I've got a 97 Integra RS that won't start. When I got into the car tonight, the horn started blowing continuously and wouldn't quit(I had to pop my hood and pull the fuse, it was pouring rain at midnight so I'm sure my neighbors were as pleased as I was!). The dash lights started flashing as well, it was like I tripped an alarm. However, I've had this car for about 3 years and to my knowledge it doesn't have a security system (OEM or aftermarket). When I put the key in the ignition, it won't start but all the accessories work. I can turn on the radio, I can open and close the windows etc. There is a little red LED light on the left side of the dash below the vent that is flashing continuously. I've kind of tuned it out after all these years, but I think it just flashes when the car is turned off so as to act as a theft deterrent.

I've never seen or heard of this happening, and I tried the search function but came up empty. Has anyone experienced this problem? Is there an easy and cheap solution?

 

Hmmm. Try turning the key to the last position before the starter turns over for a couple seconds. Then turn it all the way off and watch for blinks on that light, or beeps, (or just wait a couple seconds) then try firing it up. My girlfriends car has a security system kind of like what you are describing. The whole alarm system is only triggered if you don't do a certain starting sequence..

 

I actually tried that tactic. The funny part is that everything works, so it's got to be a short somewhere. I can't figure it out.

 

Have you done any recent wiring?

 

I haven't done any wiring and the car is completely stock except for a swaybar and brake pads. There has been no engine work or electrical work done at all. It is just the weirdest thing! The dash lights all flash, the horn blows and the car won't start. When I try to start it, there is just this humming noise.

 

it wont start? well there has to be a kill switch there somewhere that doesnt belong...

 

sometimes the lgihts flash like that when the battery is dead...only happened to me once and happened to a friend once

 

hmm yeh this is a possibility

 

I found the culprit


My wife bought this car about 3 years ago before we were married. It came from a dealership, but the previous owner obviously installed an aftermarket alarm system and must not have passed on the remote(s) for it. I have no idea what finally made it go off, but I managed to remove it this morning and the car appears to be running fine now.

 

yah i figured it had to be something like that