Expert: ALARMTEK - 1/6/2012

Question
QUESTION: I had some work done on my Pathfinder at Sears (tires/ oil change).  Somehow, the technician triggered the security system to disable the car and ignition.  The car won't start.  We checked the car battery - it's fine. There's just a slight click as you engage the ignition.  I can lock the car and roll the windows up and down, but can't start it.

How do we reset/reinitialize the security system or disable it so we can get the car started?

ANSWER: Ok, an installer would place the velet switch in a semi
hidden area. I'd look under the dash area
for a button or, a toggle switch. When you locate it,
turn on the ignition key, press and hold in the
button (little spring loaded micro button, red or
black possibly), until the alarm chirps 1 time.
This should over ride the system, and only the
keyless entry part, if installed, would still be
operating.

The LED (light emiting diode) light in the dash
should also go on solid.=VALET/OVERIDE

This stops the alarm except for the keyless
entry if installed. Once in Valet mode,
it will allow the car to start and operate
like there was no alarm at all.

Repeat these steps to go back to the
override mode if you wish.

The next step is if wanting to remove it,
you contact a local technician to
locate it, and affect neccesary service
for you.

That should solve the troubles.

ALARMTEK
CARALARMMAN.COM

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Mr. CARALARMMAN:
My Pathfinder's security system was a factory-installed (I believe# system.  At any rate, it was installed prior to my purchase of the new Pathfinder back in December. '98 #New '99 model year#.  I have been the only owner.  The system is fully integrated with multiple alarm fuses labeled on the fuse box under the hood #i.e., Alarm, Horn Alarm, etc.).

Does this make a difference in your assessment regarding a "valet" switch?  Or, would there be a valet switch on the factory-installed system as well?

I'll be going back to Sears (where the car became disabled) shortly, so I'll look for any valet switch that might be there.  If there isn't one, then what do I do?

Thanks

Answer
The trick there is OEM/FACTORY alarms don't have valets. :>/

In your case, if factory, the door lock controls the arm
and disarm. Turn hard left first, then hard right to disarm and go.

This does not sound like that. If the Sears guy put into
valet, he used a button or a switch likely installed
under dash. If it was a 2 way or remote starter, there
may also be an antenna on the windshield (inside)
that has a valet button inset into it.

Let me know what you discover.

CARALARMMAN.com