Security System Operation/Troubleshooting Procedure (15-53-88)
Publication date: 1988-04-18Reference number: 15-53-88
SECURITY SYSTEM OPERATION/TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
SUBARU SECURITY SYSTEM (SOA 386R100)
Model(s): 1988 Subaru Station Wagon, Sedan, 3-dr and XT
Group: Accessories
Bulletin No.: 15-53-8
Date: April 18, 1988
SERVICE INFORMATION
This Bulletin provides operation information, wiring diagram, and troubleshooting procedures for the Subaru Security System (SOA 386R100), with application to 1988 Station Wagon, Sedan, 3-door, and XT.
CONTENTS
- COMPONENT PARTS (Fig 1 )
- OPERATION GUIDE
- WIRING SCHEMATIC AND INSTALLATION ( Fig 2 )
- TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
COMPONENT PARTS
CONSUMER OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Before any diagnosis/troubleshooting is performed, the correct operation of the system must be fully understood. The operation guide is provided with every security system and should be left in the vehicle after installation. A copy of this is reprinted below.
SUBARU SECURITY SYSTEM
FEATURES
Advanced Monitoring System
Electronic sensors monitor entries and detect impact to the vehicle. If unauthorized entry or tampering occurs, the system will sound the horn (in short duration) and flash the parking lights to attract attention to the vehicle.
Automatic Alarm Reset
The alarm cycles for a duration of two minutes when it is activated. It will then cease and the system will automatically re-arm itself (provided all entries are closed).
Shock Sensor with "Warn Away"
When the vehicle is armed, the shock sensor will detect impact to the vehicles (e.g., forced entry). If the impact is moderate, the system will activate the alarm for a quick two second period to "warn" the person away. If the moderate impact continues (three times within a 15 second period) or if the impact is extreme, the alarm will activate for the full two minute cycle.
Shock Sensor Defeat (Shock-Off)
In some instances, it is desirable to turn off the shock. For example, loud noises in a parking garage, very heavy rainfall, or thunderstorms can activate the alarm. The shock sensor can be defeated (shock-off) while still retaining entry detection capability. To do so, move the alarm control switch to the "Shock-Off" position.
Alarm Control Panel with LED Light
The alarm control panel is designed for easy accessibility. It contains a three-way switch which allows the user to arm the system, defeat shock sensor, and disable the system. The panel also contains a flashing LED light which notifies potential intruders that the car is protected.
Delineating LED Status Indicator
The system will inform the owner, upon returning to the vehicle, what, if anything, has happened while being away from the vehicle. This is accomplished by altering the manner in which the LED flashes.
One flash per second - No disturbance
Two flash sequence - A door (or rear hatch on SW) has been opened.
Three flash sequence - Shock sensor has been activated
Seven flash sequence - The alarm switch was tampered with
Observation of the LED Status Indicator must be made from outside the vehicle before any door is opened.
Warning Stickers
Provided for both front door glass, these warning stickers notify potential intruders that the car is protected.
OPERATION
TO ARM THE SYSTEM - "LAST DOOR ARMING"
- Move control switch to the "On" position. Before exiting the vehicle, be sure that the alarm control switch is in the "On" position (up position).
- Exit vehicle and close all doors.
The system will automatically arm 25 seconds after all doors are closed (including the trunk or rear hatch).
This 25 second exit delay allows you to re-enter the vehicle without activating the alarm.
If a door is opened within the 25-second delay, the system cancels the arming countdown. When all doors are closed again, the system will begin a new 25 second delay countdown before arming.
Once armed, the LED will begin to flash slowly, indicating that the system is armed.
TO DISARM THE SYSTEM
The system has a 17 second entry delay, on all entries which allows you to disarm the system, before it activates the alarm (horn will sound and parking lights will flash).
- Enter vehicle.
An audible ticking sound will remind you that the system is armed and will be activated unless it is disarmed.
- Turn vehicle ignition switch "On"
The only method of disarming the system is to turn the vehicle ignition switch to the "On" position. Moving the alarm control switch to the "Off" position will not disarm the system, instead it will immediately activate the alarm.
TO DISABLE THE SYSTEM
- Turn vehicle ignition switch to "On".
- Place alarm control switch in "Off" position.
Move the alarm control switch to the "Off" position to disable the system. In the "Off" position, the system will not arm.
Each time the vehicle is exited or entered, an audible indicator will remind you that the system is disabled.
