Most modern cars are equipped with factory alarms. Often, a car owner buys a used car with an already installed alarm system. In both cases, the car owner may not know all the intricacies of the security system of his vehicle. A constantly burning alarm light is a sign that the car’s security system is malfunctioning. In this case, it is necessary to understand the reasons for the constantly working indicator and eliminate them in order to restore the system’s functionality.
Main reasons
There are several main reasons why the security system indicator lights up with a constant, unblinking light.
- The most common reason for a constantly lit alarm indicator is that the Valet security system mode is intentionally or accidentally turned on. In this mode, the indicator light lights up continuously. However, the car is not under security. The car owner is notified of the activation of this mode by an inscription on the electronic display of the alarm key fob.
- Another common reason for a constantly burning light is a malfunction of the limit switches (limit switches) of the opening parts of the car body, that is, in the doors, trunk or hood.
- A less common, but still common reason for a constantly lit indicator is a software failure, hardware alarm error, or failure of individual sensors.
For some alarm models, a constantly lit indicator may be associated with the activation of certain security system modes: “Panic”, “Hands Free”, with the immobilizer turned on, when starting the engine remotely, etc. In this case, removing the constantly lit indicator is quite simple. You need to set the alarm to standard security mode or turn it off temporarily.
Additional functions
There are a large number of offers from manufacturers to equip car alarms with additional options and capabilities. The most popular and frequently used include:
- Feedback to the owner, which allows, in case of unauthorized opening, to block the engine from starting.
- Shock and mechanical impact sensors.
- A device indicating which door or hood has been opened.
- Remote engine start will allow you to warm up the engine and interior without the presence of the driver.
Installation of additional functions on the car is carried out in specialized service centers. The sensors are connected to the on-board computer and electrical system, with the ability to operate autonomously even when the power supply is turned off.
Valet mode in alarm
Various manufacturers of security systems for cars include several lighting modes for the alarm indicator in their software. In different modes it flashes, is at rest or is constantly on. Most security system manufacturers provide a Valet service mode when the car is unprotected.
Valet is primarily intended for car maintenance and repair, when the security system may interfere with car service workers. Valet can be accidentally or intentionally turned on by the car owner, in which case a constantly lit alarm indicator indicates that the car is unprotected. In this mode, the car owner can only remotely open and close the doors, luggage compartment and hood.
On some alarm models, it is enough to simply accidentally turn on the Valet mode, since it is activated from the remote control by pressing a key combination. On other models of security systems, it can only be launched from a button in the car interior.
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Alarm failure is one of the most common car problems. At the first signs of abnormal operation of the car alarm, measures should be taken to identify the causes of failures and begin to eliminate them.
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Otherwise, it is possible that the anti-theft system will deny access to the cabin or prevent the engine from starting. Let's look at the main signs of a car alarm malfunction, the causes and ways to eliminate them.
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How to disable Valet
The option to disable Valet mode depends on the possible ways to enable it. It is deactivated either by pressing a button inside the car, or using the alarm remote control by pressing a combination of buttons.
Button to switch to mode
The “Valet” button can be located anywhere in the car: both in the cabin and in the luggage compartment or even the engine compartment. It is often hidden in a particularly inconspicuous place so that potential car thieves are not tempted to disable the entire security system with a simple press of a button.
As a rule, when installing an alarm, service workers check with the car owner about the desired location of the button to turn on and off the Valet mode. If the car owner does not know where such a button is located, he will have to look for it. The most expected button locations are the following places.
- Under the steering column is the most commonplace location of the button, which is also the most unsafe. The area under the steering column is convenient as the driver can press it without leaving the driver's seat. However, potential hijackers look for it first of all there. As a disguise, the button can be covered with an ordinary plug, which will also prevent accidental pressing.
- Under the driver's seat is another convenient but banal option, which is also often masked with a plug.
- In the driver's door - a dubious option, since in this case it can be accessed from outside the car.
