Under normal conditions, a car alarm will go off when it senses an "intrusion" above its normal threshold - thanks to the shock sensors found in most modern cars. It may be caused by a loud noise or other significant impact affecting the vehicle.
Car alarms also go off when a person tries to break into a car, alerting the owner to a crime in progress and helping prevent theft. But what to do if the alarm light is constantly on, even when everything is in order?
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:
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- 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.
Technical and software problems
There is also another reason why the security system LED is on all the time, and this is a breakdown of the hood, trunk or door switches. The limit switch itself is a small button that is located in the door of a vehicle. It is to these buttons that the alarm unit is connected, when the door closes, the limit switch lever snaps into place, and thus informs the circuit, and the security system itself is aware that the door or trunk is closed. But in this case, oxidized or faulty endings in the limit switch may not close this circuit, and ultimately the security system will not understand and will constantly signal that your vehicle is not fully protected, and the alarm LED will be constantly on. You can also deal with this problem yourself, you just need to get to the limit switches, clean them from plaque or oxidation, treat them with an alcohol solution, and also lubricate them with a special lubricant, which you can easily purchase at a car store. After the entire procedure, set all the buttons to their original positions.
You can now easily answer the question why the security LED is on. This is done because there may be breakdowns of any sensors, volume sensors, impact sensors or body sensors. And when you have such troubles, you need to immediately seek help from a service station. They also turn to a service station for help when the security system LED is constantly on due to a breakdown of the device or software in the alarm center itself. But in the case of diagnostics, if a malfunction as indicated above is not detected, then it is most likely a breakdown or malfunction of the security system unit itself.
And to conclude our article, we wish you that you never have problems or malfunctions with the alarm system in your life, so that the security system light works in the normal position all the time. The most important thing is to have a relaxing time without worrying about your vehicle being stolen.
What to do if the alarm indicator is constantly on
There are three possible situations for such car alarm operation:
1. The car is locked and does not respond to signals from the working key fob
If the car is locked, you should use the key to open it and disarm the alarm using the Valet button. Most often, a constant glow of the diode indicates a software failure of the security system.
Modern security systems are complex microprocessor-controlled complexes. They, like a computer, can freeze. You can try to restore factory settings using the Valet button. Sometimes it helps to disconnect the alarm from power by removing the fuses that serve it. It is safer to disconnect one of the battery terminals for 15 - 20 minutes.
The Valet button is usually located near the driver's left knee or in a hidden place no further than 50 centimeters from this area.
Answers (1)
This mode of operation of the alarm is called Vallet and it indicates that the service mode has turned on. They say that service work is being carried out, and the car’s security is simply turned off, using the key fob you can open the doors and trunk. It is clear that this mode is not needed in normal use, and moreover, it is dangerous, since the car can simply be stolen.
Therefore, turn it off as quickly as possible. For example, on the Scher Khan Magicar 5 and 6 alarm systems, this mode is disabled/enabled when you simultaneously press buttons I and III. Literally hold it for a second and there will be a beeping sound and the mode will turn on/off, depending on what came first.
When the blue/red button flashes in normal mode, it means Vallet is disabled and the car is protected.
And of course, do not forget to read the operating instructions for your alarm.
technical issues
Another reason that gives rise to a constant light on, indicating problems with the alarm system of your car, is a malfunction of the “limit switches” of the doors and hoods of the engine and luggage compartments. They are called small plastic push-button sensors that are connected to the security system circuit. When the car is closed, they are pressed, closing the electrical circuit. If the sensor fails to detect a short circuit:
- Oxidation of contact in conditions of high humidity and winter time.
- Loose fit due to poor installation or deformation of body elements as a result of an accident.
- Sensor failure as a result of mechanical impact or shock.
The alarm will perceive this door or hood as being open and send signals to the key fob and light bulb located in the interior of your car.
This malfunction can be eliminated by visual inspection and checking the “limit switches”. Their contacts can be treated with an anti-corrosion agent and lubricated with a special lubricant. If these preventive measures do not eliminate the defect, contact a specialist who will conduct a more accurate diagnosis using special equipment.