To arm the system, move the switch back to the "On" position.
When the system is disabled, the LED will continue to flash 13 times as rapidly as it does when it is armed.
SHOCK DETECTOR SENSITIVITY ADJUSTMENT
The Shock Detector Sensitivity has been preset to Subaru's Security System requirements. However, the sensitivity can be manually adjusted to meet your individual requirements by turning a sensitivity adjustment knob located on the Electronic Control module. The module is mounted underneath the driver's seat and can be accessed from the rear of the seat. The sensitivity adjustment control knob is on the right hand side of the module. Turn the knob clockwise to increase sensitivity or counter-clockwise to decrease sensitivity.
- A lower sensitivity setting may cause a no-alarm situation when the alarm should be activated.
- A higher sensitivity setting may cause the alarm to react to normal environmental conditions such as loud traffic noises or moderate winds) resulting in false alarms.
WIRING SCHEMATIC AND INSTALLATION
SECURITY SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
A standard 12V test light may be used by probing with the test light at the white wire harness connector attached to the module for the majority of the testing. A volt/ohmmeter would be required for some additional testing.
LED INDICATOR DOES NOT LIGHT
If the LED indicator does not light in any position, check the following:
- Control switch harness (six pin connector) to alarm harness. See if all wire colors match on both sides of the connector.
- 12V battery (black/white wire). Connect clip of test light to ground and probe at the black/white wire coming out of the connector. Light should be on. If not, check wire continuity and the connection to the vehicle harness.
- Door Switch (single black wire). Connect clip of test light to ground and probe at the single black wire. With the doors and tailgate closed, the light should be on. Door open, the light should go out. If not, check continuity and wire connection to the vehicle harness.
- Module ground (2 black wires). Connect clip of test light to 12V source and probe the position with the 2 black wires coming from the connector. Light should be bright. If not, repair ground at hood release cable bracket.
- LED (green wire). With the key in the "OFF" position and the control switch in the "OFF" position, ground the black lead of a digital voltmeter and then take the positive lead and probe the brown wire. The voltage should fluctuate between 0.6 and 0.7 volts. If not, check continuity to the control switch.
- LED (brown wire). With the key in the "OFF" position and the control switch in the "OFF" position, ground the black lead of a digital voltmeter and then take the positive lead and probe the brown wire. The voltage should fluctuate between 2 and 9 volts. If not, check continuity to the control switch.
LED STAYS ON (DOES NOT FLASH)
The LED stays on (does not flash) after the vehicle has been armed (control switch in the "ON" position) and the shock sensor has been stabilized (1 to 2 minutes).
B.
- Disarm the system (turn the ignition key to "on" position) and move the switch to the "SHOCK OFF" position. Rearm the system in this position and see if the LED flashes. If no, first try adjusting the shock sensor to less sensitivity (counter clockwise). If the problem still exist, replace the module.
C. ALARM SYSTEM WILL NOT DISARM
The alarm system will not disarm by turning the ignition switch to the "On" position.
- 12V ignition (black/blue wire). Connect clip of 12v test light to ground and probe at black/blue wire with the key "ON". Light should be on. If not, check the connection at the fuse box and wire continuity.
D. HORN DOES NOT SOUND
Horn does not sound when the alarm is tripped.
- Horn (gray/dark blue wire) - connect clip of test light to ground and probe at gray/dark blue wire. The horn should sound and the parking lights should flash. If not, check the wire connection to the vehicle harness. To check the relay, see below.
E. TRUNK SWITCH FAILS TO TRIP
Trunk switch fails to trip the alarm.
- Trunk (brown/yellow wire) connect clip of test light to ground and probe at brown/yellow wire. With the tailgate closed, the light should be on. Trunk open, the light should go out. If not, check continuity and wire connection to the vehicle harness.
RELAY DIAGNOSIS
- Unplug the relay from the alarm harness.
- Using a volt/ohm meter, test for continuity between pins 30 and 87 on the relay (normally open). There should be no continuity. See Fig 3 .
- Test between pins 30 and 87A on the relay (normally closed). The volt/OHM meter should read infinity.
- Test between pins 85 and 86 on the relay. See Fig 3 . You should read approximately 87 ohms of resistance.
- Apply 12 volts to pin 86 and ground pin 85, then test for continuity between pin 30 and pin 87. The volt/OHM meter should read infinity.