Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with caralarm

Mechanic filter: Car alarm going nuts, how do I find out how to disable the alarm system temporarily so that I can drive the car to the mechanic?

BasileusPY — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:14:04 -0800

Mechanic filter: Car alarm going nuts, how do I find out how to disable the alarm system temporarily so that I can drive the car to the mechanic? I have a 1998 Toyota T100 2WD and the previous owner put in a security system. Don't know if it was factory installed or an aftermarket.

When I was out of the country for awhile, I let my mother use the truck and she told me that one night the alarm went off when the truck was inside the garage (nothing fell on it, no animals/people involved) and that the remote would not turn it off. She ended up disconnecting the battery. We have a back-up remote, so my mom took apart the one she was using, thinking that that might have been the problem, and started to use the other remote. Problems stopped.

But now the same thing happened to me with this other remote. Cannot even start the truck since when the key goes in the ignition, security system locks up the car and prevents starting along with going nuts and scaring women and children. Had to disconnect the battery again.

SOO... I want to be able to disable the alarm so that I can at least drive to the mechanic instead of getting it towed. Any suggestions? Thanks.

How do I disconnect a malfunctioning car alarm on a 2002 Prius?

Slinga — Wed, 06 May 2009 11:20:15 -0800

How do I disconnect a malfunctioning car alarm on a 2002 Prius? My mom's Prius has a built-in alarm, and it just randomly turned itself on yesterday and went off for four hours and drained the battery. It has done this in the garage by itself, so I know that it's the alarm's problem, not outside forces. She'd like to disconnect the alarm, but the dealership wants over a hundred dollars to do it. Anyone have any idea how to?

Where can I purchase/install a car security system in Kansas City?

jwfree — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 18:01:06 -0800

Reputable car audio/security place in Kansas City, MO? I'm interested in security systems (alarm/remote start) for my car and I am new to the area. With so many shops around, it's hard to know who's been around the block and who is risky.

Any ideas for the Kansas City market?

Where did the multi-siren car alarm come from?

NickDouglas — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:37:58 -0800

Whence the multiple-siren sound series in annoying car alarms and some cheap laser-gun toys? You know, this sound. I remember having a few toy guns with this sound before I heard it in car alarms. Actually, I think there was a popular variation including the sound of a falling bomb and explosion. Where did these sound series come from?

Is there some car alarm equivalent to You've Got Mail guy and the Yahoo yodeler?

How to make my car alarm stop?

Sheppagus — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 12:34:35 -0800

I bought a Forester without the key fob & the alarm won't stop going off. I bought a 2007 Forester from a dealer without the key fob. They gave me three keys, but no remote lock thingie.

When I unlocked the car with one of the keys, a bad thing happens and the horn goes off and the lights flash. I somehow made this stop but am afraid of it happening again. I used one of the other keys and it only chirped at me a few times, but I was able to start the car and drive it.

Can someone who owns a Forester tell me why this is going on? Is it connected to locking the car using the power locks? Do I need a replacement remote lock thing? Will getting a replacement lock thing involve a lot of money and a Subaru dealer?

Is there a trick in the meantime that will allow me to lock, unlock and drive my car without making the alarm go off?

How to desensitize my car alarm?

nakedsushi — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 14:47:38 -0800

How do I turn down my 2005 Corolla's alarm sensitivity or turn it off completely? My alarm is too sensitive and I'm afraid of bothering the neighbors when it goes off while I'm not around to turn it off with the key fob. How can I turn down the sensitivity or disable it without having to go to the dealer (far away and always overcrowded on the weekends)?

The car is a 2005 Toyota Corolla. I had the alarm installed at the dealer and I don't think this is a factory alarm because it gets tripped from all sorts of random things happening OUTSIDE of the car with all the doors closed and locked.

Things that set it off:
- people who drive by and rev up their engines
- loud busses
- a big branch from a fallen tree getting blown into it by the wind

A co-worker took a look under the dash at the alarm to look for the little dial you turn to tune down sensitivity, but couldn't find it. I'm not sure what the alarm's manufacturer or model number is.

Does anyone have any suggestions on making the alarm less sensitive or turning it off completely?

Stupid car alarm!

tiamat — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 23:15:11 -0800

Disable the alarm on a 2006 Buick Allure? It's a rental, and it's 2am and the alarm is going off pretty much every 30-60 minutes. We have the key and can get into the car etc, but have no idea how to disable it. Didn't come with a manual, and google is failing me on that count, so any help would be MUCH appreciated.