Technical and software problems
Another common reason why the alarm light is constantly on is faulty door, hood and luggage compartment switches. The limit switch is a small button that is installed in the car door. The security system unit is connected to them; when the door is closed, the limit switch button is pressed, thereby closing the circuit. The alarm thus understands that the door is closed. Faulty, oxidized contacts in the limit switch may not close the circuit, as a result of which the protection system may not understand the current situation and will notify you of an allegedly unprotected place in the car by constantly operating the LED light. You can fix such problems yourself; you just need to disassemble all the limit switches, thoroughly clean the contacts, rinse them in alcohol and lubricate them with electrically conductive lubricant. After which you can reinstall the buttons in their original place.
Although in rare cases, the answer to the question of why the alarm light is constantly on can be failed various sensors, for example, shock, volume and body position sensors. In such cases, it is better to contact a service center for help. You should also contact a specialized center for help if the alarm light is constantly on due to a software or hardware failure in the security system unit itself. If none of the checks for the above reasons gave a positive result, then most likely the failure is in the alarm unit.
In this article we will talk about frequently asked questions of most motorists, that is, the alarm system, and why the light is always on or blinking.
The auto industry does not stand still and always spoils us with something new. For example:
And there are many more such qualities. Not only the quality of vehicles and the price are increasing, but also the security system is becoming more and more effective. If you remember, as soon as cars began to be produced, the only protection against theft was a lock that was opened with a special key. Now almost every car is equipped with an electronic alarm system. Such complexes not only provide protection from intruders, but also contribute to comfortable use. Since the electronics are controlled remotely, you no longer need to constantly use the key to close the doors or trunk. Moreover, you can also use the remote control to start the engine, or open the windows using the window lifter. Nowadays, it is very difficult to find a car without a security system, of course, unless some grandfather has a car from the USSR left in his garage. All new transport models, upon their release to the market, are already equipped with licensed security systems from the manufacturer. But whatever one may say, everything can break down, even electronic systems, and at the same time malfunction, refuse the assigned command, in a word, glitch, which can cause a lot of trouble for a very busy person. Thus, a large number of vehicle owners monitor the serviceability of the alarm system, and they are helped in this by an LED placed in the corner of the windshield, which lights up or blinks, thereby indicating the effectiveness of the protection. But not everyone knows what the light signal should be if the protection is working or broken. Often, car owners are guided by the signal that was present from the moment they were installed on the vehicle, and in most cases this is not an intense wink. This means that when the blinking of the lamp becomes incomprehensible, then every motorist simply must understand this problem. Of course, this needs to be done, since not every driver wants to leave his car on the street with a faulty alarm. But it’s worth remembering that if you are not an expert in electronics, then it will be difficult to solve the problem, and you can also aggravate the situation and lose the entire alarm system. Thus, the most common problem that car owners are interested in is why the LED is always on? And we will talk about this later in the article.
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.
The light does not blink
Finally, let’s look at a particular case where everything worked before, but now the alarm light has stopped blinking. As in other cases, there are several solutions:
- something was too clever at the service station;
- The alarm works, it just doesn't blink.
In both cases, the problem can only be finally resolved at a service station. Let's just note that the owner knows the answer to the first option. The second case can be diagnosed at home, before going to a service station. If the light just goes out, the alarm in this case operates normally. Turn it on as usual and then check. If the security system senses alarm, the owner will immediately understand it. If nothing happens, solve it only through the station. To simplify the test, some sources recommend trying it while sitting in a car.
Sometimes the light goes out in another case. A reaction that can only appear over time, and only on the driver's door. This is not a matter of the trailer, as stated above. You need to check the contacts in the lock activator. It is easy to diagnose - sometimes the lock jams (does not freeze).
A constantly burning light bulb was mentioned several times in this article.
In conclusion, it should be noted that the security system today includes a number of parameters, and the question of what to do if the alarm light is constantly on should not arise for the current owner. First you need to diagnose it yourself (in particular, the maintenance mode), and do not delay visiting the service center. Of course, the on-board computer often helps in diagnosis, but there is something that it simply will not understand what is normal and what is a problem.
