Chrysler Repair: Chrysler alarm system, chrysler cirrus, manual roland

Question
Chrysler Cirrus 1996 with Alarm System. We no longer have the keyless entry remote. Occasionally
usually in the middle of the night the alarm will go off for no reason. We have to unlock the car for the alarm to stop. Any ideas how to fix?
Is there a way to disarm the alarm?

Thanks
Tom


Answer
Hi Tom,
I don't have a specific suggestion on fixing the alarm system so that it doesn't go off for no reason, although as I recall if you close and lock the doors using the internal lock controls (rocker or other "lock" device) rather than the key to lock the doors, then I believe the alarm may not be armed (but I am not certain this is the case for '96 and later vehicles). I know that for '95 and earlier cars there is a way to disarm the alarm for good. You need to find the vehicle theft system module, which is a rectangular box that has a 21-wire "natural" electrical connector...the module thru '95 was found in the dash, hidden behind the glove box (which required that you remove the box, held in by screws) in order to get at it. Once you have identified the module by its connector pin number and color it is of the utmost importance that you do not pull the connector from its socket UNLESS the engine is running. If you fail to do this the module and engine controller will treat the unplug as if you were a thief and thus disable the engine from starting! Restoring the engine controller to normal may require a special tool (see below). So count the number of wires on the plug including any blank positions and if you get 21 and the color of the plug is "natural" (natural plastic, I guess, whatever that means) then you have found the module.
I am contemplating buying a troubleshooting manual for this system in light of the frequency that I receive questions about it. Usually these procedures involve the use of a special test tool called a diagnostic readout box, but there may be some routines that do not require that. I will let you know if I get the manual.
Roland