Manager Forum

I have an 01 Bonneville here that has some issues. The guy dropped it off with the complaint that when he turned the car off the alarm would start honking the horn and flashing the lights. The only way he can turn it off is by pulling the igniton fuses. This happens everytime you turn it off. I started looking at it and found that the power door locks do not work. So I figured that the alarm cannot be reset because the locks are part of the door switch circuit and fixing them may solve my problem. Well, For the life of me I cannot figure out why the locks do not work. I have all the power and grounds I need to the drivers door module. I also noticed my scanner will not communicate with the rear integrated module. I replaced the module with a used one I had laying around but it still will not communicate. I also checked it for power and ground and it checks ok. Any ideas would be helpful. Thanks

The CTD system on these should also be diasbled by using the key in the door lock. Does it disable that way? The Dash Intergration Module is also a player in this. Can you communicate with it? Are you using a Tech2 or a different scanner? Each DLM has it's own power and ground. It communicates with the others via a dedicated line....could that be disrupted? Is the security light on steady or off? Not being able to communicate with any device that is involved with the CTD system is key. You should be able to communicate with the following first....

• Driver Door Module
  Dash Integration Module
  PCM
  RCDLR
  Rear Integration Module
  VTD
  IPC

If you can't, then start there.

I am using a otc Genisys. I can communicate with everything but the RIM. The alarm will not reset with the key in the door lock. I have checked the wires between modules and they all seem good with no breaks between them.

i can't assume the alarm is oem. is there a remote start that's integrated into the system as well? in my area there are many transmitter towers for all sort of frequency signals. i can't begin to describe the issues that can arise. what we do, is on any vehicle with issues similar to this or any that can be caused by security or remote start we isolate and bypass the system. i can't even recall how many gm's that have been cured of gremlin issues by by- passing the remote start. people seem to assume (and some tech's) that since the car was purchased with he remote start it's oem when in fact it's dealer installed (and may infact void some portions of the warranty). if you have a gm come in with the customer complaining of the car stalling after it's been running for a short amount of time by-pass the remote. many times it's the preset limiter in the remote. it kills the ignition if it doesn't read a key signal. i will ask customers of any added systems including sound systems, alarms, remote starters, i even go as far as to ask if the car has recently been broken into for any reason or if and window glass has been repaired. another quicky is checking the loom where it passed through the door to the post. please, if the harness is comprimised unplug it from car side, and repair it professionally. what we've found works the best is to cut back the wire and using fuseable link ( because of it's flexability) replace the broken wire using weather proof splices. we'll put a "s" loop in the wire for added flexability. obviously, we check for other wires that are cracked and will fail in the future. sorrt for the ramble.............................................

GEEPINCJ7 wrote:I am using a otc Genisys. I can communicate with everything but the RIM. The alarm will not reset with the key in the door lock. I have checked the wires between modules and they all seem good with no breaks between them.

Then I would start at the RIM and determine why there is no communication. Chances are the answer lies there but in any regard, it needs to operate properly as preliminary checks for alarm.

No remote start systems, no aftermarket alarm systems and even the factory radio. The car is untouched as far as aftermarket components so we can rule that out. I am starting to realize that the RIM is probably the source of all my problems but I cannot figure out why the scanner will not communicate with it. I have traced all the wires to their source and they all seem to check ok.

You may need to consider that it may be your scan tool. I'd try a different unit, a Tech 2 if possible to confirm.

OK...So I had some time today so I looked at it a little more. I discovered that if I pull the interior light relay the door locks will work and I can also shut off the alarm. The only thing controling the relay is the RIM. I have a RIM from another car but it does the same thing. I guess it is possible to have two bad modules but I doubt it. Any ideas? Thanks

Good clue. Possibly a shorted relay? Do you regain communications when the relay is disconnected?

the car is reading a door being open. (i believe) you may have to unplug the plugs for the harness that feeds the doors. yu know the ones inside the kick panel. i'de start with the drivers door first and then the front passenger. if door is open alarm will not set and i believe that door locks won't work. now it may be tricky. if the key cylinder is illuminated i would look closely at the harness. if it's been comprimised the key reader may also be messing up. you know the results, now you have to back trace each circuit to where they may join or the module that ties them together. i've seen aftermarket radios installed where the pudding head installer not only drooled all over the console but tied a live wire into the wire that feeds the illumination part of the radio causing a feedback that drove me nuts and cost the customer $300.

I did get the scanner to communicate a few times with the relay out. It is very inconsistant. I do not think it has anything to do with the doors but possibly the truck. I keep getting a trunk open light even when the truck is closed. It doesnt happen all the time but it has happened. I hope to have some more time later to take a look...

that's yer sighn, trunk. if systems read interior light or any draw on system alarm will not set. door locks are tied into alarm. a bit bassackwards but it's all rellivant.