Alarm Problem - OK, so it's not an A2.....

Fiona

Member
United-Kingdom
Hi All,

This is a problem with my other halfs Allroad. We've tried a few other forums and they are RUBBISH! So I thought I'd ask you lot as you seem to know just about everything between you. Is that enough flattery to be able to keep the post, even though it's not A2? Please, pretty please?

Basically, the alarm keeps going off. Tried all the usual stuff, opening closing all the doors, bonnet, etc, turning off the interior sensor. But it still keeps happening. Then it will just stop for a few weeks, then it starts again! Took it to the garage, and of course they don't have a clue.

Any ideas?
 
Possible central convenience controller fault - hard to say though without a scan.

Don't suppose there has ever been any water in the footwells has there?

Cheers,

Mike
 
Hi Fiona
If the Allroad is 4 or 5 years old and not used every day, it could be the Alarm siren unit. This has a built-in backup battery which eventually stops holding its charge and can trigger the alarm. The first symptom on my car was for the alarm to beep a few times when I started the engine. This progressed to the alarm sporadically going off.

Cheers Spike
 
Hi Fiona,

Not wishing to be the bearer of bad news, but my previous Astra's alarm would sound sporadically to begin with and at first could be silenced with the key fob. Unfortunately, late one Sunday evening, I could not silence the alarm no matter what I did, (even with the ignition on, the alarm was sounding and the indicators flashing). My only option was to disconnect the battery, rendering the central locking useless, and leave it in the garage; (with the backup battery still causing the alarm to sound intermittently). I took the car to the Vauxhall dealer and parted company with a wedge of cash for a completely new unit.:( I sincerely hope that this is not the case for you, but I guess a complete failure of the unit itself is just as likely as anything else.

Cheers,

Darren
 
Thanks all, I knew you'd have some sensible answers, unlike Camberley Audi at first who said 'dunno'.

It is used Mon-Fri (Landy at the weekends!) and no, there hasn't been any water in the footwells, although some in the well under the spare wheel.

The bloke at Audi cleared the info that came up after diagnostic check, didn't make a note of it, then, of course the alarm didn't go off again, so couldn't see what was going on! Then charges £100 for the privilege.

I read on a very old post and in the manual somwhere to check the bonnet sensor, so when it starts again I'll probably get them to start there.
 
This one is an A2 Alarm Problem

Having the same problem - been into Guildford Audi 3 times now and have paid £300 odd for a new ECU - made no diffference. The main stealer says "that was definitely broken, but now you need a new rear windscreen" (apparently the diagnostic has detected a fault there).

I am wondering whether it is a simple siren (as per every other audi alarm thread I read).

The dealer says they cannot deactivate the alarm at all (as I requested). I am of the view they are simply having a laugh
 
If you are being told you need a new rear screen, ask them why - what's broken?

Chances are they're seeing a break in the heating element or aerial wires - both are very common and ususally intermittent - I know I've scanned my own car and seen both these faults, but nothing is actually wrong.

If push comes to shove and you're not under warranty, ask them how much and then ask them if they'll fit a screen you source yourself. If they will, I've currently got a boxed one in the garage - yours for £100 and from memory, they're about the £350 mark from a dealer.

Cheers,

Mike
 
Thanks Mike,

May need to take you up on that. They said a heating element was broken, but I am reasonably confident that's not it - the bottom part of the screen below the spoiler has never demisted effectively - I reckon I broke it long ago...

Bit concerned about labour charges to reseal it in too. The main stealer said they couldn't supply or fit, but would need a specialist in.

It should be possible to switch off the alarm functionality via VAGcom if I ask them to, should it not?

I could (in desperation) simply remove the central locking/interior lights (fuse 42, as I recall) but i'd then have no central locking; not ideal.

Regards,

Hugh
 
Not too sure about turning off the alarm functionality, but I think it's possible. If all else fails, then I've also got a spare alarm control unit here too - it's been modded to see if I could increase the volume by adding an external horn, but it still works.

Why not try Autoglass to see if they can fit a self-supplied screen.

Cheers,

Mike
 
Got it fixed now. Turned out to be a faulty bonnet sensor. We read somewhere that this would be the most likely one to 'pop' out, but the garage initially said no, then said yes on the second visit! Got charged for both visits, money grabbing *****.

It never ceases to amaze me, 9 times out of 10 we, the customer, diagnose the problem then they charge us to investigate just about everything else, then say, 'well actually madam, it is the....' the very bloody thing we told them it was in the first place!!! Rant, rave. etc
 
Fiona,

What's in a name?

I work with somebody called Fiona (who calls herself Fi) and she is as cynical as you!

You're both dead right though!!


Mike
 
Mike,

Not cynical about all humans just ones of the Audi breed, the new definition SHOULD read:
cynical |ˈsinikəl| adjective 1 believing that AUDI are motivated by self-interest; distrustful of AUDI sincerity or integrity

BTW, never understood why I put my user name as Fiona, only ever get called that when I'm in trouble! Usually Fi too.

From your name, are you one of those 'pesky 4x4ers'? Tearing up the countryside that God only ever intended ramblers to use? I certainly am, although very responsible - of course!
 
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