Alarm/wiring issues? HELP!

[Steve]

At the dealership I decided to have them install the Ford alarm system. The alarm continued to go off at random times for no reason whatsoever. After 3 separate visits, 2 brand new alarms, 7 total days of my car staying overnight at the dealership and no solutions, the dealer simply un-installed the alarm and refunded my money, telling me "We're not going to b*llsh*t you, we have NO IDEA why the alarm won't work."

The dealership manager told me that they had conference calls with Ford engineers and various other mechanics and no one seemed to be able to figuring out the wiring/electronic issues. Has anyone else experienced this?

I asked the dealer/mechanics if it was the specific Ford alarm that was incompatible or the wiring system of the car itself, and although they had no definite answer, they told me it was most likely the car, not the alarm. I asked him if any aftermarket alarm would work (like a Viper system) and he said that unless Viper possessed different wiring technology that Ford could not figure out, no alarm would be compatible with the Fiesta.

Has anyone else experienced this or had a dealer find a solution? I'm not a big wiring/car electronics guy, so is the dealer right about assuming that no aftermarket alarm would work? I know that the Viper system by itself does not void my warranty, but I'm afraid that the installation of one could somehow damage the Fiesta's wiring (and therefore void the warranty)...

On a somewhat unrelated note, would an aftermarket install of an amp/sub/speakers also be risky if the wiring is so sensitive?

Any help if appreciated

[Norm201]

My suggestion is to bring it a Viper (or another Ford dealer) dealer and explain the complete scenario to them. Then ask them if they think they can do better. And ask them to refund your money if they can't do it.

[Steve]

I am getting my money back and they threw in the Paint Protection for my trouble. The dealer has been honest the entire time, but my issue is that a brand new Fiesta is not accepting a simple alarm install.

I will definitely take if to another dealer to find out, but (surprise!) the car is staying overnight again so I'll have to try tomorrow. Unbelievably frustrating.

If Ford tech/Ford Engineer guys can't figure it out after a week of working on it...seems pretty fishy.

Just curious if anyone else has had an alarm (either Ford or Viper) successfully installed or if they had their dealer work successfully around this problem...

Thanks!

[bramos09]

Originally Posted by Steve

I am getting my money back and they threw in the Paint Protection for my trouble. The dealer has been honest the entire time, but my issue is that a brand new Fiesta is not accepting a simple alarm install.

I will definitely take if to another dealer to find out, but (surprise!) the car is staying overnight again so I'll have to try tomorrow. Unbelievably frustrating.

If Ford tech/Ford Engineer guys can't figure it out after a week of working on it...seems pretty fishy.

Just curious if anyone else has had an alarm (either Ford or Viper) successfully installed or if they had their dealer work successfully around this problem...

Thanks!

I had my dealer installed LoJack and an alarm. This was done way back in July 13. I don't know how they did it, but I know to engage the alarm, I have to press the lock button twice. This was their only solution as the Fiesta was new and they were still trying to figure it out.

[Steve]

bramos...

the alarm was engaged in the sense that it was fine driving around, turning the car on and off, locking/unlocking the car, etc. I just got back from the dealer and they said it was an issue with the "european wiring and the american made ford parts." apparently the ford alarm was sending too much voltage through the "european wiring", causing the alarm to think it was being activated at random times.

Like I said, I'm not a big wiring guy so I'm not positive how much legitimacy there is to them blaming it on european wires. I guess I'll call other dealerships or wait to see if they come up with a solution.

*sigh*

[bramos09]

Oh that clears it up. Wow I hope you find a resolution to this.

[LMTech]

Originally Posted by Steve

bramos...

the alarm was engaged in the sense that it was fine driving around, turning the car on and off, locking/unlocking the car, etc. I just got back from the dealer and they said it was an issue with the "european wiring and the american made ford parts." apparently the ford alarm was sending too much voltage through the "european wiring", causing the alarm to think it was being activated at random times.

Like I said, I'm not a big wiring guy so I'm not positive how much legitimacy there is to them blaming it on european wires. I guess I'll call other dealerships or wait to see if they come up with a solution.

*sigh*

Sounds like they aren't setting the trigger wire correctly. Most alarm systems can be wired for ground side trigger or power side trigger.
Also they may be trying to put a older model Ford alarm system in instead of one designed for the Fiesta. I had this problem once on a Navigator and I went through hell trying to make it work even after I told the parts department, engineer,service manager and sales manager it was the wrong one.
Long story short 8 hours of trying to get it to work and then 2 months of further research by the engineer they finally sent me the right system and it took 30 minutes to install and program.

If they are using a Ford accessory alarm system it should be pretty simple to install.

P.S. Wires no matter if they come from Europe or the US don't make electricity they just transfer it and all vehicle wiring can handle the electricity that are car produces otherwise it would melt. So I would call BS on their excuse.

[guruguys]

I had the same problem after Car Toys was hired by my dealer to install the alarm. He tried three visits to install the alarm, when it was finally installed it started going off randomly that night, I had to disconnect the battery! They uninstalled it...


Since then I have had it removed and the dealer just installed a ford factory alarm. I am having problems with it because it seems to ignore any sensitivity. I can bang on the window very hard and it never chirps. I read the manual and it states I can adjust this setting by doing a bunch of steps then pressing the door unlock button to decrease, and door lock button to increase sensitivity... The worst thing about the Fiesta (IMO) is the fact is HAS no unlock and lock door buttons, just the center mounted lock toggle switch!!!

Does anyone know how to work around this with the factory alarm? The dealer seems to have no clue.

-GG

[tjl]

Originally Posted by guruguys

Since then I have had it removed and the dealer just installed a ford factory alarm. I am having problems with it because it seems to ignore any sensitivity. I can bang on the window very hard and it never chirps. I read the manual and it states I can adjust this setting by doing a bunch of steps then pressing the door unlock button to decrease, and door lock button to increase sensitivity... The worst thing about the Fiesta (IMO) is the fact is HAS no unlock and lock door buttons, just the center mounted lock toggle switch!!!

Does anyone know how to work around this with the factory alarm? The dealer seems to have no clue.

No idea if this will work, but I would try the following:

* Turning the key in the outside keyhole in the driver's door.
* Using the toggle switch to lock/unlock the doors, then opening and closing a door or using the key in the outside keyhole to change the state without using the toggle switch, then using the toggle switch to lock/unlock the doors, ...

[guruguys]

I tired a few combination's and still had no luck. I am waiting for the dealer to get back with me on figuring it out. I will let everyone know what happens.

Also, they said they had to remove my aftermarket remote start to get the alarm to work. They said you can not have a remote state and alarm in a Fiesta. Is this true? I thought Ford sold a remote start and alarm kit?

-GG