began checking all doors and switches to no avail. Again disconnected the negative terminal and found this similar example for a 95 Jetta. Thought I would give the reset sequence a try and found when I reconnected the negative terminal a soft short beep came from the horn and the car started, somehow I reset the alarm by accident. After stopping the car and locking up, the system kicked in again. Locking the car arms the system, and the system is obviously faulty. My question, is the control unit my target or may there be a faulty switch that is triggering this? I’ve also noticed the dashboard switch to lock/unlock all doors from inside is not operating, maybe related?

I took the battery in my 2001 Hyundai Elantra out. When I placed it back in, the alarm went off and it doesn't turn on.

javier90 — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:53:57 GMT

i took the battery off to put it in my sisters car....when i was placing it back in my car the alarm went off and never stopped....if i leave it connected it sill goes off and the car wont turn on.... what can i do?

1998 Toyota Camry secucity. Factory installed alarm/security system on my Camry is acting strange. All power shut down.

jim50 — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 14:35:57 GMT

Factory installed alarm/security system on my Camry is acting strange. All power shuts down...thought I had a dead battery, opened the hood and touched the pos terminal and alarm went off. pushed all buttons on key bob, pushed security light button, multiple times in multiple order and finally everything went back to normal, the next day the pattern repeated. The manual doesn't show the button I have that has the light it shows the light in the dash...my car is a 6 cyl that was japan made vs 4 cyls that were usa made..maybe thats why my manual doesn't match. I assume I have to reset the system but my manual is not helpful........any ideas on what i should do?

On my 1997 Mercury Tracer LS 4 door sedan, what is the brand of the factory direct remote keyless entry unit?

cbrengman — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 17:12:40 GMT

I am installing a remote start unit on this car for my wife. It has the factory keyless entry remote. I need to know who manufactured the keyless entry unit so I can research on if/how it can be programmed to run the remote start also. Thanks in advance for any information on this.

CJ

How do I reprogram the keyless entry for my 1997 Saturn SW1 wagon?

tdmiller3953 — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 20:59:09 GMT

We bought this car used. No owners manual and keyless entry did not work when we bought it. Put a new battery in it but cannot figure out how to reprogram the keyless entry.

95 VW Jetta radio was stolen. When new one was put in the alarm went off. Now the flashers come on but the car won't start.

mknoll — Sun, 10 May 2009 19:43:20 GMT

1995 Jetta. Radio was stolen. When installing new one alarm went off. Won't reset. Now car wont start. If you turn key on flashers and horn sound but car won't start.

1997 Nissan Quest. How do I keep the alarm from turning itself on? And how do I turn it off?

podonnell — Sun, 17 May 2009 19:49:40 GMT

It turns itself on and wont shut off easily.Can i turn it off for good?!

2004 Volvo S60 alarm system malfunction.

sandcroft — Sun, 24 May 2009 18:40:08 GMT

My 2004 Volvo S60 seems to have an alarm system with a mind of it's own. Often, when parked in a quiet space (no chance of being bumped) the alarm will go off regardless of if the car is locked or not. Any idea what could be wrong? Most often it originates from when it IS locked,..but then it will continue even if I go back to the car and unlock/lock/ and then even leave it unlocked. I do the above proceedure with both the remote and the key-entry.(manual). Not sure what the problem is and am reluctant to go into the dealer since "replacing the Alarm ""module"" is likely to be the $1K prognosis...given all my wonderfully expensive dealership history with other Volvos...e.g. a 2000 S80 (nightmare)

My alarm goes off intermittently on my 2008 Chevy Suburban.

ranger311 — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:31:05 GMT

The alarm goes off on my 2008 suburban intermittently and when this happens my remote won't work and I've tried to start and shut off vehicle, but to no avail. when I pull the keys it starts again. I tried to disconnect the battery to reset it but that doesn't work

