Car Alarms: Putting Impreza into Valet Mode, impreza outback sport, valet mode

Question
QUESTION: I recently purchased a 2005 Impreza Outback Sport. I didn't think it had an aftermarket security system, but now I'm beginning to wonder. The alarm system went off erratically a few times recently so I read my owners manual to learn more about it. The manual describes the "valet mode" which sounds like exactly what I want. I hate car alarms; they're always more trouble than they're worth, in my opinion. Anyway, the manual says to open the driver's door and hold the unlock button on the remote for more than two seconds, at which point the security light should start flashing at a faster rate. Except it doesn't. And that's when I noticed that my security light is not where the manual said it would be, namely on the display next to the ABS light, etc. Yes, I can see that there is an indicator there, but it never activates -- instead I have a little red light on the lower left dash, below the left heater vent and next to the fog-light activation button. I'm guessing this means I have an aftermarket system or some kind of upgrade. I poked around by the pedals and found a black box that has some wiring harness information on it and a sticker that says "Code Systems, Inc." on it.

So, any ideas how to get this thing into valet mode? I didn't see any obvious override toggles by the black box, but I'm not very vehicle/electronics savvy. I'd love to figure this out on my own if you can help me, rather than get dinged by the dealership.

ANSWER: Hmmm, code systems is Code Alarm/Audiovox.

Try using the LED in the dash as the valet override.
They were known to use combination button/LED's
in some of they're alartm systems.

Should be key on, press and hold in
valet button until you get a reponse
(should be 8 secs or less).

That should be override as I said.
If no joy, try my forum at www.INSTALLSUPPORT.com
to get some more eyes on this.

Good luck.

ALARMTEK



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ok, more info and developments. The dash indicator (blinking red light) is definitely not also a button. Just a light. I found the serial number "102059-3-CPLMM" on the black box down by the pedals. I called the Code Alarm technical support line and told the guy my problem. He looked it up by that number and told me that the way to put it into valet mode was by turning the ignition on and off three times in a row (which is a solution to some car alarms that I've seen on other forums). I tried this, but no success. Is there a trick to this? Do I need to remove the key entirely each time I shut it off? Should I only turn it back to the accessory ignition setting? Something like that? I tried a few combinations, but never got any response from the dash indicator. Just to test, I hit the lock button on the remote and sure enough, it went to regular armed status. Is it possible that it was incorrectly installed?

Answer
You talked to the one tech who would know the variables
on this one, so, I would defer to his knowledge
and advice.

Sure it's possible that it was installed wrong.
But likely as not, it has an electronic issue inside
the brain, and should be repaired or replaced.
Again, back to Code for that too.

I hope you can get this sorted out.

Can also try my forum at INSTALLSUPPOT.com
and get some more eyes on this if you like.

A.