1997 LeSabre Theft Deterrent Problems - Trunk

[scottndsky]

Update...

Ok, it's been over two weeks since I disconnected the F10 input to the RFA module. So far, no random alarm!

I'm still a little reluctant to declare victory, but this is looking very promising! I think you guys were right! It's probably a bad tamper switch in one of the front doors.

To avoid tearing the doors apart I'll probably just leave the wire disconnected. As old as it is now, I doubt anyone will "tamper" with it.

Thanks again for all the advice and guidance!

Regards,
Scott

[brcidd]

It is always nice to get positive feedback- this was my opinion in the first place- no need to have active tamper switches- heck most people don't even know they are there- so you will never miss them.....more of a PITA then what they are worth......

[88redbuicklesabre]

I just had an experience happen with my 98 LeSabre. I drove it on a business trip 180 miles stopped to run into the store and when I got in to continue on my way for the first time in the 6 years I have driven it turned the key to start it and nothing happened but the dash idot light all would go out as you turned the key. My first thought was the starter died or maybe a sensor went out. After I sat there a minute and my associate checked the battery connections for tightness I noticed after all the idot lights went out the security light was on steady. After a few minutes with the key in the run position the light went out and I turned to the key to start to a happy turning of the engine and starting.
We had opened the hood to add washer fluid and also the trunk to put an extra bottle in there. This car as long as I have had it does not have a key fob (company either lost it or my employer was to cheap to purchase it )or the security system (that I was not aware of if it has one) but opening the trunk or the hood before starting it could that engage the security system assuming it has one?

[brcidd]

No, the security system timed out- the security light will go off after about 4 minutes-- next time it happens clean that pellet in your key- rub it on your pants real good- then wait on light to go out and try it....Your VATS security system is messing with you- that resistor in the key needs to be read properly by the contacts inside the ignition. sometimes either the key or contacts become dirty- if it gets to bad- you can always bypass it permanently under the dash.

[imidazol97]

Originally Posted by 88redbuicklesabre

I just had an experience happen with my 98 LeSabre. I drove it on a business trip 180 miles stopped to run into the store and when I got in to continue on my way for the first time in the 6 years I have driven it turned the key to start it and nothing happened but the dash idot light all would go out as you turned the key. My first thought was the starter died or maybe a sensor went out. After I sat there a minute and my associate checked the battery connections for tightness I noticed after all the idot lights went out the security light was on steady. After a few minutes with the key in the run position the light went out and I turned to the key to start to a happy turning of the engine and starting.
We had opened the hood to add washer fluid and also the trunk to put an extra bottle in there. This car as long as I have had it does not have a key fob (company either lost it or my employer was to cheap to purchase it )or the security system (that I was not aware of if it has one) but opening the trunk or the hood before starting it could that engage the security system assuming it has one?

If the security light was on steady, then it wasn't a resistor reading problem. If the TDM doesn't read the key resistance right, it flashes for 3 minutes or so.

Was the security light flashing?

[88redbuicklesabre]

Originally Posted by imidazol97

If the security light was on steady, then it wasn't a resistor reading problem. If the TDM doesn't read the key resistance right, it flashes for 3 minutes or so.

Was the security light flashing?

Steady on

[AutomotiveTech]

I'd have the car's battery load tested just to make sure that it is good. It most likely is, but if it is a bad or marginal battery it can cause these types of problems. Most auto parts stores will do this for free.