There's a ghost in the machine, hopefully there's a ghostbuster here that can help me figure this out.

Yesterday, as I started my car to go to work, the alarm went off (never even knew I had one, must be factory). I had to pull my battery cable to kill it. Then on my drive I notice my driver side power lock doesn't work (passenger side still does), neither does the driver side power window switch controlling the passenger window (driver side switch controlling the driver side window still does and pass side switch still does) and also the dome light doesn't fade off like normal it just shuts off immediately after closing the door.

So, today I run through all the fuses that I believe may have anything to do with it (acc, pwr windows, pwr locks) but they're all good any the issues persist. All of a sudden, on a ride later this afternoon everything is working again.

I wish that were the end of the story, but as I ran to the store a few minues ago the whole thing started again, beginning with the alarm going off on startup.

Any ideas?

 

Sorry, thought I had a sig with my info... 1996 4 cylindar ex coupe

 

The alarm going off may be related to the door locks, etc. But, do the following to confirm the area:

Identifying Tripped Sensors

The system will indicate the sensor which caused
the alarm to be triggered through the security
indicator LED. With the key out of the ignition
switch, press the disarm/valet switch 3 times in 5
seconds when the system was disarmed. The status
LED will blink according to the following code:

Sensors_________ Number of Flashes
Door____________ 1 blink, pause, repeat
Trunk___________ 2 blinks, pause, repeat
System Switches__ 3 blinks, pause, repeat
Glass Breakage____ 4 blinks, pause, repeat
Hood____________ 5 blinks, pause, repeat

The location of the disarm/valet switch varies depending on the vehicle. Usually it is located on the lower dashboard cover to the left of the steering wheel.

 

Thanks for the reply, I'll look for that today. Btw, it's a '98 not a '96 like I said earlier.

 

Btw: The instructions I previously posted is for a 96 Accord.

A 98 Accord security system is different. The 98 security system is part of a multiplex control system. There's a driver's side and a passenger side multiplex control unit involved. There may be an issue with the passenger side multiplex control unit.

 

You should verify that this is factory installed. Just look under the driver's dash. Follow any wires that look out of place or not part of the wiring harness. That would lead you to the control unit of the alarm.

Also, stop by a parts store and have your battery/alternator tested. Low voltage can cause problems for an alarm. You may also want to clean all ends of both battery cables using a wire brush or sand paper.

 

I think the 98 EX has a factory alarm, so any wires that look "non-factory" would mean an aftermarket alarm is installed?? (Or those wires are for something else like a sound system)

 

Here's a service bulletin regarding if the alarm goes off by itself when it is not armed or when the engine is running.

Honda TSB 99-023

 

I had Honda alarm (dealer installed) go off while parked due to low battery. Battery would start and run car, but alarm would go off.

good luck

 

A low battery or poor battery cable connection should be considered very high probability as the cause for the malfunction.