Fletcher

If I pop the rear hatch either remotely or with the key, then try to start the car it will not run. I must lock then unlock the doors then it is fine. This created a quandry when I had my mechanic test the alternator at the battery. So we started the car then opened the pod bay doors...it stayed running at least. But then when we shut it back off, would not restart until I locked/unlocked.
So anyone else with weird apparant factory alarm issues. Maybe the hatch was fixed previously with a non factory alarm latch assy (don't they come two ways)? Anyway it is a bit irritating....this can't be the way it's supposed to work could it? <img src="graemlins/yltype.gif" border="0" alt="[typing]" />

Normy

Dude....I gave up on my alarm long ago!

I know when I'm beat. My factory alarm worked flawlessly until I had to change a drivers-side door cylinder a few years ago. After I did that, about one out of four times when I unlocked the drivers door, the alarm would sound when I opened the door. Yuck. Made for some embarrasing moments at clubs in Orlando.

When I pulled the door panel and checked the operation of the alarm switch with a voltmeter, it seemed to indicate proper operation. I guess the control box is bad.....but I haven't messed with it beyond that.

For a while, my shark was in Orlando while I worked for an airline in Brussels, Belgium [flight benefits RULE!]. A friend there had a Citroen Xantia, which looks like a Dodge Shadow but has a turbodiesel engine that allows it to easily cruise at 110 mph yet still give 50 mpg fuel economy. That's great- its thin headlights would look great in my rear-view mirror. But the the feature that got my attention was the factory alarm- which included a "folding" key and buttons that activated the alarm remotely and even unlocked/locked the doors.

DAMN! What a kewl idea, I thought! How can I adapt this French technology to my shark? I surfed a few car audio shops in Orlando, and found that I could have an aftermarket alarm with these features added for a few hundred dollars.

Well...I haven't gotten around to getting one, as I rarely take the shark to places where it might be attractive to thieves. Orlando is a wonderful town, where people can be themselves and needn't worry about things like muggings, car-jackings, or auto theft. Even downtown. I'll put one on eventually, but I've decided that it just doesn't matter if my factory alarm doesn't work- I drive the car with the red key and love life in general.

Normy!

'85 S2

WallyP

Just a few comments here -

The 928 alarm is very simple compared to most.

The 928 electrical system is very complex compared to most.

We hear of a LOT of electrical problems caused by poor installation of aftermarket alarms and stereo systems. You really think that the kids at the alarm and stereo shops are experts in the 928 electrical system?

Big Dave

Fletch:

Try disconnecting the wire at the bottom of the hatch lock housing (remove the tool cover to expose it) that activates the interior lights when the hatch is opened. My alarm was acting odd when I discovered (this took a while) that there was a short in that wire. In the middle of the night the wire would short, turn the interior lights on, thus triggering the alarm. YMMV.

Fletcher

I had this happen too. The wire was touching and the interior lights stayed on. At least I know the ignition kill on the factory alarm works, if anyone breaks in the back hatch the car will not start (or not run for more than a few seconds). At least I know my wiring is stock (original factory radio and all) i just wish the right channel worked. Mine has the optional blau amp on passenger side. Probably has a channel out. I wonder if the factory alarm is tied in to the stock radio...... <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

Dozman

Big Dave have you diagnosed your problem with the wire in the rear hatch, as a wire problem, or switch??

Dozman
'85 928 Auto, Black <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

Big Dave

John (Doz):

I assume it was the switch. Push it down, the lights went out, push it down a little more, the lights start to flicker.

Easy fix to disconnect. Bigger fish to fry until then.

Dave

Donald

Fletch-
Just to confirm WallyP's comments (as if he needs my confirmation!): My alarm did not work, nor did the key lock & window/sunroof closing act. I ripped out yards & yards of aftermarket alarm wiring, two or three sirens, two built-in radar detectors, little blinking lights & rheostats, URGHH!
Then magically, with a little help from a very good car wrench (not me) the factory alarm was completed resuscitated & works flawlessly.
Upshot- my advise is to check thoroughly for the yucky aftermarket stuff and remove.
Donald

Normy

Wally~

Probably a valid point. But I'll say this: based upon my experiences with my alarm....I'd say the "kids" in Stuttgart weren't any better!

Normy!

WallyP

Hmmmm, Let's see -

" My factory alarm worked flawlessly until I had to change a drivers-side door cylinder a few years ago. After I did that, about one out of four times when I unlocked the drivers door, the alarm would sound when I opened the door."


Is the problem the kids in Stuttgart, or the kid in Orlando? ;-)

Kaz

My factory alarm worked flawlessly until Jan 2002 somewhere around Mechanicsville PA when it decided to shut the fuel system down. It is now disconnected.

K

Fletcher

How do you disconnect it?

I guess what I would really like to know is:
What is the factory alarm supposed to do (features)?
What triggers it?
Does simply locking the doors enable it?
If I know what it is supposed to do then maybe I can troubleshoot from there. BTW my car is completely stock, original radio, no additional gadgets etc..so screwed up factory wiring due to mod's Uh Uh <img src="graemlins/nono.gif" border="0" alt="[nono]" />
Features and specs...anyone <img src="graemlins/yltype.gif" border="0" alt="[typing]" />

Donald

Fletch-
on the 90 YM the alarm sets off siren/horn and all the turn signals + fog lights, I think, flash. If I recall correctly it will not crank, but if you don't have a more definitive answer by then I will set it off tomorrow morning after the neighbors go to work & let you know. It is triggered whenever the system is activated (assume you have the longer key to set the system) and then try to open or start w/o deactivating. For instance: get in, hit the central lock, start with the valet key.
FWIW- there were no signs of my after market alarm, all hidden (except for two small lights). The guts were hidden under the center console and up under both passenger & driver dash.
Donald

Normy

Smart ***!

I think the "old man" in GA or NC or wherever ought to settle down a bit.

-If the alarm was affected, then it was affected by BAD PARTS, not by anything else. For some reason, the lock cylinder that I installed does not always make electrical contact when I turn the key. I have cleaned it and worked on it, but have not been able to make it work consistently, and basically gave up after seeing how well aftermarket alarms work. I've had them installed on two other cars now, with no problems whatsoever.

For your information, my factory alarm works perfectly if I lock/unlock it using the other door.

-I thought this board was populated by adults; I see that my definition of "adult" might need some work. Oh well...

Normy

<img src="graemlins/cussing.gif" border="0" alt="[grrrrrrr]" />