Argh! Any idea when the dealers are open again??

the corpo

Last night, had a weird problem with the car, an 04 Avensis. Wanted to run out to the shops to get some NYE suppies, but for some odd reason the car wouldn't unlock and open. Put it down to the battery in the keyfob must be running out, and at 6pm last night there was little I could do about it.

Went down this morning, and the car was now unlocked, I put the key in the ignition and it was totally lifeless.

Got roadside assistance out, who jump started the car, and told me to leave it running for 45 minutes. Sat in the car and noticed that the 'door open' indicator was on, and the car wouldn't lock. Sure enough, there's the tiniest of dents inside the door frame right where the sensor trigger should push in, so the car isn't registering the door as closed. So I'm guessing that light has been on overnight and drained the battery.

Have put a small bit of padding in place, to give the sensor trigger something to push off, and the car now locks fine. BUT the alarm isn't beeping, and the wee alarm indicator by the gearstick, that normally just flashes away is permanently lit.

So my first question is why? Is it because the alarm sensor is off because of the little bit of padding in the door. Or because the battery went totally dead (all the clocks etc., reset) does the alarm need to be reset?

Carroll and Kinsella not open today, and I've the fear they mightn't be til Monday, so would appreciate any tips if there's an easy fix!!

colm_mcm

Most likely an alarm problem.

I'd suggest you check that the boot light isn't staying on. the sensor on the boot can go a bit wonky on them. best way to check is to get into the boot and have someone you trust close it on you (presuming the rear seats don't fold.)

If you press the unlock button on the key and the hazards flash then the remote locking is working, if you press the lock button and nothing is happening, then a door is probably open or there is a fault with a switch

Have you got another fob with the alarm or is it just worked off the factory key remote?

the corpo

Hah, I'll not be crawling into any boots!

Have two keys, same with both. I'm 100% it's resulting from the sensor problem in the driver door. With the padding in place, the door warning light goes off and I can lock the car. I just don't hear the beep and that alarm indicator is staying red. So I'm guessing the alarm isn't activating, and worrying that the constant light will drain the battery before Monday again...

colm_mcm

yep, sounds like the alarm needs something alright. do you know what type of alarm it is?

The dent in the door pillar was most likely caused by the seat belt buckle getting slammed by the door.

Did you get any little keys with the car? is there a little button where the alarm LED is? do you have any of the documentation from the alarm?

the corpo

no idea what the alarm is, but yup got little alarm keys too. no idea where to use them!

colm_mcm

there should be a box under the bonnet for the alarm. you can enable/disable the alarm using the keys. the keyhole should be under a rubber cap.
Maybe disabling then enabling the alarm will solve your issue.

colm_mcm

Will look like this

the corpo

Ah great idea, thanks. Should tide me over til I can get the car back to the dealer!