Questionmy 1999 sebring had the alarm to go off after being set with the remote. I unlocked the car with the ignition key but since I did that the car cannot be started. I have tried everything even a new battery and the car will not start. please help asap my car has been out of commision now for 3 weeks!
AnswerHi Ona Maria,
I am not highly knowledgeable about the Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS), but have you closed the car up as if you were trying to set the system (close the passenger door lock via the power lock switch on the inside of the driver door, then close the driver door) and then try to open it via the remote keyless entry?
If that doesn't clear the no start, then I would call a Chrysler dealer and ask for help. For example it may be possible to remove the powertrain control module, which is an electrical unit near the battery with two 40-pin plugs which can be removed and then the module de-mounted, and then the module brought to the dealer for re-programming to remove the start-defeat condition. Other than that, it may be necessary to have the car towed to a dealer who has the Diagnostic Readout Box analytical tool which can be used to reprogram the the powertrain control module while it is in the car. That tool also allows for the analysis of the system to find why the disarming of the system has not been effective even though you used the remote keyless entry.
Aside from that, I can't tell you anything else that you can do. The post-alarm situation has not been 'cleared' and that is what is preventing the starting of the engine. Interestingly, changing the battery while the system us armed will also set off the alarm to shut down the car from starting. But there is one more thing to try:
Finally, there may be a diagnostic self-test you can run on the system, at least this was so in the mid-90's and it may help localize the cause of the problem if it involves one of the other parts of the system.
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.
Try that and see if you can find out a component that may be bad which can then be replaced.
Please let me know how you resolve this.
Roland
