2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Bogus tamper alert from factory security alarm system

[pcarlson]

I only get the alert when I'm parked at work near the 40 ft satelite dish. The frequencies interference must disrupt the electrical and trigger the alert. I don't get it any other time other than at work.

 

[TowPro]

I have an 02 with this factory alarm.



I have a Cell, Pager, business, You name it tower (so many antennas it looks like a porcupine) 4 tenths of a mile from me.



I have a real high gain antenna Ham Radio antenna that points at the truck most of the time, 100 foot away that is used on 144Mhz and 432Mhz with 50 watts (before gain amplification of antenna)



I transmit lots of places between 1. 6Mhz and 50Mhz with up to 1000 watts from a wire antenna that is 35' above where I park the truck.



I have never had this alarm you are talking about. (knock on wood)



Maybe I just don't have the right frequency at high enough power levels around where I park my truck for the problem to happen.

 

[tgbol]

TowPro.

I work for a power utility. When I am at some of our facilities I will get the false alarm. The other times when I get in to the truck in the morning I get it. Usually I will find that I got a call on one of the cell phones.

 

[Blue2002]

Well took my 2002 to the dealer today for some routine service and mentioned the tamper alarm to the service rep. He had the serivice folks look into it. When I picked the truck, the service rep indicated that there were no codes set. He also indicated that the service folks had contacted Dodge and that Dodge had not heard of this issue. They did note it on the service records in case anything comes out on it. I am curious if anyone had different feedback from their dealer.

I have also noticed that parking just 100 feet further away seems to have eliminated the tamper alarms. confused:

 

[illflem]

A couple years ago member here who worked at a port said he finally figured it out - it only happened when a military or Coast Guard ship pulled in, he figured it was from the radar. He took it further and contacted the Coast Guard, they said his assumption was correct...

 

[KevinS]

OK boys, I think that I've found it!!! The below TSB is not applicable to my year RAM (2002) nor my Durango (2001); however, both my vehicles have the this RKE tamper honk problem. I DO live near a naval airstation, High power lines, and a cell tower. I can't imagine that Dodge would put a different CTM into the last production year of the 2nd generation RAM. I am going to investigate the cost of this CTM and if not too expensive, I am going to buy one. I will post with the results (if any).



TSB 08-26-00

Central Timer Module Electrically "Locks-Up"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Sept. 29, 2000

Models: 2000 - 2001 (BR/BE) Ram Truck

2000 - 2001 (AB) Ram Van/Wagon

2000 (AN) Dakota

2000 - 2001 (BR/BE) Ram Truck

2000 (DN) Durango

NOTE. - THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (SALES CODE GXR). IN ADDITION, THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES BUILT ON OR BEFORE THE FOLLOWING BUILD DATES



RAM VAN/WAGONS BUILT ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 14,2000 (MDH 0914XX).

RAM TRUCKS BUILT AT THE WARREN TRUCK ASSEMBLY PLANT (11TH POSITION OF VIN = "S") ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 8,2000 (MDH 0908XX).

RAM TRUCKS BUILT AT THE ST. LOUIS NORTH ASSEMBLY PLANT (11TH POSITION OF VIN = "J") ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 21, 2000 (MDH 0821XX).

RAM TRUCKS BUILT AT THE SALTILLO TRUCK ASSEMBLY PLANT (11TH POSITION OF VIN = "G") ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 31, 2000 (MDH 0831XX).

RAM TRUCKS BUILT AT THE LAGO ALBERTO TRUCK ASSEMBLY PLANT (11TH POSITION OF VIN = "M") ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 6, 2000 (MDH 0906XX).

ALL 2000 MODEL DAKOTA AND DURANGO VEHICLES.

Discussion:

This bulletin involves replacing the Central Timer Module (CTM) with a revised part.



