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[Mack]

Hi All,

I've got a 2002 3.2 Elite that has an annoying problem. Occassionally, on starting, the power sounder alarm goes not (i.e. not the car alarm but the self powered alarm that triggers when the supply to the battery is interupted).

It seems that if the car has just been unlocked from the deadlocked state then this alarm is disabled briefly as it never goes off if you open the doors and start the engine straight away. This is not really practical when putting kids and shopping etc. in the car hence the alarm normally triggers in the most embarrassing places (petrol stations, quiet rural places, school picking up time). Of course the car can be deadlocked and unlocked again once everyone is in but Vauxhall doesn't recommend this as you can't get out if the key fails

It's under Network Q but the local VX garage has admitted defeat (they have done lots of other things under the warranty but can't resolve this one). They also say they can't disable the alarm as 'this is not possible and would cause other problems'. Disabling the siren would be a good thing, as this alarm does not immobilise the car or anything.

Anyone had a similar experience or know if this alarm can be disabled without the car complaining about it?

Great car though (apart from the fear I'm going to look an idiot everytime I start it)......

Cheers.

[Jimbob]

Are you using the key to open the doors or the remote button on the fob?

[Mack]

The remote button. Don't ever use the key to unlock the doors.

I thought if the key was used the car alarm might go off, but that shouldn't trigger the power sounder?

I see from a post further on that someone has disconnected the powersounder, so if you could advise the best way to do this?!

[Richard A]

Pulled the plug off my Power Sounder 12 months / 20,000 miles ago - no problems since. Located beneath scuttle drivers side, just disconnect the connector. It is better to replace the whole unit which includes battery pack, the sounder is going off to warn you the batteries are low on power, sealed unit, very difficult to replace.

[Dazzler]

Have they actually replaced the powersounder yet under the warrenty?

[markey mark]

if its under warranty get them to fit a new unit bud ! how is the main car battery could be the load when starting car is pulling battery down and making the alarm think its been disconected ??  

[Dazzler]

if its under warranty get them to fit a new unit bud ! how is the main car battery could be the load when starting car is pulling battery down and making the alarm think its been disconected ??  

Good point

[Mack]

They reckon that the battery is fine, don't know if they've replaced the powersounder though, as they don't bother to document anything they do under Network Q and the guys at the desk are often a bit vague about the details (or make stuff up if they don't know).

It's been to them about 4 times and each time they've looked at it. The last time they said they went through it whilst on the phone to the Vauxhall tech guys and couldn't find anything. It's probably a dodgy earth, I reckon, and when the starter motor pulls the amount of load it needs to turn over the engine, the current drops low enough to trigger the sounder. This could happen even if the sounder and battery are fine, I guess.

So I might just unplug it if that doesn't affect anything else. When you say under the 'scuttle' do you mean the section under the windscreen (not a term I'm familiar with, sorry if I'm dumb!). I had a look around there but guess I'd have to remove the cover to see anything (and it was dark so didn't bother too much). Unless they moved it for the later cars.

Having re-read the manual (I know, I know) apparently turning the ignition on and off also disables the powersounder for 15 seconds so this might be better than locking and unlocking anyway.....

Cheers for the help, excellent as always. It's always good to keep an eye on the forum to see what's going on even when I don't have problems!

[Tafty]

if its under warranty get them to fit a new unit bud ! how is the main car battery could be the load when starting car is pulling battery down and making the alarm think its been disconected ??  

Would take it back to them and as Mark says ^^^^^ above - would get them to replace the power sounder and the battery under warranty - get them to check the battery in your presence so you know for sure.  Would also get them to document what they have actually done to it - could cause you issues once warranty has run out. Sods law and etc etc

If it's causing you grief I would bring my kids into the argument as in Health and safety regarding having to lock and unlock as you say with them inside - would also hint that they and everyone who lives close are being woken at stupid o'clock in the morning and is becoming a major headache.

[Dazzler]

Don't give up with them, keep at it, thats what the wareenty is for. You can always take it to another Vauxhall garage.

[ricardo1500]

Removing the power sounder may not be the answer....I did that when its internal batteries went low and now my horn doesnt sound either when the alarm goea off...only the hazards flash...so stick with the warranty idea and make them fix it...its down to them not you.

[Dazzler]

Removing the power sounder may not be the answer....I did that when its internal batteries went low and now my horn doesnt sound either when the alarm goea off...only the hazards flash...so stick with the warranty idea and make them fix it...its down to them not you.

Exactlly

[davlad22]

They can get real $hitty when requesting work like this to be done. They would state that technically, the alarm isn't required for the vehicle to run mechanically. Just like dodgy heated seats, knackered radios etc. They will state that it's only problems/faults that prevent the car from moving that are covered. Who knows, they may surprise us all and offer you some fantastic service  

[Kevin Wood]

The least they could do is plug a Tech 2 in and see what the alarm is complaining about...  

Kevin

[Mack]

They have used tech 2 on a couple of occasions. I think this lead them to replace a door switch and one of the internal movement sensors - this may have reduced the frequency for a while. Last time I took it in there should have been some error codes but they didn't seem to think that gave them any further clues.

I might take the advice of going to a different VX garage who aren't bored of the problem though, good idea.

This car has had a bit of a slow start for me, I have a 2.5V6 before which was superb. This one has also had a wheel bearing problem which made a bit of noise and caused the car to tramline somewhat. Bit disconcerting because they are not slow. All fixed by VX though and superbly smooth and quiet now, as it should be. Still, hoping to sort everything out before Network Q expires in Dec. Don't worry, I have had my money's worth from the warranty!!

Thanks again for all the help.