Alarming: Disable kill switch when key assemblies are crap?

[she11ey]

Gentlemen, it's reassuring to see how many of you are still here. You were all so helpful over a year ago...

I'm not having any luck finding an answer with the SEARCH feature here, and I've got a frustrating problem going on with my 91 Q today.

I had the auto-lock & alarm shut off by a mechanic a while back because it seemed to have a short or something, and I was frequently confronted with an unstartable car. The key assemblies in the driver and passenger door have been trash for two years, and only a turn of my key in the trunk lock would disable the "kill switch" when the alarm would set itself off.

Now the trunk key assembly is useless, too. And when a AAA service guy heroically came to jump-start my dead battery last month, he unheroically reactivated my alarm system. That alarm set itself off yesterday and now I'm unable to start the car.

If I'm not mistaken, there is SOME kind of voodoo procedure that I can perform to disable that kill switch, even with crappy key assemblies.... isn't there? Like unlock with the remote, lock manually from inside the car, shake some chicken bones under the heat shield, and shout INFINITI AND BEYOND into the tailpipe? Then retry the ignition?

If anybody can offer a clue or point me to an old forum thread, I'd be thrilled, happy and grateful.

[Q45tech]

Replace the entire lock set [doors, ignition, trunk, and glove box] is the usual proceedure.

Study the way the alarm relay interrupts the starter signal voltage to the starter relay.............make a permanent jumper to keep this from happening.

[elwesso]

Shelley, glad your still around, or at least lurking... Long time no see indeed, im glad you havent given up on your Q45..

Anyway, you could bypass it like Tech said.. However i think the best way would be to replace the lock set with a new lock set from another car..... Id try to do what tech said first and see what that gives you.

[maxnix]

Glad you are still here and enjoying your Q45. Hope you get this problem fixed.

[she11ey]

Thanks, guys! I'm not sure I can interrupt the relay with a jump thing, or whatever Tech said. (Sounds like something to do with the winter Olympics?) Just looking for a quick, magic way to get the car started. Wishful thinking!

I've paid for quite a few repairs for this vehicle in the past year, and there are still major problems, aside from the freaky alarm and worn-out key assemblies. I'm probably going to have to get rid of it soon, I'm afraid.

[she11ey]

For what it's worth....

I finally tracked down the AAA mechanic who managed to disable the kill switch for me once before, and I asked him what secret handshake he used. He said he "fooled" the alarm by putting the key in the driver's side door lock, while I sat inside and unlocked the door manually.

Makes sense to me. Unfortunately, it didn't do the trick this time around!

[Q45tech]

Remove the starter interrupt relay and install a wire jumper to make the circuit continuous...............disco the alarm horn.

[qsiguy]

Not that this is an easy fix for a non techie but the OEM alarm disarm wire is a light blue wire behind the glove box that requires a neg (-) pulse to disarm the alarm. I can't tell you exactly where the wire is as I have a 94 model and it's different. Any member with a 90-93 model in the Phoenix area I'd be happy to pull the glove box and find and photo it for you.

This information is available in the alarm wiring information I provided to Wes and is posted on q45.org at the following location.

http://www.q45.org/alarm/index.html

[she11ey]

Still not having any luck. We HAVE been able to disable the alarm, but can't override the ignition kill. So I can't start the car.

Anybody want to buy a 1991 Q45 in Houston?

[Jesda]

Dont give up!

[she11ey]

Thanks, Jesda. I think it's time for me to let this car go. Last year I fixed the A/C, rack & pinion, and repainted the body. It still needs suspension work, two oil leaks fixed, and key assemblies replaced. And no one can figure out how to stop the obnoxious rattling that seems to be coming from the heat shield.

Facing another $3,200 in these repairs turns my stomach. I know, I know... that's less than I would spend this year on car payments if I decide to get a new (or gently used) vehicle. But I'm a wimp.

Somebody's coming to make me an offer on my Q tomorrow, I think. I will be surprised if it's over $1k.

[IvoryJ30t]

is it an aftermarket alarm? if it is, then there is a procedure to disabling it.

it wasnt the AAA guys fault. when the alarm is disabled, it will default to enabled after the battery dies and the vehicle is jump started.

[assuming aftermarket alarm]- there will be a small switch under the dash near the drivers feet. there will be a status led on the dash also.

the led will blink when alarm is active, and remain steady on when system is disabled.

NOW- with the key in the on position, allow the alarm to cycle. when the siren stops, flip the switch to the opposite position. if the led goes solid, the alarm is disabled.

if that doesnt work, try combinations of flipping the switch with the key on, or off.