Factory Alarm goes off when opening door with key

[Ether]

I've got a 92 with the factory alarm and keyless entry system. About a month ago my keyless entry remote died (no its not the batteries, tried that, something is wrong with the remote). So I attempted to get a new remote but found out that Acura no longer produces extra remotes, thats what Basch Acura and Acura of Tempe both told me. So I just accepted the fact that I would just have to open the door with my key manually, but every once in a while when I open the driver door with my key, the alarm will go off. I've found out that when the alarm is going off, I can go to the passenger side, and unlock the passenger door and that de-activates the alarm. It has happened when I unlocked my trunk with my key once also. What I am wondering is if anyone had this problem or knows what is going on or how to fix it.

Or also, is there any electritions on the board that would be willing for me to ship them my remote to try and fix it?

 

[Viper Driver]

I had the exact same problem with my '91. There is a TSB out on this...

http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Troubleshooting/antitheft-keyless.htm

Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #93-007, "Unlocking the Door Sets Off the Security Alarm"
The factory alarm should not be set off by unlocking either door with the key. The TSB describes a problem caused by corrosion of the contacts of the anti-theft door lock switch, along with a 1.7 hour per door procedure for replacing it. The parts required are (left switch) 72154-SL0-A01 and/or (right switch) 72114-SL0-A01 along with 72137-SS0-001 (clip). Service Bulletin # 93-007 is a little involved because you have to take apart an electrical connector and if you don't have the little tools you could mess something up.

I had the NSX Tech at the local dealer fix mine. I don't remember how much it cost, but it wasn't super expensive (less than $500)

Hope this helps!

 

[Ether]

I had the exact same problem with my '91. There is a TSB out on this...

http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Troubleshooting/antitheft-keyless.htm



I had the NSX Tech at the local dealer fix mine. I don't remember how much it cost, but it wasn't super expensive (less than $500)

Hope this helps!

Awesome, I didn't know that, thanks.

Now, does anyone have any leads on someone who can possibly fix a remote?

 

[DonDavis]

Syonara, it might also be the contact points inside the door lock itself which arm the alarm system with the key when you turn it. They're notorious for corroding and causing this problem. I had the same problem with my '91 until I got in there and cleaned them, tweaked them, then sealed them back up. You can also replace them for something in the neighborhood of $80/each, but it's an easy fix if you're handy and don't mind getting inside the doors. (Way inside.)

Try a search on "contacts" and "locks" and it should turn something up...

Don

 

[Larry Bastanza]

I have had this problem on multiple cars, followed the TSB as ViperDriver recommends, replaced the switch, and all is well. The switch in the door sends a signal to the alarm system telling it the key has open the door legitimately.

Be prepared for a long afternoon getting the door apart if it is your first time, and pay strict attention to the service manual for the rear sash removal. If the adjustment is upset for the window alignment it may take you into the evening. Also be very careful removing the rear sash as it is close to the door paint, as well as being careful when you remove the sash from the outer upper trim

Please do not go into the door just removing bolts, until you have read the manual, you will need to count turns when removing the adjustment bolts, so you can return them to the same position.

HTH,
LarryB

 

[Ether]

Thanks guys ... sounds like a tough job, maybe I'll let a pro handle this.

 

[sjones]

Mark at Daliracing.com sent me a replacement remote.
If I remember correctly all i had to do was give him the
serial number off of my security control box in the car,
my vin #, and the serial number on the back of one of my remotes and I had a brand new replacement with a leather case in a few weeks.

 

[jlindy]

You might consider that for the same cost you can upgrade the alarm and keyless entry with a better system that has shock sensors, trunk release, etc. You don't even have to cut any wires to do this too. The factory alarms are kind of crappy. (more like outdated)

 

[Ether]

Mark at Daliracing.com sent me a replacement remote.
If I remember correctly all i had to do was give him the
serial number off of my security control box in the car,
my vin #, and the serial number on the back of one of my remotes and I had a brand new replacement with a leather case in a few weeks.

Was this recently or a long time ago? I was told Acura no longer makes replacement remotes for the old remote design.

 

[Ether]

You might consider that for the same cost you can upgrade the alarm and keyless entry with a better system that has shock sensors, trunk release, etc. You don't even have to cut any wires to do this too. The factory alarms are kind of crappy. (more like outdated)

Cool, I definitely do not want any wires cut, any suggestions on a particular system?

