Car Alarms: factory alarm, nissan pathfinder, alarmtek

Question
QUESTION: When i insert the key and just begin to turn it to the right the alarm sets off (note this is BEFORE i open the door).  

the local dealership wants $135 just to diagnose the problem. It cannot be the sensor button that controls interior lights as the alarm goes off before the door is opened. Moreover, i pulled the rubber boot off and even though it appeared completely clean, I wiped it down.

it does not seem to be the key because the ignition still turns on. however, i have noted i can rarely turn the key to the left in the door lock. so, i suspect the problem lies with the door lock. whether the lock needs repaired/replaced or the key no longer has a crisp enough edges i do not know.

As I am not currently employed I need to get this right the first time. That said, would you care to hazard a guess?

THANK YOU!

Sandy

ANSWER: Make, model & year of the vehicle?

Please be more descriptive if possible.

"GOING OFF?"

I need to determine whether it's a factory alarm
issue or, if it's an aftermarket system you are
dealing with.

Is it: Headlights flashing, car horn honking
and a worded SECURITY" light in the dash flashing?
(doubtfull since none of the notes show this
car as having a factory alarm system)=FACTORY

Or,

is it: flashing parking lights,
an LED in the dash area, and a siren
going off?= AFTER MARKET

Let me know more on this to better
advise you on a course of action
to take.

Best Regards,

Robert Martin
CEO/ALARMTEK
CARALARMMAN.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: My mistake.

2001 Nissan Pathfinder LE. The headlights flash and horn goes off. There is a red (LED) light, marked "security", built into the dash to the left of the steering column. It flashes when the alarm is set.

Thank you!

Sandy

Answer
Likely to be a bad door trigger sensor, or a broken
connection at the drivers side door switch.

Have the Nissan tech look at the driver lock mechanism
first, then any door / hatch trigger.

Most all factory alarms detect battery drain, and it's through
those trigger points that the alarm reports a breach.

I'd start by inspecting that and the alernator or battery
systems.

A.