Factory Security Alarm System 1996 GTS

[SBAR1]

My factory alarm system no longer engages. When I press the key fob, all doors lock and the horn sounds (once). Unfortunately I no longer get a follow up horn sound 15 seconds after the doors are locked and the LED Red Light on dash goes not go on. I recently changed the rear hatch lift supports but I don't believe that's causing the problem. I have narrowed it down to three possible causes, although there may be others:

1. Defective EEM (I want to avoid replacing this if possible)
2. Defective hood switch (apparently there was a Chrysler Campaign notification of faulty switches)
3. Rear lift hatch switch is sending a false signal that it is open.

Thank you in advance for your help

Scott

[Ron]

I have a 1996 GTS and I never heard a follow up beep after the initial one which beeps during "lock."

1) Do the parking lights and dash lights flash during "unlock?"
2) If you pop the hood with the alarm set does the horn go off?
3) If you pop the rear hatch while the alarm is set, does the horn go off?
4) Does the engine start then immediately stall while the horn is sounding an alarm? Leave the window open and use the manual door release to try once you trigger it.

If so, the alarm works fine and your dash LED is out. I've seen the wiring disconnect during under dash work.

Note that the horn will give a double beep during unlock if it was triggered while it was locked and armed after the horn times out. This lets you know if it went off while you were away.

[ViperTim]

I have a follow up beep as described by OP.
Have you checked all of the door switches and hood switch?

[Ron]

There was an EEM change for 1996 GTS's and the beep cycle of the horn was different between the revisions. I have the updated EEM which could explain the difference.

If you can find the 1996 SR TSB dated April 25th, 1997 #08-17-97, you'll have the security system diagnostic mode and testing procedure.

[Boosted Motorsports]

I recently changed the rear hatch lift supports but I don't believe that's causing the problem.

I would start here. Did you reinstall the switch correctly on the new support shock? Also did you use factory shocks or aftermarket. I recently ran into this issue with an aftermarket shock and the body diameter was too large to fit inside the switch mechanism.

Also the switch mechanism can be positioned on the shock and does not install all the way bottomed out at the end.

Reinstall the switch on the shock with the screws semi-tight, slide the switch up the shock a bit, and close the hatch and let the shock determine where the switch need to rest. Then tighten the screws.

Try this first.

[daveg]

I have the factory EEM in my 96 GTS and I DO get follow up horn beep.

[SBAR1]

Many thanks Boosted Motorsports. I used factory supports but positioned the mechanism too far down the strut and it wasn't engaging. Excellent solution and fix.

[Boosted Motorsports]

Many thanks Boosted Motorsports. I used factory supports but positioned the mechanism too far down the strut and it wasn't engaging. Excellent solution and fix.

Awesome! Glad it was an easy fix!