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Followup To
Question -
This GLS has a problem with the alarm where no matter locked or unlocked, the alarm system is "armed." Of course, when it is on, the car won't start. I have found that if I turn the lock to the unlock position and hold it there the alarm goes off and the car car be started. So now I am carrying two keys. One for the door lock and the second for the ignition.
The car has been great, but at 10 years old and almost 150,000 miles, I really don't want to spend a hole lot of $$ to get this fixed. I'd just as well disable the alarm system permanently.
Any ideas on what I can do? I'm pretty technically savvy.
Answer -
Usually the door latch-lock goes bad. Or possibly the door handle lock cylinder is not engaging the latch. Check both. The latch is the most likely culpret. You will have to remove the door panel to access it. I am Max's German Car located at 15020 Oxnard st Van nuys CA 91411.
Follow-up -
Thanks Max. Yesterday afternoon, I pulled off the door panel and took out the door handle with the lock (where the key goes) and looked everything over. I thought there might be a short or loose wire but didn't see anything. Then I used a screwdriver to lock/unlock the car several times, but that didn't seem to make any difference unless the little "slot" in the latch mechanism was "just so." I am suspicious that the latch mechanism (that contains all the electric connections for the windows, locks and alarm) is just worn . Just for kicks, I gave the entire mechanism a good shot of WD40 and re-assembled everything. By the time I got done, the alarm problem was mysteriously gone. Perhaps I loostened up some parts or something. If it happens again, I'll plan on replacing the latch itself per your suggestion. By the way, anyway of just disabling the alarm altogether?
Thanks again!
AnswerBad idea to disable the alarm. The alarm is connected to many different electrical systems. There is no telling what harm will be done or what other systems you will disable by taking out the alarm. Engineers spent many years designing this car. Just leave the car the way they built it. And fix it to their specifications.