In conclusion, we recommend looking at one of the options on how to turn off the alarm if there is no connection with the key fob
Other reasons
Sometimes it happens that the alarm indicator stops blinking for the following reasons:
- failure of the mechanical impact sensor;
- problems with the volume change indicator in the cabin;
- failure of the program that determines the position of the body.
It is almost impossible to cope with such problems on your own. You will have to seek help from specialists in the workshop.
Diagnosis of the security alarm indicator can be carried out using the on-board computer. And having found out the reason for the continuous glow of the light bulb, contact a service station.
Re: Warning light comes on while driving
escudovod1972 on 1/13/2017, 04:32 Well, I definitely wouldn’t trust service station workers. – Repeated (permanent) life experience. They could have made a mistake. The difference is one letter, but the systems are different.
I have a non-standard signaling system and a standard signaling system. work in parallel (independently). Those. I can open the car with both the alarm and the key. When I lost the key, I opened the car with the signal and put an empty blank (without an imo transponder) into the ignition switch.. As a result, I got what I described above.
If you open the car with the button of the standard key, and then insert a blank into the ignition switch, you will probably get the same result as you did.
And yet, based on everything you wrote, I see a problem with the transponder reader imo. – a block with a round coil located around the ignition switch. – You need to disassemble the steering column trim and you will see it.
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.
The source that causes the LED to glow all the time
The car security system lamp may be on all the time for the following reasons:
2. Another common reason is the breakdown of the hood, trunk or door switches.
3. The latest and not very common reason is considered to be a failure of the alarm software, and the breakdown of any sensor, and there may be several of them.
And here the possible reasons are indicated, and now you can understand them in more detail. Of course, first we’ll talk about the most basic point number 1, which often arises, that is, the jack mode.
This kind of support speaks for itself. This service software is designed for the functioning of the alarm system, as well as the machine. In this active mode, all protective functions of the entire system are disabled, and thus cannot be controlled by any commands. All functions of the security system allow you to open and close the door or trunk lock only with remote control. At this moment the lamp itself stops blinking and stays on continuously. There are also some systems on which the LED simply goes out when the engine starts.
The launch of this mode on many devices is carried out using the alarm remote control when certain buttons are pressed. This means that such a moment can suddenly happen, since the remote control can be in your pocket and if you accidentally press such a combination, the jack mode can be activated. Often the combination is very simple, pressing 2 or 3 buttons at the same time, but there are also complex combinations in which it is necessary to follow a certain sequence of presses.
There are also systems on which this mode cannot be activated. Thus, for that type of device, an additional button called Valet is installed. But this button in the car’s interior is simply a joy for a thief, since with its help you can turn off the alarm in a matter of seconds, and also gain full control over the vehicle. Thus, if a thief finds such a button, you may lose your vehicle forever. When installing an anti-theft device, where the button will be placed, the motorist can decide for himself. But it’s worth knowing that this lever is best installed in places that you wouldn’t even guess, that is, the more secluded the place, the greater the likelihood that a thief will not detect it. You can place it almost anywhere, even under the hood or in the trunk. In the event that you were not present during the installation of the protective system, then this lever is located according to the standard layout under the steering wheel and hidden from the naked eye, due to a plug. Of course, if you don’t find it in this place, then you should turn to the security system manual, and it will be described in detail: how many sensors can be connected, the location of that button, what connectors, and also what they are needed for. So, you have found the connector you are interested in, you just need to follow the wiring and eventually you will find what you were interested in. Also, if your electronic remote control is equipped with a screen, then if the Valet mode is active, a special symbol in the form of the letter Z lights up on the display. And in order to turn off this mode, using a lever or button in the middle of the body, you need to hold it and hold it for 10-20 seconds, then your vehicle should give several short signals, and the dimensions should blink at this moment, and then the safety lamp will go out. But this type of turning on and off the Valet mode is not suitable for all types of devices, and the buttons for the combination on the alarm remote control are different for each manufacturer.
Turning Valet and Scher Khan Magicar 5 security system on and off.
