A Ghost in the Machine
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Joined: Jul 2004
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A Ghost in the Machine
I have a poltergeist.
My last car, an Acura Legend, would sound the car alarm at seemingly random, but always inconvenient times. I finally discovered that if the door locks were in the configuration of all doors locked EXCEPT driver's door unlocked, the alarm might be triggered.
My husband gave me an A8 for Christmas a few years ago and, dagnabbit!, this car has developed the same problem.
The alarm is triggered only if I lock the car. If I am nearby, say at my kid's baseball game, I hear the alarm sounding and lights flashing. The alarm will sound for a minute or two then only the lights will flash. Several times now I have returned to my car after running an errand to find the lights flashing.
This is embarrassing and annoying. Of course it doesn't happen on command so the guys at the shop think I'm making it up. Any ideas?
My last car, an Acura Legend, would sound the car alarm at seemingly random, but always inconvenient times. I finally discovered that if the door locks were in the configuration of all doors locked EXCEPT driver's door unlocked, the alarm might be triggered.
My husband gave me an A8 for Christmas a few years ago and, dagnabbit!, this car has developed the same problem.
The alarm is triggered only if I lock the car. If I am nearby, say at my kid's baseball game, I hear the alarm sounding and lights flashing. The alarm will sound for a minute or two then only the lights will flash. Several times now I have returned to my car after running an errand to find the lights flashing.
This is embarrassing and annoying. Of course it doesn't happen on command so the guys at the shop think I'm making it up. Any ideas?
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,002
Likes: 129
From: Fremont, CA
Re: A Ghost in the Machine
The Audi alarm only activates when all doors and trunk are locked. It does have a motion sensor which will trigger with a breeze sometimes. It happened many times with my A6 until I turn the motion sensor off. The button is on the driver door pillar, below the trunk button. Read the manual on how to disable it. I'm sure after you disable the motion sensor, your car alarm won't go off any more except actual breaking in.
Good luck,
Good luck,
Banned
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 950
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If it happens with the windows up, check trouble codes
The motion detector shouldn't be set off with the windows and sunroof closed. The central locking module records what triggered the alarm which should help with troubleshooting.
Tom
Tom
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 19,020
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From: Wilbur by the Sea
Are your windows open?
If so, it will alarm on motion sensor....if all windows are closed, could be another problem.
You can turn down the sensitivity with vag-com so it won't do this anymore.
pw
You can turn down the sensitivity with vag-com so it won't do this anymore.
pw
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Re: A Ghost in the Machine
The A8 has motion sensors, like a home burglar alarm. If the sensors see something moving, thru an OPEN window or sunroof, it'll set off the alarm.
When I park with my sunroof cracked open, I always draw the sunshade so the sensors can't see outside. Note the sunshade has vents in it.
When I park with my sunroof cracked open, I always draw the sunshade so the sensors can't see outside. Note the sunshade has vents in it.
