'99 Forester alarm went whacko

[Ed Maier]

Sometimes it works; sometimes it doesn't. The problem
is in the unit itself; not the remotes. Sometimes it
triggers itself. Sometimes it will trigger from my
leaf blower. Sometimes the electric edger will trigger
it. Sometimes someone else's remote (not Subaru) will
trigger it. (The alarm was installed at the dealer
and is a Subaru alarm.) Sometimes the garage door
opener will trigger it. Sometimes *nothing* will
trigger it, including the remotes. (Replaced batteries
in the remotes and reprogrammed them about a year ago.)
This problem started last month. Seems to be getting
worse with time.

First question: The 12V car battery is original
equipment, i.e., more than four years old. It cranks
the engine okay, but if it has a marginal cell in
it that causes low no-load voltage, could that be
the cause of the problem?

Second question: What else might cause the problem?
I'm trying to avoid replacing the unit because of cost.

Many thanks,
Ed Maier
Arlington, TX

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Hey Ed,
I'm in Arlington too. First time Subaru owner '03 OBW H6 3.0 .
Generally, a battery in Texas is doing good to last more thatn 3 years
and you may have a point. If you go to Autozone whne they are less busy,
they can put a load box and other gear on the the batt and check for
dead cells, the charging cicuit,etc. By now you could also have some
deposits built up on the trminals and removing/cleaning them may be a
good idea as there can be some voltage dropped across them. If the edger
will really do as you say, maybe you can demonstrate that to the
mechanic and 'get their attention'. Seems to be necessary nowadays to
get anyone interested in a problem.
good luck and let us know what happens OK?

Carl
1 Lucky Texan