QuestionQUESTION: My 94 Lebaron recently quit running while driving due to the alarm malfunctioning and starved the engine of fuel what due I need to replace or how due I disarm the alarm I am sure it is the alarm malfunctioning
ANSWER: Hi Gene,
Fortunately the theft alarm on your '94 has a separate module which means you can disable it. In the latter half of the 90's the alarm became part of the body computer so that was not a possibility.
There is a self-diagnostic test that might help ID why the system is malfunctioning, like which switch is self-setting the alarm and then alarming it. So in theory it can be repaired. I will not dwell on that approach.
Rather the issue now is how to disarm and remove the system entirely. The basic rule is not to ever disconnect the system unless you have disarmed it and in fact you have the engine running when you unplug it. So keep that in mind because failure to have the engine running may well put you in a "hard" lock down which may mean a tow to a Chrysler dealer to cancel the situation.
The theft module is located above the glove box and thus requires that you remove the screws around the door opening so that the box can be dropped down which reveals the module on the bracket that runs transverse above the box.
Begin by removing the lower right instrument panel silencer at the lower edge. Then remove the glove box. Then remove the three screws that hold the bracket in place to lower down the module. You may also find the lamp outage module in-board from the theft module if you have that fearure.
Now to disarm the module, the usual way is to lock then unlock either front door. If the left door doesn't work, then try the right door. If that doesn't disarm it either, then locate the dark green/orange wire on pin 4 of the 21 pin natural color plug. Again do not unplug the module yet. Put a straight pin through the insulation of the wire so as to contact the inner conductor, and do the same thing to the 'grounding' black/light green wire on pin 5. Then touch the two pins together so that pin 4 is grounded by pin 5, then separate the two pins. That is doing exactly what the lock-unlock does with the door key. That should disarm the alarm. Then try to start the engine and if it starts, while it runs, pull the 21-pin plug and you are done with it. Reassemble the bracket, glove box, and underpanel pad.
Let me know how it goes, please.
Roland
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks a million for the disarm answer, however if you have time I would like to here the self-diagnostic test.
Thanks Again priceless info
AnswerHi Gene,
You are welcome.
A diagnostic mode is available in the system to verify operation of all monitored switches or circuits. To enter diagnostics, cycle the ignition key to the accessory position 3 times, leaving the key in this position.
Upon entering diagnositics, the park and tail lamps will begin flashing to verify their operation. In addition, the horn will sound twice to indicate that the trunk key cylinder is in its proper position. Returning the ignition to the OFF position will stop the lamps from flashing while keeping the system in diagnostics.
While in diagnostics mode, a horn pulse should occur at each of the following events indicating proper operation:
(1) Beginning with all doors closed, open then close each door. The horn will sound when the door ajar switch closes, and then again when the switch opens. There must be a 1 second delay between closing and opening the switch.
(2) Open, then close the hood. The horn will sound when the hood is opened, and again when it is closed.
(3) Activate the power door locks in both the lock and unlock directions. The horn will sound after each activation.
(4) Rotate the key in each of the door lock cylinders to the unlock position. The horn will sound as the switch closes, and again when it opens. There must be a 1 second delay bwtween changing switch states, or the horn will not sound.
(5) Cycle the key to the ignition RUN position. A single horn pulse will indicate proper operation of the ignition input. This will also take the module out of diagnostics mode. For any of these tests, if the switch does not remain open or closed for at least 1 second, the horn will only sound once.
The lack of a horn pulse, during any operation, indicates a switch failure, the lack of that input in the Vehicle Theft Security system module, or a failure internal to the module. Check for continuity at the switch, if this is good, check for an open or shorted wire between the switch and the alarm module.
Let me know how I can be of further help.
Roland
