Alarm on 1997 Legacy Outback: Can I remove it?
Franklin Bowen
Have a 1997 Legacy Outback wagon with (AFAIK) factory installed alarm
and keyless entry system. Unfortunately the alarm system has lost
it's mind somewhat. A few times a month the alarm goes off for no
reason. The dealership has taken a few wacks at it and we have tried
just using the keys manually but it seems to make no difference. My
wife now refuses to drive the car.
So, I have had enough and would like to remove the alarm system
entirely even if we lose the keyless entry in the process. But when I
asked the dealership they said it is not possible. It is tied into so
many systems that would no longer work. WTH? Could this be true?
Thanks. Any input/advice appreciated.
PS Sorry for the double-post, if you see the other one. I forgot that
a lot of news servers ignore/block posts from Google.
weelliott
When the alarm activates, does it disable the car, or just make an
annoying noise? If it just an annoying noise, perhaps just removing
the speaker would suit yoru needs. If it does more, then I don't know
what to say.
Bill
VanguardLH
Does it have its own horn? If so, just disconnect the horn. If it sounds
the car's horn then you need to find a different solution so the car horn
still works via the steering wheel.
Franklin Bowen
It makes an annoying noise.
I just found out at lunch today that one of my co-workers can make my
alarm go off by pressing a button on his alarm remote! He has a newer
Chevrolet and a search of the group shows that at least one other poster
has experienced the same problem. No solution posted though. :-(
Franklin
John McGaw
That sounds more like the "panic" mode is being triggered. If an unrelated
remote for a Chevy can trigger it might your "false alarms" be other GM
remotes fooling the system. Does your key dongle have a recessed red button
for panic? I wonder what would happen if you made sure that no other
remotes are programmed into your system and then re-trained for the
existing remotes.
--
John McGaw
[Knoxville, TN, USA]
http://johnmcgaw.com
1 Lucky Texan
About 4-5-6 times ayear, one of my cars panic mode will go off -
usually when I am on the floor or reaching under a table or w'eve. I
think a coin or something in my pocket sets it off.
you could try checking around www.cars101.com to see if there is a way
to force your system to 're-learn' the remotes.
Carl
S
On Thu, 3 Dec 2009 07:49:34 -0800 (PST), "frankli...@gmail.com"
<frankli...@gmail.com> wrote:
>Howdy,
>
>Have a 1997 Legacy Outback wagon with (AFAIK) factory installed alarm
>and keyless entry system. Unfortunately the alarm system has lost
>it's mind somewhat. A few times a month the alarm goes off for no
>reason. The dealership has taken a few wacks at it and we have tried
>just using the keys manually but it seems to make no difference. My
>wife now refuses to drive the car.
>
>So, I have had enough and would like to remove the alarm system
>entirely even if we lose the keyless entry in the process. But when I
>asked the dealership they said it is not possible. It is tied into so
>many systems that would no longer work. WTH? Could this be true?
>
>Thanks. Any input/advice appreciated.
I found some info on the security/immobilizer system for a '97-'98
Impreza, which includes instructions for diagnostics, and for
programming the remote. Probably about the same as the Legacy, knowing
Subaru.
Alas, it's buried deep within a 170MB pdf file; impossible to email,
and I don't have anywhere to put it where you can snag via FTP.
If you think it might be helpful, I can probably go thru and do screen
captures of the appropriate pages and email those. Let me know.
ByeBye! S.
Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101
benjammin
> Thanks. Any input/advice appreciated.
>
My 1997 Legacy alarm system was often triggered by a General Motors
remote used nearby, usually in a parking lot. It didn't matter if my
alarm was activated or not. My friend, also with a '97, often had his
alarm go off in his garage. My thinking is that one of his neighbors
was using a remote to enter his own car. I never resolved my issue --
I sold the Legacy and bought a 2005 WRX -- but if I still had the '97
and it bugged me enough, I would try to locate and disable the alarm
annunciator.
While I have service PDFs for the WRX, I have none for the Legacy. I'd
search online for the '97 Legacy Wiring System PDF and look under
Security System. The PDF for the 2005 WRX shows a separate Security
Horn for the Security System, probably easy to locate and unplug at the
horn.
I realize they are two completely separate vehicles but this may point
you in the right direction.
--ben
Franklin Bowen
I contacted Subaru of America with my problem (other remotes activate
the panic alarm on my Outback) and they emailed instructions on
reprogramming the remotes (see below) and I am happy to report that has
solved my problem ... at least with my co-workers remote. I realize
this is no guarantee that it will NEVER go off again. But it is good to
know what was causing the problem and steps to take to solve it.
Thanks again everyone.
Here are the instructions on how to program your remote (for factory
alarm in 1997 Subaru Legacy Outback Wagon. YMMV.):
1. Open the driver's door.
2. Turn the vehicle ignition to the 'ON' position.
3. Press and hold the Programming button in. (The Programming button is
located under the driver's side dash beneath the diagnostic connector.)
After approximately 15 seconds, the door locks will cycle 3 times *.
This indicates that the system is in the Transmitter Programming Mode.
DO NOT RELEASE THE PROGRAMMING BUTTON.
4. Press the 'LOCK' button on the new transmitter. The door locks will
cycle once *.
5. Exit the Transmitter Program Mode by releasing the Programming button
and turning the vehicle ignition off. Test all remote transmitters to
ensure that they work properly.
* PLEASE NOTE! The alarm also did a long chirp with each lock cycle for
me. I did not expect this so it did scare me a little when it happened.
:-)