Car Alarms: 96 Accord w/Chapman Security System, butt connector, fuse holders

Question
I have a one-owner 1996 Honda Accord purchased with an add-on Chapman security system.  It is an electronic door locking system with remote lock/unlock.  I did not get the alarm part.  It also has the starter disabling feature.  It began making a loud screetchy noise a couple years ago which progressively got worse.  The Honda dealer said it would take $200 or so per door to fix and they would have to refer me to someone else for the work. I let it go and now the car doesn't start.  I'm guessing the battery went dead from the Chapman system being "shorted out" or something.  I would appreciate your thoughts and suggestions.  Thanks, Bill

Answer
If the system was installed the way I do them(and most installers I know) then the starter disable is wired in a normally closed type circuit.  If the system is faulty and it is keeping this circuit open, it is also using power.  This power drain would definitely kill your battery over time.  What I would suggest is to take down the dash panel under the steering column, find the wires that are tapped in, follow them back to the fuse holders and remove the fuse(s).  This will permanently disable the system and should return the ability to start the vehicle with the key.

If the starter kill was wired in a normally open configuration then in that same harness find the wire that was cut (Black/White in a 96 Accord) and restore it, soldering it is the best way, but a butt-connector will suffice.

As far as the 'loud screechy noise', are you saying the door lock actuators are making this noise?  If they are, you can pick up actuators reasonably inexpensive and replace them yourself.  The factory Honda actuators will be more money, but easier to install.  After market actuators are less than $20. each but are a little more difficult to install.