Vehicle immobilizer

Here is a guide that talks about this and has some tips from the dealer on how to reset this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

If this doesn't work, try putting the key in the ignition and turn it to the on position and let it sit there for up to 30 minutes or until the theft light turns off. This is assuming the theft light remains on.

Let us know if any of this is successful. If not, we need to check for codes and see if there is something pointing us in the direction of the issue.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

How do you reset the immobilizer?

Hello,

Are you trying to reset the door locks anti theft or the no start immobilizer? this guide will help you reset the security system in your car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.


Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

Window was smashed in some years ago. If you lock the doors via remote or manually, alarm goes off when entry is attempted. Cant get alarm to stop without resetting the battery. Like to keep the system and get the doors locking again. Also dont want to take to dealer, too much $$$$.

Unfortunately it'll be almost impossible to know the extent of the damage caused by your "Smash", even if you attempt to tell me. If you're handy with a voltmeter and can read a diagram, you may be able to trace your issue. But keep in mind, the module that controls your alarm could've also been damaged. I know you want to save money, but having the system disabled and just purchasing an off the shelf alarm may be your best bet, as they are cheaper than factory systems and MUCH better as long as they're installed correctly.

Great, thanks for the info and quick response. Also, can you have it removed at a local shop instead of a dealer? Thanks.

Yes. They may not even remove it but disable it. The sensors and wires could be used by another system, or they may just replace the sensors and use the wires since they're already routed. It depends on the install shop. But they're most certainly going to be less expensive than a dealer.

Great! Thanks for all of your help!

No problem. Write back if you have any more problems.

Trying to find away to disable the alarm do not have key-less just key.

This to the best of my understanding cannot be done. alarm systems apart from after market units are built in so they cannot be tampered with, if they could it would undermine the whole idea of having a security system.

Is there any way to bypass the alarm? the only way I can turn it off is to disconnect the battery cable then it will start.

Did this car originally have remote door locks and you do not have the remotes? Most of the VW's of that year should have remotes that deactivate the alarm when you unlocked the doors. The system should also disable if you unlock the drivers door with the correct key. If you have a bad key or one that is not programmed into the system it may mechanically unlock the door but not disable the alarm. If disconnecting the battery works then it is likely a faulty key. For that you can have an automotive locksmith check the key or make and program in a good one. VW integrates the alarm into multiple parts of the system (on that car it is part of the stereo, the security module, the ECU and even the instrument panel) which makes it very difficult to defeat for the reason MHP stated.

I have one of the earlier models of 1999 VW Jetta, the other day I got in the car and went to start the car and the alarm went off...I tried to shut off the alarm by unlocking the driverside door , but it didn't help...the only was I could get the alarm to stop was by unhooking the main battery terminal and now because the alarm is constantly on I can't start the car...... Any ideas?...is it possible to disable the car alarm all together?

[quote:4cac09d117="jeremyd242"]Electrical problem
1999 Volkswagen Jetta 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 89000 miles

I have one of the earlier models of 1999 VW Jetta , the other day I got in the car and went to start the car and the aftermarket alarm went off...I tried to shut off the alarm by unlocking the diverside door , but it didn't help...the only was I could get the alarm to stop was by unhooking the main battery terminal and now because the alarm is constantly on I can't start the car...... Any ideas?...is it possible to disable the car alarm all together?[/quote:4cac09d117]

I had this problem last summer with my 99 Jetta (old style). At the same time the alarm went off, all of my doors would lock too. So I was able to turn it off by opening the window and unlocking the car manually. The alarm continued to go off randomly over a few more weeks until I had an electrician come out and disarm it completely. It was very cheap to fix, but now there's no alarm.

Our Jetta's alarm and keyless entry is giving us a problem. Sometimes the key fobs work and open the locks/disarming the alarm and sometimes they do nothing. We have brand new batteries in both key fobs. When the fobs do nothing, we can use the key to unlock the door , but then the alarm goes off and there is no way to stop it. All we can do is wait it out.
We would like to either: Fix this problem or disconnect the alarm, preferably disconnect.
Can we do this without spending a fortune at the dealer?

You can try disconnecting the alarm module. It is located under the driver's side of the dash above the fuse block. ALSO, you may just need to have your keyless system re-programed to your remote buttons. I would call VW on this first.