In general, the placement of the button is limited only by the imagination of the person on whose initiative the alarm was installed. Therefore, in order not to waste time on empty searches, it is better to carefully study the technical documentation of the alarm system.
Disabling Valet mode using a button looks the same for almost all car alarm manufacturers.
- You need to start and then turn off the car engine.
- After 10 seconds, you need to press the Valet button and hold it for several seconds, or turn the switch to the “Off” position.
- The driver is notified when the mode is turned off by a double horn sound, after which the indicator light goes out.
Combination to turn on Valet
Another option for disabling the Valet mode of the car alarm is possible using a remote control, that is, a key fob. To do this, you need to press one of the key fob key combinations, and the key combination, as well as the sequence and duration of pressing, can vary significantly among different manufacturers of security systems.
The exact combination for disabling the service mode in a specific security system model can be found in the car alarm user manual. The key combination for the most common car alarms is as follows.
- For security systems of the popular Scher-Khan brand, turning on and off the Valet mode is done by simultaneously pressing and holding buttons 1 and 3 for one second. You cannot overpress, since pressing these buttons for 2 seconds will turn off the shock sensor.
- The Valet mode in the StarLine family of alarms is disabled by pressing button 2 once.
- In Tomahawk car alarms, the mode is turned off by pressing the Z button; usually you need to press it twice - once once and once while holding the button. For some alarm models of the company, the method of disabling may differ, so you should first study the manual for using the specific security system.
- For Alligator brand alarms, the mode is turned off by simultaneously holding buttons 2 and 3 for 3 seconds.
General Tips
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If a car alarm periodically begins to malfunction, you should check the quality of the electrical wiring to it and replace the batteries in the key fob. If the problems continue, you should consider replacing the security system. The standard trouble-free operation of the alarm system is 5-7 years.
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Store the keychain in a dry place, do not leave it in an unheated, damp garage. The key fob is the weak point of the alarm system.
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See how to measure leakage current in a car with a multimeter and why it is dangerous.
Why is a flash drive sometimes not readable by the car radio and how can this be fixed?
Video - how to set the car alarm or disarm it using the VALET button (if the key fob does not work):
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Mechanical damage to the alarm
Mechanical damage, manifested by a constant lighting of the indicator, is usually associated with limit switches (limit switches) of the doors, luggage compartment or hood. Limit switches are the simplest opening-closing sensors, which are buttons connected to an alarm system. In the closed position they are pressed and close the electrical circuit; in the open position they open. Damage to the limit switches can be caused by:
- oxidation of contacts in conditions of high humidity or in winter;
- loose fit as a result of deformation of the body part due to an accident or improper installation;
- failure due to mechanical impact or impact.
When the electrical network is disconnected, the alarm perceives the body part as open. As a result, the alarm indicator light lights up continuously.
On modern cars equipped with a display, identifying the problem of an inoperative limit switch is quite simple. In a graphic image of a model car, a door or body part with a non-functioning limit switch will also be displayed as not closed.
To solve the problem, you need to visually inspect all the limit switches of the car for contact oxidation. If an oxidized limit switch is detected, it must be disassembled and the contacts cleaned.
If the cause of the limit switch malfunction is mechanical damage, then it needs to be replaced with a new one. If incorrect positioning of the limit switch is detected, the position of the limit switch must be adjusted to that required for proper operation.
Limit switches
Before writing about limit switches, it is necessary to separately mention a feature of the Starline security system. At a good speed, in some cars the air flow, running onto the hood, can lift it slightly. But the Starline hood contacts are located in such a way that the alarm light will light up while driving, indicating that the hood lid is “not closed.”
You can also note the limit switch on the trunk of cars in which the Sherkhan system is installed. While the trunk is not tightly closed (for example, due to non-standard cargo), the blue light on the Sherkhan alarm will be constantly on.
This is what a trailer might look like.
