Nostalgic Hero

Hi Everyone,

I bought a 1992 Miata a few weeks ago. I was happy until this morning. Apparently the alarm went off during the halloween night on the street, and I now can't start the engine. I'm sure people had the same trouble in the past and already discussed in this forum, but I couldn't find a solution after google searching for some time. Please help.

There is a red LED on the dash near the center vent. It is usually lit, but this morning it was flashing. When unlocked the door all lamps started flashing, going on for a minute or so. I tried to start the engine, but it didn't.

Any recevery procedure that I'm suposed to follow?

Thank you Forum.

Track

so, its likely you have an aftermarket alarm system installed. I would try to find the make and model of the alarm, and then look up how to remove it on google.

If you have an alarm fob, you should be able to reset the alarm and start the car though.

RedTurboMiata

i dont think the stock alarm system had a led. but i would try disconnecting the battery for about 5-10 minutes and taping the brakes to get all the power left over out. then hook it back up and see what you get. look under the dash and see if you see a aftermarket alarm system somewhere while your waiting.

Nostalgic Hero

Guys, thanks for your so quick responses and advices. I guess I was in a little panic at that time and emailed many people at once. Luckily the seller responded me and he happened to know about the alarm, even thought he owned the car only for a month.

Let me describe it for future references for somebody.

In my case, the siren had been disconnected, so only lights and lamps were flashing when I tried to work on to resolve the situation. The brand of the alarm was unknown, as the paper sticker on back of the siren horn had been degraded and I couldn't read. The attached pictures shows why I first thought this alarm might be factory, because the LED was nicely mounted in the hole with a round lip. So the plastic cover seemed to be made for this alarm LED. There was a little toggle switch under the dash (I rather prefer not to say where exactly), and if you insert ignition key and play with the switch, you should be able to disable/reset the alarm.

RedTurboMiata

best advice, remove it, dont lock the doors ( if they want in there going to get in someway) and keep nothing of any real value in the car.

Nostalgic Hero

Yeah, true. I'd hope it didn't come with the alarm. Oh, well.

I'm a kind of a guy who keeps valuable stuff out of the car, but still, leaving the doors unlocked... I don't know, dude. Oh, how about this. Leave my wife in the unlocked car and see if somebody is willing to take.

Come over to Fremont tonight and find a unlocked Miata!

mytwo

I 2nd what Redturbo says .You have a cloth top lock the doors and they cut the top,you have a hard top they knock a window out.that is really bad if you do not have a valuable radio or something inside.
If a radio of any value then take the faceplate out.
I would rather they get in than cut the top or break out a window

Track

lol, how hard is it to cut a top man? don't be silly. it will be really expensive to replace the top as opposed to any alternative. If you like, make a kill switch and hide it somewhere. atleast the thief will have to search a while before he can start it (if your concerned that it will get jacked).

sixshooter

I don't keep anything in it but I lock it. I even lock it if the top is down, lol. The alarm is on if it is anywhere but my driveway.

FRT_Fun

I don't lock mine. Doesn't seem worth it.