wesssy

Okay, so I got a used 1997 Integra recently, everything is stock. The radio wasn't working because the radio code was entered wrong too many times (it showed Err 3 on the display). I called Honda and got the right radio code. Now to get rid of "Err-3" on the display, I just unhooked the black wire from the car battery for 1 minute, and then I hooked it back on tight with a wrench.

This is where the problem started happening -- as soon as the black wire went back on the terminal, my blinker lights started blinking on/off, as if I had the emergency button pushed, with the blinking sound too. Most of the lights in the dashboard are all on: SRS, seatbelt, car doors, etc. I see the clock and radio blinking dim/bright. One more thing I noticed is the red security light by the handbrake; it blinks 5 times, stops for a bit, and repeats. Despite of all this, I put my key in the ignition and turned it all the way to start the engine... but it wouldn't start and it didn't even make the starter noise!

I couldn't start the car, so I just closed the doors. After 10 seconds or so, the lights and everything turned off and stopped blinking. I went online to try to google the problem, but found no solutions. I finally decided to post my problem on this forum and maybe you guys can help me.

What could it be? Is it my alarm system locking the car up? Note, I don't have a car alarm remote; I stick the key in the door to manually lock/unlock the car. Is something wrong with the starter? Fuse? I really don't know much about cars, but I really want to fix it. I do have good news though: the radio code worked and my radio is fully functional!

eclipsedsundown

Is it an after market alarm, or factory alarm. This does sound to me like an alarm interference.

dj211855

kill switch!!!

wesssy

Alright, great news! I was looking for the alarm to disconnect, but found a small button under the dash next to the fuses! I just had to hold it down while I turned the key, and the engine started! Everything is fine and working now. Thanks for your help guys.

Here's a pic of the button... is it called the valet switch? or kill switch? and is it stock? or is is aftermarket?


It was this site that made me look for the button:
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Car-Alarm...-car-alarm.htm

Hidenplanvew

Its the Alarm if you dond have the FOB I would say unwire it

eclipsedsundown

Thats an after market kit, My Python has the same setup, but a lot of alarms have that switch. If you don't have the keyless entry than yeah I would unwire it too. You might want to call a shop or cartoys and see if you can get a universal remote.

wesssy

Oooh thanks. How can I find out what brand the alarm is in my car? I would like to get a matching remote for the alarm system. Hmm makes me wonder if the original owner of the car still has the remote... if they do that means they can unlock the car if they see it around the city...

and Btw, doesn't that switch make it really easy for anyone to start the engine if they break into the car?

fcm

As mentioned, it is an aftermarket alarm, the button is the, [hidden] valet/program switch.

You will have to find the alarm brain, [fallow the leads of the valet/program switch] to get a make and model, so you can get new remotes.

Untill you get new remotes and program them in, whoever has your remote(s) can get into your car, maybe they even have a key.

If I just got a used Integra without the remotes for the alarm, I would get new remotes and program them, I would also change out all the locks and ign. switch key cylinders.

Depending on what kind of alarm it is, [make and model] I would maybe replace it. at the very least I would reinstall it properly, it would be too easy for even an armature crook to bypass. 94

wesssy

Cool, thanks for your post. Yeah I am scared to park the car too far away from me. I will take your advice and get new remotes. Hopefully the alarm in the car is a good one that uses one of those remotes with a screen. and if it has auto start that will be even more awesome. :D

PacMann75

My car is doing the same thing but mine doesn't have that switch.... its a python alarm I know that and I have the remote I just have no idea how it works. Or if thats making the car not start