To turn it on, you need to press and hold buttons 1 and 3 at the same time for no more than a second. But remember that the time interval when holding the buttons must be observed, since if you hold it for a second, this can lead to the shock sensor being turned off. To turn off Jack, you need to do the same pressing of buttons 1 and 3 with a delay of no more than a second. But if the sensors were turned off on purpose, then press the same buttons 1 and 3, but for a few seconds longer. The same principle is used with the Scher Khan Magicar 6 system.
Flashing light in popular alarm models
Sherkhan
So, our Sherkhan alarm light is constantly on. How to check whether service mode is enabled, and if so, disable it? Note that not only Sherkhan, but most systems have the key combination written on the back of the key fob. The owner should also remember that the service mode indicator is blue. In other words, if the blue light is on on the Sherkhan alarm, the first thing you need to pay attention to is the accidental activation of the maintenance mode. Sometimes, in the case of a key fob with an LCD display, it may display a symbol that resembles one or more Latin “Zs”.
To disable (or enable) the maintenance mode, the owner must press buttons “1” and “3” simultaneously, holding them down for one second.
If everything is pressed correctly, the light goes out. Sometimes, depending on the modification of the security system, the car may respond with sound signals or flashing headlights.
Sherkhan can illuminate almost every event with light bulbs. Sometimes the light bulb will not be blue, but red. A red light anywhere requires attention. If the red light on the Sherkhan 5 alarm is constantly on, you definitely need to pay attention to this. The security system indicates the presence of one of two problems:
- The battery has discharged below the mark for normal engine starting. Most often, it is no longer possible to drive away in such a car;
- The car requires a visit to the service center because the faults are of an extraordinary nature.
We will not dwell on these options in detail. If the car starts, you need a center; if it doesn’t start, you need a new battery. However, Shere Khan 5 is just an example. Everything described is also suitable for other models of this system. In any case, if the Sherkhan alarm light is on, it means something needs adjustment.
Starline
If your car has the Starline system, then everything described above is, in principle, suitable in this case, with the exception of one little thing. In the latest Starline alarm models, the light blinks and does not stay on constantly, like Shere Khan’s.
Shutting down Valet will also look different.
And if in normal mode we turn off the alarm, then open the car, then under normal conditions nothing will blink. However, when you turn on the service mode of the Starline alarm “car is open”, the light will continue to blink. Let us repeat that this is not a problem. You can use the car and move around the city, but the blinking alarm light when driving will remind you that the security functions are currently deactivated.
To turn off the valet in the Starline alarm system, just press the “2” button once (in the figure, the middle button at the top). In this case, the light should go out, and the “VALET” mark will disappear on the key fob display.
Malfunction of programs or sensors
The alarm light going off without the slightest warning can also cause battery problems. The first reason why a battery can cause such trouble is if it does not have enough electrolyte. You may not know this, but car alarms were made for more than just warning of theft or break-in. The light can also signal other problems in your beloved car. One of these problems is low battery.
In some cars, if you try to start the engine with a dying battery, the alarm will sound. Be sure to check your car's battery charge level with a voltmeter if the light comes on for no apparent reason. If the charge is less than 12.6 V, then it needs to be replaced. It would be wiser to install a new battery rather than wait until the car stalls in the middle of the road while driving.
If your car's battery is dead, you can use multiple jumper cables. Every car owner should have them on hand. Determine which terminal is positive and which is negative. Connect the red clamp to the positive terminal of the discharged battery, and do the same with the other end of the wire, connecting it to the charged one. Take the black cable and connect one of its terminals to the negative terminal of the working battery. Instead of connecting the other end to the negative terminal of a dead battery, attach it to the bare metal surface of the dead car's engine. It could be a bolt or a screw.
Make sure that everything you attach the clamps to is free of dirt.
Once all connections have been made, the next step is to start the engine of the running vehicle. Let it run for a few minutes. After some time, start the engine of the “dead” car and let it idle. Wait 5-10 minutes and disconnect the cables. First, remove the black clamp from the vehicle you were charging. Then remove it from the "good" battery. Finally, remove the red clip from that battery and finally remove the red clip from the previously discharged battery.
Service mode
A common reason why the alarm light starts to light is when the jack mode is activated. In this case, only the remote closing/opening sensors work. The rest of the anti-theft system is disabled.
