Key help!!

[fivepointnine]

I only have one key and the remote guts are missing, key unlocks car fine but will not turn the alarm off, where should I start looking to troubleshoot?

[2003S]

When you put the key in the ignition, does it turn the alarm off? I have one non-remote key, and if I unlock the door with it, I need to put it in the ignition within about 15 seconds or so, or the alarm goes off. However, if you disconnect the alarm from the horn it is much less annoying :P

[fivepointnine]

No the alarm sounds the instant I turn the key and the car won't start

[fivepointnine]

And how do you disconnect the alarm from the horn?

[2003S]

Originally Posted by fivepointnine

And how do you disconnect the alarm from the horn?

In the frunk, under the battery cover, there's a plug you can disconnect on the right hand side.

Sounds like the key isn't paired with the immobilizer, though if it won't start the car? Did it recently stop working? Or is this a back up key that hasn't been used in a while?

[fivepointnine]

Nope suddenly stopped working when I went out to the car after dinner tonight

[fivepointnine]

and when I turn the key all the dash lights come on, just the alarm goes off and it wont do anything after that.....transponder in my key went bad maybe? unfortunately its my only key, guess Ill have it towed to the dealer on monday to get the key reprogrammed or a new key made?

[Ghostrider 310]

fivepoints, You said the key had been working. This probably won't work but it will be easy to try before towing. Verify the key has fresh battery. Try disconnecting the battery both with the key in the ignition and out. Outside chance if it had been working that a reset might get you going again, slim chances but easy to try.

[2003S]

Originally Posted by fivepointnine

and when I turn the key all the dash lights come on, just the alarm goes off and it wont do anything after that.....transponder in my key went bad maybe? unfortunately its my only key, guess Ill have it towed to the dealer on monday to get the key reprogrammed or a new key made?

Sounds like either the transponder in the key died, or the immobilizer. But do try a reset like GR recommended.

[schoir]

To lessen the chances that it is the immobilizer, check for moisture or water under the rear of the driver's seat carpet. If the immobilizer gets damp, the corrosion starts to make it act up within a day or so.

Regards, Maurice.

[fivepointnine]

car has been in the garage for a week, totally dry around there......I will double check the moisture though.

the key does not have a battery in it,all the guts are missing, all that is there is the transponder pill

[schoir]

The transponder pill is what communicates with the immobilizer to allow ignition.

The "guts" are for the remote operation.

Regards, Maurice.

[fivepointnine]

well she is at the dealer now, service manager was not sure if they would have time to look at it today but definitely monday....$135 for them to diagnose it.....blech

he seemed to think transponder or immobilizer unit too....lets hope it just needs a new key!

[fivepointnine]

update-
they were able to disarm the alarm somehow but their tech equipment will not talk to the alarm unit at all, but the good news is the car is now driveable, I just cannot set the alarm, he wants to start with a new alarm unit, but I am leaving the country for a few months so that will wait till I get home! At least it is driveable now!

[2003S]

Good news; frankly, I probably wouldn't replace it if it were mine -- I think alarm systems are a waste -- living in a major metropolitan area, you hear them going off all the time, and no one ever pays any attention to them.

[fivepointnine]

problem is that when you lock the door the alarm automatically arms!