factory car alarm
factory car alarm i had a problem with my factory car alarm this past weekend it would not let my car crank over so i thought it may be a bad starter which it wasn't check the fuses and relays..nothin i asked several people to see what they thought it maybe.. i remembered the dam car alarm so i unplugged the positive post on the battery than (with the help of a friend) put the key on the on position i put the positive post back on and he cranked it over an sure enough the car started.... does anyone know what might have caused that to happen??
If it's a factory alarm, then you should have a bypass switch that will allow you to start it with the key in the ignition. Mine does and in the past if the key fob was dead and I had to enter the car with the key in the door method and the alarm was going off this was the only way to start it. Check for a little black button under the dash below the steering column.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,330
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
I've never heard of a factory alarm having such an override switch - certainly not on f-bodies. Aftermarket alarm systems have those switches but not factory ones. The factory alarm system can be disabled without the remote by merely turning on the ignition with the correct key.
Besides, I doubt the alarm had anything to do with the starting problem. The only time the alarm system would prevent starting is when it is triggered - and you would know that the lights were flashing and the horn was honking. The problem was most likely caused by your VATS (Vehicle Anti Theft System). That is the circuit that checks for the correct ignition key by checking the resistor pellet in the key. If the resistance value isn't correct, the SECURITY light in the instrument cluster will illuminate and the car won't start. This can be caused by grime on the key contacts or in the ignition cylinder. A little contact cleaner will often take care of the problem.
Besides, I doubt the alarm had anything to do with the starting problem. The only time the alarm system would prevent starting is when it is triggered - and you would know that the lights were flashing and the horn was honking. The problem was most likely caused by your VATS (Vehicle Anti Theft System). That is the circuit that checks for the correct ignition key by checking the resistor pellet in the key. If the resistance value isn't correct, the SECURITY light in the instrument cluster will illuminate and the car won't start. This can be caused by grime on the key contacts or in the ignition cylinder. A little contact cleaner will often take care of the problem.
I've never heard of a factory alarm having such an override switch - certainly not on f-bodies. Aftermarket alarm systems have those switches but not factory ones. The factory alarm system can be disabled without the remote by merely turning on the ignition with the correct key.
Besides, I doubt the alarm had anything to do with the starting problem. The only time the alarm system would prevent starting is when it is triggered - and you would know that the lights were flashing and the horn was honking. The problem was most likely caused by your VATS (Vehicle Anti Theft System). That is the circuit that checks for the correct ignition key by checking the resistor pellet in the key. If the resistance value isn't correct, the SECURITY light in the instrument cluster will illuminate and the car won't start. This can be caused by grime on the key contacts or in the ignition cylinder. A little contact cleaner will often take care of the problem.
Besides, I doubt the alarm had anything to do with the starting problem. The only time the alarm system would prevent starting is when it is triggered - and you would know that the lights were flashing and the horn was honking. The problem was most likely caused by your VATS (Vehicle Anti Theft System). That is the circuit that checks for the correct ignition key by checking the resistor pellet in the key. If the resistance value isn't correct, the SECURITY light in the instrument cluster will illuminate and the car won't start. This can be caused by grime on the key contacts or in the ignition cylinder. A little contact cleaner will often take care of the problem.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,330
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
Sorry, no... the f-body never came with a factory alarm that had an override switch.
I know exactly what you have - it was a dealer installed alarm option sold as a GM accessory as an upgrade to a basic keyless entry system. It was made for GM by DEI and is based on the Hornet alarm system. It had the advantage of splicing into the factory keyless entry system so that the original remotes could be retained. I can even get you the GM part number if you're interested.
I know exactly what you have - it was a dealer installed alarm option sold as a GM accessory as an upgrade to a basic keyless entry system. It was made for GM by DEI and is based on the Hornet alarm system. It had the advantage of splicing into the factory keyless entry system so that the original remotes could be retained. I can even get you the GM part number if you're interested.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,330
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
I've found that electronic contact cleaner available in a spray can from Radio Shack works quite well. Spray some in the ignition cylinder and then work your key in and out to dislodge the grime.
Trending Topics
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine
Verdad Gallardo
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin
Verdad Gallardo
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,330
Likes: 346
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
If the SECURITY light in the instrument cluster is on then you still have a VATS problem - it is seeing the wrong resistance value. If the SECURITY light is flashing then the VATS can't detect any resistance value at all (as though the key has no pellet). This could be caused by a broken wire or bad contacts in the ignition cylinder.
If the SECURITY light isn't on then the problem is with the starting system (starter, starter relay, battery, wiring, etc.).
If the SECURITY light isn't on then the problem is with the starting system (starter, starter relay, battery, wiring, etc.).
