Factory Alarm Triple Chirp

[ti*fun]

My E36/8, an MCoupe, had the switch behind the HU. When I replaced it with a HK/Becker Traffic Pro I disconnected the wires. The alarm circuit is NO, an apparant contradiction from alarm systems in homes & buildings where they are NC so if someone cuts the wires the system is triggered. The MCoupe had hood switch issues: during some cool nights there would be enough shrinkage to trigger the alarm. Very annoying. The ti has a different style hood switch so I don't expect that problem.

I ordered a Stellar alarm that will be installed next weekend: more features, and easy availability.

[John Firestone]

The alarm systems in BMWs differ because they reuse and watch the existing (normally open) switches rather than add and watch their own set of closed loop circuits and normally closed switches: as you would add and watch in a home security system. This saves weight and money.

The North American BMW/Alpine system is essentially a tailored, aftermarket add-on, like the Stellar alarm you have ordered. The only part that is factory is the hood and (possible) radio switches, and the two, prewired connectors the alarm plugs into. BMW NA had the factory prepare their cars for later installation, rather than order some with a (the) factory-installed alarm.

In case you were wondering why your alarm system is the way it is.

[pilsberry]

I'm having trouble getting the alarm remote programmed. I suspect the hood or hatch switch. The hatch switch functions properly, at least the dome lights react to the hatch switch. The hood? I have removed the switch and jumpered the terminals. Would this give the "hood closed" signal?

I can't get the alarm module into the learning phase. I can get it to trigger the alarm which is silenced by starting the car.

I'm almost there, just need a little more info on this system.

Bryan

[Bobtail_Bimmer]

Originally Posted by pilsberry

I'm having trouble getting the alarm remote programmed. I suspect the hood or hatch switch. The hatch switch functions properly, at least the dome lights react to the hatch switch. The hood? I have removed the switch and jumpered the terminals. Would this give the "hood closed" signal?

I can't get the alarm module into the learning phase. I can get it to trigger the alarm which is silenced by starting the car.

I'm almost there, just need a little more info on this system.

Bryan

What year is yours? Mines a 95 with a 3 button fob. I had to repeat the programming process a few times to get the fob programmed to the car. Might just have to do it a few times to take.

[pilsberry]

Well, chalk up another one for the dreaded hatch switch. I took the module back to the guy I bought it from to see if it was faulty. Fortunately, he was well versed in the E36.

I was getting a triple chirp, even though I hadn't programmed the remote. The triple chirp meant 1) the remote was already programmed for the module, and 2) it also meant a door or hood switch was indicating open.

Despite the hatch switch functioning properly as far as the dome light was concerned, the alarm module still was seeing the hatch open. Only when the switch was compressed by hand, with a lot of pressure, did the lock function work.

Another thing to assist in trouble shooting: unplug the hood and hatch completely and see if you can program. Then add them back one at a time to see which switch is faulty.

[BlackBMWs]

Looks like I may need two trunk switches. Anyone know the Part # for it? Searching through REALOEM now. Update: Ordered!

Thanks folks! I appreciate folks writing troubleshooting tips like this down.