Charles aka Charlie

Hi People,

What a day I had yesterday, went shopping and when I went to lock my car with the “blipper” it didn’t work. There’s a big mobile phone mast that interferes with the pick up. So simply locked the car with the key and went on my way…

When returning to the car, I unlocked it and went to start it, but the immobiliser had kicked in and I couldn’t switch this off, as the “blipper” didn’t work.

Tried the keypad to arm and disarm the system but the code or keypad just don’t seem to work. Pretty sure the pin code the previous owner gave me is not correct.

I want to reset the password (if possible) and fully assess if it’s the code or the alarm/keypad that are knackered.

Is this possible? Or does Subaru have to do this with their electronic wizardry?

It a 2001 bugeye with Sigma M30 installation. The keypad is located within the fuse (coin drawer) panel.

Don’t want the same to happen again ! Had to tow the car half a mile (missus was NOT amused ) so I was out of the range of the F’ing mast !!!

Thanks for your help!


Charlie

Sigma Sam

Hi Charlie,
I hope the info below will explain the problem and allow you to change your keypad pin.

Radio Lock Out:
- All alarm systems manufactured for use in the UK in ’99 were required to operate on the frequency of 433MHz. Subsequently, in late 2000, the government allowed the introduction of the “Tetra” radio network for telecommunications companies, the military, police, fire and ambulance services etc, which was allocated the 420-430MHz bandwidths.

Although not exactly the same frequency, these “Tetra” transmitters are licensed and so are allowed to operate at around 20,000 watts, compared with the alarm systems 0.5 watt radio key (necessary so that your radio keys remain exempt from annual licensing fees!)

As a result, when you are near a transmitting “Tetra” mast you can get a degree of “bleed over” as their signal is so much stronger and this can swamp the transmission from the radio key.

This problem is not exclusive to this system and can occur on any number of manufacturers systems produced prior to 2001.

The receiver boards were redesigned to focus more accurately on the 433.92HHz frequency as soon as this problem became evident, however, systems manufactured before 2001, with the older receiver boards that may have experienced this problem, are not faulty and were not considered eligible for warranty.
However, as a goodwill measure, customers who suffered from “exceptional” radio lock-out (ie lived or worked below a mast) were offered an upgraded receiver board whilst the vehicle was still within the warranty period.

This goodwill period was extended for a further 12 months after the 3 year warranty period expired, but ended in December 2004.
Later ECUs are available from Subaru (part number SACC 3465) but these are now chargeable

Avoidance:
There are a few points that should be remembered:

- All vehicles that passed through the import centre from January 2001 are equipped with the latest receiver boards that are "Tetra Resistant" and so should not experience this problem.

- A keypad is fitted to ALL models with the UK standard fit alarm system (from 99 MY) as an emergency override, in the event of loss, damage, flat radio key battery etc. (The keypad also allows the driver to access a number of features and is a complete programming tool for the dealers) and so pushing/recovery of vehicle’s should not be necessary provided you know your override PIN and ow to operate the keypad.

- The keypad can NOT be affected by "Radio Lock-Out", as it is hard wired into the system and does not rely on a radio transmission.

Keypad Use:
- The keypad allows only THREE PIN attempts and then will "Lock Up" if an incorrect number is entered a third time. This is a secuity feature to prevent random attempts at steeling the vehicle, however, it is also an inconvenience if you are suffering "Radio Lock Out" and enter your PIN incorrectly.

- The PIN number should not be entered too quickly or too slowly - when a digit has been pressed the small LED built into the keypad will illuminate briefly as confirmation and only then should the next digit be entered.

If an incorrect digit is pressed or the delay between entering digits exceeds10 seconds, then the LED above the keypad will flash rapidly and the PIN attempt should be aborted and started again after 30 seconds.

Due to the small size of the keypad some users may find a rubber tipped pencil easier to use. DO NOT use the sharp tip of a ball point pen etc, or press excessively hard on the keypad as this will only damage the membrane and cause a digit to remain pressed, causing a continual incorrect PIN.

