Car Alarms: Alam System wont let car start, viper alarm system, valet mode


Question
QUESTION: I brought a 96 t-bird with a viper alarm system already installed.  The viper system is not working properly.  The remote will unlock the doors only.  Put the blue light still flashes inside the car like the system is activated.  I think the kill engine on the remote must be working too because the car will not crank.  The lights, horn everything is dead.  Do you think the viper system is the blame.  Everything was working good on mechanically on the car.  Can you help me deactivate the viper system.
ANSWER: "The lights, horn everything is dead. "

Have your battery load tested, it is not the alarm if these are the problems you are having.  The alarm will only disable the vehicle starter, not the rest of the problems you describe.

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

QUESTION: The auto parts store checked the battery and it tested good. He also stated that the alternator is probably good also since the battery checked out.  Is there anything else you can suggest?

Answer
You could disconnect the alarm, but I do not think that is your problem.  The problems you are describing other than the no start condition are not caused by the alarm.  If your starter cranks over then it is absolutely not the alarm, but if it does not crank it could be.  However with the additional problems you list I firmly believe your problem lies elsewhere and removing the alarm would just cause you more labor than needed.  If you head over to http://www.viper.com/Support/Guides/Default.aspx you can grab the owner's manual for your system which will describe how to put the system into valet mode.  Valet mode will completely disable all security features of the alarm allowing only the convenience features to function (ie door locks).  

Here is a generic how to on alarm removal:

Typically an alarm system would be installed on the driver's side interior of the vehicle.  This system would have been tapped into the ignition switch wiring running down from the key.  If you remove the dash panel(s) under the steering column you should be able to locate where the harness was added that goes to the alarm.  Disconnect each wire that was tapped in and insulate the factory wiring.  You will also see that at least one of the wires was cut, this is the vehicle starter wire that runs from the key to the starter.  This wire needs to be restored, I always recommend soldering all connections but crimp connectors should also work.  Make sure that you remove all connections to the alarm and that any wires that may be exposed are insulated and mounted in a way that they will not interfere with any moving parts and do not run the risk of shorting out.  Remember to take your time and follow each connection running from the brain of the system, leaving one wire connected that you are unsure of the function could cause problems in the future so be sure to remove every wire.

Again though, I think your problem lies elsewhere.  I would seriously look into checking ALL the vehicle's fuses and fusible links.