Alarm on 1997 Legacy Outback: Can I remove it?

F

Franklin Bowen

Howdy,

Have a 1997 Legacy Outback wagon with (AFAIK) factory installed alarm
and keyless entry system. Unfortunately the alarm system has lost
it's mind somewhat. A few times a month the alarm goes off for no
reason. The dealership has taken a few wacks at it and we have tried
just using the keys manually but it seems to make no difference. My
wife now refuses to drive the car.

So, I have had enough and would like to remove the alarm system
entirely even if we lose the keyless entry in the process. But when I
asked the dealership they said it is not possible. It is tied into so
many systems that would no longer work. WTH? Could this be true?

Thanks. Any input/advice appreciated.

PS Sorry for the double-post, if you see the other one. I forgot that
a lot of news servers ignore/block posts from Google.
 
Howdy,

Have a 1997 Legacy Outback wagon with (AFAIK) factory installed alarm
and keyless entry system.  Unfortunately the alarm system has lost
it's mind somewhat.  A few times a month the alarm goes off for no
reason.  The dealership has taken a few wacks at it and we have tried
just using the keys manually but it seems to make no difference.  My
wife now refuses to drive the car.

So, I have had enough and would like to remove the alarm system
entirely even if we lose the keyless entry in the process.  But when I
asked the dealership they said it is not possible.  It is tied into so
many systems that would no longer work.  WTH?  Could this be true?

Thanks.  Any input/advice appreciated.

PS  Sorry for the double-post, if you see the other one.  I forgot that
a lot of news servers ignore/block posts from Google.

When the alarm activates, does it disable the car, or just make an
annoying noise? If it just an annoying noise, perhaps just removing
the speaker would suit yoru needs. If it does more, then I don't know
what to say.

Bill
 
Franklin said:
Howdy,

Have a 1997 Legacy Outback wagon with (AFAIK) factory installed alarm
and keyless entry system. Unfortunately the alarm system has lost
it's mind somewhat. A few times a month the alarm goes off for no
reason. The dealership has taken a few wacks at it and we have tried
just using the keys manually but it seems to make no difference. My
wife now refuses to drive the car.

So, I have had enough and would like to remove the alarm system
entirely even if we lose the keyless entry in the process. But when I
asked the dealership they said it is not possible. It is tied into so
many systems that would no longer work. WTH? Could this be true?

Thanks. Any input/advice appreciated.

PS Sorry for the double-post, if you see the other one. I forgot that
a lot of news servers ignore/block posts from Google.

Does it have its own horn? If so, just disconnect the horn. If it sounds
the car's horn then you need to find a different solution so the car horn
still works via the steering wheel.
 
weelliott said:
When the alarm activates, does it disable the car, or just make an
annoying noise? If it just an annoying noise, perhaps just removing
the speaker would suit yoru needs. If it does more, then I don't know
what to say.

Bill

It makes an annoying noise.

I just found out at lunch today that one of my co-workers can make my
alarm go off by pressing a button on his alarm remote! He has a newer
Chevrolet and a search of the group shows that at least one other poster
has experienced the same problem. No solution posted though. :-(

Franklin
 
Franklin said:
It makes an annoying noise.

I just found out at lunch today that one of my co-workers can make my
alarm go off by pressing a button on his alarm remote! He has a newer
Chevrolet and a search of the group shows that at least one other poster
has experienced the same problem. No solution posted though. :-(

Franklin

That sounds more like the "panic" mode is being triggered. If an unrelated
remote for a Chevy can trigger it might your "false alarms" be other GM
remotes fooling the system. Does your key dongle have a recessed red button
for panic? I wonder what would happen if you made sure that no other
remotes are programmed into your system and then re-trained for the
existing remotes.
 
That sounds more like the "panic" mode is being triggered. If an unrelated
remote for a Chevy can trigger it might your "false alarms" be other GM
remotes fooling the system. Does your key dongle have a recessed red button
for panic? I wonder what would happen if you made sure that no other
remotes are programmed into your system and then re-trained for the
existing remotes.

About 4-5-6 times ayear, one of my cars panic mode will go off -
usually when I am on the floor or reaching under a table or w'eve. I
think a coin or something in my pocket sets it off.

you could try checking around www.cars101.com to see if there is a way
to force your system to 're-learn' the remotes.

Carl
 
Thanks. Any input/advice appreciated.

My 1997 Legacy alarm system was often triggered by a General Motors
remote used nearby, usually in a parking lot. It didn't matter if my
alarm was activated or not. My friend, also with a '97, often had his
alarm go off in his garage. My thinking is that one of his neighbors
was using a remote to enter his own car. I never resolved my issue --
I sold the Legacy and bought a 2005 WRX -- but if I still had the '97
and it bugged me enough, I would try to locate and disable the alarm
annunciator.

While I have service PDFs for the WRX, I have none for the Legacy. I'd
search online for the '97 Legacy Wiring System PDF and look under
Security System. The PDF for the 2005 WRX shows a separate Security
Horn for the Security System, probably easy to locate and unplug at the
horn.

I realize they are two completely separate vehicles but this may point
you in the right direction.

--ben
 

Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments. After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.

Ask a Question

Similar Threads

Alarming 1
2003 Baja Remote/Alarm 0
Right turn signal sets off alarm! 0
Speed alarm 0
Where is the alarm module in a 03 Outback 0
Alarm averse! 0
1999 Forester alarm system failure 0
07' Impreza Alarms 0

Staff online

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
13,888
Messages
67,364
Members
7,363
Latest member
Mustangman35

Latest Threads

Back
Top