Freakshow: Alarm sounds when unlocked using key fob

[Qyota]

Just started happening today. I go to unlock my truck by pushing the unlock button on my key fob (system is the factory installed one), and the alarm sounds...as if I had hit the panic button. The only way to stop the alarm is to insert and turn the key in the ignition.

OK, I thought. I just happened to hit the panic button...no big deal. Then it happened twice more this evening. I hit the unlock button like normal, and the alarm goes off!

The only idea I have is that I washed the truck about 4 days ago. Since then it has been bitterly cold (10-15 below). The driver door key does not turn the lock...so it's either frozen or broken. I hit it with a hair dryer for 5 minutes, but it didn't budge. I'll try some lock de-icer tomorrow, or maybe just straight alcohol. Could a frozen lock cause this? The rod itself moves up and down normally...but the key cylinder does not turn.

Help! I'm a freakshow in every parking lot! :biggrin2:

 

[Nelsonmd]

disconnect the horn (alarm horn if it doesn't use the stock horn). The alarm will still go off, but it won't make any sound.

 

[Qyota]

That's a great long-term solution, Nelson!

It does use the horns...so disconnecting them isn't the best option. I did consider it though...as I rarely use the horn.

 

[Nelsonmd]

That's a great long-term solution, Nelson!

It does use the horns...so disconnecting them isn't the best option. I did consider it though...as I rarely use the horn.

Yeah, the horn is pretty optional. I had to do this on a friend's car because the battery was dead and every time I hooked up jumpers, the alarm went off.

If it is just the factory alarms, then it is so cake to unplug them.

 

[Qyota]

Factory alarm is tied into the immobilizer circuitry, I believe. This is not one of the dealer add-on RS systems. Not so easy to unplug...or I'd just do that in the short term.

Since this is just such a freak thing, I'm going to assume it's due to a frozen door key cylinder, and that everything will be OK when it warms up a tad. Maybe I'll take that door handle apart and see if I can lube the cylinder.

 

[trailhead98]

This has happened to me before...a few times actually. These factory alarm systems are so screwy. Ended up disconnecting the battery one time...but yeah i know the feeling of looking stupid while your alarm is going crazy.

 

[Qyota]

Thanks for the tip. I don't know what "fixed" it, but I disconnected the battery and cleaned the terminals. I couldn't get it to freak out after several tests.

However, my key still will not turn the driver door lock. I see that this model has the "electromagnetic" door locks, so I wonder if that little devil pooped out on me. Which probably means I'd need a whole new actuator setup ($130), new transponder keys ($40/ea.), a re-flash of the ECU/immobilizer circuit ($200). Fack that! As long as the fob works, I'm fine. Plus the key works in the passenger door...so that's option #2.

 

[Qyota]

Not fixed. Bummer. In my testing, I think I didn't wait for the system to arm before unlocking it. I found that if I unlock it (using the fob) shortly after locking it, the alarm doesn't go off (because it takes about 20-30 seconds for the system to "arm" itself).

So, the problem persists. In the meantime I've removed the horn fuse. Unfortunately that also renders my hazard lights inoperable.

Gotta get this fixed.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Not fixed. Bummer. In my testing, I think I didn't wait for the system to arm before unlocking it. I found that if I unlock it (using the fob) shortly after locking it, the alarm doesn't go off (because it takes about 20-30 seconds for the system to "arm" itself).

So, the problem persists. In the meantime I've removed the horn fuse. Unfortunately that also renders my hazard lights inoperable.

Gotta get this fixed.

This is getting fancier, but you might be able to estimate the resistance of the horn, then just get a resistor to spoof the alarm into thinking the horn is going off. It really wouldn't be hard if you could figure out the resistance of the horn.

 

[wizzells]

I would LOVE to know what you end up doing for a solution. My 2002 4runner just developed this problem today.

 

[DH4Runner]

I thought I posted this but maybe it was a different thread.

This happened to my runner about a year ago. Originally the battery trick would work but then it got to the point that I was totally 'locked out' of the car. Well, not litterally but it wouldn't start because the alarm system was activated.

Anyway, I had it towed to a shop where they said it was definately the alarm system and they couldn't do anything about it. They said I need to tow it to toyota so they can reflash the system. About that time, one of the guys walks in and says he can fix it but it's only a temporary fix. He showed me that you can unplug the alarm system and today it works just fine, I just don't have an alarm.

So, how it's done, behind the plastic on the left side of the dummy pedal where your left foot sits there is a black box about 4"x4"x2". You can unplug it and your alarm is now bypassed. Fixed. At least for me.

Good luck.

 

[Themcdub]

Has anyone found a solid solution rather than unplugging things

 

[Hopeless Diamond]

I just quit using the key fob. If I used the fob to lock the vehicle, the alarm would go off at some random time after I locked it, somewhere 3 or 4 hours later. The only way to shut it off was to turn on the ignition. Needless to say, really sucked at night. I don't DD it so not too much of a pain, but do have to remember to lock it when I park it places.

 

[Themcdub]

So mine does all of this AND randomly locks the doors on its own. While driving, sitting, sitting locked etc. this is so annoying. I know someone had to fix this??

 

[descendant]

my 2001 starting doing this- my local garage doesn't know what to do, do you think the dealer can fix? Thanks!

 

[Cityredneck]

Does it even help?

Has a car alarm prevented a single thief in all of history? Or is it just a useless annoyance? Supposedly this link gives you everything you need to program the alarm how you want it: RS3000 Toyota Vehicle Intrusion Protection
:cheers:
--ILF

 

[Cityredneck]

I thought I posted this but maybe it was a different thread.

This happened to my runner about a year ago. Originally the battery trick would work but then it got to the point that I was totally 'locked out' of the car. Well, not litterally but it wouldn't start because the alarm system was activated.

Anyway, I had it towed to a shop where they said it was definately the alarm system and they couldn't do anything about it. They said I need to tow it to toyota so they can reflash the system. About that time, one of the guys walks in and says he can fix it but it's only a temporary fix. He showed me that you can unplug the alarm system and today it works just fine, I just don't have an alarm.

So, how it's done, behind the plastic on the left side of the dummy pedal where your left foot sits there is a black box about 4"x4"x2". You can unplug it and your alarm is now bypassed. Fixed. At least for me.

Good luck.

Do you have a pic of the black box?

 

[RodrickHeffley]

Do you have a pic of the black box?

Considering that user was last online in July of 2013, I don't think they do. If you search on here or google I'm sure you can find a picture of the box in a 4runner. It's just under the seat. If there is no box under the seat of your 97 then you don't have the RS3000.