Car alarm problem with 1990 4Runner

[pensacola32506]

My battery was recently disconnected and when reconnected the factory car alarm started going off. It goes off for about 30 seconds and then the vehicle won't start. Sometimes I can unlock the doors without it going off, but either way it won't start.

I have no idea why, but once the alarm stopped after I turned the ignition and hit the Valet Mode button. I was able to drive it for a few days. I would unlock the door and start it quickly because the red light on the alarm would start flashing rapidly, like it was about to go off. One day I forgot to start it within a few seconds of unlocking the door and it went off. Since then I haven't been able to get the Valet Mode button to work like it did before. It has a switch with two positions: the left is "Horn Defeat" and then there is a middle position; the right is "Valet Mode" but that's not a permanet position. Neither position seems to make a difference in preventing or stopping the alarm.

I've only had the vehicle a little over a year. I don't have a remote or a manual. I bought a manual but it doesn't have anything about alarm systems. The previous owner said he didn't know anything about the alarm but that I just shouldn't mess with it. I'd just like to disable the whole thing. The Toyota dealer said I'd have to tow it down there but I've read a lot of horror stories about dealers on these types of forums.

Any painless solutions?

Thank you.

[Supersportfreak]

Rip out the horn

[pensacola32506]

I couldn't get any automotive place, even those that deal with alarm systems, to touch it. I had to have it towed to the dealer and have them uninstall it. It cost $120 but I never have to worry about it going off again.