If the owner has checked the “immobilizer” functions and is sure that the service mode is not enabled, it is necessary to check the limit switches of all doors, and not just the hood. If the contact is oxidized, dirty, or the cover presses on it with insufficient force, this is the second reason why the light on the alarm is on. Checking and cleaning usually solves the problem, after which the light goes out.
Malfunction of programs or sensors
A fairly rare, but possible reason for the indicator to be constantly on is a software failure or malfunction of individual sensors. Special security system meters include sensors for mechanical impact (shock), changes in volume in the cabin, body position, etc. If one of the sensors breaks down, the system perceives the situation as an emergency, which notifies the car owner using an indicator. In this case, to diagnose the faulty sensor, you will have to contact a specialized service.
Also, a constant indication may be caused by a software or hardware error in the electronic alarm control unit. You can try to reset the alarm by turning off the battery power. If the problem persists, it is difficult to solve it yourself, so it is better to contact a service center
In any case, the constant burning of the indicator light is a sign that the car is not under reliable alarm protection, therefore, the safety of owning the car is reduced. By finding the reason for the constant light of the indicator and eliminating it, you can restore reliable protection for your car using a car alarm.
The ((P)) on the key fob lights up and doesn’t go out
Answers 7
Apparently, the signaling system no longer sees the handbrake.
You need to go to the installers for a ride. It is necessary to disconnect it in the cable bus and do it in an analogous way (on an automatic machine, connect the handbrake wire to minus)
Hello. I recommend checking the serviceability of the brake light bulbs. Also, please pay attention: Do you turn off the car with the brake pedal pressed? I ask you to turn it off as an experiment without pressing the pedal and check the start.
The lamps are working fine, we turn them off differently. For almost a year of operation, the problem never appeared, but this time it appeared and does not go away, i.e. now it is not floating, but permanent
Thanks for the info. In this case, please visit the installers to diagnose the system.
On the advice of the installer, resetting the positive terminal of the battery helped.
On the advice of the installer, resetting the positive terminal of the battery helped.
Source
The low battery indicator on the key fob is constantly on
A93. After replacing the dead battery, the indicator in the upper right corner did not disappear. I tried several batteries and accumulators.
Answers 11
Hello. I ask you to remove the battery from the key fob, wait a couple of minutes, then insert the battery, observing the polarity. The key fob will be reset and everything will work as it should. Please tell me the result.
Yes, the reset helped. Thank you!
I tried several batteries and accumulators.
It makes sense to read the following topics:
This memory effect was not noticed on boards marked GK11-R1.
I did just that on my GK71-R1. The charge level icon disappeared completely. Who knows how to return it?
1. Insert a dead battery.
2. Wait a couple of months for this battery to run out.
3. If the first 2 methods do not help, you should make sure that the display is working properly. To do this, remove the battery and reset the “memory”. Then insert the battery while looking at the display where the battery symbol should appear briefly.
When the battery is fully charged, there is no indicator on the display. It appears only when the discharge is below a certain level.
The absence of a battery indicator means that the battery is normal! With further use, the discharge will appear on its own.
0.01% for malfunction of the PPRD, which also occurred.
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The LED flashes when the ignition is on
Good day!
The LED flashes when the ignition is on. When the door, hood, etc. opens. I also noticed that it also blinks at speed. It's unnoticeable during the day, but at night it causes discomfort. I have already read other topics, the slave mode is disabled, but the LED is still blinking.
Answers 5
The LED flashes when the ignition is on
When the door, hood, etc. opens
No, when I open the doors, etc. it flashes. This is normal behavior, as I understand it, but the fact is that in the dark it interferes. And the question is, is it possible to turn off this blinking?
I've already read other topics, slave mode is disabled
This is done for safety reasons (flashing when the door is open). cannot be disabled.
When the door, hood, etc. opens. I also noticed that it also blinks at speed.
And the question is, is it possible to turn off this blinking?
because another colleague is also right
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