Alarm problems

[scimitarjohn]

We have a 53 reg 406 HDI, whether I lock the car or not on leaving it, after just over a minute the headlamps come on and then the alarm sounds (or at least tries to as there's a regular thumping noise from where the sounder is so I assume it's just not well) the alarm will reset each time the door is opened and shut and then repeat it's performance. One rather odd thing is that I can stop the alarm from activating by switching the radio on after removing the ignition key! Anyone any ideas, help or information, my local auto electricians best was to just deactivate the alarm system, but there must be some way of finding what the cause is.

[GingerMagic]

Hi chap - welcome to the forum.

I would first suggest a BSI reset, following the 3 minute rule, then maybe check the passenger foot well for water - Peugeot thought it would be a good place to put the important electrical connectors...

[scimitarjohn]

Thanks for your welcome and reply.
Hate to show my ignorance but can you elaborate on 'BSI reset, following the 3 minute rule'
Cheers John

[GingerMagic]

No worries, check this out.

viewtopic.php?f=10&t=10968&p=97438&hili ... set#p97438

The BSI reset is a way of kinda blowing the cobwebs from the cars brain. The BSI tells which ECU to do which task at a certain time, often many ECUs together, so it needs a reset when gremlins get in the electrics.

Please stick to the 3 minutes though - I wait nearer 5 mins to let the BSI / ECUs go to sleep before doing the battery.

[scimitarjohn]

Many thanks, sounds a bit scary but may just give it a go.

[jonsowman]

You'll be fine as long as you follow the instructions to the letter. When it says "make sure all equipment is off", make double sure. Including radio, lights, wipers, all doors properly shut. Anything left on will keep the BSI awake.

[GingerMagic]

Its not scary, its just a bit long winded.

At times I have just unplugged my battery and sorted stuff before I even knew about the reset procedure, I guess I was lucky.

The main reason to wait is you ' could ' have an immobiliser fault if you don't wait the 3 minutes.....

[scimitarjohn]

Many thanks for all your help but what is in some ways is the very worst has happened and the problem has gone away. Let's just hope it doesn't come back to bite us on the bum!
Cheers John