Experiencing frustration because your car won’t enter programming mode? You’re not alone. Many car owners face the annoying issue where the car alarm system refuses to go into programming, often indicated by the horn failing to honk. Instead of immediately assuming a faulty alarm system, the problem might lie elsewhere, specifically within your vehicle’s steering column.
Understanding Why Your Car Alarm Programming Fails
When you attempt to program your car’s remote entry system, you expect a straightforward process. Typically, this involves turning the ignition key on and off in a specific sequence to trigger programming mode. A successful entry is often signaled by a horn honk, confirming the system is ready for new key fobs or setting adjustments. However, if your car stubbornly refuses to enter this mode, and the horn remains silent, it’s a sign something is preventing the necessary signals from reaching your alarm system.
The Dealer’s Insight: Starter Solenoid and Signal Transmission
According to dealerships familiar with issues in models around the 2000s, particularly those using Alpine remote entry systems, the culprit is often not the alarm system itself. Instead, the problem frequently stems from a component within the steering column, potentially the starter solenoid or a related part.
These systems require a specific number of power signals within a short timeframe to activate programming mode. For instance, some systems need ten signals within 15 seconds. These signals are generated by the action of turning your ignition key from the ‘lock’ to ‘on’ position. However, with wear and tear, the starter solenoid or associated parts in the steering column can become slow or unreliable in responding to key turns.
This degradation means that each key turn might not consistently send a power signal to the alarm system. Instead of a signal with every key turn, you might only get a signal intermittently. If the system needs ten signals to enter programming mode, and your key turns are only successfully sending signals sporadically, you’ll struggle to activate the programming sequence within the time limit.
The Rapid Key Turning Trick: A Potential Workaround
Some users have reported success by rapidly turning the ignition key on and off, far more times than the expected ten, and as quickly as possible. This frantic key turning, often combined with immediately opening and closing the car door, might seem like a desperate measure, but there’s a logical explanation for why it can sometimes work.
By turning the key many more times than required, you’re essentially increasing the chances of the degraded steering column component successfully sending the necessary ten signals within the fifteen-second window. If, on average, only one out of every three key turns reliably transmits a signal, then turning the key thirty times significantly increases the likelihood of accumulating the ten signals needed to trigger programming mode.
Solutions: Weighing Your Options
When faced with this “Car Wont Go Into Programming Mode” issue, you have a few potential paths forward:
1. Dealership Repair: Replacing the Faulty Part
The dealership’s recommended solution is to replace the worn part in the steering column, such as the starter solenoid. They argue that this will restore reliable power delivery, ensuring consistent signal transmission to the alarm system, not only for programming but also for general alarm system functionality. However, as mentioned in the original post, this repair can be costly, potentially ranging from $400 to $500, including labor and potentially diagnostic fees.
2. Aftermarket Alarm System: A Cost-Effective Alternative
Considering the expense of dealership repairs, installing an aftermarket alarm system presents a compelling alternative. For a fraction of the cost of replacing steering column components, you can purchase and install a new aftermarket alarm system. These systems often come with enhanced features compared to stock alarms, such as remote start capabilities.
By opting for an aftermarket system and having it installed by an electronics shop instead of the dealership, you could potentially save hundreds of dollars. This approach not only resolves the programming issue but also upgrades your car’s security and convenience features at a lower overall cost.
Conclusion: Troubleshooting and Choosing the Right Path
If your car “wont go into programming mode,” don’t immediately blame the alarm system itself. The issue could very well be related to a common problem with signal delivery from the steering column, as diagnosed by dealerships.
While replacing the faulty steering column part is a direct fix for maintaining the original alarm system’s functionality, it comes with a significant price tag. For a more economical and potentially feature-rich solution, exploring aftermarket alarm systems is highly recommended. Weigh your options based on budget and desired features to determine the best course of action for your vehicle’s security needs.
