Can Rav4 4.1 Alarms Freeze ?

[Zincubus]

This morning my RAV alarm would not respond - the car was frozen up - luckily I had locked up the previous night using the KEY as some kids were playing tennis at the front of our house so I didn't want the alarm to be triggered by a stray ball.

I tried BOTh sets of keys - the key fobs were lighting up but the RAv was not responding by unlocking or FLASHING .

When I got home from work BOTH key fobs worked perfectly !!

Anhy thoughts ?

[anchorman]

I would have thought that it would respond somehow. You need one of the electronics guys - shcm or JHRC to comment. Bothy might know something about the hardware.

We need to compile a help sheet on all these alarms and maybe get it pinned.

Incidentally, a mate with a 53 Avensis couldn't get his alarm cancelled the other day. He phoned his dealer who said instantly "what have you fitted at home - these things rarely go wrong". They were asking about any infra red or radio devices and he had indeed fitted a wireless alarm between his garage and house. As soon as he disabled it his car alarm worked perfectly.

[bothwell_buyer]

The 4.1 alarm module sits in the engine compartment from memory. Another box is under the dash. Given that the 4.1 has been out for 14 years and that the alarm system would have been designed almost 20 years ago, I guess that it incorporates relays. Relays being a physical motion item could contain some little moisture over this time - and sufficient to freeze its operation, and this is what it sounds like on this one.

The fact that it worked later ok seems to support this idea. If a relay was stuck, it might disable the alarm. This would include reed relays too, which were common back then. A new alarm panel even now has some relays depending on the panel.

So there we are. If it happens again, without cold weather, then get it checked; but we have seen temperatures as low as -10 in the past week,.

Ian

Remember not to pour hot water over a frozen lock, cos it will get more frozen the next time! WD40 or the likes when the lock is dry keeps things going.

[Zincubus]

Thanks

[Zincubus]

This has happened since on a FREEZING morning... anyway I remember a tip someone told me about holding the key next to your chin OR temple AND IT WORKED !!!!

[Parts-King]

Two things with the early 4.1 RAV alarms.

1: The T5000 as it was called, was made by Scorpion for Toyota, they went bust and you cannot buy any replacement parts for them. It was a black remote with one black and one red button. If it is that type, get rid of it, remove it and bin it, drastic I know, but if your car Battery goes low or you remove the car Battery for some reason, it usually kills the alarm, and you might be stuck with it immobilised

2: The remote batteries MUST have more than 10V in them, if they go below 9V they don't work

Kingo

[Zincubus]

Update

THe key fob has failed again this morning - -MILD weather this time - I tried again with the key fob next to my jaw - and it worked first time !!

What is happening ???

[bothwell_buyer]

Update

THe key fob has failed again this morning - -MILD weather this time - I tried again with the key fob next to my jaw - and it worked first time !!

What is happening ???

It's in love with you!

Maybe a bad connection on the circuit board, maybe dampness, maybe get yersel a new alarm system??

[edwardio]

The electrics in the alarm (if fully electrics inside) would be made to industry standards, which for that type of product is about -15 degrees I would say. Consumer electrics can work in as low as -5 degrees, as they don't need to be used outside in all weathers!

I'd say you need new batteries in the fob. The thing about putting the fob to your head is true, it's to do with electrical fields.