Alarm Fired Off When Starting

[64buick]

Without any identifiable reason the alarm system on my 2001 PA started blaring away one day as soon as I turned the ignition switch on. It would reset after a few minutes, but as soon as I tried starting there it went again. Pulled the horn fuse to stop it. So I am now trying to understand the electrical circuitry as my first step in troubleshooting. Are schematics and diagrams available online somewhere? Will it be of benefit to me to buy one of those diagnostic instruments to connect up to the computer? Thanks for any advice! --Rob

 

[HotZ28]

It sounds like you're ignition key is not being recognized by the security system, so therefore, the security system thinks there is a theft attempt. Have you tried another key, or at least tried cleaning the existing key? BTW, reset is a normal event in 3-4 min after this happens. Did you open the drivers side door with the key fob, or the door key before opening the door??

 

[64buick]

Thanks for the info. I did not realize that the key has a security chip inside - I have a key only without the fob (my wife's car and she has the only working fob). I opened the door with the key only. How can I tell if the key that I have even has a security chip inside? I will need to explore the options for a replacement fob. All that aside, is there a separate electronic module that controls the alarm system? If so, is this module tied in to the main computer and would it send an error message that I could find? Thanks again for your feedback. --Rob