Immobilised the Esprit....Argh!

[redhotwheels]

Hi,

We have managed to immobilise our car...don't ask how....(put it this way, we have had several 'discussions' how this happened!)

Anyway, no obvious way to re-set the alarm (make unknown). Have tried leaving it armed for a day...and unarmed for a day to see if it re-sets. Have tried re-charging the battery as a friend had suggested that may be the cause. Still no joy.

Anyone got any suggestions (serious please...not 'cut the wires'!) before we call somebody expensive to come and play with it.

Happy driving,

Steve & Kay '88 Turbo HC

[lotusguy]

Hi,

Very difficult without knowing the make etc., but suspect there is a 'Kill Switch' in the ignition system. Search under the dash for the possibility of a hidden reset button, perhaps under a wheel well. Hope this helps. Happy Motoring! ...Jim'85TE

[bojangles]

does it crank?
what happens when you turn the key? lights on ?

It is likely there is a relay installed to cut either the starter wire or the ingition wire from the key switch..
the relay can occasionally die.....
you can replace it or manually rejoin the factory wires that were cut when the alarm was installed.

Bruce

[cnh1990]

Fuel pump kill reset switch?

[redhotwheels]

Hi - thanks all for the suggestions.

Kept the battery on charge for another day and yes. it fired up without the alarm going off. BUT... only once. That was enough to knock the charge in the battery down to 11v and set the alrm off again when I tried to re-start. Basically I have a nackered battery.....who would have thought it (only purchased 6 months ago)

Yes, tried all the usual suspects (looking for resets and resetting fuel kill etc) but it turns out, thankfully, to be a reasonably straightforward and cheap fix.

Thanks again and happy driving

Steve & Kay 88 turbo HC

[lotusguy]

redhotwheels said:

Hi - thanks all for the suggestions. Kept the battery on charge for another day and yes. it fired up without the alarm going off. BUT... only once. That was enough to knock the charge in the battery down to 11v and set the alrm off again when I tried to re-start. Basically I have a nackered battery.....who would have thought it (only purchased 6 months ago) Yes, tried all the usual suspects (looking for resets and resetting fuel kill etc) but it turns out, thankfully, to be a reasonably straightforward and cheap fix. Thanks again and happy driving Steve & Kay 88 turbo HC

Steve,

With a 6 mos. old battery, it sounds as if you do not drive the car too much. If that's the case, I suggest that you get a Battery Maintainer or absent that, that you disconnect the battery if you are not going to drive it for long periods.

Several electrical components continue to draw current even with the ignition off such as the radio and the alarm itself. Over time, this will damage the battery to the point where it will not properly accept, or hold a charge. Happy Motoring! ...Jim'85TE

[redhotwheels]

Hi Jim,

Thanks for that - I now have installed a trickle charger (one that I can leave on) - your right, the car only comes out once a week for a blast...depending on the weather.

Thanks again for your advice.

Happy driving,

Steve & Kay