Summary:
My advice is to read the alarm system's instruction manual and practice entering the PIN before you need it. If you do not know your PIN, or bought the car second hand (in which case the PIN may have been changed by the previous owner) you can change the PIN to one of your own choosing, using the keypad, provided that you have a working Radio Key.

Changing your PIN:
- Arm and then Disarm the system using a working Radio Key.
- Within 30 seconds of disarming, type into the keypad: *17856*92*wxyz*wxyz# (where wxyz is your new PIN code)
- Arm the system with the Radio Key
- You should now be able to disarm the system using the new PIN code

Further information can be found in the systems Operating Instructions. If you do not have a copy of the Operating Instructions a link to a copy can be found in the post at:
http://www.subaru-impreza.org/subaru...pic.php?t=2476

Ensure your keypad is operational before you need it on a dark night!
If this is an ntermitent problem, use of the keypad should overcome the problem. However, if the problem is more frequent it may be worth considering a new control unit - An SACC 3465 should cost in the region of £70 from a Subaru dealer and your existing keys can still be used.
Although installation may take around 30 minutes, do not pay over the odds for programming the system, as this can be done in 5 minutes using the keypad.

Sorry that this is such a long-winded post, but I hope that it answers the questions raised and will keep everyone mobile.
SS

Charles aka Charlie

Thanks mate that's a great help

How long does this "lock up" last for? Sure this could be the problem, does the system need to be reset at Subaru?

Thanks,


Charlie

Sigma Sam

If the wrong PIN code is entered 3 times the system will "lock out" the keypad for 30 minutes - the Radio Key can still be used to arm/disarm the system even in this condition.
Further PIN attempts can be made through the keypad after this 30 minute period elapses (irrespective of ignition on/off or alarm armed/disarmed) without the need for any re-set procedure.
The number of combinations possible from the 4-digits, combined with this time delay after 3 incorrect attempts, makes random PIN attempts very time consuming.

If in any doubt about the PIN, reset it to a code of your own choosing following the guide above - using the Radio Key to disarm the system beforehand.
.
I noticed in your post that your vehicle is a 2001 model, however it is possible that you still have one of the earlier receiver boards that may be susceptable to "Radio Lock Out" due to slow vehicle sales in 2001.

SS

Charles aka Charlie

I'll have a go and let you know how I get on.

Thanks for your help it's really appreciated

Charles aka Charlie

Bugger! Seems I've broken the keypad, the LED is continuously flashing (which suggests one key is permanently pressed).

Sam, any ideas how much lovely Subaru will charge for this (including fitting)?

Cheers mate,


Charlie

Sigma Sam

Hi Charlie,

Yep, I've heard of this before.
If a hard object (such as biro) is used to press the keypad buttons the membrane can de-form. The membrane itself is self-adhesive and easily removed with a blade, the new membrane can then be applied. This should cure the problem, although you will have to leave the keypad for 30 mnutes before attempting to use it, as the "repeating" button on the damaged membrane will have "locked the keypad out" for 30 minutes, as mentioned above.
The part number for the membrane is SACC 3463-CVR and I would expect cost to be minimal.
If the keypad as a whole needs replacing, due to further damage, the part number is SACC 3463 and should be around £20. Again, this can be plugged in replacing the original keypad, with no need for any special skills or programming - although accessing the connector at the alarm ECU can be time consuming. Your existing PIN can be used, or programming carried out, 30 minutes after the new keypad is connected.

SS

Charles aka Charlie

Thanks ever so much mate!

I've just ordered the keypad and will see how long it takes to get in.

Didn't realise the keypad was such a simple job (i.e. self adhesive) but will check it out in detail tonight.

I owe you a beer mate!



Charlie

Charles aka Charlie

Sam,

Got the keypad for 89p (one of the cheapest genuine parts I've ever purchased ).

Did your trick, to reset the pin number and all is working now!

Once again, thanks for your help!


Charlie