Alarm Indicator LED stays on for 30 seconds before blinking

[BlackSmoke]

Decided to retro-fit TPMS on my VW Golf GT Sport Tdi 170 - This involved disconnecting battery for a short time.

Since re-connecting I've noticed that when I set the alarm the alarm led in the drivers door lights constantly for about 30 seconds then goes into normal flashing mode - I'm sure it used to go straight into blinking mode (?!)

I might have set the alarm off once or twice before I noticed this strange non-blinking stage.

Is this normal, or what does it mean ?
I've only had the car 2 years and never really noticed this before.

Thanks for any wise words (perhaps I should scan the manual more intensely)

[BlackSmoke]

Well here's a strange thing - after about 2 weeks it is now back to normal.
(ie. Set alarm, it immediately flashes, goes off for 2 seconds, and then starts normal flash which is what I remember).

What did I do to correct it? Well I don't really know!!

I scanned for errors with VCDS (VAG-COM) and interestingly found 1 error on drivers door central locking module (Implausable Signal) and some other loss of signal on doors and radio - I think they may have been related to the battery disconnect - Anyway, I cleared them (and they haven't come back) but the alarm LED didn't change.

Used key to unlock and then put ignition on - alarm LED didn't change.

I think it went back to normal when I used the other ("spare") key but I couldn't swear to this - it is OK with both keys now.

If anyone has noticed anything similar, or knows what it all means, please share out of interest - this is obviously very urgent

[lambo28]

Hi, I experienced this scenario once. I locked the car normally and then the LED stayed on solid. I then quickly unlocked the doors and locked it again via the remote. It went back to normal (i.e. blinks really fast for a second or two then goes back to normally continuous blinking) and has not happened since then. BTW my car is over a year old and I did not remove the battery or do anything to it.

[face]

Hi, I have the same problem with my 2006 Jetta. Sometimes at first the LED would stay on for 30 secs and other time would be normal. Now stays on 30 secs evey time. have had it scanned for errors which found intermitant problems in 3 doors. These were reset but LED still the same. Re scan says no faults!

Have tried various combinations of locking/unlocking with fob/key but no joy.


Due back at garage next week for further investigation, will keep you posted!

[BlackSmoke]

Well interestingly my car went for a replacement rear door lock not too long after I first noticed the problem (the deadlock mechanism was sticking in the locked position).

Since then the led "problem" has re-appeared and I get intermittent fault on drivers door .... after a bit of lateral tinkering, I think I found the reason;

If I sit in the car and lock the doors with the alarm, when the LED isn't on for 30 seconds - I can't open the doors from the inside meaning the deadlock mechanism is working.

When I lock the doors with the alarm when the LED is steady for 30 seconds, I find that I can open the drivers door (but none of the others) from the inside.

Thus I conclude that the 30 second steady LED is because the deadlock mechanism is not activated on the drivers door - another faulty door lock

[face]

That sounds real interesting thank you, I will go and have a play and let you know!

Just out of interest what sort of money do you pay for a lock if you don't mind me asking?

[face]

Hmmm tried all doors several times but all seem ok.

Just wondering if it could be the boot lock thats playing up. It failed to open a month or so ago and had to be opened with the key, then seemed to operate ok again. put it down to a temp glitch at the time.

Not quite sure how to check if the boot deadlocks, it seems to lock and unlock ok at the moment.

[BlackSmoke]

Hmm - Perhaps my theory is flawed unless, of course, yours is related to the boot (does a boot deadlock ?) - do you still have a clean scan ?

Last night I noticed my LED was back to normal so I checked, and sure enough the deadlock on drivers side is working

Don't know how much a door lock costs as mine was done under warranty ... but as I am intermittently having what appears to be a problem with the front drivers door, I shall certainly get that checked out before the warranty expires.

As for the LED curiosity, it may just something which happens with no relation to my door lock ... but annoying all the same.

If my LED goes steady again, I'll certainly check the deadlocks and post back with an update.

[face]

Last night I noticed the LED back to normal (Great!). Locked the car and went inside. 10 Mins later the alarm is going off (Not so great!).

Re checked LED now steady again.

Checked all doors and all seem to be deadlocking ok. Set the alarm and tripped the interior sensor. Indicators flashed but no sound which is I guess to do with the fault?

Back to the garage again this morning. No fault codes for any doors convenience system or central locking. However the scanner would not connect to the alarm! They now want the car back in to make further checks.

The only thing left I have not tested is the tow away sensor, will see if I can test this!?

[face]

Have found the problem.

Despite numerous visits to garage they turned up no fault codes so I bought my own reader.

Within 5 mins found code 01134 Alarm horn H12.

Located horn which is under rear section of drivers side inner wheel arch (nice and handy)!

Removed horn and prized apart to inspect (sealed together)

The back up battery has leaked causing corrosion of the circuit board, I tried to clean but the damage is too bad.

Off to the dealers then for a new one at £97.00!!

This could be one that begins to happen quite a lot?