Dead alarm plipper(s)

[zumbruk]

I got my Chimaera back from the menders on Friday, and while it was there, they allowed the battery to go flat. They jump started it so I could drive home, and I left the battery on charge overnight, but ...

The alarm plippers (both of them) don't work any more. (I assume the plipper must have worked when they jump started it, else how did they start it?).

I can start the car (disable the immobiliser) using the hardwired "key" that plugs into the side of the steering column, so the battery is now charged again (although how long that will last is problematical, also) but the plippers are as dead as doornails - they will not lock or unlock the car or enable the ignition.

So, how do I get them working again?

(It's a '97 Chimaera 450 with a factory fit Meta alarm/immobiliser.)

>> Edited by zumbruk on Sunday 12th February 13:15

[mowog]

have you tried new batteries in the plippers? IIRC they take 2 ea. disc/watch type batteries - the number will be etched on the batteries and they are available from Halfrauds / Maplin's / Car Accesory shops.Easy to change just prise open the case and slide new ones under the 'clip' on the pcb.

Good luck!
D

>> Edited by mowog on Sunday 12th February 13:30

[zumbruk]

mowog said:

have you tried new batteries in the plippers?

One of them is brand new and the other was working fine when I dropped the car off a week ago. Besides, the chances of *two* plippers going bad at the same time is nearly zero!

[rich 36]

Is it like a 'Toad' alarm.

The MOT monkeys cocked up mine the other week,
apparently leaving it in 'Valet' mode meaning the
central locking works,
lights flash (occasionally)

no beeps

[gazzab]

Have you tried the reset ? ie hold down for 6 secs or so ?

[BliarOut]

I think I read somewhere that the immobiliser doesn't like being bought gradually back up to voltage. Now the battery is charged, disconnect for a few seconds and reconnect. I could be getting my cars muddled, but it's worth a try as it doesn't cost anything

[Steve_T]

Contact Carl Baker of Car and Bike Installations (details www.tvruk.tv). He's the best guy to speak about Meta systems.

Steve.

[Mr Jenks]

Wow
A thread on alarm problem that took more than 5 replies before the god of TVR alarms, Carl Baker, was mentioned. Is this a record ?

[zumbruk]

rich 36 said:

Is it like a 'Toad' alarm.

No, it's the factory Meta. And I won't buy Toad stuff because of their
attitude towards their customers.

[zumbruk]

gazzab said:

Have you tried the reset ? ie hold down for 6 secs or so ?

Just tried that. No effect.

Guess I'd better speak to Carl tomorrow.

[jeffsy]

Steve_T said:

Contact Carl Baker of Car and Bike Installations (details www.tvruk.tv). He's the best guy to speak about Meta systems. Steve.

Hear hear... - thats the way to go.....

[V8 Kieran]

BliarOut said:

I think I read somewhere that the immobiliser doesn't like being bought gradually back up to voltage. Now the battery is charged, disconnect for a few seconds and reconnect. I could be getting my cars muddled, but it's worth a try as it doesn't cost anything

See several other threads running,er, everywhere Disconnect earth terminal on battery for a few seconds. When you reconnect, your plippers will have made a dramatic recovery (or they really are buggered).

Mine does this every time it goes flat!

[zumbruk]

V8 Kieran said:

BliarOut said: I think I read somewhere that the immobiliser doesn't like being bought gradually back up to voltage. Now the battery is charged, disconnect for a few seconds and reconnect. I could be getting my cars muddled, but it's worth a try as it doesn't cost anything See several other threads running,er, everywhere Disconnect earth terminal on battery for a few seconds. When you reconnect, your plippers will have made a dramatic recovery (or they really are buggered). Mine does this every time it goes flat!

Thanks. I'll try that tonight.

[NailedOn]

I had this on a Chim. The RAC advised me to do this and it worked. I changed the battery on the keyring and held the "open" button for a minute. Suddenly the car unlocked. No problem. Hope it works for you.

[V8 Archie]

Daft question but - have you tried opening them up an re-aligning the circuit board? It's a 30 second job and has worked umpteen times for me over the years.

[zumbruk]

V8 Kieran said:

BliarOut said: I think I read somewhere that the immobiliser doesn't like being bought gradually back up to voltage. Now the battery is charged, disconnect for a few seconds and reconnect. I could be getting my cars muddled, but it's worth a try as it doesn't cost anything See several other threads running,er, everywhere Disconnect earth terminal on battery for a few seconds. When you reconnect, your plippers will have made a dramatic recovery

Thank you kindly, good Sir. I did as advised, disconnected the earth terminal, counted to 30, then reconnected it, the alarm went off, but both the plippers are restored to life.

Went out for a hoon to celebrate.

[V8 Kieran]