1995 Toyoto Camry, V6 Wagon, 5 doors, AT, 77K miles with central lock/unlock Viper auto security system (model: 500+ & 500+ clasic). Alarm was installed by an alarm specialist after purchasing this car in 1995. I notice when I arm the car about 5 years ago, the trunk can't be locked for the first two arms (I have changed car and remote batteries). I have to arm and unarm for three times befor it can be locked using remote or switch/button in the car. I also have to unarm and arm for three times to unlock trunk door if it is locked. When the trunk is armed and locked, I can't even open it using car key. Other doors work fine. However, if I arm my car before all doors fully closed, the car is armed and locked. Then, I can't unarm (always hear one chirp when I press remote to unarm car) using remote or open door using car key. The only way to open the door is to call lock smith. Anyone knows what this problem is? Is it security system or car problem? Any comments/suggestions is appreciated! Thanks in advance!

 

Wow - low mileage. I would put my money on the aftermarket alarm system. Is there still an "expert" in your area? Fix or disable are the options.

 

Who installed it and are you near this person/place still?

I know when I worked at Circuit City, we guarenteed the alarm for the life of the car.

 

Thanks for all your replied! The place where I have it installed is just 25 miles away. Unfortunately, they don't do alarm any more (change the ownership). I drove my car to Viper authorized dealer this morning. After I described and showed them the problem, they said my car has bad motor and the security system is just fine with no charge. The after market motor will cost ~$300 each which I want to get the second opinion from experts here. Besides, as long as I make sure all doors are closed before I arm my car, the car and alarm system work just fine. But if I can buy motor with cheap price and install myself, I would like to fix it to avoid locked out later and call AAA or lock smith to open door. Anyone has any other suggestions?

 

I'm confused by the term "motor". Is the dealer referring to the solenoids which are the electric door releases. If they work under normal conditions, and it sounds like they do, they do not need replacement. Still sounds like a faulty alarm system.

 

The "motor" they referring to is the motor which controls door lock of central lock system of a car. Motors comes with car and there is one in each door. Their answer confuse me, too. I also agree that if motor has a problem, it should have the same problem under normal arm and unarm situation. I did a further testing yesterday. I sit in the car and arm (one chirp) the car while driver side door is opened. Then, I close the door. I unarm (two chirps, central lock tries to unlock with one sound, but still locked) the car using remote, I can't open doors. I also tried using button/switch to unlock doors (no lock/unlock sound like usual) and failed. Any ideas? I have this alarm installed ($200) 12 years ago. One of local Viper authorized dealer will charge me $20 for just diagnose and $5 shipping if it is alarm problem (Viper has life time warrenty). However, I didn't register my product and don't have my warrenty card (still keep receipt with installed dealer who is out of alarm business). I am not sure my alarm still covered under warrenty. Besides, if something is bad other than alarm like motor, I certainly won't pay >$50 to fix it since it works just fine under normal condition. I just need to make sure all doors are closed before arming car.

 

Lock motors are just that, they are just a dc motor with a screw at the end that pushes and pulls on an actuator rod. These motors have old grease that gets gummy from the elements and the protective boots tear over time and alow dirt to fowl up the screws causing them to stick.
They ussually work well in summer but not in winter as they get older.
I don't know if anybody uses seloniods anymore.
You could try loading them up with WD40 and see if they work ( temporary fix).