Alarm Siren Problem

[cag]

I have a 1998 Chimaera 450 with 8.5k miles on the clock. Recently my alarm siren started to sound intermittantly - even with the engine running! It intermittantly started doing a single 'whoop' sound before finally going headlong into a full blown alarm overture. The indicators did not flash and the car started ok.

I disconnected the battery and thought I would fix it when I got a chance as I do not use the car every day.

At the weekend |I tried to re-connect the battery but know the siren sounds permanently and the key fob will not turn it off.

I have not tried starting it yet as the neighbours were getting a bit fed-up with the noise.

I have read other postings about faulty sirens etc. but can anyone provide any good info?

[count duckula]

I also still have this problem, general responses were water in the siren ( take it off and dry it out), or faulty siren and a new one required.
As a temporary measure you can disconnect the siren, the rest of alarm will still work.

Malc

[taylormj4]

Cag,
you didn't say which alarm type you have but if it's a Meta, I had the same problem.
A temporary fix is to disarm the alarm with the key fob, that should shut it up. Then disconnect the siren (there's a connector behind the passenger side headlamp) - you can only do this if you have 1st disarmed the system, or the siren will go off.
Then at least you can lock your doors and set the immobiliser with the key fob.
The problem is almost certainly a short within the siren due to water ingress. Get a new one and replace it. I got one from Penninsula, mail order, around 80 pounds with delivery I think.
Matt

[ATG]

I believe there is some way of disabling the siren itself ... it has an internal battery, so if you just unplug it, it will go off ... and it is unbelieveably loud at close quarters. Perhaps someone elase can throw some light on how it is disabled? Perhaps not the best thing to splurge across a public forum though ...

[cag]

Thanks for the replies.
I do not know what make of siren/alarm I have fitted. How will I check?
Where is the siren and what does it look like?

You might have noticed that I am not a car mechanic but am willing to have a go!

[taylormj4]

Cag,
The siren is located at the front of the car on the passenger side. Look through the front grill and you should see it on the passenger side. A Meta siren is cased in black plastic, is square with slightly rounded corners and has a circular cap over the centre. I think it has Meta written on the back somewhere. Don't know about other types though.
Matt

[cag]

Thanks - I'll take a look this evening.

[cag]

Found the Siren and removed it. Lo and bhold....an M77A MYKRO META System.Based upon what I have read, I was surprised the unit did not start sounding when I disconnected it. Anyhow, I will purchase another one and hope it does the trick.

[cag]

Anyone know where I can buy a new siren mailorder?

[tvrbob]

Amanda Wilson
MetaSystem UK Limited
01905 791700

Lyndon Security Systems
0191 5196503

In Car Solutions
0191 4567511

[cag]

Thanks for the info.
Contacted MetaSystem. Informed me that the Alarm system fitted to my 98 Chimaera is now obsolete and the siren (M11A) can only be located through TVR dealers or previously supplied alarm dealers that happen to have one in stock.

I will track one down!

[bobski]

I had the same issues - alas replaced with another Meta that has been fine for a year! If the old siren goes off - wrap it in an sweatshirt or something - it should shut up after 20 minutes or so . . .

[Big Al.]

cag said:

Thanks for the info. Contacted MetaSystem. Informed me that the Alarm system fitted to my 98 Chimaera is now obsolete and the siren (M11A) can only be located through TVR dealers or previously supplied alarm dealers that happen to have one in stock. I will track one down!

Fernhurst may have some in stock, they replaced mine around Christmas time. 01428 656377 ask for Brian.

[cag]

Bobski - did you replace it yourself? Is it as simple as just plugging the new one in?

[cjs]

I was told when mine went wrong that you can get them from Alfa Romeo dealers as Alfa fit Meta Alarms, crap Italian alarm in a crap Italian car! Could be worth a try. I just left mine disconected as know one takes any notice of car alarms any way!

Chris.

[bobski]

Thankfully, I had it done under warranty! If you see the amount of spaghetti attached to it (hazards etc) then it's quite a job unless you're a fine electrician!

cag said:

Bobski - did you replace it yourself? Is it as simple as just plugging the new one in?

[yiw1393]

Cag, siren is just a snap fit and 2 screws. Easy fit. Peninsula did mine under warranty. Suggest you give Neil a ring on 01884 35341. If he can't get you one, he'll know someone who can.

CJS - my Alfa's a lovely car. Great looking and quick 4 door saloon, perfect compliment to the Chim methinks!

[cag]

Thanks.
Just ordered a new siren from Fernhurst £79+vat.
I agree with the comments on the quality of Italian eletcronics products and some of their cars (perhaps not Ferrari!)