auzivision

She started so I’m going. Not sure why, but she always run well after a good nights sleep. I won’t turn her off until I get to my destination. Wish me luck… here we go!

THanks for the pointers I'll investigate when (if) I get back.

WallyP

Sounds as if you will need to get VERY familiar with the wiring diagrams while you do a careful and thorough search for all of the remains of the Clifford alarm system.

Having an aftermarket alarm system installed can cause problems. Having an aftermarket alarm system removed by persons unknown can cause problems...

Good luck!

heinrich

Wally what happens sometimes is that your car will fail only when touched by shop crews. This seems to be a similar situation. They tend to lock the door manually and unlock with the alarm system key, and then your car thinks it is armed. Agreed also, many alarm/stereo "experts" have no clue.

auzivision

I think you guys are on to something. The car has an alarm minus the horn so I don’t know when it has gone into the protective mode. Also, every time it has failed it’s been related to someone else operating my vehicle. That means the whole key theory could pan out.

I will try to trip the alarm after my return and see if I can figure out how to reset. If it all pans out… mystery solved!

I was so paranoid about not get her to restart today, that I didn’t shut her down at all on our way up today. My wife didn’t like the idea of refueling with the engine running, but I figured it was better than getting stranded far away from where we were staying. Next weekend I hope to take it to Michigan again and meet the folks in Ypsilanti. Maybe they can take a crack at it. If I haven't got it mastered by then.

By the way… following (or attached) is a picture taken in Pentwater, MI about 500 yards away from where we are staying. You would believe how long it took to get those wheels lined up so perfectly (Please note the valve stems).

auzivision

48 Hours without a problem!

I’m thinking Heinrich is right on the money. Once back on my home turf, I will try to engage and trip the alarm and see if it resets properly. It didn’t make sense until someone else insisted it was a problem, but after pondering about it I believe this might be exactly the cause.

Every time someone but me was at the helm. Only after I got fed up, lock the doors, and unlocked latter did she come back to life.

This time next August, we’ll be in Seattle (Edmonds to be exact). I’d like to buy Heinrich a beer (or whatever) if feasible. For sure, I’d like to thank you for your outside observations.

Also, I’d like to thank all that have thought about and contributed ideas. Who knows, it may still be related to the crank sensor??? Again, I want to express how much I appreciate everyones help. Someday when I grow up, maybe I could participate in the turbo versus super charger debate.

Joe '87 S4

I had problems with my factory alarm and starting the car. The only way I could start it was to open the hatch with the key, then slam it shut - the car would honk once and then it would start and run great. I had the alarm disabled and haven't had any problems since. I've heard of other people with aftermarket alarm problems also not to mention the "creative" stereo wiring problems. Hope you get it figured out.

heinrich

LOL Joe do you remember the song "knock 3 times on the ceiling if you want me" .... Auzi, please let me know when you're here and I will buy YOU a beer.
H

Joe '87 S4

The song was better than the start-up procedure. That got old fast.

auzivision

As obvious as it seams now, it wasn’t the case a few days ago. The intermittent no start turned out to be the alarm system indeed. I will leave if for now as it appears to be working and I now know how to reset.

Our trip to Michigan and back turned out to be flawless minus driving in the rain and picking up a front bumper chip somewhere along the way. Next weekend it’s off to Michigan again… this time she’ll get to meet some siblings in Ypsilanti.

My hat’s off to all… I really appreciate everyone’s input.

Cheers!

Kurt

1987 S4 Guards Red Auto