2002 Dodge Dakota erratic alarm issue.

jeriw — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:10:18 GMT

I just bought a used 2002 Dodge Dakota and there is an odd issue with the alarm system. Yesterday I thought it was just me not knowing the system but now I think it's a problem. Yesterday the first time it went off was when I had the windows down, door unlocked and I left the key in the ignition while I was walking around just inspecting it. I heard a small tiny horn beep but didn't think much about it (alarm setting?) I went back to the door opened it and the alarm started blaring. Thinking is was something I did wrong I didn't think too much about it. But later I had closed the door--not locked it and no keys in it--and when I went back to open the door, again it sounded off. Yesterday I dropped off a friend at a store and sat in the truck with the key in the ignition and listened to the radio. When my friend came back, he opened the door and it sounded off again. Today I did a test, went to the truck, hit the unlock, no issue, drove to the mailbox, came back, took out the keys and then immediately reopened the door, it was fine. Then I shut the door again and waited for the inevitable small horn beep and then opened the door and again the alarm sounded. Very frustrating, any help would appreciated. I'd be happy just disconnecting the alarm as I don't really need it where I live.

How can I reprogram my remote start for a 2007 Chevy Impala?

jloyde — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:10:06 GMT

My automatic unlock on a 2007 Chevy Impala does not work until I actually place my key in the door and open it. Then I am able to open the rest of the doors and trunk. After a moment, I am unable to open it again. How do I program so that it stays programmed? I want to be able to use my remote start as well.

Thanks in advance!

1998 Mazda 626. Factory alarm goes of at random!

mhazelton — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:45:51 GMT

I was in small accident in my 1998 Mazda 626. The front passenger side fender is smashed in. Since then the alarm just goes off whenever waking up my son. It is a factory alarm. How do correct this problem or at least disable the alarm?

Please help!!

1998 Lincoln Continental's factory alarm goes off for no reason in hot weather.

dennis1979 — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 21:03:38 GMT

'98 Lincoln Continental's factory alarm goes off for no reason when left outside in hot weather. Then it will shut off automatically. Can someone help me?

My 2003 Chevy Suburban alarm goes off by itself. Also, my "right rear door ajar" alrert stays on. Help?

fastjet — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:44:09 GMT

My 2003 Chevy Suburban alarm goes off by itself. Also, my "right rear door ajar" alert stays on. I changed out the right rear door lock and it hasn't made a difference. Is there a way to fix this or perhaps remove a fuse to disable the alarm? It is very frustrating. Any help? THANKS.

Problem with 2004 Toyota Alavon alarm going off when garage door is closed or while setting in drive. Can I turn it off?

terry74021 — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 00:24:39 GMT

Haven't had this problem before something has changed. It has when off before while on a windly day but not very often. But today every time i have gone in and out the garage door the alarm as been set off. I have been in and out that door hundreds of times with no problem. I unlock the door and it resets the alarm.

How to disable a 2000 Toyota Camry LE security alarm?

larry144 — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:59:36 GMT

Security alarm goes off just setting there, nobody around.

Car Alarm for a 2008 Toyota Avalon Touring

erhaft — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 12:36:03 GMT

The 2008 Avalon Touring did not have a factory alarm system installed. I need recommendations on what to get, where to get it installed. Will the manufacture's warranty be affected?

How do I synchronize the remote on my 98 Subaru Forester? I just replaced the car and remote battery.

svmaine1 — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 20:14:43 GMT

Nothing happens when I hit the unlock and lock button on the remote and I've tried to program it according to the directions on cars101.com and it seems like there's no signal coming from the remote. I think it has to be synchronized before it can be programed, but I can't find any info on the steps to synchronize the remote. On newer models you hit one of the buttons on the remote 6 times and that works but not on this one:(. I'll call the dealership on Monday but was hoping to find the answer beforehand.

TIA!

Can I get a refund on a dealer preinstalled alarm as I felt I was misled about the factory alarm?

alic3 — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 01:57:40 GMT

I have a question. We purchased an EX-L yesterday in Southern California and the "finance guy" told us that the alarm in the odyssey was a piece of junk that only sounds when the door opens....he said NOTHING about the fact that it comes with an ignition immobilizer or that it has basically all of the features that the Karr upgrade alarm has other than the shock sensors and starter disable. The dealer already has the Karr alarm preinstalled and just activates it or deactivates upon the car leaving the lot so its pretty much a scam. We were misled into thinking that the Odyssey did not have an ignition security system....what legally are allowed as a refund on the upgraded dealer installed alarm if we just purchased the vehicle..I know warranties can be cancelled in 30 days...does the same go for the dealer alarm? The dealer **claims** they don't know how to remove the alarm.