chrisjw

Between my daughter and I, we have had 5 2nd gen TLs, and this is the second car that has had this problem (both '03s).

On the first car (base TL) the problem seemed to go away by itself after happening 4 or 5 times in about 2 weeks; that was about 6 months ago, we still have the car, no problem.

But the problem seems way more persistent on my A-spec. When I lock the vehicle either with the key, the remote, or the electric switch on the inside of the driver's door; the corner marker lights will either flash or not.

If they do not flash then the alarm does not go off (I assume because it's not set); but if they do flash, I know that in about 3 - 5 minutes the alarm will go off and piss-off everyone in the vicinity.

The only way I have found to lock the car and ensure the alarm is not set is to manually lock all four doors individually.

I saw some threads for '99s with this issue, but there didn't seem to be great closure.

Any help would be appreciated.

01acls

Most likely something is shorting to ground, triggering the alarm. If no door ajar is showing then start at hood latch by disconnecting the wire connector (A) and see what happens.

Note: do not disconnect C by accident. You can disconnect C to access A but don't close the hood until C is reconnected again or else you won't be able to open the hood again.

chrisjw

thanks 01acls (real name?),

I will definitely try your suggestion; but based on the number of idiosyncrasies and subtly different manifestations of this problem, I suspect electronics.

You helped me identify the DPMS module that cured my mirror problem several weeks ago, is there a module that controls the alarm system?

I still have access to the vehicle I got the replacement DPMS module from, so I can easily get my hands on a replacement alarm module for cheap.

thanks, in advance!

01acls

Hi Chris,

Not to be rude but I rather not use my real name over cyberspace. If I give out my real name the paparazzi will be all over me. LOL

There is no one alarm control unit. The alarm uses all the other modules to monitor the whole car so it appears to be a communications/connection problem, if it's not a switch problem.

If you have another system malfunction then it's a good bet that is causing your alarm malfunction.

I.e. a door actuator problem. LOL

chrisjw

the door actuator problem is on a different '03 TL. I have three in the driveway right now and that doesn't include the one my daughter is driving; but it does include the "parts car". It drives my wife nuts. lol

I wasn't suggesting you give out your full co-ordinates; can I call you Bob?

Last night was the first time the alarm went off even after locking all doors manually; and the amount of time it took for the car to decide to start honking was significantly longer than previous occurrences.

I think I'll be pulling fuses soon.

01acls

Sure Bob it is. How did you guess it? Lol

I would disconnect the hood latch connector. It's a known problem.

chrisjw

That is absolutely going to be my first step this weekend.

chrisjw

Just completed it. Had to remove the front bumper and grill to get at it. Figured it was either that or the rad.

So far so good, thanks again Bob!!