Alarm doesn't work!

[Ashy72]

Hi everyone this is my first post please be gentle with me!

I have recently bought a mazda mx5 1997 and it has an alarm that isn't working.
I have changed the battery in the remote keyfob, it has code alarm on the front. (I don't know which model) on the pcb inside it has date 1996.
Does anyone know how to get the alarm going? I believe the fob works because when I test the output with a logic probe I get pulses from it when I press the buttons.
I would also like to know where they install the control box for the alarm as there is only a siren in the engine bay. Perhaps the alarm has been disabled for some reason?

Anyway any help would be gratefully received.

 

[nolongerinu]

There is no way of knowing where the alarm brain is. You have an aftermarket alarm. The installer would have put it WHEREVER he wanted. It's pretty much installers choice.

More than likely your alarm isnt working if your domelight circuit is turned off. Most installers who are too lazy to connect the brain to every door trigger likes to just connect it to the domelight circuit. It works, but if you have your dome set to not come on when you open the door, the alarm obviously wont go off.

Otherwise, start by taking off the underdash panel on the driver side. Most installers hide the brain SOMEWHERE in there. You might be able to see it by sticking your head under the dash even.

Do the locks work? At least with that you will know if the brain is even still in the car.

 

[Ashy72]

There is no way of knowing where the alarm brain is. You have an aftermarket alarm. The installer would have put it WHEREVER he wanted. It's pretty much installers choice.

More than likely your alarm isnt working if your domelight circuit is turned off. Most installers who are too lazy to connect the brain to every door trigger likes to just connect it to the domelight circuit. It works, but if you have your dome set to not come on when you open the door, the alarm obviously wont go off.

Otherwise, start by taking off the underdash panel on the driver side. Most installers hide the brain SOMEWHERE in there. You might be able to see it by sticking your head under the dash even.

Do the locks work? At least with that you will know if the brain is even still in the car.

Sorry for the long delay in responding. The good news is I found the brain yesterday it was tucked behind the fuse box on the RHS drivers side. I nearly got backache lying upside down off the drivers front seat, it was quite uncomfortable. Anyway once I found it I took off the multiway connector so that I could view the unit properly for identification. Alas all that was on it was code alarm and a four digit disarm code sticker on it. So I still don't know which model number although I saw pictures of the remote online and its a CODCATX110. When I plugged the brain back in after 30 second the alarm triggered and the siren went off.. eureka I must have reset it by removing power. The remote works and all is fine and now I have central locking a big plus. The alarm brain also has a brown 4 way connector that connects to a small black box with a red LED on it. This black box is taped underneath the steering column (do you have any ideas what this is for?). I think you are right it's only the courtesy light that activates the alarm the installer was lazy as far as door switches go.