Originally Posted by
InTheMidst
Curious. What was the final outcome of all of this? What are the symptoms of Skreem failure versus Central Locking Pump failure or Security System Module failure?
About three months ago my 2005 intermittently would alarm and flash as if someone had been tampering with it. So, I thought someone might have been. Then, I was driving along and it randomly started alarming and flashing as if I had stolen it. I pulled over and was able to calm it down by using the fob. Last week, I went mall shopping and when I came out, no alarm BUT noticed the parking lights were on steadily and I could not unlock the car with the fob. I manually opened with the key and the alarm went off with that scratchy sound like it was struggling for air. I tried to start the car but by now it was in deep anti-theft mode. The alarm stopped temporarily. I could not unlock the truck from the inside lock release button on the console. The car would not turn over.
Eventually, I disconnected the battery just to keep the alarm quiet and to see if I could "reboot" the anti-theft system. I reconnected the battery and was able to start the car, unlock the truck (got my valuables out) drove and dropped it off to my Benz mechanic on Saturday. He was there so I made sure to disconnect the battery so the alarm would not drive anyone crazy over the weekend. My mechanic showed up later to move the Crossfire into his shop. He reconnected the battery, moved it, but the alarm still went on. Just now, the mechanic is saying that first he has to replace the alarm horn before he can diagnose why the car didn't start (that is, why it went into anti-theft mode). Quoted $364 for parts and labor.
I'm thinking the Fuse #9 solution might be worth a try first. I'm not convinced he really knows what's wrong. Any suggestions for others that have been through this???
First, if your mechanic removed the POS cable before the NEG cable, the alarm will sound until reset. Second, $364 for a new siren is reasonable given the part is costly (depending where you get it AND that it is NEW), plus what is involved in labor to remove all that has to be removed/installed to replace that siren. After that, I bow out because there is no way to tell what is triggering the lights/siren/and such. Before you do anything else, look for signs of water in the lower rear hatch bay after you remove the trim and Styrofoam and unwrap the air pump module that opens/locks doors/hatch/and flashes lights. Water in there screws many things and gives ppl headaches which is a gold mine for service departments/mechanics. Good luck!
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