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Electrical/alarm problem

Discussion in '348/355' started by Cqivchan, Nov 24, 2011.

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  1. Cqivchan

    Cqivchan Rookie

    Oct 13, 2011
    17
    #1 Cqivchan, Nov 24, 2011
    I recently purchased a 1991 348ts, and am enjoying it greatly. I have been benefiting by reading a great deal of good advice on this site. I have a new problem today, though, for which I am seeking advice. My car has a Clifford alarm, and until today, each time I turned the battery on to drive the car, the alarm would sound and I would press the I on the fob to disarm the system. Today was different. I went through the same scenario, but this time the parking lights and interior dome light came on, and stayed on. They are now on whenever the battery is connected. When I switch on the battery now, the alarm does not sound, and the remote door locks do not work. The car will start and drive normally.

    I suspect that I need to reset the Clifford (or throw it in the lake), but have no manual to give me such guidance. I also have no documentation to tell me what the model of the alarm is. That said, I believe it was probably installed when the car was delivered. The red light on the center console is similar to what I have heard from others on the board. Any leads will be appreciated! Thanks!

    Charlie
     
  2. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
    Consultant

    Nov 29, 2001
    13,586
    San Carlos, CA
    Full Name:
    Mitchell Le
    #2 yelcab, Nov 24, 2011
    Many alarm systems are put into a program mode when you cycle their power on off on off. I suspect the Clifford is now in a very confused state because you constanty turn it off and on by cutting its power.

    Go to an electronic shop and have them rip out the clifford and stay alarm less. If you want an alarm, try keeping a trickle charger connected and not turn off the battery like you did.
     
  3. sclja

    sclja Formula Junior
    BANNED

    May 23, 2004
    392
    San Diego Ca
    Full Name:
    Scott Cairncross
    #3 sclja, Nov 24, 2011
    Or if you want, you will probably find the clifford brain in the console below the radio and you can just unplug it as the ignition kill appears to be wired normally closed as the brain is locked up and the car still starts. This should take care of your battery drain and eliminate the brain dead clifford....

    Scott
     
  4. plugzit

    plugzit F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 1, 2004
    7,782
    Redondo Beach, CA
    Full Name:
    Bruce Bogart
    #4 plugzit, Nov 24, 2011
    Last edited: Nov 24, 2011
    Agree with Yelcab. Ditch the alarm. Stop disconnecting the battery. Every time you disconnect the battery, you need to let the Motronics reprogram by letting it idle forever. You have to wait too long to drive it. Welcome to Fchat and the 348 Brotherhood! Subscribe. Fill out your profile. Post pics of your car.
     
  5. Cqivchan

    Cqivchan Rookie

    Oct 13, 2011
    17
    #5 Cqivchan, Nov 26, 2011
    Thanks for the suggestions... I managed to get it to reset by cleaning a few contacts. I plan to have the system removed soon. Thanks again!
     
  6. jasperd

    jasperd Karting

    Sep 25, 2011
    206
    The Netherlands
    #6 jasperd, Nov 27, 2011
    see my posts in Q&A on starting issues.. I had a terrible running 348, but after removing the alarm it was troublefree.

    So remove it quickly and solder all connections back again.
     

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