 

[sjones]

Was this recently or a long time ago? I was told Acura no longer makes replacement remotes for the old remote design.

This was about a month ago. The cost of the remote was only $75

 

[jlindy]

Cool, I definitely do not want any wires cut, any suggestions on a particular system?

Vipers are usually very good, but I have heard there are others that are just as good that you don't have to pay extra just because of the viper name. Do a search and see what others suggest.

 

[Meeyatch1]

My '91 NSX used to do this all the time, and my '94 has done it twice I think. Easy to fix.

 

[drew]

The Acura alarm, or at least the remotes, are made by Kenwood. Talk to them.

I highly recommend CrimeStopper for alarms.

ALWAYS get the "Normally Open" cut relay. Anything less and you might as well flush your money down the toilet.

Of course, "normally closed" is about 99% of the crap out there.

Drew

/used to install alarms and stereos while in college. Not just any systems---ones where we take your car for SIX MONTHS, rip out the interior and rebuild it for sound and security.

 

[jlindy]

The Acura alarm, or at least the remotes, are made by Kenwood. Talk to them.

I highly recommend CrimeStopper for alarms.

ALWAYS get the "Normally Open" cut relay. Anything less and you might as well flush your money down the toilet.

Of course, "normally closed" is about 99% of the crap out there.

Drew

/used to install alarms and stereos while in college. Not just any systems---ones where we take your car for SIX MONTHS, rip out the interior and rebuild it for sound and security.

Please educate me on the differences/

 

[drew]

Normally closed: this is where the relay "wants to be closed" or make constant contact. This circuit is complete, so if power is lost---<b>like simply pulling the fuse out of the alarm</b>---the car will start and drive just like it always does.

Normaly Open: where the at rest position of the relay is "open" the circuit is not complete. The alarm has to give positive action and energize the relay to complete the circuit. Pulling the fuse, cycling battery power and telepathy will do nothing to help start or fuel the car.

Most places will NOT install NO alarms. Too much liability because you will become stranded if the install is botched and/or the alarm is not happy. SOP is to install a bypass switch in a discreet location to complete the circuit.

Since most alarms main boards are installed on the driver side of the car, anybody (and I mean ANYBODY) can locate the alarm fuse in a minute or two (were talking destructive action to find the target). Placing the alarm on the driver side facilitates install greatly and also facilitates defeating it even quicker. Bogus!

Is this all really necessary? The odds that your car will be a target of a stranger theft is very low to begin with. So probably not.

Only one of my installs was a target of a an attempted theft, this car even had the added protection of The Club too (the owner wanted to just plain discourage in the first place). The guy forced the lock, probably with a screwdriver, opened the door and caused the DUAL horns to go off (one secreted in a fender and one on the grill). This guy took the time to locate and clip both wires (making the car quiet). He then went to the trouble of locating the alarm which I had installed on the passenger side of the dash and pulled the fuse. He yanked the ignition cylinder and *finally* abandoned the car when it wouldn't remain running (no fuel pump due to the N.O. relay). This entire action sequence was done in a busy gym parking lot. Caused a couple of thousand dollars in damage and tow truck ride home..

Drewism's for alarm installs:
1. Always use N.O. relays (otherwise don't even bother installing an alarm).
2. Never install the main board on driver side for any reason. Recommend in backseat area (inside the rear quarter panel is good) or on the passenger side of the dash.
3. Never install noisemakers of any kind. They just make noise and nobody cares....well nobody cares except your neighbors on some day you're not home. I don't even bother installing motion sensors either.
4. Do wire the doors, hood, trunk and install switch pads on the flooring. Limits the false alarms greatly and you gotta get into the car to steal it. Flashing corner lights are nice to find your car when your GF takes you to a mall and it is a visual cue that all is OK (or not) with your car.
5. Solder and seal whenever possible.

Remember: if the alarm cut relay is Normally Closed: it is your basic consumer junk. I don't care what name is on it and I've done quite a bit of installs and you could say that "I'm in the business" so to speak...so I really do know what I'm talking about.

Drew
/doesn't even install alarms my cars anymore. Just too darn busy with Real Life nowadays.

If anybody cares I have a brand new older Crimestopper N.O. system with remote start and all that. It has quite the harness of wires and will take you hours to install (another reason not to take your car to Circus City or even Frys--they just won't do it) and you'll have to have a wiring manual for your car. The number of things you have to hook up is almost endless. I'll figure out a price if somebody is interested in a complicated and awesome alarm.