alarm won't shut off

[rockhead]

2005 Mazda 3GT sedan:
My alarm system is driving me (and my neighbours) nuts! If the alarm goes off for whatever - say my wife opening the trunk using the key instead of the inside latch, I have a brute of a time turning alarm off.
I've tried inserting ignition key + locking/unlocking the doors + opening trunk from inside and re-closing it again .... nothing. It eventually sorts itself out somehow, but may take as long as 10-15 mins and 3 or four cycles - hence the PO'd neighbours!
Any ideas?
I had a factory remote start installed by dealer 2 years ago and wondering if that screwed the security circuit somehow.

[Noisy Crow]

There should be an override button on the drivers kick panel (just above the dead pedal).

The OEM remote start replaces (well, supplements, as they both are active) the built-in alarm. That is why you need to lock/unlock the car with the key fob that comes with the OEM remote-start for the alarm to arm/disarm. (The built in alarm arms/disarms using the keylock and the door switches, as well as with the stock fob).

[mazda lover]

This is what happened to me a few times, open trunk with key, close the trunk and noticed the lights flash telling me the alarm has been armed, I open the unlocked front door and the alarm sounds, closed the door alarm still active, lock and unlock the doors using the FOB, open the door alarm stops.

[rockhead]

Thanks for the replies. I looked under the drivers kickplate and found what looks like the override button tucked up underneath.
How does the system reactivate after using override button? I'm guessin it reboots after locking the doors with the fob.

[Noisy Crow]

Thanks for the replies. I looked under the drivers kickplate and found what looks like the override button tucked up underneath.
How does the system reactivate after using override button? I'm guessin it reboots after locking the doors with the fob.

Yep. Actually, to use the override button I think you need to put your key in the ignition (and maybe turn it to "on") and then press the button.

BTW, the button is supposed to be installed IN the drivers kick panel, not left hanging and stuffed up under the dash.

[rockhead]

Yeah, I hear ya ... sounds like a lazy installer to me.

[Noisy Crow]

Yeah, I hear ya ... sounds like a lazy installer to me.

Betcha the LED that is supposed to be in the switch panel (with the dimmer switch) is shoved up there somewhere as well......

[rockhead]

Hmmm ... trip to the service dept. who took my hard-earned money coming up!

[Noisy Crow]

Hmmm ... trip to the service dept. who took my hard-earned money coming up!

Ask them for a copy of the instruction booklet.....

When did you get the remote start installed? The current version (for a least a couple of years) comes with a tach kit... they probably skipped that too as it requires running a wire into the engine compartment.

[rockhead]

Installed November 2008. What's the tach kit all about?

[Noisy Crow]

The kit is basically a wire that runs from the PCU under the hood to the remote starters brain, which (in theory!) is tie-wrapped to one of the dashboard supports under the driver's side dash. It lets the remote start check if the engine has started or not -- so it knows when to disengage the engine starter, and possibly prevents trying to start when the engine is already running. If you peer under the hood behind the battery you should see a wire coming out beside the hood-release cable, and ending up at the PCU (the black box beside the battery).

Hmmm.... while you are there: you should actually see TWO wires: the one for the tach, and another running to a tilt-switch that should be secured to edge of the hood. The tilt switch prevents the engine from being remote started when hood is open (so no one gets hurt).

Oh hell: you don't drive a manual by any chance do you? The OEM remote start is designed for automatics......

[rockhead]

No it's an auto. Hey thanks for all the great info NC, very much appreciated!

[Noisy Crow]

No it's an auto. Hey thanks for all the great info NC, very much appreciated!

Hey, you are welcome.