I'm new to all this so bear with me. I have a 2005 roadster with alarm/towing issues. I recently towed it when the transmission went out. While on the trailer the anti tow alarm went of, shut it off and all was well. When I got it back from the transmission shop I jacked it up to change the oil and when I went to start and leak check, nothing. It sat there for 24 hrs and I just happened to stop and try it and it started. It was good till I jacked up and repaired rear tire leak. Now no response when I turn on the ignition. During this time the alarm has been going off randomly to the point I had to disconnect the battery. I don't know if this is an anti-towing issue or a scream module issue. I would appreciate any help.

 

Have you tried turning off the tow alarm button?

 

Tow-Away Alarm The tow-away alarm switch is located on the console. To deactivate for towing or jacking up the vehicle, press and release the upper portion of the switch. Press and release the upper portion to activate it again. After the alarm system has been armed, the exterior vehicle lights will flash and an alarm will sound when someone attempts to raise the vehicle. The alarm will flash the exterior lamps for approximately three minutes and sound an audible alarm for 30 seconds. The alarm will stay on even if the vehicle is immediately lowered. To cancel the alarm, insert the key into the ignition switch or press a transmit button on the key fob. To prevent triggering the tow-away alarm feature when parking on a surface subject to movement (such as a ferry), switch off the tow-away alarm. To do so, turn the key in the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK or ACC position, or remove the key from the ignition switch. Press the tow-away alarm switch and the indicator light will illuminate briefly. Exit the vehicle, and lock the vehicle with the key or the remote control. The tow-away alarm remains switched off until the vehicle is locked again with the key or the remote control, at which time it is automatically reactivated.

 

I tried that according to the manual. The anti theft alarm sets and operates properly but I still can't get the ignition to operate. Last time it did this it took about 24 hrs before it reset. I don't know why it worked then so it's still a mystery. I'm afraid to take it anywhere even if it starts because I don't have confidence it will start next time.

 

I would disconnect the negative battery terminal for a few minutes and hope something gets reset.

 

If there are no codes I would suspect the RCM. Screem is usually two start attempts then nothing on the third try until the negative battery terminal is disconnected and the reconnected after a few minutes.

 

where is the RCM located?

 

Disconnected the battery and after a few minutes reconnected and alarm immediately came on. Turned it off with key fob but still no response from the ignition.
Turn the key and nothing. Is that an RCM problem?

 

Possible a RCM problem. Try this first: pull fuse nine out ( it is located in box near the drivers windshield under the hood) It is for the anti theft alarm, but read your info card in the fuse box to be certain, then pull the negative battery cable off for a couple minutes to reset the computer codes. Reconnect the cable and try to start the car with fuse nine pulled out. If you are lucky it may just start.

 

Did what you said, but no luck. I was looking at some of the pdf files on onehundred80's link. I might try the RCM fix if I can muster the nerve. I can solder but I get leery yanking wires and cables from under the hood. At this point I don't have a lot to lose.

 

You can pull the RCM out of the car and send it to a long time member here who rebuilds the RCM. tighed1
click on this link for info RCM repair

 

Did the siren sound when you tried starting the car with fuse nine removed?

 

The RCM is under the hood on the driver side. Put RCM in the search feature at the top right hand corner of the site and get lots of info and pictures.

 

Yes. As soon as I reconnected the battery the alarm sounded. I shut it off but it didn't start. That link to rebuild the RCM sounds like a deal to me. At least it will eliminate that as a problem. Thanks

 

The RCM is on the passenger side! You know that; just a mistake Z

 

If the siren is sounding with fuse nine removed you have a problem with the siren. You should remove the cowl under the windshield ( you must remove the windshield wipers) to get the cowl plastic off. The siren is in the center of the car under that cowl. Disconnect the siren wires, the wires at the connector, and remove the siren from the car. Then go through the sequence again and try to start your car. You may have water in the other end of the car that has damaged the air pump ( the Central Locking Pump). That is integrated with the anti theft device, and it is located on the passenger side under the mats in the trunk. You can use the search box in the upper right corner of the forum to search for water in the trunk. First things first though: to be certain the RCM is okay I would send it off to tight1 and he will get it right for you.

 

ebuz7497 ~~ The first thing to be certain of is the RCM. It must function properly before the car can start. However, you seem to have a problem with the anti theft system. Can you go around the car and be certain all the doors, truck, gas cap , glove box, your convertible top, center console and the hood are all closed tight and secure. Then get into the car, close the drivers door and lock the car with the FOB when you are inside. Watch the switch for the towing alarm. It should be flashing red. It may take a short while before it begins to flash. If it is flashing it has self tested and is telling us the system is okay. If it does not flash then you have a problem with the anti theft system.

PS At this point you really need to check your battery voltage. It should be close to 12 volts. If not you must charge the battery. Low voltage can cause all kinds of problems and some can deteriorate into expensive repairs. Do not let the battery voltage get below 10.5; Keeping it up around 12v is the best.

 

I have done what you said and the anti theft light comes on as it should. I misspoke when I said the alarm went off with fuse 9 pulled. It is out now and hasn't alarmed again, but I still can't start it so I think the RCM could be the problem.

 

YES, you are on the right track. Send tighd1 an email and he will get your RCM up to specs; Should have you up and running before Christmas!

 

UPDATE: I sent the RCM to Tighed1 and he fixed me up quickly. Reinstalled the RCM and it fired right up. Big thanks to all, especially Tighed1. Y'all have made me look like a genius to my wife. I hope she doesn't find out the truth right away.