Symptoms:

Strong electromagnetic fields or devices that transmit signals in the 315 Mhz range may cause the Central Timer Module (CTM) to intermittently lock up. CTM lock-up may cause a variety of customer complaints including:



Remote Keyless Entry Malfunction or Interior Lights Will Not Come On

Intermittent Wipers Will Not Function

Chime Malfunction

Power Door Lock Malfunction

Remote Radio Switch Malfunction (if equipped)

Heated Seat Malfunction (if equipped)

Engine Will Not Start (if equipped with Vehicle Theft Alarm)

No Communication With The DRBIII (No Response from CTM)

Essentially, all CTM controlled devices will not function if the CTM locks-up.



Customers that do experience this condition may:



have their vehicle equipped with after-market accessories that emit strong electromagnetic signals such as high output Citizen Band (CB) radios or Two-Way radios.

be equipped with transmitting devices that operate in the 315 Mhz range such as older analog garage door openers.

live or drive near devices that emit strong electromagnetic signals such as two-way radio communication towers utilized by the military, law enforcement, etc.

Diagnosis:

If the vehicle exhibits one or more of the conditions identified under Symptom/Condition, pull fuse 13 (power door lock fuse) for one (1) minute. Re-insert fuse 13. If the condition is no longer present, perform the Repair Procedure. If the condition still exists, further diagnosis is necessary, Refer to the appropriate Body Diagnostic Procedures Manuali or the service information available in MDS2 for additional information. If the customer indicates that they may have experienced one or more of the above conditions but were able to correct the condition by removing power to the CTM (pull fuse 13 - power door lock fuse or disconnecting the battery) and the condition cannot be duplicated, perform the Repair Procedure. Due to the nature of this issue, it may be difficult to re-create the customer's complaint



Parts Required:

AR (1) 56021861AK Module, Central Timer, Ram Van/Wagon

AR (1) 56045605AC Module, Central Timer, Dakota (Except Quad Cab)

AR (1) 56021223AN Module, Central Timer, Dakota Quad Cab And Durango

AR (1) 56045448AD Module, Central Timer, Ram Truck (Without Heated Seats)

AR (1) 56045999AD Module, Central Timer, Ram Truck Equipped With Heated Seats





Repair Procedure:



This Repair is compatible with DaimlerChrysler's Mobile service program and

does not require hoists or other full service facility special equipment.





1. Remove the CTM. Refer to the appropriate Service Manual, Group 8E, Central Timer Module, or the service information available in MDS2, for information regarding CTM removal procedures.



2. Install the new CTM (see Parts Required section). Refer to the appropriate Service Manual, Group 8E, Central Timer Module, or the service information available in MDS2, for information regarding CTM installation procedures.



Notes:



Policy: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.



Time Allowance:

Labor Operation No: 08-19-22-91 Replace Central Timer Module

AB, AN, DN ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . 0. 3 Hrs.

BR/BE ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..... 0. 2 Hrs.



Failure Code: P8 - New Part

 

[Bandit1]

i have the same prob, i getting ready to rip the alarm out. it just isnt worth the hassle. i have even left the truck running and the damn thing locked forcing me to break int he back window.

 

[KevinS]

Problem fixed!!! The Central Timer Module (CTM) lists from the dealer for ~$207. 00, this is too rich for my blood just to TRY and fix it. Soooooo, I found the CTM, located under the dash just above the accelerator pedal. It is a black box with three cable assemblies plugged into it. It contains nothing more than a printed circuit board with a relay and receiver antenna. It is attached to the dash with one phillips head screw. To fix the problem with the erroneous alarm alerts, simply remove the CTM and leave wire assemblies attached, double wrap the entire box and wire assemblies (about three inches up the wires) in aluminum foil (it looks ugly but once reinstalled, it is out of sight). Reinstall the box being careful not to rip the foil too bad (this is kind of hard to do and may require a couple of attempts). When inserting the phillips head screw, just push it through the aluminum foil. Once the CTM is back in place, mash the aluminum foil to get a good tight fit, especially around the wires. You want to try and completely "seal " this thing in the foil. The foil will block all of the VHF (and above) frequencies, acting like an EMI shield. Done!!! I performed this procedure on 22May2004 and have not had ANY alarm alerts since. If you read my previous posts, you can see that I was receiving them daily. I figure that this little work around will save you about $206. 50. If anybody wants to send me the money that they saved... No really, Good Luck and keep on rattlin'.