Question: 2001 Chevrolet Lumina mileage: 19,000. Theft light was coming on while driving. I was told by a tech to turn the ignition on for 20 minutes, don't take the key out, turn off and start. This worked to reset the alarm. However, now it won't start at all. I tried resetting it and nothing. It turn's over like it should and the theft light is still flashing. Help! I checked all the fuses and they seem o.k.

Answer: The antitheft system in your car is controlled by a computer. Scanning the computer will give you some idea of what has failed. You may find a broken wire in the steering column or a faulty ignition switch or ignition key. You may even have a failed computer.

Answer: The antitheft system in your car is controlled by a computer. Scanning the computer will give you some idea of what has failed. It is an integral part of your car and cannot be disconnected.

Answer: Try unlocking the drivers door with the key, that will disarm the alarm system.

Question: 1998 VW Passat mileage: 137,000. My wife set the alarm when she went to my son's ball game. When she went to start the car, upon opening the door, the alarm went off. She reset the alarm with the key, but noticed that the only door the key would unlock was the driver's door. Usually using the key locks-unlocks all the doors. The alarm will not reset, and hence the car is still parked at the ball field! Any help?

Answer: The switch in the driver's door lock mechanism is malfunctioning and causing your problem.

Question: 2004 Mazda 6 mileage: 57,000. There are two problems I have been unable to solve: 1. The car has an anti-theft feature. Locking the car door from the outside with the key causes an idiot light on the dash to illuminate for about five seconds. The graphics on the light say "Security". After five seconds, the bell dings (sounds like the same bell that dings repeatedly with you leave the lights on and open the door). The light goes out but flashes on for a fraction of a second about every three seconds, apparently indicating that the alarm is activated. When you unlock the driver door with a key, the alarm immediately goes off, causing the horn to beep repeatedly and the lights to flash. Turning the key in the trunk lock deactivates the alarm.  How do I disable the security system? Perhaps the car originally had a remote for the key ring, but I don't have one now. 2. The idiot light for the air bag flickers on and off randomly as I drive. The Haynes book says that if there's a problem, the light comes on and stays on. I suspect there's a short or bad ground. How can I troubleshoot this problem?

Answer:   The computer for the alarm is probably causing your problem. Scan the anti theft module to trouble shoot for the problem. You might have a door sensor that is shorted.

Answer: Check alarm system grounds, if ok then your could have a alarm controller that is short circuiting.

Question: 1997 VW Golf K2 4 cylinder mileage: 47,000.  Something is wrong with my alarm system.  It is activated all the time now -- and I cannot lock from the inside using the toggle button on the dashboard.  Is there something that I can do to deactivate this alarm system or do I need to bring it into the dealer/repair shop?

Answer: The alarm system is an integral part of your car and cannot be deactivated.  A dealer or an independent service center should be able to fix your problem.

Question: 1999 Chevy Corvette mileage: 70,000.  Battery went dead, I put a new one in but now the factory alarm won't let me start the car. The alarm won't disengage.  Can you help with this?

Answer: You can disengage the alarm system by locking and unlocking the drivers door with the key from the outside. That should reset the system.

Question: 2004 Mercedes c230 mileage: 33,000.  The car alarm actuates at the slightest disturbance e.g. a car passing whilst it is parked, or even if it is a very hot day.  I cannot find a sensitivity adjuster - is there one?  Alternatively, can the siren be disconnected without upsetting the immobilizer system?

Answer:   The control module is behind the right side of the passenger footrest near the kick panel.  It may or may not be adjustable.  More than likely, you have an after market alarm system, which is probably adjustable depending upon the manufacturer.

Answer:  You can disengage the alarm system by locking and unlocking the drivers door with the key from the outside. That should reset the system.

Question: 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee V-8 mileage: 105,000.  I disengaged the battery to check the water pump and after I hooked the battery back up, I noticed my alarm was "tweaking."  I tried to take the Jeep to town, and it kept cutting out on me-which is the anti-theft part of the alarm, but how can I reset it to where I can drive the vehicle?   I turned the valet switch off and then on, but nothing happened.

Answer:  Try locking and unlocking the rear hatch.  This should reset your security system.

Question: 1998 Chrysler LHS mileage: 67,750.  I recently purchased this car and the keyless remote FOB's do not work.  The batteries are all brand new and both remote units have good electrical connections.  I thought it needed reprogramming until today.  The car was sitting out while I was working and the exterior temperature was around 30 degrees F.  After starting, just for fun, I tried the FOB and the doors locked.  I repeatedly locked and unlocked the car while driving.  After the car was warmed up, the remote failed to work again.  I am thinking that the receiver has a loose wire or something, but I cannot find where the receiver or the antenna is.  Every manual I try shows nothing about the remote door locks.  Can you provide me any information to help me out?  I want to try doing this myself, because I feel it will be pretty simple, but I am stumped on where to look in a car filled with electronic "goodies".  Thanks in advance for your help, and I look forward to your response.

Answer:   Check alarm system grounds, if ok then your could have a alarm controller that is short circuiting.