In this case, the light is constantly on or blinking. This function is necessary for repair work, but sometimes it works independently due to accidental pressing of the remote control buttons in an activation combination, increased sensitivity of the keys, malfunction of the electronic system due to high humidity or sudden temperature changes, especially in winter.
Methods for exiting the “jack” service state and activating the alarm system on the most common security devices:
- Star Line Twage B6 and Star Line Twage B9 are deactivated using key 2, the corresponding inscription will no longer be displayed, the signal light will go out. Scher Khan Magicar 5 and 6, turning off the “jack” is done by simultaneously holding keys 1 and 3 for a second. After entering the operating mode, the LED in the cabin stops blinking.
- The tomahawk is disconnected from the preventive mode by repeatedly (2 - 3 times) pressing the key fob key “Z”, a combination is possible: 1 hold, 1 short-term, depending on the model.
- Pandora independently checks the connection with the owner through the key fob. If it is missing, the red light in the cabin lights up. Try replacing the batteries; if the result is negative, due to the complexity of the system, you should contact service. The jack mode can be turned on/off with the help of a specialist.
- Sterline, to turn it off, press button 2 once, and the light in the cabin should go out. Systems that do not use key fob buttons to exit the service mode are equipped with special buttons located in the vehicle interior. By default, in the absence of the owner's wishes, they are mounted under the steering column. Holding this button for 10 seconds will deactivate the “jack”, which will be accompanied by several short beeps from the car and the warning light in the cabin will turn off.
After these procedures are completed, the car is ready for use. In case of repeated, unauthorized cases of switching to the service mode, you must contact the service center for diagnostics.
Reasons why the LED is constantly on
There are several reasons why the alarm light is constantly on:
This problem may be due to either a software glitch or a problem with the electronics itself.
Having familiarized ourselves with the list, let's look at all the points in more detail, and let's start with, perhaps, the most common reason, the occurrence of which is most likely.
The mode is activated on most devices from the remote control by pressing a certain combination of buttons. Thus, if you carry the remote control in your pocket, the buttons could accidentally be pressed in the desired combination, thereby activating the mode. Basically, such combinations consist of simultaneously pressing and holding two or three buttons; complex combinations of sequential pressing of the corresponding buttons are less common.
Valet mode can be activated by randomly pressing buttons on the remote control
When installing an anti-theft device, each owner has the right to choose the location of such a button himself. A similar button is placed in the secluded corners of the car, and the better you hide it, the greater the chance that the thief will not find it. You can install it anywhere, even in the trunk or under the hood. But if for some reason you did not take such part in installing the alarm, then basically by default the button is located under the steering column, covering it with an inconspicuous plug.
If there is nothing under the steering column, then we recommend that you look at the technical instructions for your alarm, namely the location and designation of the output sockets to which various sensors are connected, and our treasured button. Once you find the connector you need, simply follow the wire leading from it and you will eventually come across what you were looking for.
However, this method of activating and deactivating the mode is not suitable for all devices, just as each manufacturer has its own key combination on the remote control. Below we will provide combinations of the necessary buttons on the remote control of the most popular alarm systems. For more detailed information on enabling and disabling the mode in systems not included in our list, please refer to the instructions or contact the service center of the manufacturer of your security system.
After activating the Valet mode, the light is constantly on
Why the alarm light is constantly on: program failure
This problem does not occur often, but it also causes the interior alarm LED to light up without blinking. This may be a sign of a faulty:
- Mechanical impact sensor.
- Indicator for volume changes in the cabin.
- Programs that determine the position of the body.
The listed faults can only be corrected at a service center. Independent attempts at repair and adjustment will not give the desired results and will only lead to serious damage to the entire security alarm system.
The presence of on-board computers on modern cars helps control the operation of security alarms, the reliability of which, every year, more and more pleases and satisfies the needs of motorists. If the lamp indicating a system malfunction is activated, try resetting it and inspect the circuit sensors. Leave all other diagnostics to professionals.
The center’s specialists will help you choose a reliable and inexpensive service for servicing security alarms, following the application you left on the Uremont.com website.
De-synchronization of "Sherkhan" alarm key fobs
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.
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.
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.
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.
