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Odd, irratic and intermittent flashing and beeping 850 1996

posted by  itsneddy on  Sun Sep 12 08:47 CST 2010
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last visit: Sun Sep 19 02:25 CST 2010
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My 850 non turbo (157k) started emitting an intermittent, beeping sound with directional flashers (on the dash and outside)also lighting and unlighting, not necessarily in conjunction with the beeps. Also, while this was going on, a sound from under the left side of the dash akin to a computer booting up. The car ran perfectly while this was going on. It seemed to tied be to either using lights, turn signals, and wipers, but I can't be sure. Any clues?








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    Odd, irratic and intermittent flashing and beeping 850 1996

    posted by  someone claiming to be dnlars on  Mon Sep 13 16:40 CST 2010 [RELATED]

    Did you try locking and unlocking the car with your key, not remote. Then get in and close door, insert key in the ignition and cycle the key on and off for five times? I think that's the way to re-set the system. The cycling of key needs to be done in a short period of time. Not positive if it's five times or eleven. Sorry to be vauge. Maybe someone could jump in and comfirm this.








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    Odd, irratic and intermittent flashing and beeping 850 1996

    posted by  someone claiming to be dnlars on  Mon Sep 13 14:33 CST 2010 [RELATED]

    Someone may have tried to unlock your (alarm set) car with their volvo key. Your red dash light stays on and when you put your key in it will start the flashing and beeping you describe. I assume this is to alert you to an attempted theft. There is a procedure detailed in the manual to reset the system. The other thought is that an alarm wire (not in plain view)is shorted by a mounting screw for some recently installed accesory. I experienced both. Good luck.








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    Odd, irratic and intermittent flashing and beeping 850 1996

    uid 40935's pic
    posted by  Goatman on  Sun Sep 12 08:55 CST 2010
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    last visit: Sat Jul 26 20:30 CST 2014
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    Hello,


    Your factory security alarm was going off. It may have been actuated by a cosmic ray from outer space or radio interference activating the panic function.

    The control unit may have also suffered organic damage, but I think the former is more likely.

    Order the key fob from the dealer or other source, and enjoy using keyless entry.


    Goatman








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      Odd, irratic and intermittent flashing and beeping 850 1996

      posted by  itsneddy on  Sun Sep 12 14:41 CST 2010
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      last visit: Sun Sep 19 02:25 CST 2010
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      Thanks. I have the keyless fob and it still works. So I guess it is the control module. Is that the relay or another unit? Where is whatever I am looking for located in the vehicle? Thanks for your help.








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        Odd, irratic and intermittent flashing and beeping 850 1996

        posted by  KlausC on  Sun Sep 12 16:39 CST 2010
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        last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
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        You might want to slam the hood shut. The sensor on the driver's side latch gets dirty and old, it may not think the hood is closed properly.

        Klaus







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          Odd, irratic and intermittent flashing and beeping 850 1996

          posted by  itsneddy on  Mon Sep 13 00:52 CST 2010
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          last visit: Sun Sep 19 02:25 CST 2010
          [RELATED]

          Okay. I tried the hood slam technology to no avail. I can tell you that I never, in 14 months of ownership, noticed the red flashing (when locked) dome in the center of the dash. It stays red when the car is unlocked. Prior to yesterday, it was never on. The only thing I did yesterday that was different from any other day was try to get the trim pins in the tailgate back in their respective holes. Coul it be thinking the tailgate is ope,,, ashort or something back there? Thank you.








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            Odd, irratic and intermittent flashing and beeping 850 1996

            posted by  KlausC on  Mon Sep 13 04:26 CST 2010
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            last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
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            Usually, if the tailgate thinks it is not completely closed, the warning light will go off in the instrument panel. But, to check it, open the hatch and with a screwdriver, double click the lock on the hatch. Leave it open and 'lock' the car, the red light on top of the dash should blink every 5 seconds or so.

            Double check the wires going through the upper hatch hinge, make sure none of them are frayed or look 'funny'.

            Klaus







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              Odd, irratic and intermittent flashing and beeping 850 1996

              posted by  itsneddy on  Mon Sep 13 14:05 CST 2010
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              last visit: Sun Sep 19 02:25 CST 2010
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              Thanks Klaus. I checked the wiring under the panel and near the hinges. Nothing frayed or "funny" looking. I did notice that, under the trim panel on the tailgate, a wire junction was off its mooring. I checked the connection and put it back in its proper place, but the irratic behavior continues. I have also tried arming and disarming per the owners manual. It is a little less spastic today than it was yesterday, but not right either. Should I just get a new relay?








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                Odd, irratic and intermittent flashing and beeping 850 1996

                posted by  KlausC on  Mon Sep 13 15:23 CST 2010
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                last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
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                Its been so long... the control module looks like a large relay, #210 under the dash. If you pull it, the car may or may not start? I am not sure what the default is for the system.

                It still sounds like the alarm is active when you start and run the car. A bump might turn it off, indicating a short.

                Klaus







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                Odd, irratic and intermittent flashing and beeping 850 1996

                posted by  KlausC on  Mon Sep 13 15:12 CST 2010
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                last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
                [RELATED]

                There are 2 relays under the dash, driver's side. Neither one is cheap, except at a pick&pull.

                I would continue to try the procedure to disarm you found in the manual. Do this until the red light goes out.

                Klaus







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                  Odd, irratic and intermittent flashing and beeping 850 1996

                  posted by  itsneddy on  Wed Sep 15 23:50 CST 2010
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                  last visit: Sun Sep 19 02:25 CST 2010
                  [RELATED]

                  Thanks to everyone for your input. I think I've narrowed the problem down to a short in the tailgate wiring harness, likely in the upper half. I'll need a lot of daylight now to figure it out. Don't know why I didn't think sooner to disconnect the alarm horn under the hood, but it sure goes a long way toward getting people to stop looking at you like you're nuts. Thanks again.







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