The alarm system in my car will go off for no particular reason, and the dome light will not shut off unless switched off, I check all the wiring in the black tubes between the doors and the frame, I recently replace the ignition switch in the car, But when the car alarm goes off the car is able to start and the horn doesnt go off

The door lock actuator has a faulty micro switch... you need to remove the door panel to remove
the lock assembly.

There is a switch that tells the alarm that you are locking/unlocking the door and there is a
switch that tells the alarm that the door is open or closed.

Thomas

Well apparently my fuse or something shorted out so my passenger side window and sunroof will not close. Had to disconnect the battery because the alarm goes off when I try to start the car. I've tried turning the key in my door to turn the alarm off but that doesn't work. The only way it turns off is if I undo the battery terminals. Any ideas on how I can get this alarm to stay off and get my car running again? It's a 1997 volkswagen jetta gls, 2.0L automatic.

Open the driver door and look for broken wires in the accordion wire loom in the door jam. Fix the wires and see if the alarm issue is solved... the passenger window might be related.

Thomas

How many broken wires did you find?

The alarm goes off when I open the door and won't let me start engine, just started doing this this a m and car doesn't have locks (key cylinders) on front doors and hasn't had those for several years. Only functional lock is trunk and no matter position of key in trunk, alarm goes off for three minutes and car won't start

Open the driver door and check for broken wires in the door jam wiring loom.

Thomas

If you didn't find any broken wires, there's a way to check the alarm system via multimeter tests.

Or you can bypass the alarm for testing.

Thomas

Hello, how do you disable the factory alarm in a 1997 GLS Jetta?

I can't find any information on this, so i feel that it can't be done with out causing serious problems with the electrics as it is tied in with the ECU and engine management system.

Alarm continually goes off with no remorse please how can i fix this problem

Broken or corroded wiring in the door jam loom is a common cause for alarm issues. I might be able to find a pdf that list wiring tests at the alarm module... ooen all the doors and check the wiring first.

Post back when you have.

Thomas

When I inlock the drivers side door with key it does not disable factory alarm.Only the passenger side does.

You either have broken wires in the door jam wiring loom, or a faulty micro switch in the
lock actuator.

Open the door and peel back the acrodion tube to see the wiring loom, if no broken wires are
visible, it is probably the micro switch in the lock actuator.

Thomas

I went to drive to work the other day and, to my surprise, the car alarm goes off every time I open the door.
Now, the car has power locks activated by inserting your key into the door, and turning it twice. However, when I unlock the driver's side door, it doesn't make the "power lock" noise that it usually makes, and turning it twice doesn't unlock all the other doors as it should. When I lock the door, everything works fine (power locks, etc.) The problem only occurs when I unlock the door. I suspect this has something to do with the alarm problem. I don't think the car knows I'm actually unlocking the door.
Is this a common problem? Does anyone know a solution?

EXCELLENT CONCLUSION. THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT IS HAPPENING. THERE IS A SWITCH MOUNTED ON THE LOCK CYLINDER ON YOUR CAR THAT HAS FAILED. YOU NEED TO REPLACE IT AND ALL YOUR PROBLEMS WILL GO AWAY..

[quote:da5b496ba7="mastertechtim"]EXCELLENT CONCLUSION. THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT IS HAPPENING. THERE IS A SWITCH MOUNTED ON THE LOCK CYLINDER ON YOUR CAR THAT HAS FAILED. YOU NEED TO REPLACE IT AND ALL YOUR PROBLEMS WILL GO AWAY..[/quote:da5b496ba7]

Can you estimate what this might cost?

very rough estimate from a repair shop is about $200.

i dont know if you got it started but if you unlock the passengers door with the key it will shut off alarm.

Yeah, I would definitely do that, but the lock fell out of the passenger side door a couple of years ago. haha
Thanks for your help. Much appreciated.

i cant turn off my alarm on a jetta 1994

If it is a factory alarm, you need to take it to a dealer to have a proper diagnosis. They are the only ones that have the proper test equipment.

Did you try using the key to unlock driver or passenger door?
Have you tried resetting the remote?
Which model Jetta do you have?