Hi All,

Not sure if this is a common problem but for some reason the XF's alar has started to randomly go off. It only started tonight after I got home from work. If I unlock the car, it will go off after say 5 mins and the same when I lock it.

At the moment, its not gone off for the last 30 mins.........weird.

Any ideas?

Many Thanks

 

You may need a new battery.

 

May be your siren - do a search and check it out. I had mine going off at weird times and the only way I could stop it was to leave the car unlocked. Replaced the siren and no more problems.

 

Mine did the same thing, all of a sudden, in the middle the month. It started to alarm every 5 min.And I had a new battery, this started happening when I mounted the battery in the rear of the car,, I was trying to save weight and I had a smaller battery in the car, it was 800:: cold cranking amps. after doing a little better research I found that the car requires 825: cold cranking amps. I bought an 860: cold cranking amp battery, and have had absolutely no problems since then, it's going on two months since I put the bigger battery in the car, no more alarms every 5 min. It works great, hope this helps you Jim

 

Just a point to consider - it may have been the disconnection of the battery that reset the alarm - would be worth a try just doing that before buying a new battery and see

 

Glad I found this link co's mine too does it. Thought it was a common problem. Just to clarify...should i disconnect then recoonect the battery to solve it?

 

Need some advice on another issue. The metal rod that goes from front left wheel to right wheel ??? Is this called a steering link or is it a track rod??? and because its got slight play can i replace cheaply?? any help please.

 

If ts a track rod end it will be the ball joint thats worn, if so change both sides. Its a cheap and easy fix DIY, just note position on thread on sterring arm for re assembly and when done just get it tracked up to double check.

If its the anti roll bar, and if loose thats very unusual but if so will just need rubber bushes. should be a cheap fix if you get the bushes from a MB dealer as per W170. How do you know its loose, is it rattling?

 

yes disconnect for 5 mins or so and re connect. if this dosnt work you can disconnect the siren so as not have neighbors complaining while you sort it. Drive into Halfords for a battery check as well, but I dont personally think this will be the problem as you are getting it having just driven home when battery will be well charged up. Also make sure boot and bonnet closed properly. Allso check micro switch in fuel flap not sticking (wd40)

 

Mine did this twice last week after heavy rain and at night naturally - this though gave me an idea as boot light was on - lifted tailgate and closed locked left no issue since - maybe moisture bridge on switch - cheap to try

 

New battery time.

Jon

 

Just a story - my Chevy one day no radio or sat nav, dash display weird - dealer says need new battery - car not very old - spoke to Chevy customer service - have you been away for a while and not used it, me yes - its gone into powersave mode so shuts down things it doesn't need, the dealer should have known because that's what they do when they are in showroom or stock. Replacing battery would have fixed it, but so did the instructions Chevy gave me without buying a battery. Try other things first.

Oh by the way not a peep out of my Crossfire since lifting tailgate the other week and no new battery

 

Same thing happened when I purchased mine. Turned out to be the glove box switch.

 

Mine has started to do the same, although its actually done it while driving home, luckily meters away from driveway but annoying all the same, vehicle did not cut out which seemed weired

so to recap basic checks are
taligate closing properly
fuel flap switch
glovebox switch
battery check

 

Actualy, what mine does is go off when Im just sitting in the car without the key in such as when your cleaning interior. As soon as I put key in ignition it stops. Not sure if this is a feature built in or not

 

Had the battery and alternator checked by local battery specialist on his snap on tester, battery was border line to bad so replaced with new battery.
3 weeks later and alarm is still going off, usually just after its been stopped and locked with key.
Checked switches and all ok
Next check will be battery in alarm unit... if I can find it

 

Could be the alarm itself or worst case, the unit in the trunk

 

Here is a how to do it thread.

 

Definitely try unplugging the siren itself. The thread that onehundred80 links to above give more info. The siren is under the plastic cowl below the windscreen, I couldn't get my wiper arms of but managed to get it out by bending the plastic cowl, don't blame me though if it breaks!. The alarm still functions with it disconnected but the siren won't sound of course. If you notice the lights still flashing occasionally after taking out the siren you problems elsewhere, likely under the boot floor. If you need some more info on how I fixed mine just ask. I guess that not all of them can be fixed but they can be replaced for £105.
Matt

 

Matt - if you have never taken the cowl off suggest you get a cheap puller for removing the wiper arms and do it. There is a lot of "stuff" that collects under there and blocks the drains - it will likely lead to some water getting into the car - good thing to check out every couple years depending on where you park it. Ron