So today the alarm system started screaming for no apparent reason.. TWICE. Never happened before. Checked the battery terminals. Went and had the battery tested. I was hoping it was the problem, NOPE. Latest thing I've tried is to open and close all the doors again, but no dome light or door ajar lights suggesting that is the problem. I did notice some stuff at the back pushing against the hatch some. Pushed it out of the way and hoping that solves things.
Back story. Ignition switch has been sketchy on this thing for over 5 years. Once in a blue moon when I take the key out of the ignition, it hasn't turned all the way it should so the doors won't lock because it thinks the keys still in it. Also, on the other side of the switch, start up and sometimes not all the electronics engage.. like no wipers, no radio, just headlights and directions working. Stop, shut it off, start it again and all is well. These problems occur maybe once every 6 moths tops. When I took it to the dealer and had them checking it two years ago they said it took them all day of trying to recreate the problem and said leave it unless I want to pay $2K for all new locks, ignition, and security, fobs, etc. No other way to just replace the ignition alone so they said anyway.
So, here I sit with the car locked up outside fingers crossed that the alarm won't start ghosting again. If it does I think I can disarm it
Subaru Forester: Activating and deactivating the alarm system
- Disarm the alarm system. ...
- Sit in the driver's seat and shut all doors and the rear gate.
- Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position.
- Hold down the UNLOCK side of the driver's power door locking switch, open the driver's door within the following 1 second, and wait 10 seconds without releasing the switch.
I'm going to try that next and just live with an 11 year old car without an alarm.. as long as I can at least lock it.
Any other suggestions?