Alarm / Immobiliser problem Impreza

[edar]

Hi Chaps,

Just had my 2003 Impreza WRX recovered to my local Subaru garage as it developed an alarm problem yesterday where it also activated the immobiliser Basically I locked the car with the remote popped into a petrol station then came back out and the key wouldn't unlock the car. Thinking it was a remote-fob battery gone flat, changed the battery but still no joy . Unlocked the car manually and tried to dis-engage the immobiliser with the key in the ignition but it wouldn't work. To cut a long story short, the car is still alarmed (it goes off when you open the doors) and the immobiliser is still active. I've also tried to overide the alarm on the key pad inside the car (got the code from Subaru).

I'm probably looking at an expensive bill from Subaru, and I keep getting told just how reliable these Impreza's are by the two recovery drivers who picked me up yesterday and this morning

Has anyone experienced this before and if so how did it resolve itself? I'd appreciate any advice and help. It's one of the best cars' I've owned and it's only been gone two hours and I'm already getting withdrawal symptoms...

Thanks

[Orangecurry]

When something similar happened to mine, I replaced it with a Laserline 213.

100 times better than the OE Sigma(?), and the old alarm was disabled by the company that fitted the new alarm, so no extra cost, if you see what I mean.

The laserline works from 10s of metres away, and through walls, etc etc.

[scoobydude]

This is quite a common fault. Unfortunately it doesn't resolve itself. The best option is to have the stock system removed and then get an intellistart system or similar as an aftermarket job.

[ScoobieWRX]

Do these new alarms bypass the Sigma immobiliser completely? Do they use their own to disable the ignition system thereby not requiring the ignition on, press the button on the alarm keyfob if you don't start the car within 30s. Are they Cat1?

If so that's very appelaing

[Orangecurry]

ScoobieWRX said:

Do these new alarms bypass the Sigma immobiliser completely?

I don't see how they could not?
Unless there is a separate immobiliser with the 'unlocking code' in the key itself? If so, that has remained.

ScoobieWRX said:

Do they use their own to disable the ignition system thereby not requiring the ignition on, press the button on the alarm keyfob if you don't start the car within 30s.

I don't quite understand.
Pressing the button on the 213 unlocks the car, disarms the alarm and 'mobilises' the car.
If you don't open a door within 30secs, the 213 locks/immobilises and alarms the car again by itself.
If you open a door but don't start the engine within 30 secs, the immobiliser kicks in - with the ignition on, you just press the button once more to be mobilised.

That is just 'industry standard', probably a requirement of Cat1 approval?

ScoobieWRX said:

Are they Cat1?

The 213 was first approved Cat1 in May 2006, so it'll be a long time before it is dropped from the list.

Edited by Orangecurry on Monday 18th May 15:26

[adamfraser]

Might be a new Alarm Ecu time. Saying that though, on the right hand side of the wheel and down a bit, theres a pull out keypad. Your dealer should have a record of the 4 digit code that you enter to re-activate the alarm. Enter it once, and the alarm will start beeping. Enter it again, it will unlock, and you should be able to start the car.

But most likely Alarm Ecu. Quite a common fault ot be honest.

[ScoobieWRX]

Orangecurry said:

ScoobieWRX said:

Do these new alarms bypass the Sigma immobiliser completely?

I don't see how they could not?
Unless there is a separate immobiliser with the 'unlocking code' in the key itself? If so, that has remained.

ScoobieWRX said:

Do they use their own to disable the ignition system thereby not requiring the ignition on, press the button on the alarm keyfob if you don't start the car within 30s.

I don't quite understand.
Pressing the button on the 213 unlocks the car, disarms the alarm and 'mobilises' the car.
If you don't open a door within 30secs, the 213 locks/immobilises and alarms the car again by itself.
If you open a door but don't start the engine within 30 secs, the immobiliser kicks in - with the ignition on, you just press the button once more to be mobilised.

That is just 'industry standard', probably a requirement of Cat1 approval?

ScoobieWRX said:

Are they Cat1?

The 213 was first approved Cat1 in May 2006, so it'll be a long time before it is dropped from the list.

Edited by Orangecurry on Monday 18th May 15:26

you've answered my Q's....ta very much

[edar]

Just thought I'd let you know that the problem has been solved - the Subaru garage has re-programmed the keys at a cost of £63.00 . What they can't guarantee is it won't happen again . I've been told that taking the alarm out is not a straigh forward job as it's all intertwined to the Cat 1 system. I'll need to look into that more. But I will take your advice and replace the alarm with an aftermarket system eventually.

Having no car for three days is inconvenient in itself but having to borrow the OH's wheels has been a nightmare. I need a turbo.....

Thanks for all your help and suggestions